Hay Fever Treatment
Safe, Effective Treatment
Hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) is an allergic reaction caused by an allergen such as pollen, dust, mould or fungal spores that causes inflammation of the inside of the nose. It's a very common condition, estimated to affect around 1 in every 5 people in the UK.
Allergic rhinitis typically causes cold-like symptoms, such as sneezing, itchiness and a blocked or runny nose. But unlike a cold, hay fever isn't caused by a virus.
Treatment Options
Comparing Hay fever Medications
| Active Ingredient | Form | How long it takes to work | How long can it be used for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Telfast | Fexofenadine | Tablet | Within 1 hour | Can be taken daily - effects last for 24 hours |
| Fexofenadine | Fexofenadine | Tablet | Within 1 hour | Can be taken daily - effects last for 24 hours |
| Nasonex | Mometasone | Nasal Spray | For some patients relief starts within 12 hours of first dose, full benefit may not be seen in the first 2 days. Regular use is required to achieve full benefit. Treatment should begin 2 weeks before hay fever season | Should not be used for more than 3 months |
| Mometasone Furoate | Mometasone | Nasal Spray | For some patients relief starts within 12 hours of first dose, full benefit may not be seen in the first 2 days. Regular use is required to achieve full benefit. Treatment should begin 2 weeks before hay fever season | Should not be used for more than 3 months |
| Cetirizine | Cetirizine | Tablet | Cetirizine should get to work quickly, so you should expect to see results within the first day of taking it. | Use throughout your hay fever season |
| Piriteze | Cetirizine | Tablet | Cetirizine should get to work quickly, so you should expect to see results within the first day of taking it. | Use throughout your hay fever season |
| Olopatadine | Olopatadine | Eye Drops | Relief from symptoms will usually occur within 24 hours. If more than 72 hours have passed without symptom relief then an alternative diagnosis should be considered | It is safe to use the drops for up to 4 months at a time without a break |
| Opatanol | Olopatadine | Eye Drops | Relief from symptoms will usually occur within 24 hours. If more than 72 hours have passed without symptom relief then an alternative diagnosis should be considered | It is safe to use the drops for up to 4 months at a time without a break |
| Sodium Cromoglicate | Sodium Cromoglicate | Eye Drops | Relief from symptoms will usually occur within 24 hours. If more than 72 hours have passed without symptom relief then an alternative diagnosis should be considered | Use throughout your hay fever season |
| Opticrom | Sodium Cromoglicate | Eye Drops | Relief from symptoms will usually occur within 24 hours. If more than 72 hours have passed without symptom relief then an alternative diagnosis should be considered | Use throughout your hay fever season |
| Beclometasone | Beclometasone Dipropionate | Nasal Spray | It can take a few days to start to see improvement and regular use is required to achieve full benefit. Ideally, treatment should begin 2 weeks before the start of your hay fever season. | Should not be used for more than 3 months |
| Beconase | Beclometasone Dipropionate | Nasal Spray | It can take a few days to start to see improvement and regular use is required to achieve full benefit. Ideally, treatment should begin 2 weeks before the start of your hay fever season. | Should not be used for more than 3 months |