Hay fever is a condition which affects so many of us and can leave you feeling dreadful when you should be out enjoying the good weather – particularly now the lockdown has been extended to 5 km!
Thankfully at Five Star Pharmacy we have lots of solutions and plenty of common-sense tips to help you through the season!
So, what is Hay fever and what practical tips can we follow to minimise our symptoms?
Hay fever is an allergy to microscopic pollen particles which, thankfully, can be physically removed.
We can minimise the amount of pollen getting into our eyes, which causes itchy, watery eyes by wearing wrap-around sunglasses. An alternative option would be to use eye drops such as Opticrom, but if you can prevent the pollen from reaching the eyes in the first instance, all the better.
https://fivestarpharmacy.ie/product/opticrom-allergy-eye-drops/
Another way to minimise the amount of pollen which you might encounter in the day is to stay in between 7am – 9am and 7pm – 9pm, and similarly close windows between 7-9 morning and evening – watch our short YouTube video over on the Five Star Pharmacy YouTube Channel to find out why. Additionally, you should wash your hair and face regularly and even shower when you come in from the garden, as discussed in the video, to physically minimise the amount of pollen on your body.
Conventional options:
Of course, there are plenty of conventional hay fever products available at Five Star Pharmacy to help counter-act those pesky pollen levels by minimising the allergic response in the body such as Cetrine and Zirtek which are convenient, once daily, non-drowsy preparations. These can also be combined with a decongestant such as Sudafed if the sinuses are particularly affected or there are all-in-one preparations like Zirtek decongestant available – provided you are not on any medication for asthma or blood pressure, for instance.
https://fivestarpharmacy.ie/product/zirtek-tablets/
Alternative options:
There are also a plethora of alternative hay fever options. One which Dermot, owner of Five Star Pharmacy, is particularly fond of himself and you will often see him sporting even in the dispensary is the Hay-band.
https://fivestarpharmacy.ie/product/hayband/
The Hay-band is an acupressure band, which Dermot describes as a “simple contraption which works on Li-11 acupressure point, providing non drug relief” throughout the season. To find out more about the Hayband watch Dermot’s short video here as he chats to local physio Margaret Walsh.
Another popular alternative option is the A. Vogel Pollinosan which you can read about here.
Finally, if the Hay-band isn’t for you or perhaps popping pills isn’t your thing and you just want to clear the pollen from your nasal passages, why not try Sterimar nasal spray, Olbas oil, Vicks or the ever popular Neilmed Nasal Rinse (available as a starter pack or larger 120 pack). To find out more on these products, and even about conditions which can be commonly confused with Hay fever, watch our short YouTube video over on the Five Star Pharmacy page and follow the product links to our website for individual product information.
https://fivestarpharmacy.ie/product/sterimar/
At Five Star Pharmacy we believe all these hay fever products mentioned deserve Five Stars, however, with hay fever, treatment options can vary greatly depending on the individual, their predominant symptoms, their preferences, and any other conditions. If you would like any further information and a solution tailored to you, please do not hesitate to contact us where you can speak to a Five Star Pharmacist!
