Hay fever season is upon us, and millions of Britons are reaching for tissues as pollen counts rise. But Boots pharmacist Angela Chalmers says there are effective ways to manage symptoms without relying solely on tablets.
Chalmers recommends starting an anti-hay fever regime early in the season. Treatments range from antihistamine tablets to steroid nasal sprays, sodium cromoglycate eye drops, and anti-allergy devices. For those suffering from just one symptom, such as watery eyes, targeted remedies like eye drops may be sufficient.
To minimise pollen exposure, Chalmers advises keeping doors and windows closed during hay fever season, removing outdoor clothes before entering the bedroom, and showering and washing hair before bed to prevent pollen transfer to pillows.
Non-tablet options include nasal sprays that reduce swelling and sneezing, sea water-based sprays like Sterimar for a natural decongestant, and barrier balms such as HayMax, which trap pollen before it enters the body. These can be particularly useful for those who experience drowsiness with antihistamines.
