HAY fever season is well under way and many of us will be rushing to stock up on eye drops, nasal sprays and antihistamine tablets.
But while you may think these products are helping ease the symptoms, what many people don’t know is that they can come with some very surprising side effects.
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So, if you’ve started suffering from a sore throat or your nostrils feel irritated, it might not be down to your pollen allergy.
And with pollen levels set to peak this week, it’s probably worth knowing what side-effects could cause you misery.
Allergy expert Dr Daniel Fenton, from London Doctors Clinic, said there are five common symptoms to look out for…
1. Fatigue
The tablets you will see on the shelves include Loratidine (Clarityn), Cetirizine (Zirtek), Chlorpheniramine (Piriton) and Diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
They are very effective at providing an all-day benefit against pollen.
The first two on the list are fairly long-acting, non-drowsy antihistamines, but The latter two are drowsy antihistamines.
Some people avoid these due to their sedative effects, but should perhaps think twice.
They are very effective and quick acting, but last for shorter periods of time, meaning you may need them 2-3 times a day.
As a perennial hay fever sufferer, I utilise a non-sedative antihistamine during the day, and a sedative one at night time to help me sleep through the summer nights, with the window ajar and without sneezing all night.
If these fail to help, it is worth speaking with your GP. Fexofenadine (Telfast) is a fantastic antihistamine that is only available on prescription. In my experience is one of the most effective around.
And whilst some antihistamines are marketed as “non-drowsy”, some individuals are particularly sensitive, and will still find themselves experiencing some fatigue.
2. Dry eyes and mouth
Some lesser known side effects include a dry mouth/throat, dry eyes and blurred vision.
Medications that block histamine receptors help allergic conditions, but these types of medications can reduce mucous and aqueous production, which cause dry eye and mouth complaints.
Adding eye drops to your regime can be really useful to help combat the itchy eyes.
3. Blurred vision
Nasal decongestants are often combined with anticholinergic medications which together contribute to dry eyes, dilated pupils and decreased response to bright light.
The dilated pupils interfere with your ability to focus on objects and can, therefore, contribute to blurry vision.
How to beat the pollen bomb
THERE are plenty of treatment options to alleviate symptoms for hay fever sufferers.
Boots pharmacist Natalie Masters said: “You may have seen reports on rising pollen counts this weekend.
“If you’re a hayfever sufferer, don’t panic. When there’s more pollen in the air, your symptoms may worsen, but there are lots of steps you can take to alleviate these.
“Prevention is key, which means avoiding coming into contact with pollen in the first place.
“Grassy areas are often best avoided and if you can, don’t spend time outdoors at the times when pollen counts are highest, typically the early morning and late afternoon and evening.
“If you need to go outside, applying a petroleum jelly balm to the inside of your nostrils or using an allergy barrier nasal spray can help prevent pollen from entering your nostrils, whilst larger wraparound sunglasses can help stop pollen from irritating your eyes.
“There’s also several products you can purchase which can help to alleviate your symptoms when they start flaring up.
“Speak to your pharmacist about anti-histamine tablets, hayfever eye drops or a suitable steroid nasal spray.
“If you’ve been outdoors when the pollen count is high, make sure to shower and wash your hair once you get home to wash away any stray pollen particles.
“Regularly vacuuming and dusting your house with a damp cloth and washing and drying your clothes indoors may also help to keep your home a pollen-free zone.
“Importantly, try not to be worried or stressed about your hayfever. It has been claimed that hayfever can be exacerbated by this, so try to keep calm and consider different products and methods – hopefully you’ll soon find what works best for you.”
Boots is currently has their own brand hay fever products on offer for 2 for £5, including Boots One-A-Day Allergy Relief 10mg tablets (£2.99, 7-day supply) and Boots Hayfever Relief for Adults 50 micrograms/dose Nasal Spray 100 Metered Sprays (£4.59).
Branded products are also on offer at two for £6.
4. Irritation
Nasal Sprays are particularly helpful for the rhinitis (runny) or blocked nose symptoms, which antihistamine tablets may not always take care of. Beconase is always a good start, but mometasone (Nasonex) or Fluticasone based sprays such as Avamys and Dymista, can provide that next step for relief.
But in some individuals, nasal sprays can cause some localised irritation within the nostrils, and even nose bleeds.
The most important thing about nasal sprays is ensuring you are using them correctly. It is worth noting that they do not work immediately, and their effects are cumulative, meaning the longer you use them, the better the response – so you’ll need patience before you see results.
5. Worsened symptoms
Prolonged use of over the counter decongestant nasal sprays can create a rebound rhinosinusitis if used for too long – in essence, they can make symptoms worse if used for more than 2 or 3 days.
What should you do should you experience any of these symptoms?
Speak to your GP
Dr Fenton says that if you experience any of these side effects, it’s important to discuss them with your GP.
He said: “There is a multitude of alternative antihistamines, spray and drops that may be more suited to you.
“Alternatives include using medications used for asthma, such as Montelukast, which is excellent for the runny nose component of hay fever.
“In addition, some well-known antacids (like ranitidine) despite mainly being used for acid reflux and heartburn, can actually have great antihistamine effects.
“When all else fails, you may consider the hay fever injection, which is a steroid-based injection. This is not to be taken lightly, as is not without risks, but it can be beneficial to those with sever hay fever.”
Dr Fenton added: “The truth behind hay fever treatment is that it can be trial and error.
“You have to take the time to find the right combination of treatments for you.
“Speaking to your GP is useful, as they will take you through all of the options and recommend, prescribe and administer the correct hay fever medications as needed.”
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