Hay fever

Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen, a fine powder released by plants such as trees, grasses, and weeds.

It is a common condition that causes symptoms such as:

• Runny or blocked nose
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Sneezing
• Itchy nose, throat, or mouth

Less common symptoms may include coughing, headaches, fatigue, or a general feeling of being unwell.

If you have asthma, hay fever can make your symptoms worse, causing wheezing or shortness of breath. In more severe cases, it can interfere with sleep or day-to-day activities.

Hay fever occurs when your immune system overreacts to pollen, mistakenly treating it as a harmful substance. This triggers the release of histamine, which leads to inflammation and the symptoms of hay fever.

Pollen seasons vary depending on your location and climate. In general, in the US:

• Tree pollen is common from March to May
• Grass pollen usually peaks from May to July
• Weed pollen can be present from early spring to early fall

Depending on your location, the timing and types of pollen that affect you may vary.

Your doctor provider will ask about your symptoms, when they occur, as well as your family and medical history.

If it’s unclear what is triggering your symptoms, or if multiple allergens are suspected, your doctor may recommend a skin prick test. This involves placing small amounts of common allergens on your skin, usually on your forearm or back, then gently pricking the skin to allow exposure. If you’re allergic, you’ll develop a small raised bump at the test site within 15-20 minutes.

There are several treatment options to help relieve hay fever symptoms. These include antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays, and eye drops. Many are available over-the-counter (OTC) and some are available through a prescription from your doctor.

Antihistamine tablets

These help relieve sneezing, itching, and a runny nose, but are less effective for a blocked nose.

Antihistamine nasal spray

These work quickly to relieve nasal symptoms such as blocked nose, runny nose, sneezing, and itching inside the nose. They do not relieve eye symptoms or other hay fever symptoms.

Steroid nasal spray

These contain corticosteroid, a type of steroid, and are effective at relieving all nasal symptoms of hay fever. They can also help ease eye symptoms. Unlike antihistamine nasal sprays, steroid nasal sprays do not work immediately, as it can take a few days for the effects to build. It may take up to two weeks to feel the full benefits.

Eye drops

These are used to relieve itchy, watery eyes. There are two main types: mast cell stabilizer eye drops, which help prevent allergic reactions, and antihistamine eye drops, which provide quicker relief by blocking histamine.

Nasal saline

These sprays contain simple salt water (saline) and can be used to rinse pollen from the nose. They may also help reduce the need for steroid nasal sprays.

There are several steps you can take to limit your exposure to pollen and help reduce symptoms:

• Check the pollen count, and if it’s high (a pollen index score above 50), try to stay indoors as much as possible
• Keep windows closed when you can
• Avoid drying clothes outside
• Don’t cut grass or walk through large grassy areas
• Apply petroleum jelly (e.g., Vaseline) around your nostrils to trap pollen and stop it from entering your nasal passages
• Wear wraparound sunglasses or a face mask outdoors
• Shower and change your clothes after being outside
• Vacuum and clean regularly
• Use air filters or purifiers to reduce pollen indoors

Yes. At SpeedyHealth, we offer a range of treatment options for hay fever that you can order online.

To get started, complete a short online consultation form so our doctors can review your symptoms and medical history to determine the most appropriate treatment for you.

If approved, your treatment will be shipped free of charge.