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Analyse your symptoms and find the best medication kit for you...

Antihistamines

Antihistamines (cetirizine or loratadine) work by blocking histamine in the body, which is released when the body detects something it thinks is harmful.

Histamine causes blood vessels to expand and the skin to swell, but in people with hay fever, also causes an allergic reaction. That’s the watering eyes, blocked nose, rashes and so on.

Max Wiseberg, airborne allergens expert and creator of HayMax, says that many antihistamines are available on prescription, such as Telfast, which you can see your GP for or get through an online doctor, such as LloydsPharmacy.

Telfast, and other prescription-only antihistamine tablets, work in the same way as over-the-counter antihistamines, but are stronger and intended to help with more severe symptoms.

“Get your prescription in advance of the season so you have your medication in time to start taking it at the right time,” he says.

“Some are best taken at least one month before the hay fever season starts."

Nasal sprays

A nasal spray can be effective in controlling congestion and stuffiness.

Pharmacists can advise on nasal sprays (sodium cromoglicate, ipratropium bromide or decongestant), and eye drops, too.

Nasal sprays can also help with other symptoms of hay fever “because the medicine is targeted directly to the nose, which is where the vast majority of allergens enter the body”, Max says.

Independent pharmacist Rita Ghelani says: “Try Xlear nasal spray, which contains xylitol, and has anti-bacterial properties and keeps the nasal lining moist.

“If symptoms are more severe, then try an anti-inflammatory nasal spray – sometimes referred to as a steroid nasal spray – which can take a few days to work.

“Start with one that contains beclomethasone, which is used twice a day, in the morning and at night.”

Rita also advises cleaning the nose with a saline nasal spray before a steroid spray, saying: “It will remove sticky mucus from the nasal passage, thus improving the effectiveness of the medication.”

Eye drops

If itchy eyes are your primary concern, Rita says: “Try using sodium cromoglicate eye drops.

"These make the eyes less sensitive to allergens such as pollen and reduce irritation.

"They need to be used four times a day to keep the levels of the active ingredient high enough to be effective.

"Keep using them even if symptoms improve.

“Using a good eye drop to lubricate the eyes may also help with dry eyes during the summer months.”