Hayfever is a common name for a condition called Allergic Rhinitis. About 20 per cent of the general population suffers from rhinitis. Of these people, about one third develops problems before the age of 10.

It affects the eyes, nose and throat. Hayfever can occur at any time of the year, depending what you are allergic to. Allergy symptoms occur as a result of histamine being released by the body when it comes into contact with something the body recognises as ‘foreign’ (doesn’t belong in the body). The foreign substance triggers an allergic reaction. Common things that someone may be allergic to (allergens) can include dust mites, pollen (from differing types of plants) and mould spores.

Signs and symptoms:

Symptoms of allergic rhinitis can be any combination of itching in the back of the throat, eyes or nose, sneezing, runny eyes or nose, and blocked nose.

A person may have any or all of the following:

• Sneezing
• Blocked nose or runny nose
• Itchy/watery eyes
• Scratchy throat

Products that help

Depending on the symptoms, the following may help:

• nasal sprays
• decongestant eye drops
• antihistamine tablets
• natural supplements

Antihistamines: How they work

• bring relief from an allergic reaction
• Antihistamines block the histamine binding sites in our bodies. Histamine is released by our immune system and causes many of the symptoms we get when we have hayfever.
• take about 15 to 30 minutes to work, however if you wait until you have hayfever symptoms it may take 2-3 days to alleviate these
• antihistamines are taken on a daily basis

Choosing an antihistamine

There are different types of antihistamines: first, second and third generation.  You can get antihistamine tablets, nasal sprays, and eye drops depending on your preference. There are also other products that may help alleviate the symptoms.

The clinical team at Hillcrest Pharmacy will help you find the complete solution that is best for you. Find us in the Remadee Lounge and Café, 153 Cambridge Rd, Hillcrest, Hamilton.

Daily pollen count

The production of pollen depends on the time of day, time of year and temperature (among other things). The amount of pollen can also vary throughout the course of a day. Pollen is a trigger for hayfever and allergies, causing your body to release histamine.

Pollen: It is difficult to avoid pollen, however you can avoid going outside when pollen counts are high. The amount of pollen in the air is highest:
• In the morning
• Outside
• On windy days
• After a thunderstorm

The daily pollen count takes the above conditions into consideration to give an estimate of the severity of the pollen on a given day.

Hay fever is a nuisance but it can be improved with self-treatment. To find your personalised solution to Hayfever come in and see our clinical team at Hillcrest Pharmacy, you can find us in the Remadee Lounge and Café, 153 Cambridge Rd, Hillcrest, Hamilton.