Don't suffer with hay fever – pharmacist shares 6 easy steps to take in summer

Don't suffer with hay fever – pharmacist shares 6 easy steps to take in summer A pharmacist has shared there's no point in suffering this summer with hay fever and making yourself miserable, as there are many over-the-counter remedies to try Hay fever isn't pleasant at all, and this time of year, many people are affected by the constant sneezing, itchy roof of the mouth, and dry eyes that come with the allergy. It can be so bad for some they have to cancel plans with friends and avoid pollen at all costs. But if you're finding yourself reaching for the tissues every five minutes, there's no point suffering in silence without any medical intervention, because you'll make your summer extremely miserable. Rebecca, aka The Mama Pharmacist, shared the treatments that pharmacists actually recommend if "hay fever is ruining your life". 1. Oral antihistamines Rebecca shared oral antihistamines are best if you're experiencing sneezing, an itchy nose, and a runny nose. She said you need to take these "daily" during hay fever season, not just when the symptoms start, because this can cause you to suffer. Rebecca recommends taking non-drowsy antihistamines, so you can go about your day without feeling awful. 2. Steroid nasal sprays Rebecca shared a steroid nasal spray is the "most effective" way to get rid of hay fever symptoms. She said it helps those who have blocked noses, and can also help runny noses as well. She said they need to be used "daily" for best results. But it's important to know it's not instant and "can take a few days to start working and up to two weeks [to feel the] full benefit". 3. Eye drops Rebecca shared eye drops are handy when you have itchy, watery, or red eyes. They work best when they're used regularly, and can be used alongside antihistamines and nasal sprays for a combined approach in beating hay fever. 4. Saline sprays and rinses Rebecca shared she believes these are "underrated but effective". They're able to "wash pollen out of the nose, reduce irritation, and they're safe to use multiple times daily". Make sure you use them "before your steroid spray for maximum absorption". 5. Decongestant sprays If you have a blocked nose due to hay fever, then this will bring "fast relief". But you can only use them for a maximum of three to five days. They should not be used for a longer period of time because they can "cause rebound congestion and make symptoms worse". Rebecca explained these should be a "last resort" option if you're really struggling and the other methods have failed to work. 6. Vaseline Rebecca recommends you "apply a thin layer of Vaseline around your nostrils to help trap pollen before it enters your nose". She also shared "hay fever doesn't have to take over your summer" and urged people to take action if they're suffering with symptoms this year, as they really work.