A top pharmacist has urged Britain’s 16 million hay fever sufferers to start preparing for pollen season from today, by following a simple hack.
George Sandhu, of Well Pharmacy—one of the UK’s biggest independent pharmacy chains—claims taking antihistamines now will help prevent symptoms from striking.
Explaining the approach, Mr Sandhu said: ‘Taking medication when pollen levels are low allows a patient’s body to build up stronger resistance before levels increase.’
Hay fever, an allergy the pollen, typically hits from late March, as tree pollen begins to peak, lasting through until September.
The condition affects a quarter of adults and one in ten children—and symptoms, which include sneezing, coughing and sore, red and itchy eyes, can be debilitating.
Two thirds of sufferers say it negative impacts everyday life, causing poor sleep, fatigue and decreased concentration.
And one in five are forced to take time off work due to the allergy.
Antihistamines, over-the-counter drugs that block histamine, a chemical released by the immune system during an allergic reaction, are the mainstay of treatment.
George Sandhu, of Well Pharmacy—the UK’s biggest independent pharmacy chain—claims starting to take antihistamines now will help prevent symptoms from striking
Yet in two thirds of cases the drugs can fail to work adequately—and Mr Sandu suggests it may be because many people are taking them incorrectly.
He said: ‘Millions with hay fever will be dreading what’s to come later this month—which is why we’re urging all sufferers to get ahead and start taking their antihistamines early.
‘If patients begin to take antihistamines one to two weeks before hay fever starts, there is a real likelihood they will see significantly reduced symptoms come the beginning of summer.’
Allergy expert Dr Adrian Morris of the Surrey Allergy Clinic backs the method, explaining that despite it not quite being hay fever season, it’s time to start being proactive.
He wrote in a recent blog post: ‘Silver Birch tree pollen begins early in March, although most hay fever sufferers will have problems when the grass pollens become prevalent a little later in April to May.
‘But now is the time to prepare as prevention is better than cure.
‘Start your once-daily non-sedating antihistamines two to three weeks before the season gets under way.’
He suggests those sensitive to tree pollen should have already started their medication while others need to begin mid-March.
He added: ‘Take your antihistamine every day during the season for best results, low dose nasal steroid sprays are very effective if taken together with antihistamines for breakthrough symptoms.’
Alongside antihistamine use, the NHS recommends other key methods to help hay fever sufferers to deal with their symptoms.
These include placing a dab of petroleum jelly around your nostrils to trap pollen, and wearing wraparound sunglasses, a Covid-style mask or a wide-brimmed hat to stop pollen getting into the eyes and nose.
Patients are also advised to shower and change their clothes after coming in from outside, to make sure pollen isn’t spread around the house.
Keeping windows and doors shut as much as possible, vacuuming regularly and dusting with a damp cloth are also recommended.
Most people can safely take antihistamines, according to the NHS.
However those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, the very young or old, those taking other medication or who have underlying heart disease, liver disease or other issues, should speak to a GP or pharmacist before starting medication.
