Hay fever is usually worse between late March and September, especially when it’s warm, humid and windy. This is when the pollen count is at its highest.

Check if you have hay fever

Symptoms of hay fever include:

• sneezing and coughing
• a runny or blocked nose
• itchy, red or watery eyes
• itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears
• loss of smell
• pain around your temples and forehead
• headache
• earache
• feeling tired

If you have asthma, you might also:

• have a tight feeling in your chest
• be short of breath
• wheeze and cough

Hay fever will last for weeks or months, unlike a cold, which usually goes away after 1 to 2 weeks.

How to treat hay fever yourself

There’s currently no cure for hay fever and you cannot prevent it.

But you can do things to ease your symptoms when the pollen count is high.

Do

• put Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen
• wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes
• shower and change your clothes after you have been outside to wash pollen off
• stay indoors whenever possible
• keep windows and doors shut as much as possible
• vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth
• buy a pollen filter for the air vents in your car and a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter
• try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities

Don’t

• do not cut grass or walk on grass
• do not spend too much time outside
• do not keep fresh flowers in the house
• do not smoke or be around smoke – it makes your symptoms worse
• do not dry clothes outside – they can catch pollen
• do not let pets into the house if possible – they can carry pollen indoors

A pharmacist can help with hay fever

Speak to your pharmacist if you have hay fever.

They can give advice and suggest the best treatments, like antihistamine drops, tablets or nasal sprays to help with:

• itchy and watery eyes and sneezing
• a blocked nose

Call a pharmacy or contact them online before going in person. You can get medicines delivered or ask someone to collect them.

What causes hay fever

Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen, typically when it comes into contact with your mouth, nose, eyes and throat. Pollen is a fine powder from plants.

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/seasonal-advice/pollen-forecast

Steroid nasal sprays

Steroid nasal sprays, also called corticosteroid nasal sprays, are anti-inflammatory medicines that you spray into your nose.

They can be used to treat a range of conditions, including hay fever, sinusitis, non-allergic rhinitis and nasal polyps.

Some steroid nasal sprays are available to buy from pharmacies and shops, while others are only available on prescription. Steroid nasal drops are also available.

Common examples of steorid nasal sprays include:

• beclometasone
• budesonide 
• fluticasone 
• mometasone 

Steroid nasal sprays can be used as a long-term treatment or just when they’re needed.

For hay fever, it’s best to use them from 1 to 2 weeks before you think your symptoms will start, as they can take a few days to work.

The leaflet that comes with your spray should explain how to use it and how often. Ask a pharmacist or doctor if you’re not sure.

It’s important to use your spray regularly, even if you’re feeling better. It will only help if it’s used every day.

If you miss a dose or take too much

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the one you missed.

Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

Accidentally using too much steroid nasal spray is unlikely to be harmful if it’s a one-off. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you’re worried.

Using a steroid nasal spray too much over a long period can increase your risk of getting side effects.

Stopping treatment

If you’ve bought a steroid nasal spray from a pharmacy or shop, stop using it when you think you no longer need it. Do not use it continuously for more than a month without speaking to a doctor.

If you’re taking a prescription spray, do not stop using it unless the doctor advises you to do so. You may need to reduce your dose gradually.

This can help avoid unpleasant side effects (withdrawal symptoms), such as severe tiredness, joint pain, being sick and dizziness.

Steroid nasal sprays do not usually cause any significant side effects if used correctly and at normal doses.

Side effects can include:

• a stinging or burning sensation in the nose
• dryness and crustiness in the nose
• a dry, irritated throat
• an unpleasant taste in the mouth
• itchiness, redness and swelling in the nose
• nosebleeds

If you’re taking a high dose for a long time, there’s also a small chance you could get some of the side effects of steroid tablets , such as increased appetite, mood changes and difficulty sleeping.

You can report any suspected side effect  to the Yellow Card Scheme.

Some medicines can interfere with the way steroid nasal sprays work, although this is uncommon.

Check the leaflet that comes with your spray to see if it could be affected by other medicines. Ask a pharmacist or doctor if you’re unsure.

You can usually drink alcohol while using a steroid nasal spray and you do not normally need to avoid any particular foods.

Most people can use steroid nasal sprays.

Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice before using one if you:

• have had an allergic reaction to steroids in the past
• have recently had surgery on your nose
• have tuberculosis (TB)or an infection in your nose
• are having, or have recently had, treatment with steroid tabletsor steroid injections into your blood
• are looking for a nasal spray for your child (some nasal sprays are not suitable for children)
• are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying for a baby

Steroid nasal sprays are normally safe to use while breastfeeding and during pregnancy, but it’s a good idea to get medical advice first.

Steroids are a man-made version of hormones normally produced by the adrenal glands, which are 2 small glands above the kidneys.

When sprayed into the nose, steroids reduce inflammation (swelling).

This can help relieve symptoms such as sneezing and a runny or blocked nose. It can also help to reduce the size of any swellings (such as polyps in your nose.

Steroid nasal sprays are not the same as anabolic steroids, which are often used illegally by some people to increase their muscle mass.