For 96% of hayfever sufferers the summer of misery is about to begin as grass pollen starts to make itself felt by causing sneezing, wheezing and itchy eyes. Generally those affected will reach for the same anti‐histamines that they have always used but Allergy UK are advising that sufferers should consider reviewing their medication by talking to their pharmacist or GP.
Over the last three months Allergy UK have been providing intensive training to pharmacists to increase their knowledge in allergy and now we have an ever increasing number of Allergy UK accredited pharmacists able not only to give excellent advice but also to take a full clinical history and make a diagnosis of the allergen triggering reactions. “People rarely have just one form of allergy” said Muriel Simmons Chief Executive of Allergy UK, it is important that anyone who suffers from continual runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing wheezing, skin rashes or difficulty with food as these can cross react with pollen, should get themselves checked out. The pharmacy allergy screening service for the first time allows people to find out if their symptoms are due to allergy and if so how best to manage it”. Practical tips for hayfever sufferers will be given by the pharmacist such as:
- Smear Vaseline around the inside of each nostril this will act as filter for pollen.
- Wear wrap around sun glasses to stop pollen getting to the eyes.
- Wash hair before gong to bed to stop allergen transferring from the hair to the pillow and causing sneezy restless nights.
- Don’t sleep with the window open or drive with the car window open.
- Avoid sitting outside at the time of high pollen count particularly early morning and early evening.
For further information on hay-fever or the pharmacy screening service contact:
Jules Payne: 01322 619898 Muriel Simmons: 01322 611649 Lindsey McManus: 01322 619898 Email: Lindsey@allergyuk.org
Justin Fleming © Allergy UK
