Hay Fever Support
Clear guidance, effective treatments and friendly advice for seasonal allergies.
Box pharmacy - Helping the local community in Corsham, Box, Neston, Biddestone, Colerne, Lacock and beyond.
Practical prevention tips
Reduce Exposure to Pollen
Reducing pollen exposure can make a big difference. Keep windows and doors closed during high pollen times, especially early morning and on windy days. Use an air purifier or filters at home and in your car. Shower and change clothes after being outdoors to remove pollen from hair and clothing. Monitor local pollen forecasts and plan outdoor activities when pollen counts are lower. Wearing sunglasses and a hat can help protect your eyes and face. Small daily habits combined with medications can significantly lower the burden of symptoms.
Hay Fever Treatment
Fexofenadine – Hay Fever
Fexofenadine is an antihistamine used to relieve hay fever symptoms such as sneezing, a runny or itchy nose, and itchy or watery eyes. Speak to our pharmacy team for advice on whether it is suitable for you.
Dymista – Hay Fever
Dymista is a nasal spray used to relieve hay fever symptoms, including a blocked or runny nose, sneezing and nasal discomfort. Our pharmacy team can provide advice and help you choose suitable treatment.
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Symptoms
Sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose and congestion.
Treatments
Antihistamines, nasal sprays, eye drops and combination therapies.
Prevention
Keep windows closed, shower after outdoors, check forecasts.
Fast relief and daily care
When to Seek Further Help
If symptoms are severe, affecting sleep, school, work or daily activities, seek a clinical review. Anyone with breathing difficulty, wheeze, or suspected asthma linked to allergies should be assessed promptly. For those whose symptoms are not controlled with standard treatments, referral for allergy testing or discussion of immunotherapy (desensitisation) may be suitable. Pregnant people or those with multiple health conditions should get tailored advice. A healthcare professional can advise on safe medication choices, step-up strategies, and referral pathways for persistent or complicated cases.
Severe or breathing issues
Children with persistent symptoms
Consider allergy testing
Long-term planning options
Quick Key Points
Key measures help keep hay fever manageable: begin preventive treatment ahead of high pollen periods, use nasal steroid sprays consistently for congestion, and choose antihistamines for relief from itching and watery eyes. Combine medication with behavioural steps like avoiding outdoor exposure during high pollen counts and showering after time outside. Track symptom patterns to identify triggers and discuss any medication concerns with a pharmacist or clinician. For ongoing or worsening issues, further assessment can identify alternatives such as allergy testing or immunotherapy.
Start treatment before peak pollen
Use steroid nasal sprays regularly
Antihistamines relieve eye symptoms
See a clinician for severe cases
Hay Fever FAQs
Answers to common hay fever questions to help you manage the season.
What causes hay fever?
Hay fever is an allergic reaction to airborne pollens and sometimes molds. The immune system reacts to these harmless particles, triggering symptoms in the nose, eyes and throat.
Are antihistamines safe for children?
Some antihistamines have child-specific formulations and doses. Always check age recommendations and speak to a pharmacist before giving medication to young children.
Can I prevent hay fever entirely?
Complete prevention is difficult, but reducing exposure, timing medications in advance, and following simple lifestyle steps can greatly reduce symptom severity.
When should I see a doctor?
See a doctor if you have severe symptoms, breathing problems, poor sleep, or if over-the-counter treatments do not help. Referral for testing may be considered.
What is immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy gradually desensitises the immune system to specific allergens via injections or tablets and can reduce long-term symptoms for selected patients.
Speak to our team for advice
Friendly, Local Advice
Pharmacists can recommend appropriate over-the-counter options, advise on correct usage and check for interactions with other medicines. They can also suggest non-medical measures to reduce pollen exposure and explain when to seek further medical review. If you’re unsure which product suits you, ask about strengths, formulations for children, or options safe in pregnancy.
Practical planning and protection
Outdoor Tips to Minimise Exposure
Planning outdoor activities around pollen forecasts reduces exposure. Early morning and windy days often bring higher pollen levels, so consider exercising indoors during those times. Wearing sunglasses reduces pollen contact with the eyes, and a wide-brimmed hat keeps pollen out of hair. Drying clothes indoors prevents pollen sticking to laundry. For some people, masks can also reduce inhaled pollen during gardening or mowing. Combining these small actions with medication makes symptom control more effective and helps maintain daily routines during peak pollen seasons.
