Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis Treatment
Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis Treatment
If your child is struggling with sneezing, a blocked or runny nose, itchy eyes or other hay fever symptoms, our pharmacist may be able to help through our NHS Pharmacy First prescribing service.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, can make everyday activities, sleep and time outdoors uncomfortable. Our pharmacist can assess your child’s symptoms and, where clinically appropriate, provide treatment to help keep their allergies under control.
What is seasonal allergic rhinitis?
Seasonal allergic rhinitis is an allergic reaction to pollen. It is commonly known as hay fever and usually causes symptoms during particular times of the year when pollen levels are higher.
Symptoms occur when the body’s immune system reacts to pollen from sources such as trees, grasses and weeds. This can cause inflammation and irritation inside the nose as well as symptoms affecting the eyes and throat.
You can find more information on the NHS hay fever information page.
What are the symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis?
Common symptoms of hay fever can include:
- Sneezing
- A runny or blocked nose
- Itchy, red or watery eyes
- An itchy nose
- An itchy throat, mouth or ears
- Coughing
- Reduced sense of smell
- Headaches
- Pain around the forehead or sides of the head
- Feeling tired
Unlike a cold, which will usually improve within 1 to 2 weeks, hay fever symptoms can continue for weeks or months while the pollen responsible for the allergy is present.
NHS Pharmacy First Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis Service
Our NHS Pharmacy First prescribing service provides eligible children with access to assessment and treatment for seasonal allergic rhinitis.
During the consultation, our pharmacist will ask about your child’s symptoms, when they occur, how long they have been present, any known allergies, their medical history and any medicines they are currently taking.
The pharmacist will assess whether the symptoms are consistent with seasonal allergic rhinitis and check whether there are any signs that require further medical assessment.
Where clinically appropriate, treatment may be prescribed directly through the pharmacy. If your child’s symptoms require further investigation or specialist care, our pharmacist will explain the appropriate next steps.
You can find out more about NHS Pharmacy First.
What causes seasonal allergic rhinitis?
Seasonal allergic rhinitis is usually triggered by pollen. Different types of pollen are more common at different times of the year, which means symptoms can vary depending on the season.
Common pollen triggers include:
- Tree pollen
- Grass pollen
- Weed pollen
Symptoms are often worse when the pollen count is high, particularly during warm, humid or windy weather.
If symptoms occur throughout the year rather than seasonally, they may be caused by another allergen such as house dust mites, mould or animal dander rather than seasonal hay fever.
Find out more about the different causes on the NHS allergic rhinitis page.
Get help in 4 easy steps
1. Contact our pharmacy
Book an appointment if your child is experiencing symptoms that may be caused by seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever.
2. Speak to our pharmacist
Our pharmacist will discuss your child’s symptoms, when they occur, their medical history, allergies and any medicines they are currently taking.
3. Clinical assessment
The pharmacist will assess the symptoms and check whether they are consistent with seasonal allergic rhinitis and suitable for treatment through the NHS service.
4. Advice and treatment
We will explain the most appropriate way to manage your child’s symptoms. Where clinically appropriate, treatment may be prescribed directly through the pharmacy.
How is seasonal allergic rhinitis treated?
There are several different medicines that can help control hay fever and allergic rhinitis symptoms.
Depending on your child’s symptoms, age and individual circumstances, treatment may include:
- Antihistamines
- Antihistamine nasal sprays
- Steroid nasal sprays
- Eye drops
- Saline nasal sprays or rinses
Not every treatment is suitable for every child. Our pharmacist will assess your child’s symptoms and recommend or prescribe treatment that is appropriate for them.
How can I reduce my child’s exposure to pollen?
It is not always possible to completely avoid pollen, but there are several things you can do to help reduce your child’s exposure and manage their symptoms:
- Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible when the pollen count is high
- Encourage them to wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors
- Shower and change clothes after spending time outside
- Apply petroleum jelly around the nostrils to help trap pollen
- Vacuum regularly and dust using a damp cloth
- Avoid drying clothes outside when the pollen count is high
- Avoid freshly cut grass where possible
- Use a pollen filter in the car if available
- Keep pets out of bedrooms where possible, as pollen can be carried on their fur
You can find more practical advice on the NHS hay fever page.
When is hay fever season?
Hay fever symptoms tend to be most noticeable during the spring and summer months, although exactly when symptoms develop depends on the type of pollen your child is allergic to.
Tree pollen is generally more common during spring, grass pollen during late spring and summer, and weed pollen can remain present into the autumn.
Checking the pollen forecast can help you plan activities and take steps to reduce exposure on days when pollen levels are particularly high.
Is hay fever the same as a cold?
Hay fever and the common cold can cause similar symptoms, particularly sneezing and a blocked or runny nose.
Hay fever is caused by an allergic reaction rather than an infection. Symptoms often include itchy or watery eyes and can continue for weeks or months depending on pollen levels.
A cold is caused by a viral infection and will usually improve within 1 to 2 weeks.
What if my child has asthma?
Hay fever can sometimes make asthma symptoms worse. If your child has asthma, it is important that their hay fever is managed effectively and that they continue to use their asthma medicines as prescribed.
Seek medical advice if their asthma symptoms are becoming worse, they are needing their reliever inhaler more frequently than usual or their usual treatment is not controlling their symptoms.
When should we see a GP?
You should speak to your GP if:
- Your child’s symptoms are getting worse
- The symptoms are affecting their sleep or everyday activities
- It is unclear what is causing their symptoms
- Treatment provided by the pharmacy is not controlling their symptoms
- Your child has asthma and their asthma symptoms are getting worse
More severe or persistent allergic rhinitis may require additional treatment or referral for specialist allergy assessment.
What about a severe allergic reaction?
Hay fever does not normally cause a severe allergic reaction. However, call 999 if your child develops sudden swelling of their lips, mouth, throat or tongue, has difficulty breathing or swallowing, becomes very dizzy or suddenly becomes unresponsive.
These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Find out more on the NHS anaphylaxis information page.
Do we need to see a GP first?
No. If your child is eligible and our pharmacy provides the NHS seasonal allergic rhinitis prescribing service, you can contact us directly for an assessment.
Our pharmacist will assess your child’s symptoms and determine whether treatment through the pharmacy is appropriate or whether further medical assessment is needed.
Convenient NHS care from your local pharmacy
Getting seasonal allergies under control can help your child sleep better, concentrate at school and enjoy everyday activities during the pollen season.
Our pharmacist can assess their symptoms, provide practical advice and, where clinically appropriate, prescribe treatment through the NHS service.
Book an appointment today
If your child is experiencing seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever symptoms, book an appointment with our pharmacy team. Our pharmacist can assess their symptoms and advise you on the most appropriate treatment.
