Itchy eyes and runny nose? You could have developed THIS life-changing allergy

The condition affects one in four people – with nearly 18 million people affected in the UK.

In Britain, hayfever is mainly caused by grass pollen. Around 95 per cent of hay fever sufferers are allergic to grass pollen.

Steph Pacey, Lloyds Pharmacist, said it is likely allergies will be back in full force over the coming weeks, with spring just around the corner. She has explained what causes the condition and the symptom sufferers might suffer.

What is hayfever and what are the symptoms?

“Otherwise known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, hay fever is a reaction to airborne substances, such as pollen, that get into the upper respiratory passages – the nose, sinus, throat – and the eyes.

“The symptoms usually appear in childhood and lessen by the age of 30 or 40.

“Perennial allergic rhinitis is a similar allergy to hay fever that occurs all year round and is caused by things like house dust mites and pets so this type of allergy won’t sneak up on people in spring, they will experience symptoms at all times of the year.

“Hayfever is often an inherited condition;  the most common triggers are tree pollen (spring hay fever), grass pollen (summer hay fever), mugwort and hybrids such as chrysanthemums (autumn hay fever).

“As we enter spring, it is the tree pollen that is likely to provoke symptoms.

Steph said these microscopic substances get into your nose and cause your body to produce antibodies and release histamine.

Histamine irritates the upper respiratory passages, making them swell and producing those typical hayfever symptoms.

Steph added: “The symptoms of hayfever are well known to those who suffer. They include itchy and watery eyes, frequent sneezing and a bunged up or runny nose, itching on the roof of the mouth, coughing and wheezing or a burning sensation in the throat.

“People experience these symptoms to varying degrees but they can effect quality of life in serious cases.”

What are the risks of hay fever?

In the long term, hay fever sufferers are more vulnerable to other allergic respiratory diseases, such as asthma.

“You may also experience sleeping difficulties because of blocked nasal passages and snoring, leading to fatigue,” explained Steph.

“If you suffer from hay fever, it’s important to do whatever you can to avoid substances that provoke your symptoms. If you don’t, you may increase the risk of aggravating other allergies such as eczema.

“You’ll never be able to get rid of the allergy itself, but you can help

What can you do to reduce the symptoms?

In terms of treatment, using eye drops, nasal sprays and antihistamine tablets or syrups to treat symptoms.

Taking hayfever relief remedies before symptoms develop is the best way to manage the condition, so pay attention to local pollen count forecasts.

Steph said: “If you are looking for an alternative treatment, try using the LloydsPharmacy Hay fever Reliever along with your usual allergy medicines.

“Your local pharmacist will be able to help advise you on the best treatments as most people require a multi-method approach for hay fever.”

There are also other things you can do to help reduce symptoms which are advisable.

For example, keeping your windows closed – even at night and when you’re driving in the car will help you to avoid coming in contact with pollen.

This is especially important in the early morning and evening when pollen is released. If you’re still suffering indoors, a good air filter – like the LloydsPharmacy Ionising Air Purifier – should help.

Some people find that putting a smear of Vaseline inside each of your nostrils to ease soreness and stop pollen in its tracks helps to reduce their hayfever.

It’s also important to wear wraparound sunglasses to keep allergens out of your eyes and avoid drying clothes and bedding on your washing line when the pollen count’s high as you will bring it into your home which will exacerbate symptoms.

It’s also true that pets can carry pollen in their fur so try not to let pets get close to your face during the hayfever season.

Steph said LloydsPharmacy Allergy Reliever (£19.99) can reduce symptoms.