Unpredictable Weather Changes in the UK Could Mean Misery for Hayfever Sufferers - Be Prepared!

Jan 31, 2023 Hay Fever / Allergies

Daffodils coming through in December, birds making nests and laying at different times of the year, and sometimes twice; these are just two examples of how our seasons and our weather patterns are changing.

The Met Office says it best, “Climate change will very likely cause increasingly erratic and unpredictable seasons and weather patterns. The biggest defence for hayfever sufferers is to be prepared, something which these changes caused by climate change will make more difficult.”

In the UK, we are already seeing the impacts of climate change on pollen levels.

 

What is Hayfever?

Hayfever, or allergic rhinitis, is an allergic reaction to pollen, dust mites, and moulds. Common symptoms include itchy eyes, sneezing, runny nose, and inflammation of the nose and throat. Previously hayfever would be particularly difficult to cope with during the summer months when pollen levels are at their highest. Now we are seeing higher pollen levels at different points during the year.

Those who have never suffered from hayfever may not realise how much of an impact it can have on daily life. From mild to severe hayfever symptoms, the effects are no joke which is why sufferers tend to keep OTC remedies and anything they find helps to hand, ready for the next pollen surge.

 

Help for Hayfever All Year Round

At Simply Meds Online, we provide a range of OTC hayfever medication, in various forms such as liquid, tablets and eye drops and nasal spray. We also stock prescription-strength fexofenadine, for more severe symptoms.

 

Over-The-Counter Hayfever Choices From Simply Meds Online

 

Allevia Tablets for Hayfever

Allevia contains Fexofenadine, a non-drowsy antihistamine that can be used daily. Taking one tablet a day, before allergies start, can help you with red, stinging and watery eyes, sneezing, and an allergy-related runny, blocked-up or itchy nose.

There are several OTC hayfever tablets available for delivery via Simply Meds Online. Everyone is different and what works for some, may not work for others. As well as tablets we stock other remedies to help you combat the disruptive effects of hayfever, regardless of the time of year.

 

Nasal Sprays for Nasal Congestion, Itching and Running Relief

Nothing screams a high pollen count that an itchy, running and or blocked nose. That in itself can be highly distracting and unpleasant. Nasal sprays can offer welcome relief from hayfever symptoms.

Clarinaze 0.05% Allergy Control Nasal Spray helps ease and control the symptoms of hay fever. The active ingredient is mometasone furoate, also known as a steroid. It works by reducing inflammation on the inside of your nose. Clarinaze also blocks the release of certain natural substances that cause allergy symptoms. Two sprays in each nostril once a day is the maximum dosage. This can be reduced as symptoms lessen.

 

Eye Wash and Eye Sprays

Watery, or dry and itchy eyes are a common side effect of hayfever. A product such as Optrex Actimist Double-Action Itchy and Watery Eyes is a handy tool to have in your hayfever toolbox.

Itchy and watery eyes are often caused by a disruption of the lipid layer of the tear film. Optrex Actimist Double Action is a spray that helps repair this film and provides relief from bothersome itchiness. As it comes in spray form it is ideal for those who find it difficult to apply eye drops. Simply spray it onto your eyelids for instant relief.

Please note that this is not to be sprayed directly into the eye. As it is for eyelids it doesn’t interfere with contact lenses.

If you find an eye wash more effective, Optrex Multi Action Eye Wash might be a better option for you.

 

Prescription Meds for Hayfever

Fexofenadine Tablets

Fexofenadine is the generic version of the popular antihistamine Telfast and is an effective treatment for those with severe hayfever and ongoing and persistent allergies. It is non-drowsy and typically prescribed for those patients who have not responded well to other over-the-counter medicines. Fexofenadine comes as a convenient once-daily dose and works throughout the day to prevent symptoms.

 

In Conclusion

Hayfever is a pain in the… face. Sneezing, nasal congestion, watery eyes and itching as some of the symptoms sufferers can look forward to. Thankfully there are both OTC and prescription treatments and remedies available to lessen the irritation.

Pollen season is no longer confined to “just” late spring and summer (weather UK wide doesn’t seem to play by the seasonal rules anymore). It can be helpful to have hayfever remedies in stock and to hand if you know you are likely to have symptoms.

If you do keep products in, keep an eye on the expiry dates and take note of how long you have to use it after opening it.

Similarly, as with all medications and treatments, please read the instructions first. For example, not all hayfever remedies are suitable for those under 18 years old or those who are pregnant.

If you have any questions about hayfever, or would like more advice, please take a look at our blog, which has 8 handy tips and products for coping with hayfever this summer.

At Simply Meds Online, we are here to help you be prepared for anything that the unpredictable weather can throw at you.