23 Mar 2009
As the clocks spring forward wouldn’t it be great to escape the impending itchy season by going on holiday for months?
Unfortunately for many of us that is only a pipe dream – to help cope while staying in England, NHS Direct has compiled a whole series of practical advice to support the country as it gears up!
But before we dismiss the holiday idea, there are one or two things to bear in mind if you are planning to escape.
The hay fever season falls at different times in different countries, depending on the climate and what type of vegetation grows there. It's best to go on holiday to places when they aren't in their peak pollen season or to a place where the pollen count is low all year round.
The grass pollen season in Mediterranean countries finishes about five weeks before it does in the UK, so a good time to visit these countries is after the middle of July.
It is also worth remembering that there is generally less pollen in coastal areas, so if you visit the seaside your hay fever symptoms should lessen.
Mountainous areas may also be good places to visit as they contain fewer pollen-producing plants.
Hay fever is a common condition that affects two in every 10 people in the UK.
It usually occurs during the spring and summer but the timing depends on which pollens you are allergic to.
From March to May, pollens from trees are the most common cause. Trees, mould spores and weeds can also cause hay fever. From May to July, grass and flowers are in pollen, making these the most common cause of hay fever at this time.
Hay fever symptoms vary in severity and can vary from year to year, depending on the weather and pollen count.
The pollen count is highest in the early evening, so if you have hay fever, it is a good idea to avoid going outdoors at this time.
Of course, the best way to control an allergy is to avoid the trigger. However, it is difficult to avoid pollen, particularly during the summer months.
There is a range of products available to treat the symptoms of hay fever. For them to be most effective, it is best to try to minimize your exposure to pollen by avoiding tasks such as mowing the lawn, and by staying indoors when the pollen count is high.
The types of hay fever treatment available include antihistamine tablets or nasal sprays; steroid nasal sprays and drops and eye drops.
If you have severe, long-term hay fever, immunotherapy or desensitisation treatment may be an option.
Associate Director of Pharmacy, Anne Joshua said: “Antihistamines such as chlorphenamine and promethazine have been used for many years to treat the symptoms of hay fever in adults including pregnant women and for children. Always check with the pharmacist when you purchase any antihistamine for a child that it is appropriate for their age.
“Other non-sedating antihistamines such as cetirizine and loratidine are available and may be preferred treatment depending on symptoms.
“Steroid nasal sprays and anti-allergic eye drops are also a useful treatment for adults and would be the treatment of choice for pregnant mothers who have moderate symptoms.
“An oral grass pollen extract has recently been licensed for use in children, having been available for adults only since 2007. Daily treatment is started four months before start of pollen season and continued for up to three years to help de-sensitise the immune system to the tree and grass pollens.
“A vaccine is also under development to look at how the smallest effective dose can be given to reduce sensitivity, but it looks likely to be available in 2010.
“Hay fever can become quite debilitating during academic exam periods for children and students. Seeking advice early to try and manage your symptoms is recommended.”
It is very difficult to completely avoid pollen, but the severity of hay fever symptoms can be reduced by trying to stay indoors when pollen counts are high.
Recognising which type of pollen you are most affected by is also important to help take action e.g. grasses, trees, flowers.
There are a number of other things that can be tried:
You should see your GP if you think you have hay fever. Your GP will usually be able to make a diagnosis, especially if you can tell them what times of the day or year your symptoms occur.
For further health information and advice about hay fever, you can try our hay fever self help guide. Alternatively, you can phone NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or go online at www.nhs.uk.
