Hay fever symptoms
If you suffer from hay fever you’ll experience a range of symptoms. Some of these symptoms are manageable with home remedies, however others may need medication and some severe cases might need a relief from a hay fever injection.
Please note we have decided to temporarily withdraw our hay fever injection. This is for patient safety during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Here are some of symptoms you are likely to experience when there is a high pollen count:
- Sneezing
- Blocked or runny nose
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Blocked sinuses, headaches and migraines
- Wheezing and shortness of breath
- Fatigue
What are the causes?
Hay fever or allergic Rhinitis is an allergy to pollen or even dust and mould. According to Allergy UK, hay fever affects about 20% of the population. If you have a family history of asthma or eczema, you are most likely to also have hay fever.
Pollen, the main cause of hay fever, is high during warm, dry and windy weather. Not only this, but there are different types of pollen:
- Grass pollen: high pollen count during May to July
- Tree pollen: high pollen count during February to June
- Weed pollen: high pollen count during June to September
Hay fever treatments and the hay fever injection
Unfortunately there is no cure for this allergy. However, there are a number of excellent hay fever treatments, which can make a huge difference to your day-to-day life. The most effective way to treat hay fever is a mixture of antihistamines, nasal sprays and eye drops. All of these products help to provide all-day relief from hay fever symptoms.
Some of the more common solutions to dealing with pollen include:
Antihistamines
If you’re buying medications over the shelf there are few things that you should make note of before purchasing. Tablets that contain Loratadine and Cetirizine are non-drowsy antihistamines great for tackling symptoms during the day. Antihistamines that contain Chlorpheniramine and Diphenhydramine are drowsy, which are good to use if you need a good night’s sleep without sneezing.
Nasal Sprays
Be patient with nasal sprays, for them to take their effect you will need to use it regularly over a period of time. They work particularly well if you suffer from nose congestion during the season.
Eye drops
Itchy or dry eyes can quickly be solved with eye drops. Keep a bottle in your bag so you can relief irritable eyes on the go.
If your symptoms are severe you may be eligible for the hay fever injection (** subject to doctor’s discretion).
Do I need to see a doctor?
If you feel that no over-the-counter medication or home remedies have helped you so far, our expert private GPs can help. Booking an appointment with one of our private doctors allows time for you to talk through your history of hay fever and they will be able to consult you.
At London Doctors Clinic, after a 15-minute consultation, our doctors will assess your symptoms and we offer medications, including tablets, nasal sprays and if suitable the hay fever injection
Please read our hay fever injection information and consent form if you would like our help
Hay fever injections are available at all 19 of our London Clinics. Book a GP appointment online or by phone now.
Please note, we do not administer an injection for hay fever to those under 18 or if it is deemed unsuitable. There are a range of alternatives that can be very effective and can be discussed during an appointment. In some instances, a second hay fever injection may be required during the same season. This should be done no sooner than 2 weeks after the initial injection. If you do find that a second injection is required we can administer the jab at a reduced price of £64 if suitable, following a consultation with one our experienced GPs.
Please note we have decided to temporarily withdraw our hay fever injection. This is for patient safety during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Take a look at some of our other services and helpful sources of information:
- Allergies – We also provide a comprehensive range of blood tests to confirm allergies and allergens if required.
- Help with hay fever – Allergy UK
- How to check if you have hay fever – NHS
Reviewed by: Dr Preethi Daniel, GP & Clinical Director at London Doctors Clinic
Published: February 2020
Review Date: February 2022