Hay Fever & Allergies

Overview

Hayfever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is one of the most common allergies in the UK — yet it often feels anything but “minor” when you’re living with it. Caused by your immune system overreacting to pollen, hayfever can bring a daily cycle of sneezing, watery eyes, and blocked sinuses that leave you drained and frustrated.

For some, symptoms are a seasonal annoyance. For others, they disrupt work, school, social life, and even sleep. Feeling tired, foggy-headed, and constantly battling irritation can take a real toll on confidence and wellbeing.

The good news? You don’t have to simply put up with hayfever. With the right combination of treatments and practical steps, it’s possible to keep symptoms under control and enjoy the warmer months again. At SwiftMedi, our UK-registered prescribers can recommend safe, effective options tailored to your needs — so hayfever stops running your life.

Treatment suitability will be assessed by a UK-registered prescriber following a secure online consultation.

Symptoms

Common symptoms include:

• Frequent sneezing
• Runny or blocked nose
• Itchy, watery, or red eyes
• Itchy throat, mouth, nose, or ears
• Cough (from postnasal drip)
• Tiredness or disrupted sleep

Less common symptoms may include:

• Headaches
• Earache or popping in the ears
• Loss of smell
• Sinus pain or pressure
• Skin flare-ups (in people with eczema or other allergies)

Diagnosis

Hayfever is usually diagnosed based on your symptoms and medical history. Formal allergy testing is rarely needed, but some people may be referred to a specialist if symptoms are severe or year-round.

Treatments

Managing hayfever often involves a combination of strategies:

Over-the-counter treatments

• Antihistamines (e.g. cetirizine, loratadine) to reduce sneezing, itching, and watery eyes
• Nasal sprays (e.g. steroid sprays such as beclometasone or fluticasone) to target congestion and inflammation
• Eye drops to ease irritation and redness

Prescription treatments

If over-the-counter remedies aren’t enough, a prescriber may recommend:

• Stronger antihistamines
• Prescription nasal sprays
• Combination therapy for more severe cases

SwiftMedi offers access to a range of trusted hayfever treatments after an online consultation.

Lifestyle adjustments

• Keep windows closed during high pollen days
• Shower and change clothes after being outdoors
• Avoid drying clothes outside when pollen counts are high
• Use sunglasses outdoors to reduce eye irritation
• Check daily pollen forecasts

Prevention

While hayfever can’t be “cured,” symptoms can often be minimised by:

• Starting treatment before pollen season begins
• Keeping an eye on pollen counts and planning outdoor activities for low-count days
• Using air purifiers or pollen filters indoors
• Washing bedding frequently to remove pollen particles

Misconceptions

“Hayfever only happens in summer.”
Not true — different types of pollen peak at different times (tree pollen in spring, grass pollen in early summer, weed pollen in late summer).

“Only children get hayfever.”
Hayfever can affect anyone, at any age. Some people even develop it later in life.

“Hayfever isn’t serious.”
While not life-threatening, hayfever can seriously affect quality of life and may worsen asthma or eczema if unmanaged.

FAQ

When does hayfever season start and end?
It varies: tree pollen peaks in March–May, grass pollen in May–July, and weed pollen in late summer to autumn.

Can hayfever go away on its own?
Symptoms often improve with age, but many people experience hayfever for years.

Is hayfever the same as a cold?
No. Unlike a cold, hayfever isn’t caused by a virus, and symptoms last for weeks or months depending on pollen exposure.

Can hayfever affect sleep?
Yes, congestion and sneezing often disrupt sleep, which is why effective treatment is so important.

Are prescription treatments stronger than shop-bought options?
Yes, prescribers can recommend stronger antihistamines or steroid sprays if standard remedies aren’t enough.

Does hayfever make asthma worse?
Yes — hayfever can trigger asthma symptoms, so managing both is important.