You may find it difficult to sleep and that your level of concentration is impaired. A number of treatments are available for people with hay fever. Anti-allergy eye drops should be added and taken regularly if you have symptoms affecting your eyes. Decongestants provide relief on a short-term basis but should be used for limited periods only. Commonsense measures, such as avoiding exposure to high levels of pollen will also be helpful.
Early treatment is the most effective.
You should start preventer treatment, such as steroid nasal sprays, two to four weeks before your symptoms appear. Once you know the pattern of your symptoms, you may be able to reduce them considerably in years to come by starting your hay fever treatment in good time. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the range of treatments available before the hay fever season starts if possible. It is safest to limit your alcohol intake or to avoid alcohol altogether when you are taking antihistamine medications. That said, many of the newer antihistamines do not stipulate that alcohol should be withheld during treatment.