When to see your GP
Pharmacists can give you advice and suggest the best treatments to help your symptoms.
See your GP if:
- your hay fever, asthma, or lung condition symptoms are getting worse
- you're not sure what's causing your symptoms
- your symptoms do not improve after using hay fever treatments.
We know it can be hard to get a GP appointment. If you need help, read our advice about getting in touch with your GP.
Treating your hay fever
There's no way to avoid pollen altogether, but there's things you can do to lower your risk of developing symptoms.
You might find it helpful to have a self-management plan during the pollen season. It gives you advice about how to manage your lung condition and tells you what to do if your symptoms get worse.
We have free resources you can download:
It’s also a good idea to check the daily pollen forecast on the Met Office website.
Below are some things you can do if the pollen count is high.
You can
- take antihistamines to help with your hay fever symptoms
- keep your reliever inhaler with you if you have one. If your symptoms get worse, use it straight away
- use a saltwater nasal spray or solution to rinse the inside of your nose
- shower, wash your hair and change your clothes after being outside. This will help wash any pollen off
- keep windows and doors shut as much as possible
- vacuum and dust your home with a damp cloth regularly
- gently wipe pets down with a damp cloth to remove pollen from their fur
- wear a mask, wraparound sunglasses or a hat with a large brim. This will help to stop pollen from getting into your eyes
- put Vaseline (petroleum jelly) around your nostrils to trap pollen when you’re outside. You should not do this if you are using home oxygen therapy.
Try to avoid
- spending too much time outside on very high pollen days
- drying your clothes outside as they could get pollen on them
- cutting grass or walking on grass
- smoking tobacco as it can make your symptoms worse. If you'd like to quit smoking, we have advice to help you stop
- keeping fresh flowers in your home.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are medicines that can help relieve hay fever symptoms and other allergies. Most people with hay fever can manage their symptoms themselves by taking daily antihistamines.
Antihistamines come in different forms, like nasal sprays, tablets, liquids, and eye drops. You may need to try different types to find one that works well for you. Your pharmacist can help you with this.
You may feel drowsy (sleepy) taking some antihistamines. Your pharmacist can tell you more about drowsy and non-drowsy antihistamines.
If you know when your hay fever symptoms usually start, it’s best to begin using antihistamines two to four weeks before this time. This will give you the best protection. You can take antihistamines throughout the pollen season.
The NHS has more information about antihistamines.
Save money on your medicines
You might be able to save money on antihistamines by buying non-branded medicines. Money saving expert has more information about cheap hay fever tablets.
We also have financial advice about how to get help with prescription costs.
Steroid nasal sprays
Steroid nasal sprays use small amounts of steroids that help reduce the swelling in your nose. This can help you breathe more easily. They can also help relieve symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, or a blocked nose.
You can buy some types of steroid nasal sprays from pharmacies and supermarkets, but others are prescription-only. Your GP or pharmacist can tell you about the different types of nasal sprays.
If you know when your hay fever symptoms usually start, try to begin using a steroid nasal spray one to two weeks before. This will give you the best protection.
Am I taking my nasal spray properly?
If your nasal spray technique is right, it should not drip from your nose or down the back of your throat. Check your technique with our short video.
Immunotherapy
If steroids and other hay fever treatments are not working for you, your GP might refer you for immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy is a specialist service, so it's not available everywhere.
Allergy UK has more information about immunotherapy.
Get support
Call or WhatsApp our helpline for support with your condition. Get advice on your medicines, symptoms or travelling with a lung condition, or just call us to say hello.
