Article updated December 2018

Allergy misdiagnosis is common in the UK, so it’s time to clear things up

Around one in four people in the UK now suffer from seasonal allergic rhinitis, or hay fever. This equates to 16 million people, compared to just one in eight during the 1980s. Indeed, according to experts from Allergy UK[i], this number may reach 30 million by the year 2030. In particular, it seems that there has been an explosion in the number of children and middle-aged people suffering from the condition. However, despite its common nature, detailed information about the condition remains hard to find.

Professor of the Royal Brompton allergy clinic in London[ii], Stephen Durham, says: “Family members, GPs, even patients themselves can dismiss hay fever as just a bit of sneezing, but for about 10% of sufferers it causes abject misery.”

Misdiagnosis is also common when it comes to hay fever, says Dr Adrian Morris of the Surrey Allergy Clinic: “Many go to the GP complaining of sinus problems and end up on antibiotics, when they really have hay fever and need antihistamines and nasal spray.”

However, Durham points out that the reverse is also true, saying that there are also many people convinced that they have hay fever when in fact they are suffering from a different allergy.

Allergy diagnosis

Often, it becomes easier to determine what kind of allergy you are suffering from once you determine the time of year that your allergy peaks. Of course, the question might not be “Do I have hay fever” at all, if there are other potential triggers for your allergy. But here are some of the most common sources of allergic reactions that can be defined as hay fever or display similar symptoms to hay fever:

Grass: Grass pollen is undoubtedly the most common and well-known of hay fever triggers. The typical pollen season lasts from the first week of May to the second week of September, with a peak from the first week in June to the last week in July.

Birch: Around 25% of allergy sufferers have an allergy to birch trees. This birch season is earlier than the pollen season, lasting from mid-March to the first week in June and peaking from late March to mid-May.

Mould: These allergies are the result of various common kinds of mould, such as Cladosporium and Alternaria. Mould allergies usually flare up in early autumn and late spring, particularly after a rain shower when the mould spores attach to water molecules in the air.

Oak: Oak allergies are usually mild, though can be more severe in some cases. The allergy season lasts from the first week of April to mid-June and peaks from the end of April to early June.

Nettle: Everyone remembers nettles for their painful stinging potential, but they can also be a source of mild allergic reaction. The season lasts from the beginning of May to the end of September and peaks from the end of June to the beginning of August.

Oilseed rape: Like grass, oilseed rape allergies come about as a result of airborne pollen. This allergy season for oilseed rape is earlier than that of grass pollen allergies, lasting from the end of March to mid-June. It peaks from mid-May to the end of June.

Pets: Unlike the other allergies listed, pet allergies are not dependant on the time of year. Cat allergies and dog allergies are the most prevalent causes of allergies in the UK, simply due to the proximity of these animals to us in our daily lives. As our pets shed hair and skin cells, these materials make their way into the air, carpets, bedding and furniture – providing a significant risk to those whose immune system is particularly responsive to these particles. Horse allergies are also not uncommon for those who come into contact with these animals.

Given the wide range of pollens and particles in the air throughout the year, it is not surprising that many people find that they suffer from year round hay fever – with allergies that can become particularly debilitating if left untreated.

In addition to the tree pollens referenced above, it is also possible to experience hay fever symptoms relating to:

• Alder pollen
• Ash pollen
• Hazel pollen
• Sycamore pollen
• Willow pollen
• Plantain pollen
• Sorrel/dock pollen
• Mugworth pollen

Which medication is right for you?

If you do determine that hay fever is responsible for your allergies, there are several treatment options for you to consider.

Fexofenadine: This is a popular unbranded hay fever medication which is medically equivalent to branded options but is more cost effective. It acts as an effective non-drowsy antihistamine by preventing the release of chemicals which cause hay fever symptoms.

Mometasone: This is another popular unbranded medication for allergy relief, this time in the form of a nasal spray. It can help tackle symptoms like itchy eyes, sneezing and congestion.

Telfast: Telfast is the branded equivalent of fexofenadine, acting in exactly the same way to tackle hay fever symptoms.

Nasonex: Again, Nasonex is the branded equivalent of mometasone. It works to treat seasonal hay fever and year-round allergic rhinitis.

Each of these treatments can be prescribed by Express Pharmacy, depending on symptoms and your individual requirements. However, in cases where medication is not proving to be effective, it can be beneficial to request an allergy test. Allergy tests can take two forms and can be requested with an immunologist through your GP. They include:

Allergy skin prick test – small amounts of allergen extracts are applied to the skin surface in order to ascertain, whether the body has an allergic reaction. This test can be applied to not only pollen but also dust mites and animal hairs. Skin tests are also commonly used to diagnose nut allergies.

Allergy blood test – by taking a small sample of blood from a vein in the arm, it is possible to test for the Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody – the defence mechanism produced when pollen is detected.[iii]

Dust and dust mite allergy

Dust is a common culprit for allergy sufferers whose symptoms flare up in colder months, although symptoms can be present all year. Dust allergies tend to be worse indoors in winter due to central heating. While dust mites are a very different source of irritation to pollens, the symptoms of the human body’s allergic reaction can be very similar.

Dust mites are close relatives to ticks and spiders but are too small to see without the aid of a microscope. When dust mites are released into the atmosphere they may trigger inflammation of the nasal passageways, leading to the same type of sneezing and runny nose found in hay fever sufferers. Indeed, those who are susceptible to hay fever may also be inclined towards a similar reaction to dust and dust mites in the air.

Why are more people suffering from hay fever?

It is not known precisely why more people are suffering from hay fever today than were 30 or 40 years ago. However, it is thought that there could be a few contributing factors. One view is that the increasingly hygienic and sanitised world that we now live in tends to expose us to fewer threats to our immune system than would have been the case in previous generations. Anecdotally it appears that more people are suffering from hay fever onset in mid-life than ever before. And this has been attributed by some experts to people enjoying a cleaner environment in later life resulting in a sensitised response to pollen in later life.

Another factor which is thought to have contributed to the rise in hay fever sufferers is the documented increase on pollen count around the UK. While it may appear that cities are less likely to feature high pollen counts, traffic fumes have been found to help spread pollen and ensure that it is hard for city workers to escape the effects of hay fever.

Article updated December 2018

While most of us look forward to the longer days and (slightly warmer) conditions in spring, there are some that approach the season with trepidation. Allergy sufferers.

Hay fever affects up to 30% of all UK adults, and as we enter the prime time of year for pollen allergies, many people will see their symptoms begin to worsen.

The warmer weather of spring leads to an increased pollen count. Here are just some of the symptoms which can occur:

• Itchy, red or watery eyes
• Runny or blocked nose
• Frequent coughing and sneezing
• Headaches and earaches
• Tiredness
• Itchiness in the throat, mouth, nose and ears
• Reduced sense of smell

But for those of you suffering with hay fever, fear not. We’re here to show you what you can do to reduce your symptoms and make the most of the new season.

What you should (and shouldn’t) do to beat hay fever this spring

If you worry that your hay fever symptoms are going to flare up this spring and summer, here are a few simple lifestyle changes you can make to give yourself the best chance of fighting off your allergies. We’ve also listed some of the things you should not do, as these can end up making your hay fever symptoms worse.

What you should do to avoid hay fever:

• Reduce the amount of time you spend outdoors
• Keep the windows and doors closed as much as possible to prevent pollen from entering your house
• Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth, as this will remove any pollen from the home
• Consider buying a HEPA filter vacuum which is specifically designed for allergy sufferers, and a pollen filter for your car
• When you do go outside, wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting in your eyes
• Also, put Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen
• When you re-enter the home, shower and change your clothes

What you should not do:

• Keep fresh flowers in the home as they will bring pollen
• Spend too much time outdoors. The longer you are outdoors, the greater your risk of symptoms occurring
• Cut the grass or walk on grass
• Dry your clothes outside, as they could catch pollen
• Let pets into the home when they have been outside
• Smoke, or be around others who smoke. Cigarette smoke can make your symptoms worse

Consider allergy relief medication

Hay fever can be a debilitating and frustrating condition when all you want to do is enjoy the warmer spring weather. Many people who suffer with allergies take medication to reduce their symptoms, particularly those who don’t want the pollen in the air to stop them from getting out and about. Telfast is a branded antihistamine while Fexofenadine is its unbranded equivalent. Both are effective and fast-acting medications for allergy relief, and are available from Express Pharmacy, but don’t just take our word for it! Here’s what some of our customers had to say…

On Telfast:

“I used these many years ago and the product still does what I want it to do. I’m very happy with that.”

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“This product is excellent.”

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On Fexofenadine:

“Better than any over the counter products.”

*****

“The product I ordered is very good, I have been using it for quite some time. I don’t know of any other pharmacy where I can buy it.”

*****

If you’re worried about your hay fever this spring, let Express Pharmacy help. Click here to find out more about the effective medications we offer. If you have any queries, don’t hesitate to call our friendly team on 0208 123 07 03 or use our discreet online Live Chat service.

Many of us look forward to spring as a warmer, brighter time of year. Unfortunately, for a huge number of us spring also signals the start of the dreaded hay fever season. The key to dealing with hay fever effectively is to understand it – learn what to expect and how to treat your hay fever allergy in the best way.

What is hay fever?

Simply put, hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen. Pollen is released by plants as part of their reproductive cycle, and levels are particularly high in the spring and summer months. These higher pollen levels lead to inflammation in the nose, which can cause pain, irritation and discomfort.

Symptoms of hay fever can vary depending on how severe the allergy is. They usually include itchy and watery eyes, a runny nose, frequent sneezing and an itchy throat, usually resulting in a cough. If the reaction becomes more serious, other symptoms can present themselves such as headaches, earache, tiredness, facial pain and even a loss of your sense of smell.

What causes hay fever?

Hay fever occurs in most people when the pollen count reaches higher than 10 grains per cubic millimetre. At this point, the allergic reaction takes hold and the symptoms present themselves. Pollen levels increase as the weather becomes warmer, which is why sufferers can feel completely fine for ten months out of the year and only start to feel unwell again once spring and summer come back around.

Hay fever is most commonly a reaction to grass pollen, though it can also be an allergy to tree pollen (released earlier in the spring) or weed pollen (released in the early autumn.)

What can you do to reduce symptoms?

There are effective medications which can help ease your hay fever symptoms (more on that below) but what about the things you can do to reduce your discomfort?

Wearing wraparound sunglasses when outdoors can help protect your eyes from irritation. Hay fever also irritates your nose as well as your eyes, making the skin red and sensitive, so get into the habit of keeping a tub of Vaseline with you and use it to moisturise the skin around your nostrils.

Try to stay indoors as much as possible when suffering from hay fever, and keep the doors and windows shut. If you are going out, you should shower and change your clothes as soon as you return home. Also, try to vacuum your home regularly to remove any traces of pollen you might be bringing in with you.

By implementing these factors into your routine, you could significantly reduce your hay fever symptoms.

What treatments are available for hay fever?

For most cases of hay fever, antihistamines are the most common and effective form of treatment. These are available at any well-stocked pharmacy, though you should try to purchase the non-drowsy variety so that they don’t affect your daily routine. Nasal sprays and eye drops are also commonly use to ease symptoms of hay fever such as itchiness, watery eyes and a blocked or runny nose.

Express Pharmacy offers a range of treatments for hay fever, helping you to enjoy the spring/summer season without worrying about allergies

Express Pharmacy offers the fastest and most convenient way to access medication for hay fever. Our range includes For Fexofenadine, Nasonex, Telfast and Mometasone. To find out more about the right solution for you, why not call 0208 1230703.

As we head deeper into spring and the prospect of summer comes tantalisingly close, many people will be celebrating the improved weather, the longer days and lush greenness that comes with the warmer months. But thousands of other people will be slightly more apprehensive about the onset of summer as the pollen count climbs and we enter into the worst period for hay fever sufferers.

It's estimated that there are more than 10 million people with hay fever in England. Yet understanding of the condition is not widely known. Hay fever is an allergic reaction caused when the body's defences overreact to a perceived threat. When a hay fever sufferer comes into contact with pollen the immune system reacts with the same severity as it would if confronted with a virus. The result is a release of chemicals to stop what the body believes to be an infection.

In real terms, these chemicals are released when pollen comes into contact with the lining of the mouth or nose and aggravates the cells. It is the response of the body's own immune system that causes the symptoms we commonly associate with hay fever - such as congestion, sinus pressure, a runny nose, watery eyes, swelling and increased asthmatic reactions.

So what is the pollen that causes such a strong reaction in those with a sensitive nose? Pollen is produced by male plants as a form of asexual reproduction, and it will usually be picked up by the wind or various insects before being deposited on female plants. This is called pollination, and is what allows seeds to grow. However, the release of pollen into the air also increases the likelihood of it coming to contact with humans - resulting in an allergic reaction.

There are around 30 different types of pollen that are known to cause hay fever. These fall into three broad categories: grass pollen, tree pollen and weed pollen. Grass pollen is the most common cause of hay fever in the UK and affects 90% of sufferers, while tree pollen hits 25% of those with hay fever. The pollen released by weeds such as mugwort and nettles can also cause a reaction but it is the rarest of the three categories.

As the time when plants are at their most active, the spring and summer months are when hay fever sufferers are at the greatest risk of falling foul of classic symptoms such as a runny nose and itchy eyes. In particular, the grass pollen count is at its highest from mid-May through to July.

Fortunately, there are a range of hay fever treatments currently on the market. Many of these come in tablet form, such as the antihistamines Fexofenadine and Telfast. Antihistamines provide fast relief in the event of a reaction and can counteract the worst of the symptoms by preventing the release of the chemicals that the body uses to fight pollen. Corticosteroid nasal sprays like Nasonex and Mometasone can also get to the root of the problem quickly, soothing the symptoms of hay fever. A pharmacist may even recommend the use of a nasal spray as a preventative measure.

It is important to always pay attention to the usage instructions outlined by your pharmacist and on the packet before using either tablets or nasal sprays. Taking a higher dosage can increase the likelihood of side effects such as drowsiness, nose bleeds and headaches.

If you've been suffering from hay fever and want to find the right course of treatment for you, then speak to your pharmacist for expert advice. Don't let hay fever ruin your Summer, take back control with the help of your pharmacist today.

As we delve deeper into the summer months for many this can mean watery, itchy eyes, sneezing fits and constant wheezing. Yes, for millions of people alongside the summer days comes the irritant that is hay fever. And with scientists predicting that this year will see more people suffering from the condition than ever, it’s surprising to find out there are still many things you just didn’t know about hay fever.

Here are 10 facts that may have passed you by, even if you feel the effects of hay fever on an annual basis.

1.) An estimated 25% of people suffer from hay fever in the UK

You certainly aren't alone if you are struck down by hay fever this summer. Around 16 million people are hit with the condition every year, and with predictions suggesting that this summer is going to be a bumper year for pollen, this figure could rise significantly.

2.) Hay fever, eczema and asthma are closely linked

Each of the three conditions are part of the umbrella term "atopy", which is used to describe the genetic tendency to develop classic allergic diseases.

3.) Hay fever is twice as common in towns and cities as it is in the countryside

It may come as a surprise to many, given the high pollen counts found in more rural areas, but more people actually suffer from hay fever in urban areas. This phenomenon is due to the fact that pollen particles bond themselves to the pollutants in the air - typically caused by exhaust fumes - and these combined particles are significantly more likely to set off the body's allergic reaction.

4.) There are different types of hay fever

Different types of pollen can affect different people at different times. The three main types are: tree pollen, grass pollen and weed pollen.

5.) Hay fever can be treated in a number of ways

Hay fever sufferers are often unaware of the range of preventative and remedial measures that can used to combat hay fever. Indeed, medications come in a number of different forms, including eye drops, tablets and nasal sprays - all of which have been shown to be highly effective.

6.) You needn’t wait for you GP to treat hay fever

Many people put up with debilitating symptoms of hay fever whilst waiting for a GP appointment. This can lead to periods of prolonged suffering, particularly in parts of the country where waiting times are high. However, there are a number of medications available over-the-counter without a prescription. Indeed, online pharmacies such as our own now offer hay fever medications that can be ordered from the comfort of your own home and delivered direct to your door.

7.) It runs in the family

Allergies like hay fever can be added to the list of things you blame your parents for giving you. Research has shown that if your parents suffer from allergies such as hay fever, there is an increased likelihood that you will suffer from the condition too.

8.) You cant blame the flowers for it

Contrary to popular opinion, pollen allergies can not be blamed on flowers. Pollen allergies are caused by airborne pollen - those that have been blown away from the plant itself. Pollen from flowers tends to be coated and sticky - in order for it to become attached to bees and other insects that aid in fertilisation - which means flowers usually produce little to no airborne pollen.

9.) Sunglasses could help

It may seem simple, but many people don’t think to pop on their sunglasses as a way of stopping pollen from getting into their eyes. Wraparound sunglasses can be particularly effective at keeping those airborne nasties away from your eyes.

10.) No one knew hay fever existed 200 years ago

in 1819 John Bostock, a Liverpool-born London doctor, first produced a paper on the condition called ‘Case of a Periodical Affection of the Eyes and Chest’ which was based on his own experience of the allergy. This marked the beginning of the recognition that hay fever was in fact a real condition.

Is hay fever effecting your summer? Explore our new range of allergy treatments