Shropshire pharmacist offers hayfever advice

While many are welcoming the better weather as spring gets underway, for others it is the start of a challenging season – as pollen starts to fill the air.

From the middle of May to the middle of July it is prime time for hayfever and one Shropshire pharmacist has urged people not to suffer in silence.

Martin Lunt of Lunts pharmacies, which has bases in Shrewsbury, Craven Arms and Pontesbury, is urging people to ask for advice which might make the difference between a debilitating and a tolerable few months.

He said: “Hay fever is a common complaint and one that can be confused with a cold so it is important to recognise the symptoms and then deal with it accordingly.

“Generally speaking if you have an itchiness in the eyes, nose or throat then it’s hay fever. If you have a sore throat then that is more likely to be a cold.

“If the symptoms appear between late May and the middle of July then, again, it is probably going to be hay fever.

“And just because you have not suffered with hay fever before does not mean that you won’t get it.

"Anti-histamine tablets are a good bet and if you are a regular sufferer you can make life a little easier for yourself by starting to take them before the pollen season start. It has been proved that by doing this you are less likely to get more debilitating symptoms.

“It is usual to take one tablet a day but, again, ask for guidance from your pharmacist as you don’t want to be taking something that will make you sleepy. It is also a good idea for hay fever sufferers to keep off the alcohol.

“There are steroid nasal sprays but these can take time to take effect and anti-inflammatory eye drops are also a consideration. All these items are available from the pharmacy.

“If you can find out what pollen you’re allergic to then it will be easier to advise on the correct type of medication.

“Pollen sticks to clothing so changing clothes and showering after being outside is advisable, and staying indoors where possible when the pollen count is at its worse - early mornings or evenings - can also reduce the problem.

“Hayfever is a very unpleasant condition but with the help of your pharmacist it can be made more bearable,” he said.

He said anyone taking over the counter medication for the first time should always speak to their pharmacist first, especially if on other medication, pregnant or under 12.