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If you find your hay fever symptoms can't be managed with over the counter products, it's best to talk to your pharmacist or see your GP. Find out more with the NHS hay fever guide . The most common reactions in Northern Europe are to apples, hazelnut, and carrots. However, this will vary depending on each individual and their pollen allergies. Avoidance of the food that cause reactions is important, however, there is no need to avoid food that do not cause symptoms. Most of the time, the food only needs to be avoided in raw form as cooking denatures (breaks down) the allergen. For many with pollen food syndrome they can tolerate fruit and vegetables that are well cooked. If you are unsure how to manage symptoms or have symptoms suggestive of pollen food syndrome, speak with a health professional. Allergy UK approved products Medication is only advised if you have hay fever symptoms (rather than taking them preventatively) and instead, treatment should start with using sodium chloride nasal sprays or nasal irrigation followed by eye drops such as sodium cromoglicate eye drops or intranasal corticosteroid sprays. Allergy testing can help to identify potential triggers for hay fever, but should be considered together with your history and other symptoms. Any allergy testing needs to be considered alongside your history and symptoms of hay fever. A positive test result doesn’t actually prove that the allergen is causing your symptoms, only that your body is sensitive to the allergen.
Most people are able to manage or relieve hay fever on their own. However, you should speak with your doctor about treatment options if your symptoms are: Their side effects are generally well tolerated. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the following medicines: Our research has repeatedly shown that switching to generic or own-brand options, particularly in supermarkets or discount stores, can save you money. Pollen levels are at their highest at the beginning of the day, when they rise with the warming air, and at the end of the day when it’s cooling down. What is pollen food syndrome Acupressure is a highly effective method for relieving and helping cure many of the symptoms our body has when it has an allergic reaction, whether that is to the pollen, or multiple allergies relating to hay fever symptoms,” says cosmetic acupuncturist Sarah Bradden, who recommends working with the head’s acupressure points to help rebalance and stabilise the body so it’s in a strong place to ward off hay fever symptoms. “When pressing the points, hold (not ultra hard, but firmly), press and release as many times as you like. In the morning is a great time to start but continue pressing the points throughout the day.” It can act as both a preventative method and cure. Follow Bradden’s video above to know exactly where to press. Protect your nose at all costs
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Regular antihistamine tablets, and medicated remedies like nasal sprays and eye drops are generally well tolerated, with mild side effects. Modern antihistamine tablets like loratadine and cetirizine shouldn't cause drowsiness like older types of antihistamines do. Hay fever is another name for allergic rhinitis. Hay fever mainly refers to seasonal allergic rhinitis, which is the allergies you experience at certain times of the year due to pollen from grass, weeds and trees. But some people use the terms interchangeably. When do most people get seasonal allergies?
If you know which allergens trigger your hay fever, reducing your exposure to them may reduce symptoms. Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) is an allergic reaction to tiny particles in the air called allergens. When you breathe in allergens through your nose or mouth, your body reacts by releasing a natural chemical called histamine. Despite being called hay fever, hay doesn’t cause hay fever and most people don’t get a fever. Govind explains: 'The main difference may be the 'excipients' - the added things that make the tablet taste how it does or how the ingredients bind together but the active ingredients are the same and they work in the same way.' Where to find the cheapest hay fever medicine The small bottle, with its mini “shelf” at the top, is really easy to use. Hold it with your thumb and two fingers, and squirt up each nostril twice a day. We don’t find the taste, smell or sensation unpleasant, but some may find it takes a bit of getting used to.
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For more detailed information about hay fever and for more useful tips on management and treatment, please find further useful resources above. Allergic eye disease In Europe, the prevalence of birch pollen sensitisation is estimated to be around 8-16%, and of those, approximately 70% cross react with food sources (pollen food syndrome). Foods include: almond, apple, apricot, carrot, celery, cherry, hazelnut, kiwi, nectarine, peanut, peach, pear, plum, potato, soya and walnut. Wearing a face mask should also provide some protection from allergens getting through. See our best-rated face coverings for the most affordable and effective options.
By far the biggest savings can be made by switching from branded to own-brand or generic products. Generic antihistamines use the same active ingredients and we've found they can be up to 10 times cheaper. Keep windows closed in the evening. Pollen can make its way inside through open windows and vents. Keeping windows closed, particular at times when the pollen count is high - first thing in the morning and during the evening - can help. Using an air purifier may also help. Don’t hang washing outside. As pollen wafts around, it can fall onto your washing then when you take it off the line and inside you'll be bringing the pollen in with you.
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Your doctor can diagnose hay fever from a description of your symptoms and when they occur. They may also ask what over-the-counter or prescribed medicines you already take for hay fever. It’s also a good idea to record and tell your doctor about any triggers you have noticed in your work or home environment, and how hay fever affects your quality of life. Physical examination
Antihistamines can cause drowsiness. Avoid alcohol when taking antihistamines, especially if you’re going to drive. Decongestants Although these older types of antihistamine are still available, they tend to cause drowsiness and can impact your performance, for example if you are driving or taking exams. Ask a pharmacist for advice if you’re unsure which medicine to try as not all antihistamines are suitable for everyone. What hay fever medications could I use? Fexofenadine hydrochloride - brand name Allevia - is an antihistamine that GPs have been able to prescribe for some time. However, it's now available over-the-counter at pharmacies and other retail outlets, although it isn't particularly widely available.
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If your trigger is grass, avoid mowing, playing or walking in grassy areas and don't go camping on grass. Most hay fever tablets are pretty tiny, though you can get oral antihistamines in liquid formats too if you struggle with swallowing pills (or for children).
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