With the Met Office having launched its first five-day pollen forecast of the year, Ashcroft Pharmacy shares expert tips on how to ease and get ahead of ‘debilitating’ hayfever symptoms.
Hayfever, also known as allergic rhinitis, occurs when the immune system overreacts to substances in the air, and impacts one in four adults in the UK. Seasonal allergic rhinitis is often triggered by outdoor allergens, such as tree pollen in spring, grass pollen in summer and weed pollen in autumn. It typically peaks between late March and September, when the pollen count is highest.
However, in 2025, Ashcroft Pharmacy saw its sales for the over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine tablets, Fexofenadine, spike in June, despite pollen counts often increasing months earlier. Antihistamines can be most effective when taken weeks before pollen counts increase, acting as a preventative measure, especially for those with severe symptoms. However, antihistamines are still beneficial at managing symptoms as they occur.
Common signs and symptoms of hayfever, whether it’s seasonal or perennial, include but are not limited to coughing, sneezing, a congested or runny nose, and irritated eyes.
While there is no definitive cure for hayfever, several OTC treatments can help manage and alleviate its symptoms. Antihistamines can ease mild cases of hayfever symptoms, which are available in a variety of forms, including oral tablets and syrups, as well as topically administered creams and eye drops.
As antihistamines disrupt sleep cycles, they can cause drowsiness. Consider taking this medication at night rather than during the day, and avoid driving or operating machinery if drowsiness occurs. Non-drowsy antihistamines such as the Fexofenadine tablets are less likely to have this effect, but it’s still possible.
Decongestants are also recommended to relieve nasal congestion by decreasing the oedema in the nasal lining. Additionally, saline sprays or nasal rinses, including Nasonex, can help minimise sneezing, congestion and runny noses.
Suhail Jamil, Superintendent Pharmacist at Ashcroft Pharmacy, said: “While it’s a common condition, hayfever can be debilitating, with symptoms disrupting the daily quality of life for many, especially for those who experience it for months at a time or year-round. The good news is that there are various ways to help manage the symptoms, whether that’s through medication or lifestyle changes. However, people commonly put off or avoid trying these methods that can help, choosing to instead suffer in silence.”
Taking the following measures can help minimise exposure to outdoor allergens:
- Check the pollen count before going outdoors
- Use a barrier cream on your nose
- Wear wraparound shades
- Change clothes and shower after being outside
- Use recirculating air conditioning
- Keep the windows and doors closed at home as much as possible
- Avoid cutting grass
- Drying clothes inside instead of outside
- Driving with windows closed
Contact a GP if your hayfever symptoms don’t go away with treatment or worsen. Trouble breathing, severe congestion, or signs of allergic asthma, like wheezing and tightness in your chest, might mean you need prescription medications or immunotherapy.
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