hayfever

Mine developed when I was in my forties and has been particularly bad this year. The last week being dry and windy has meant using tablets and nasal spray. Mine is caused by dust as well as several pollens. I take care not to hang my bedding or nightclothes out to dry and to shower and wash hair daily to minimise exposure.

I'm not sure what it is I've got and neither it seems does anyone else. I have it virtually all the year round, sneezing as soon as my eyes are open sometimes, and constantly blowing my nose. I'm told it is allergic rhinitis, not hay fever, but they can't seem to pin down what I'm allergic to except it might be air pollution. It has been particularly bad this year so I have been using an antihistamine spray which seems to work.

I developed hay fever a few years ago. You can also buy (or get prescribed) antihistamine and/or steroid nasal drops. I'm taking both as well as the tablet whilst the pollen is very high. The GPs recommendation is to start the tablets and drops at the start of the season before you have symptoms then it won't become severe. I also get a cough and sore throat and have had to have both steroids and antibiotics when it's bad. They recommend staying in, don't go in the garden, don't hang washing out, keep the windows closed but I'd rather enjoy the summer and take preventative medicine.