At this time of year, it can be tricky to tell the difference between a common cold and hay fever. Both are common. Hay fever (or allergic rhinitis), is an allergic reaction in the nose, throat and eyes. It commonly occurs in spring and summer by airborne pollen from trees, plants and grasses.
Many children have hay fever too, with around 12% of 6-7 year olds and over 19% of 13-14 year olds affected.
Apart from cold-like symptoms, hay fever may make you feel tired and run down due to disturbed sleep and can cause adult productivity to be reduced and the performance of school children to be impaired.
Hay fever is usually caused by inhaling pollen that is present in the air during certain times of the year. However, some people have symptoms all year round, caused by inhaling allergens such as animal dander, mould spores and house dust mites. A doctor can arrange ‘allergy skin tests’ to help find the cause of the reaction.
1 in 5 Australians suffer from hay fever making it one of our more common allergic conditions.
Some of the symptoms of hay fever include:
Try to identify and avoid exposure to the allergens that trigger your symptoms. Some ways to reduce exposure to allergens are:
Apart from cold-like symptoms, hay fever may make you feel tired and run down.
Depending on your personal circumstances, here are a few tips and suggestions one of our pharmacists might recommend. A variety of non-prescription medicines can help relieve and prevent the symptoms of hay fever.
A variety of non-prescription medicines can help relieve and prevent the symptoms of hay fever. Ask the pharmacist about the best treatment for you.
Antihistamines
To help reduce allergy reactions in the body, antihistamines can assist in relieving itching, sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes. Antihistamines are available as tablets, syrups, eye drops and sprays. Some oral antihistamines can cause drowsiness, so be sure to check with your pharmacist for the best option for you and your family.
Saline Sprays
Saline sprays are helpful to clear allergy symptoms by washing away pollen, dust and trapped mucus from your nose.
Corticosteroid nose sprays
Corticosteroid nasal sprays can reduce or prevent inflammation caused by allergies. Relief can be within a few hours, but several days of regular use is recommended to achieve maximum effect.
Remember, before adopting any of the information outlined above, it is important to consult a health professional for advice. Your pharmacist at your local Star Discount Chemist can assist with the options that best suit your current situation, health conditions and existing medications. We’re here to help and remember we’re just around the corner.
*CAUTION: Not all supplements, natural remedies and medications work well together. Pregnant mothers, breast feeding mothers and infants should exercise caution before taking or changing medication. Always read the label and use only as directed. Always check with your pharmacist that vitamins and supplements don’t interact with any other medicines you are taking. Never take more than the recommended dose of vitamins per day. If symptoms persist see your health care professional.