Hay Fever & Allergies

General Health

At SwiftMedi, we know how disruptive hayfever and allergies can be — from constant sneezing and itchy eyes to that heavy, blocked-up feeling. The good news is, relief is possible. Our trusted treatments are designed to ease symptoms quickly and help you get back to enjoying your day without discomfort.

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About Hay Fever and 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.

Frequently asked questions

  • What is hay fever and why does it happen?

    Hay fever is an allergy to pollen that causes your immune system to overreact when you breathe it in. This leads to sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and congestion. Symptoms vary depending on the type of pollen in the air and your sensitivity.

  • What are the most common symptoms of hay fever?

    Common symptoms include sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, blocked or runny nose and throat irritation. Some people also experience tiredness or worsening asthma symptoms during high-pollen seasons. Symptoms tend to be more intense outdoors or in warm, windy weather.

  • What is the difference between hay fever and other allergies?

    Hay fever is specifically a reaction to pollen, while other allergies may be triggered by animals, dust mites, mould or foods. The symptoms can overlap, but pollen allergies tend to follow a seasonal pattern with clear peaks in spring and summer.

  • What treatments help hay fever symptoms most effectively?

    Effective treatments include antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays, eye drops and decongestants. Many people use a combination depending on symptoms. Regular daily treatment during pollen season usually gives better control than taking medicines only when symptoms flare.

  • When should I see a doctor about hay fever symptoms?

    See a doctor if symptoms are severe, affecting sleep, causing sinus pain, triggering asthma or not improving with pharmacy treatments. It’s also important to get checked if symptoms appear outside pollen seasons, as other allergies may be involved.

  • Can hay fever trigger asthma or breathing problems?

    Yes. Hay fever can inflame the airways and worsen asthma symptoms, especially during high-pollen days. You may notice wheezing, chest tightness or shortness of breath if your asthma is sensitive to pollen. Seek medical review if breathing becomes difficult.

  • How quickly do antihistamines start working for hay fever?

    Most antihistamines start working within one to two hours, while some fast-acting options work within 30 minutes. They work best when taken daily during pollen season rather than only when symptoms appear.

  • Which antihistamine is best: cetirizine, loratadine or fexofenadine?

    Cetirizine and loratadine are effective for most people and usually cause less drowsiness than older antihistamines. Fexofenadine is stronger and helpful when symptoms are more persistent. The best choice depends on how quickly you need relief and how severe your allergy is.

  • Can I use nasal sprays and antihistamines together?

    Yes. Many people benefit from using both, especially when symptoms affect the nose and eyes. Steroid nasal sprays reduce inflammation while antihistamines block allergic reactions. This combination offers stronger relief during peak pollen seasons.

  • Why do my hay fever symptoms feel worse at certain times of day?

    Symptoms often worsen in the morning when pollen rises and again in the evening as pollen falls. Weather changes, wind and outdoor exposure can also influence how severe symptoms feel throughout the day.

  • Can hay fever cause headaches, fatigue or brain fog?

    Yes. Congestion, poor sleep and constant inflammation can lead to headaches and tiredness. Many people also report difficulty concentrating during peak pollen days. Managing nasal symptoms well usually improves energy levels.

  • What lifestyle changes help reduce hay fever flare-ups?

    Helpful steps to reduce hay fever flare-ups include keeping windows closed on high-pollen days, showering after being outdoors, using pollen filters in cars, and wearing wrap-around sunglasses. Checking pollen forecasts can help you plan around peak times.

  • Can hay fever develop suddenly in adulthood?

    Yes. It’s common for adults to develop hay fever later in life even if they never had allergies before. Changes in immune response, environment or exposure to new pollen types can all play a part.

  • Are hay fever medicines safe long term?

    Yes. Most antihistamines, nasal sprays and eye drops are safe for regular seasonal use. Some people take them for months each year without issues. Speak to a clinician if symptoms require constant high-dose treatment.

  • Can I take hay fever treatments with other allergy medicines?

    Many can be used together, such as antihistamines with nasal sprays. However, doubling up on antihistamines or taking certain decongestants may not be safe. A clinician can advise on the best combination for your symptoms.