Hay fever - what you can do about it

Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an allergy of the nasal mucosa, usually to pollen, house dust mites, animal hair or mould spores. Typical symptoms are Sneezing fits, runny or blocked nose, itchy nose and eyes and watery eyes.

Cold or allergy - how can you tell the difference?

Both the common cold and hay fever affect the upper respiratory tract and can feel similar, but are very different.

Feature	Hay fever / allergy	Cold
Trigger	Allergens (pollen, mites, animal hair)	Viruses
Start	Suddenly, often within minutes	Gradually over 1-2 days
Duration	Weeks, as long as allergen contact	Usually 7-10 days
Itching	Strong: nose, eyes, possibly palate	Hardly any itching
Nasal secretion	Clear, thin, „like water“	Rather tough, turns yellowish later
Fever & aching limbs	Rare, no fever	Frequently mild infection with feeling ill
Contagion	Not contagious	Contagious (droplets)

Table: Typical differences between allergies and colds

What is particularly striking about allergies is severe itching and recurring symptoms in certain situations (e.g. only in spring, only in contact with animals).

If you are unsure - come to the Hasen Apotheke once more. We will be happy to help you with the correct categorisation!

What you can do against hay fever

1. avoid allergens as far as possible

The most important basic measure is to reduce contact with the triggers:

• PollenKeep windows closed when the pollen count is high, wash your hair in the evening and do not dry your clothes outside.
• House dust mitesProtective covers for mattress/pillows, wash regularly in hot water, reduce dust collectors.
• Animal hair/mouldRestrict contact, ventilate living areas well, avoid moisture.

In studies, such strategies helped to reduce hay fever symptoms and upper respiratory tract infections.

2. antihistamines - tablets, juices, melting tablets

Histamine is the messenger substance that triggers itching, sneezing and a runny nose in hay fever sufferers. Antihistamines block this effect and are therefore a cornerstone of the treatment.

• Alleviate above allSneezing, runny nose, itching, eye discomfort.
• Modern active ingredients (e.g. levocetirizine, desloratadine and bilastine) cause significantly less fatigue than older preparations.
• Many people take them once a day in the season.

At the Hasen Apotheke pharmacy, we look together to see which preparation suits your symptoms, your everyday life (e.g. driving, shift work) and any pre-existing conditions.

3. nasal sprays against hay fever

There are different nasal sprays that are used for allergies:

• Nasal sprays containing cortisone (intranasal corticosteroids):
  These Nasal sprays are considered in guidelines as Most effective therapy for moderate to severe hay fever, especially with a blocked nose.
  • Act directly in the nasal mucosa
  • Reduce swelling, sneezing, runny and blocked nose
  • Are mostly once a day applied
  • Systemic side effects are minor at the recommended dosage.
• Antihistamine nasal sprays:
  They work quickly, especially against itching and sneezing, and can be used for minor complaints or as an additional treatment.

Which option makes sense for you depends on the severity and type of symptoms - we will be happy to advise you personally.

4. eye drops for itchy, watery eyes

Allergic conjunctivitis („red, itchy, watery eyes“) is very common with hay fever.

Here at the Hasen Apotheke you get:

• Antihistamine eye drops (e.g. azelastine, levocavastine): very effective for itching and redness.
• Mast cell stabilising drops (e.g. sodium cromoglicate): more preventative, used regularly (start using at least 3-4 weeks before the allergy season!)

Many sufferers benefit from the combination: tablet + eye drops + nasal spray, depending on the symptoms.

5 When should you definitely see a doctor?

We can do a lot from the pharmacy, but sometimes medical clarification is important, for example if:

• You Shortness of breath, wheezing or coughing (risk of asthma).
• fever, severe sore throat or a pronounced feeling of illness (infection rather than pure allergy).
• Your symptoms persist or worsen despite consistent treatment.
• You a Allergy immunotherapy (hyposensitisation) This can influence the cause in the long term.

6 Why it's worth going to the pharmacy

Studies show that many people suffer from hay fever insufficient treatment and often choose medications „at random“. Advice programmes carried out in pharmacies have been able to improve the symptoms and quality of life of those affected, particularly through better choice of medication, correct use and tips on prevention.

In the Hasen Apotheke you get:

• Help with Distinguishing between colds and allergies
• One Symptom-based selection the appropriate medication (tablets, nasal spray, eye drops)
• Tips, how and when best to take your medication (many benefit if they start early, e.g. when pollen counts are predictable)
• Notes, when a visit to the doctor is advisable or necessary.

If you're unsure whether it's really hay fever or „just“ a cold - just drop by. Together we'll find out what's behind it and put together your own personal hay fever strategy.