Hayfever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) affects around 1 in 5 UK adults, with symptoms ranging from mildly inconvenient to genuinely debilitating. The pollen season runs roughly March to September, with grass pollen (the most significant allergen for most people) peaking in June and July. Getting your treatment strategy right can dramatically improve quality of life through the season.

Understanding Your Pollen Triggers

Not all pollen is equal. Tree pollen season runs February to May (birch, hazel, alder, oak — key allergens). Grass pollen season runs May to July and affects the majority of hayfever sufferers. Weed pollen (nettles, plantain, mugwort) extends the season into September. Mould spores can trigger symptoms August to November. Checking the pollen count daily (Met Office pollen forecast) and matching it to your symptoms helps identify your specific triggers.

Second-Generation Antihistamines: The OTC First Choice

Cetirizine 10mg — fast onset (within 1 hour), effective for up to 24 hours, once daily. May cause mild sedation in a minority. One of the most widely used antihistamines in the UK. Loratadine 10mg — most truly non-sedating of the main three. Suitable for those who operate machinery or need complete alertness. Once daily. Fexofenadine 120mg (Telfast, Allevia) — now available OTC. Least sedating of all, particularly suitable for professional drivers. Some studies suggest slightly less effective than cetirizine for nasal symptoms but fewer sedation concerns. Which to choose? Try cetirizine first — it’s effective, inexpensive and widely available. Switch to loratadine or fexofenadine if any drowsiness is problematic.

Nasal Corticosteroid Sprays: Most Effective for Moderate–Severe Hayfever

Nasal steroid sprays — beclometasone (Beconase, Pollenase), fluticasone (Flonase, Pirinase), budesonide (Rhinocort) — are the most effective treatment for hayfever, including nasal and eye symptoms. They work by reducing the inflammatory response in the nasal mucosa. Key points: they need 1–2 weeks to reach full effect — start treatment 2 weeks before your season begins. Use daily throughout the season, not just on high pollen days. Technique matters: direct spray towards the outer wall of the nostril, not the septum (to prevent nosebleed).

Eye Drops for Hayfever

Sodium cromoglicate eye drops (Opticrom, Catacrom) — mast cell stabilisers that prevent histamine release. Use 4 times daily before and during the pollen season. Antazoline + xylometazoline (Otrivine-Antistin) — fast-acting antihistamine + decongestant combination for acute relief. Antihistamine eye drops (azelastine — Optilast) — require prescription.

Non-Pharmacological Approaches

Applying a small amount of Vaseline around the nostrils before going outside traps pollen before it enters the nose. Wraparound sunglasses reduce pollen contact with eyes. Showering and changing clothes after being outside removes pollen from hair and skin. Keeping windows closed at home and in cars during high pollen periods, particularly in the morning and evening when pollen counts peak.

Shop Antihistamines, Nasal Sprays and Eye Drops at Chemist 2 Customer.