Anti allergic medication
Anti allergic medication may help to reduce symptoms of hay fever. It is generally recommended that these medications are taken every day during the pollen season regardless of symptoms, but always ensure you follow your healthcare professional’s advice on how and when to take medication. They should be commenced approx. 2 weeks before your symptoms normally start.
Antihistamine tablets or syrups
Antihistamines are useful if you have mild hayfever symptoms. Evidence shows they don’t work quite as well as nasal sprays.
Antihistamines can be divided into two main groups;
older sedating antihistamine tablets such as chlorphenamine and hydroxyzine and; newer non-drowsy antihistamines such as cetirizine, loratadine and fexofenadine.
There is little evidence to suggest any particular antihistamine works better to control symptoms however the newer, non sedating antihistamines are generally preferred as they are less likely to make you feel sleepy.
They can be purchased from most pharmacies and shops. Keep the costs down by buying own brand or non branded. They work just as well.
If you are unsure as to which antihistamine medication to take, ask a pharmacist.
Nasal sprays
Nasal sprays can be taken alone or in conjunction with antihistamine tablets.
Nasal sprays help prevent and treat the nasal inflammation, nasal itching and runny nose caused by hay fever.
Some steroid nasal sprays can be purchased from most pharmacies and shops, while some are only available on prescription.
Common examples which can be purchased include steroid nasal sprays; beclomethasine, fluticasone and mometasone furoate.
If you are unsure which to purchase, ask the pharmacist.
It is important nasal sprays are administered correctly.
When using for the first time, shake well with the cap on for 10 seconds. Take off the cap. Hold the nasal spray upright, point the nozzle away from you and press the button on the side or press the pump down. Do this until you see a fine mist of spray coming out. This means it is ready to use.
To use your nasal spray;
- First gently blow your nose
- Shake the nasal spray well
- Take off the cap
- Hold the nasal spray in the opposite hand to the nostril into which you are going to use the spray
- Tilt your head forwards; as though you are readying a book
- Place the nozzle just inside your nostril, pointing it slightly outwards, away from the centre of your nose. This helps the medicine get to the right place and avoid side effects.
- Press the pump down and breath in very gently through your nose. Don’t sniff hard.
- Take the nozzle out and breath out through your mouth.
- Repeat if necessary.
- Use the same technique to use the nasal spray in the other nostril.
Eye drops
Eye drops are the quickest and most effective way to soothe itchy, runny eyes.
Mast cell stabilisers such as sodium cromoglycate, nedocromil sodium and lodoxamide are generally effective and safe. Antihistamine eye drops are available on prescription and may be preferred by some people. Some hay fever sufferers find that tear supplement drops (“artificial tears”) provide a good measure of symptomatic relief.
If you are unsure which to purchase, ask the pharmacist.
If your symptoms continue to be troublesome despite trying over the counter remedies and are affecting your quality of life please speak to your G.P.
Your G.P. may be able to prescribe alternative treatments. If these do not control your symptoms you may be a candidate for immunotherapy and you should therefore request a referral to your nearest allergy centre .
*AT data on file