The Independent Pharmacy

Understanding Hayfever Symptoms From Mild To Severe

Donald Grant
Dr Donald Grant
MB ChB DRCOG MRCGP Dip.orth.med GMC 3058367
GP & Clinical Advisor

If you suffer from hayfever symptoms you’re not alone. As many as 10 million people of all ages in the UK deal with it too, and this number is rising every year. For some it’s mildly irritating with a bit of sneezing and itchy eyes. For others though, it can feel like a never-ending cold that completely takes over their day.

Hay fever allergic reactions can range from a runny nose and watery eyes to headaches, full-blown congestion and even exhaustion. If hayfever is making your life miserable, knowing how severe your symptoms are can help you find the right treatment, whether that’s antihistamines, nasal sprays or simple lifestyle tweaks.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to keep your hayfever under control so you can get back to doing the things you love without constantly battling the symptoms.

Key Takeaway 1

Hayfever symptoms range from mild fatigue to severe eye problems

Key Takeaway 2

Most symptoms can be managed with the right treatment

Key Takeaway 3

Some symptoms may require immediate medical attention

Get Help For Hayfever Now!

Mild Hayfever Symptoms

Even mild signs of hayfever can leave you feeling frustrated. You might start with sneezing, a stuffy nose or just feeling more tired than usual. While these symptoms aren’t severe, they can still make you feel groggy and not quite yourself.

To manage tiredness and fatigue, try taking antihistamines that don’t make you drowsy and stay hydrated to help your body fight off inflammation. Early-stage sneezing is often triggered by pollen exposure, so keep windows and doors closed during peak pollen times and rinse off your face when you get home to remove pollen.

For a mildly blocked nose, a saline nasal spray can help clear your airways without medication. To trap pollen and stop it getting into your nostrils and eyes try smearing a little Vaseline under your nose and wearing wraparound sunglasses when you’re out. A cool mist humidifier in your bedroom can also keep you from feeling stuffy at night.

Flixonase Nasal Spray

Flixonase Nasal Spray

Flixonase is a nasal spray that is used to treat both seasonal and year-round allergies (known as allergic rhinitis), including hay fever.

View Treatment
Includes free delivery & prescription

Moderate Hayfever Symptoms

If you find your symptoms are more than just a mild annoyance and are beginning to affect your daily life, you could be reacting more strongly to pollen. Persistent sneezing, headaches, earache and a blocked or runny nose can make it harder to concentrate, sleep and enjoy time outdoors.

Headaches And Earache

If your sinuses (small air-filled spaces in your forehead, cheeks and nose which help you filter air) are blocked you may get pressure headaches or even earache. To help, try breathing in steam from a bowl of hot water or use a nasal spray or decongestant to clear them. Staying hydrated can also help stop sinus pressure getting worse.

Persistent Sneezing And Nasal Congestion

If you’re sneezing non-stop or struggling with a blocked or runny nose an antihistamine tablet can help calm your body’s reaction. A nasal spray and air purifier can also help reduce your exposure to pollen in your home.

Avamys Nasal Spray

Avamys Nasal Spray

Avamys nasal spray effectively reduces symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever), including nasal congestion, sneezing, a running nose, and watery, itchy and red eyes.

View Treatment
Includes free delivery & prescription

Severe Hayfever Symptoms

For some people, hayfever symptoms go beyond sneezing and a runny nose. If this is you, you’ll understand how severe symptoms can affect everything from your sleep and concentration to your ability to function normally during daily life.

Red And Itchy Eyes

Red and itchy eyes, also known as allergic conjunctivitis, can cause significant discomfort. You may notice redness, swollen eyelids, light sensitivity and even blurred vision in severe cases. Antihistamine eye drops and cold compresses can help soothe the irritation. Finding a treatment that works for you is essential.

Severe Throat Irritation

You might get a scratchy, dry throat from something called postnasal drip where mucus from your nose drips down your throat. Drinking warm drinks with honey or using throat lozenges may help ease any discomfort.

Intense Nasal Congestion

Nasal congestion may go beyond a stuffy nose to the point where it’s really hard to breathe, especially at night. A decongestant nasal spray, facial steam bath or saline rinse can help clear your airways.

Piriton Tablets

Piriton Tablets

Piriton tablets and syrup can provide fast and effective relief from hay fever and other allergies in adults and children.

View Treatment
Includes free delivery & prescription

When To Seek Medical Help

Most hayfever symptoms are easily managed with over-the-counter treatments but sometimes they’re not enough. If your symptoms are severe, don’t improve with medication or are seriously impacting your sleep and quality of life it may be time to see your doctor.

If you notice wheezing or difficulty breathing, severe sinus pain or pressure or a constant sore throat and ear infections, then get help straight away. Your doctor may be able to prescribe stronger antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays or allergy injections to ease severe symptoms. Don’t suffer in silence – help is available to get you back to normal.

Always Remember...

It is essential that you speak to a licensed medical professional before starting any hayfever medication. They can provide personalised, expert guidance, assess potential risks and ensure that your chosen treatment is safe and suitable for your health needs.

Get Hayfever Under Control Now

While hayfever can interrupt your life it doesn’t have to take over. Understanding how you’re affected is the first step to finding the right treatment whether you experience minor irritation or something more intense.

Simple lifestyle changes may be enough to manage mild symptoms but if you’re struggling to function normally there are plenty of medications to keep symptoms at bay and make you feel more comfortable. Piriton Tablets will ease common symptoms and help you get a good night’s rest. Flixonase Spray and Avamys are two nasal sprays which provide fast, effective relief. Take control of your hayfever today and enjoy fewer seasonal disruptions.

What's Next?

Don’t let hayfever take over your life. Find the right treatment today to keep symptoms under control. From antihistamines to nasal sprays and eye drops, there’s a hayfever medication which is right for you. Shop now and get fast, effective relief so you can enjoy every season without sneezing, itching, and congestion.

Related guides

Find More Guides

Need something else?

We stock over 1101 treatments for 90 conditions

Donald Grant

Authored by

Dr Donald Grant
Donald Grant
MB ChB DRCOG MRCGP Dip.orth.med
3058367
GP & Clinical Advisor

Dr Don Grant is The Independent Pharmacy's original online prescriber and has advanced in his role to become the Clinical Advisor, using his wealth of experience to advise on our clinical polices and prescribing guidelines.

Daniel Hurley

Reviewed by

Daniel Hurley
Daniel Hurley
MPharm IP
2078790
Pharmacist Independent Prescriber

Dan is an experienced pharmacist having spent time working in both primary and secondary care. He currently supports our clinical team by providing robust clinical governance review of our internal processes and information.