Hay Fever Getting You Down? Your Pharmacist Can Help
Hay Fever Getting You Down? Your Pharmacist Can Help
Sneezing. Runny nose. Itchy eyes. Blocked sinuses.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. For many New Zealanders, the warmer months bring more than sunshine and longer days — they also bring pollen, and plenty of it.
Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, can make you feel miserable. But the good news is that you don’t have to simply put up with it.
Your local pharmacy can help you find the right treatment to control your symptoms and get you back to enjoying the outdoors.
What causes hay fever?
Hay fever occurs when your immune system overreacts to allergens in the air. In New Zealand, grass pollen is a particularly common trigger, although tree and weed pollens can also cause problems.
Typical symptoms include:
Frequent sneezing
A runny or blocked nose
An itchy nose or throat
Red, itchy or watery eyes
Post-nasal drip
Sinus discomfort
Feeling tired or having difficulty sleeping
Unlike a cold, hay fever doesn’t usually cause a fever and symptoms can continue for weeks or months while you’re exposed to the allergen.
Don’t wait until you’re suffering
One of the most common mistakes people make is waiting until their hay fever is really bad before starting treatment.
If you know that hay fever tends to affect you at a particular time of year, getting on top of your symptoms early can make a big difference.
Some treatments work best when used regularly, rather than only once symptoms have become severe. So if you know pollen season is approaching, talk to your pharmacist about the best way to get ahead of it.
Which hay fever treatment is right for you?
There isn’t one treatment that’s perfect for everyone. The right option depends on your symptoms, how severe they are and how often they occur.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines can be particularly useful for symptoms such as sneezing, itching and a runny nose.
Modern antihistamines like Hayfexo (fexofenadine) are generally less likely to cause drowsiness than older products, although some people can still become sleepy. If you’re driving, operating machinery or doing anything where alertness is important, check with your pharmacist about the most appropriate option.
Nasal sprays
If your biggest problem is a blocked, inflamed or constantly running nose, an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid nasal spray may be a better option.
These sprays work by reducing inflammation inside your nose and are among the most effective treatments for allergic rhinitis. However, they need to be used correctly and regularly to get the best results.
Tip from your pharmacist: nasal spray technique really matters. If you’re not sure you’re using yours correctly, ask them to show you how.
Eye drops
For people whose hay fever mainly affects their eyes, anti-allergy eye drops can provide targeted relief from itchy, watery and irritated eyes.
Sometimes a combination of treatments is needed when several symptoms are troublesome.
What about decongestant sprays?
Decongestant nasal sprays can provide rapid relief when you’re extremely blocked up, but they’re not designed for long-term hay fever treatment.
Using them for too long can actually make nasal congestion worse when you stop using them.
If you find yourself relying on a decongestant spray day after day, talk to your pharmacist about a better long-term solution.
A few simple ways to reduce your pollen exposure
Medication is only part of the answer. Reducing your exposure to pollen can also help.
On days when pollen levels are high, try to:
Keep pollen outside. Keep windows closed when pollen levels are high, particularly in your bedroom.
Protect your eyes. Sunglasses can help reduce the amount of pollen reaching your eyes when you’re outdoors.
Change after being outside. Pollen can stick to your hair and clothes, so showering and changing clothes after spending a lot of time outdoors can help.
Think about your laundry. If pollen is a major trigger for you, drying clothes and bedding outside can put pollen straight back into your environment.
Be careful with the lawn mower. If grass pollen triggers your symptoms, mowing the lawn can expose you to a lot of pollen. If possible, let someone else take care of it — or wear appropriate protection.
Keep your bedroom a pollen-free zone. If pets spend time outdoors, keeping them out of the bedroom may also help reduce the allergens you are exposed to overnight.
Hay fever and asthma
If you have asthma, it’s particularly important to keep your hay fever under control.
Allergic rhinitis and asthma commonly occur together, and allergy symptoms can sometimes make asthma symptoms worse.
If you notice increased wheezing, coughing, chest tightness or difficulty breathing during pollen season, speak to your pharmacist or doctor rather than assuming it’s simply part of your hay fever.
When should you see your doctor?
Most people with mild to moderate hay fever can get excellent advice and treatment directly from their pharmacist.
However, you should talk to your doctor if:
Your symptoms are severe or persistent.
Pharmacy treatments aren’t controlling your symptoms.
Hay fever is significantly affecting your sleep or everyday life.
You’re experiencing breathing difficulties or worsening asthma.
You’re unsure whether your symptoms are actually caused by allergies.
For people with particularly troublesome allergies, your doctor may recommend further investigation or specialist treatment.
Your pharmacist is your first stop for hay fever advice
The good news is that hay fever doesn’t have to ruin your spring and summer.
There are a range of treatments available, and your pharmacist can help you choose the right one for your symptoms. They can also make sure you’re using your medicines correctly and advise you on simple ways to reduce your exposure to pollen.
So don’t wait until you’re surrounded by tissues and wondering when the sneezing will stop.
Pop into your local pharmacy and talk to their team about hay fever today.
With the right advice and treatment, you can spend less time battling pollen — and more time enjoying the great Kiwi outdoors.