Hay fever is one of the most common allergies in the UK, affecting between 10-20% of the population. It is also known as Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis and only occurs during the spring and summer pollen season. Research suggests that it can run in families, particularly those who also have a history of eczema and/or asthma. These illnesses are sometimes referred to as atopic conditions. The good news for people with hay fever is that a wide range of effective treatments is available to reduce the allergic response.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary in severity and start at different times of year depending on the type of pollen or other allergic substance (allergen) causing the reaction. Common symptoms include a blocked or runny nose, itchy and watery eyes and frequent sneezing. For those people who are allergic to tree pollens, symptoms can start as early as January. The grass pollen season normally runs from May to the end of July, when pollen counts are highest. Fungal spores are present all year but counts are highest in late summer and autumn, along with the pollen from late-flowering plants.

Treatment

Avoiding the allergen responsible for hay fever is preferable but usually impracticable. Fortunately a wide range of products is available to treat the symptoms of hay fever. Antihistamines are available as tablets or liquids. There are two types of antihistamine: sedating, which cause drowsiness, and non-sedating, which cause less drowsiness. They work by blocking the release of histamine, which is a product of the allergic reaction and is the main cause of irritation in the eyes and nose. Antihistamines are not suitable for people with existing conditions such as kidney, liver or prostate problems, or those taking antidepressants or sedatives.

Steroid and antihistamine nasal sprays help to prevent hay fever symptoms. Therefore, it is advisable to start using them two weeks before the symptoms normally appear. These products can be very effective when used regularly, as they work to stop the effects of the allergen meeting the IgE and releasing histamine.

Eye drops act by reducing the release of histamines from your eyes and help to reduce itching and swelling. Drops containing the active ingredient cromoglycate are most widely used.

Injections of steroids can be given as a short-term measure to suppress hay fever symptoms at a critical time, eg during a period of exams. However, these are only advised as a temporary treatment.

Immunotherapy can be offered to people living with severe and prolonged hay fever. It involves introducing into the body small amounts of known allergens, such as pollens and fungal spores, to monitor the allergic reaction. This treatment is only carried out in medical centres equipped with resuscitation apparatus, as there is a risk of the person suffering a very severe allergic response that could be fatal if untreated.

Complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, homeopathy and herbal medicine, may help relieve or prevent hay fever symptoms but more research is needed to prove their effectiveness.