Around one in four people suffer from hay fever in the UK, and as spring approaches, it can be incredibly frustrating to know pollen season is just around the corner. To try and get ahead of some of the more irritating symptoms this year, it’s important to understand just how early to start treatment.
Dr Rupa Parmar, GP and Medical Director at Midland Health, is revealing the best time to start treating your hay fever and the ways to avoid intense symptoms this hay fever season.
Start as Soon as Possible
“Prevention is key with hay fever because once allergies kick in, they are much harder to stop. That is why it’s a good idea to start daily hay fever treatments a lot earlier than you’d expect. Consistent use of antihistamines for 4 weeks or nasal sprays for 3 weeks before your symptoms would usually start helps to block your reaction to pollen before it even begins. Most people will experience less irritation, but for some, starting early can prevent symptoms entirely.”
Know the Seasons
“If you routinely suffer from hay fever, you may know when your symptoms usually start, but for some people, the onset can be hard to predict. Not everyone’s hay fever is caused by the same pollen type; the season actually has 3 distinct periods. According to the Met Office, tree pollen lasts from late-March to mid-May, grass pollen from mid-May to July, and weed pollen from the end of June to September.”
Check the Pollen Count
“Check the pollen count every day to know when symptoms are expected to be worse. This can help you organise your days around peak times and manage possible allergic reactions. Managing symptoms proactively by avoiding pollen when possible is crucial.”
Be Consistent
“Consistency is also really crucial if you suffer from hay fever. Don’t just use treatments on high-pollen days; use them every day throughout the season. If you’re forgetful, set a daily reminder on your phone or write notes to yourself and stick them somewhere you’ll see them for the morning.”
Plan Ahead
“If you don’t yet know when your allergies kick in, you won’t know when to start treatment. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get ahead for next year. It’s a good idea to make a diary, noting the days your symptoms first appeared, the time of day when they were worse, and how effective you felt your treatments were.”
