How to manage hay fever at home

Depending on which type of pollen you're allergic to, you may have hay fever symptoms at any point between the beginning of spring, right through to the end of summer. There are various hay fever treatments to help you manage these, but what if you're having a particularly bad hay fever day and you need a little extra help?

Dr Deborah Lee of Dr Fox Online Pharmacy and Dr Pavol Surda, an allergy and sinuses specialist and surgeon at London Bridge Hospital, share their top tips on managing hay fever symptoms - at home, with natural hay fever remedies, and when to turn to medicines.

What is hay fever?

Hay fever affects up to 1 in 3 people around the world, and is caused by a seasonal allergy to pollen.

Surda explains that when pollen particles enter your nose it triggers an immune response, which leads to the symptoms you're so familiar with.

"During the introduction to a certain allergen, your immune system will decide whether to tolerate it or become sensitive," he says. "Becoming sensitive means that your immune system mistakes allergens such as pollen for something the body needs to fight against - in turn, your body releases chemicals called histamines into the blood which trigger hay fever symptoms."

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Natural hay fever remedies

There are things you can do besides take medicine to prevent and soothe your hay fever symptoms.

Watch the pollen count

One of the most effective ways to manage your hay fever symptoms is to be aware of the pollen count.

Lee says: "If you have hay fever and/or asthma, it's important to take extra care when the pollen count is high or very high.

"The pollen count is affected by the weather. It is highest on hot, windy days and lowest when it is cooler and raining."

You can monitor when it's expected to be high, moderate, or low on apps.

Stay indoors when it's high

If you know the pollen count is going to be high, try to stay indoors as much as possible.

Lee explains that though this may sound simple, you can shield irritated, itchy eyes and sensitive noses from airborne pollen particles.

Keep your home free from pollen

You can reduce the impact of pollen in your home with a few small changes to your daily routine.

Surda says: "Where possible, you should avoid spending too much time outside, or leaving the doors and windows open too long in the house. Remember, pollen counts, are highest in the morning and at dusk. Pollen is released first thing, goes up in the air, then comes back down."

Dress for the occasion

Just as you dress up in warm layers during winter, during hay fever season you should leave the house with your eyes, nose and mouth covered and protected.

Lee advises wearing wraparound sunglasses and using face masks that can filter pollen when out and about.

Can antihistamines help hay fever symptoms?

Natural hay fever remedies and at-home tips are an important way to keep your symptoms in check, but for many people, this won't be enough.

The most effective way to manage your hay fever symptoms with medicine is to take antihistamines. These reduce your body's natural immune response - or histamines - that are released when you come into contact with a trigger such as pollen.

Lee says: "Antihistamines are the most common hay fever treatments. They work by preventing the release of histamine.

"They can be taken as tablets, liquids, syrups, eye drops, nasal sprays, creams, and lotions. But they need to be used on time and regularly to keep their effects ongoing. If you miss out on a dose, you will be too late to prevent the release of histamine, and symptoms will most likely start."

Surda advises that a combination of antihistamine tablets, nasal spray and eye drops are the most effective hay fever treatment.

Surda adds: "Ask your pharmacist for non-drowsy antihistamines containing loratadine or cetirizine."

Hay fever treatment is usually offered depending on the type of symptoms and the severity.

Lee says that a person who only has eye symptoms might just be given eye drops. Someone who has runny, itchy eyes and nose - plus other generalised symptoms - would usually be offered antihistamine tablets, as well as eye drops and a nasal spray.

Your pharmacist can advise on the best course of treatment for your personal needs.

If you are still getting symptoms, despite trying to manage them at home, book in with your healthcare provider to discuss other options. If you also have asthma, it's important you speak to your doctor about how hay fever symptoms might trigger asthma, and how you can prevent a serious flare-up.