Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen, a fine powder produced by plants like trees and grass during certain times of the year. In the UK, most people are allergic to grass pollen. Symptoms typically occur between May and August but can start as early as January or extend into September.

When you're allergic to pollen, your immune system mistakenly treats it as a harmful substance, triggering symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, headaches, and feelings of fatigue.

Hay fever treatments, such as tablets and nasal sprays, help reduce these symptoms. However, they do not cure hay fever, and the symptoms will return once you stop using the treatment.

Hay fever tablets contain antihistamines, which help reduce the unpleasant symptoms of hay fever. Histamine is a chemical released by your body when exposed to pollen, causing symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes. Antihistamines block histamine's action, preventing these allergic reactions.

Will hay fever tablets make me drowsy? Some hay fever tablets may cause drowsiness, depending on the antihistamine used. Older antihistamines, like Piriton, are more likely to make you feel drowsy. However, newer antihistamines, such as Neoclarityn and Telfast, are less likely to cause this side effect.

What side effects can hay fever tablets cause? Hay fever tablets can cause side effects in some people, including:

• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness

Always read the patient leaflet for a full list of potential side effects. Do not take hay fever tablets if you are allergic to any of the ingredients, as this could cause symptoms like difficulty breathing, skin rash, or itching.

Can I buy hay fever tablets online? Yes, you can order prescription-strength hay fever tablets through Superdrug Online Doctor. After completing a brief health questionnaire, a doctor will review your symptoms and determine if antihistamine tablets are suitable for you. Once approved, your medication will be dispensed by a Superdrug pharmacy and sent to your preferred address.

Hay fever tablets and nasal sprays are not the only treatment options available for hay fever. Depending on your symptoms, other treatments may be more suitable.

If your symptoms primarily affect your eyes, hay fever eye drops can help relieve itching, redness, soreness, and watering. These drops typically contain a histamine-blocking active ingredient, such as sodium cromoglycate or emedastine.

For long-term relief, immunotherapy may be recommended. This treatment involves gradually exposing your body to the allergen (pollen) either through injections or tablets. Immunotherapy is usually reserved for those with severe symptoms and takes time to build tolerance to pollen.

In some cases, corticosteroid tablets may be prescribed for short-term relief from severe symptoms. While effective in reducing inflammation, corticosteroids should only be used for a short period (no longer than 10 days) due to potential side effects.

If you are mainly suffering from nasal congestion and a runny nose, you can use the nasal spray Nasonex to relieve symptoms. You can use the spray once every day, taking two sprays into each nostril. Nasonex contains cortisone, which reduces inflammation and helps you breathe.

While antihistamine tablets and nasal spray can relieve symptoms it is also advisable to minimise your exposure to the pollen you are allergic to. Once you have established which pollen is causing your symptoms you can use the met office pollen forecast to decide whether you should limit the time you spend outdoors during hay fever season.

Hay fever season

Pollen is released during certain times of the year. Different types of pollen are released at different times:

• Tree pollen - March to May
• Grass pollen - May to July
• Weed pollen - June to September Knowing which pollen you are allergic to will help you avoid exposure and symptoms.

How to reduce hay fever symptoms:

• stay indoors when the pollen count is over 50
• wash your face and hands at regular intervals
• keep windows and doors shut
• avoid other allergens, such as chemicals, pet fur and tobacco smoke
• limit your alcohol intake

Why some people develop hay fever is not currently known. The condition is thought to be hereditary, because children of hay fever sufferers have a higher risk of being allergic to pollen too. There are numerous unconfirmed theories about the causes of hay fever. Some scientists for example believe that children who spend less time playing outdoors have a higher risk of hay fever than children who regularly spend time playing outside.  

It is also assumed that growing up in an overly clean and hygienic environment as well as exposure to chemicals may increase your risk of allergies and hay fever.

Researchers have found evidence that stress may also increase your risk of hay fever.