At one end of the spectrum it s a minor inconvenience that can ruin the odd picnic in the country, but at the other it can be a major nuisance that interferes with a person s ability to work and play. The Pollen Research Unit at Worcester University. The first and most obvious step is to try and reduce your exposure to pollen. There are a wide range of different remedies on the market and it makes sense to tailor treatment to an individual s needs.
Most doctors prefer to start off using eye drops and nasal sprays.
They are available both on and off prescription. These should be used to ease sneezing and a runny or blocked nose. Both types work better if started as soon as the first signs of trouble appear, and should be used continually throughout the whole hayfever season. Some are available without prescription - ask your pharmacist for details. The older drugs aren t suitable for most people because of their sedative action - drivers taking them are up to ten times more likely than normal to be involved in an accident because of slowed reaction times and impaired skills.