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Any tips for hayfever sufferers?

(10 Posts)
aonk Wed 08-Jun-22 13:41:34

Hi. 3 or 4 years ago I developed hayfever. Apparently this can happen at any age. I started off taking loratidine which worked well. Last Spring and Summer things got a lot worse so I switched to cetrizine on the advice of the pharmacist. I’m really suffering this week especially with my eyes. In the past I’ve tried different eye drops including the ones on prescription but they haven’t helped at all. In fact they sting badly and make things worse. It worrying as I can’t drive when my eyes are like this especially on a sunny day. Any suggestions welcome!

Hetty58 Wed 08-Jun-22 14:02:40

The only thing that works well for me is old-fashioned Piriton (or the same chlorophenamine unbranded - much cheaper). I can take up to six on a bad day but they make you drowsy - so still, no driving.

My brother wears aviator goggles and swears by Beconase (works for him, not me). Filtered air indoors is brilliant.

Hetty58 Wed 08-Jun-22 14:04:04

My optician recommends the preservative-free 'artificial tears' and they don't sting.

sharon103 Wed 08-Jun-22 14:34:24

I have had Loratidine and Beconase since I had allergies since 1994. I had a dreadful time with hayfever that year.
These work for me but a tip I have read about is to smear Vaseline inside the nose to stop the pollen entering.
I did try eye drops myself but like you aonc but I didn't get on with them, they made them worse and had eye ache.
Keep the car windows closed. You can buy clear goggles to wear from any diy store that go all around the eyes.

Casdon Wed 08-Jun-22 14:56:07

One thing I’ve found that helps me is the Water Fresh allergy comfort wipe from Kleenex (sited with the ordinary tissues in my supermarket). My eyes are the main problem, although I take hayfever tablets and use Optrex Hayfever eye drops as well. I think the wipes remove the physical allergens, and they are soothing when the eye itching is driving you crazy. It’s no fun at this time of year!

grannysyb Wed 08-Jun-22 16:55:44

My son in law swears by fexofenadine, I think you can buy it OTC now.

Sago Wed 08-Jun-22 18:44:55

I have taken Fexofenadine for many years on prescription.
Without it I am a mess, I have never had any side effects, it’s a game changer.

aonk Wed 08-Jun-22 18:53:43

Thank you for your helpful comments. I have avoided Piriton up to now because of the drowsiness. I need to be able to drive most days. I will definitely try the other suggestions and I’m relieved to know I’m not alone when it comes to the eye discomfort. I will also give the fexofenadine a try.

AGAA4 Wed 08-Jun-22 19:50:00

I use haymax alongside other medication. You apply it around the nose and eye area and it helps to trap pollen before it gets into your eyes. I find it helps

lixy Wed 08-Jun-22 20:06:07

Yep, itchy eyes here too. I smear vaseline around them which helps and also treat myself to super-smooth tissues with balm as a bit of TLC for myself.
My hayfever is worse this year than it has been for ages. No reason that I can pin down so I'm blaming the council's policy of letting the grass grow long... though I approve of that on a wildlife level!