Hay fever, known medically as allergic rhinitis, mimics cold symptoms such as a runny nose, itchy eyes, a blocked nose, sneezing, and sinus discomfort. However, it's not caused by a virus but by an allergic reaction to certain outdoor or indoor substances, which the body mistakenly sees as threats. These substances, or allergens, often include pollen, dust mites, and pet dander from animals with fur or feathers. An often overlooked aspect of hay fever is its effect on the ears. Sufferers might experience symptoms related to hayfever ears, like a feeling of blocked ears, which can add to the overall discomfort. Hay fever can make life difficult, affecting your performance at work or school. But it's possible to manage the symptoms. Identifying and avoiding the triggers, alongside seeking appropriate remedies and treatments, can help you cope better with the condition, including the annoying blocked nose and ears hayfever symptoms, leading to a more comfortable daily life. Read our article to find the most relevant hayfever remedies and treatments.
Can hayfever affect your ears?
Yes, hayfever can affect your ears and even your throat. Many individuals experience not just the well-known symptoms of hayfever, such as sneezing and itchy eyes, but also issues related to them. During spring and summer, when pollen levels soar, some people find that hay fever can lead to hearing problems and discomfort in their ears. This is because the body reacts to pollen as if it were a harmful invader, releasing histamine, which can cause inflammation in various parts of the body, including the Eustachian tube. Does hay fever affect your ears directly? Yes, it can. The mentioned inflammation and excess mucus production caused by hay fever can hinder the normal functioning of the middle ear and the Eustachian tube. This may lead to a sense of pressure or fullness in the ears, difficulties in hearing, and an increase in the intensity of existing tinnitus symptoms. The build-up of mucus can also prevent proper drainage through the Eustachian tube, adding to the sensation of ear pressure and discomfort.
Managing hayfever symptoms effectively can help reduce these ear-related issues. It's important to understand that while hayfever can indeed affect your throat and ears, this condition leads to temporary hearing changes and discomfort. If during spring and summertime, you experience waking up with headaches and ringing ears, schedule a consultation with our experts.
Can hayfever cause blocked ears?
Yes, for many suffering from hayfever blocked ears are a common issue, leading to symptoms like ear popping and ear pressure. This discomfort arises when the body's immune response to pollen triggers an overproduction of histamine, inflaming the ear's lining and causing that familiar sensation of fullness or pressure in the ears.
When hay fever is in full swing, the Eustachian tube, which links the middle ear to the back of the nose, can become inflamed. Normally, this tube helps to equalise pressure and drain fluid from the middle ear. However, inflammation can prevent it from functioning properly, leading to feelings of clogged ears and even causing the ears to 'pop' in an attempt to equalise pressure. This condition, often referred to as hayfever ears popping, can also be accompanied by fluttering in the ears, tinnitus, ringing or buzzing noise in the ears.
If you're seeking relief from these symptoms, there are a few home strategies you might consider. Gently blowing your nose while keeping your mouth and nostrils shut can help to pop your ears and equalise pressure, but be cautious not to blow too hard. Inhaling steam from a hot shower or a bowl of hot water can also help by loosening the mucus and easing congestion. Eating spicy foods might similarly help to clear the mucus that's contributing to the blockage in your ears.
Remember, while bending over might seem like it could provide relief, it actually increases ear pressure and can worsen symptoms. Keeping your head elevated is a simple but effective way to alleviate some of the discomfort associated with hayfever-blocked ears. While these remedies can offer temporary relief, it's important to manage your hay fever to tackle the root cause of the issue.
Is itchy ears a sign of hayfever?
Yes, for many people, hayfever can manifest as itchy ears alongside more common symptoms like sneezing and a runny nose. While itchy ears can also be caused by factors such as skin conditions or infections, hayfever remains a common culprit, especially during high pollen seasons.
For those wondering how to stop itchy ears from hayfever, there are several effective strategies. Firstly, over-the-counter antihistamines can be a great help. These medications work by counteracting the body's allergic response, thus reducing symptoms like itchiness. Additionally, using nasal sprays and decongestants can alleviate the discomfort associated with hayfever itchy ears by easing any related nasal congestion and inflammation. If you're experiencing itchy ears along with other hayfever symptoms, it's a good indication that pollen might be the cause. In such cases, home treatments like antihistamines often provide sufficient relief. However, if your symptoms persist or if you experience severe discomfort, consulting a doctor is advisable. They can offer personalised advice and treatment options to effectively manage your symptoms and bring relief from itchy ears.
Can hayfever cause ear pain and ear ache?
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The best allergies and hayfever remedies
To manage hay fever, a consultation with a healthcare professional is essential. They will conduct a physical examination and discuss your health history, symptoms, and potential allergens. To pinpoint the allergens, you might undergo tests such as a skin prick or an allergy blood test. With the allergens identified, a tailored treatment plan can be formulated to alleviate or eliminate your hay fever symptoms. Reducing contact with allergens is a crucial step. For mild hay fever, over-the-counter medications might suffice for symptom relief. More severe cases may require prescription drugs. Often, the best hayfever remedies stem from combining various allergy treatments, and it may take some experimentation to discover the most effective approach for you. For children with hay fever, it's important to consult their healthcare provider, as not all medications are suitable for young ones. Always read medication labels thoroughly. Common remedies for hayfever allergies include medicinal treatments, immunotherapy (allergy shots), and nasal saline washes, which can help in clearing nasal passages. Finding the right hayfever remedies can significantly improve your quality of life during allergy season.
Soothing Symptoms and Managing Hay Fever:
For Blocked Nose:
- Steam Inhalation: Fill a bowl with hot water, cover your head and the bowl with a towel, and inhale the steam.
For Cough:
- Honey and Lemon: Mix boiled water with half a squeezed lemon and a spoonful of honey, then drink when cool enough.
- Pelargonium: Consider using this herbal medicine as a cough remedy.
For Irritated Eyes:
- Cold Compress: Apply something cool over the eyes to reduce itchiness.
General Hay Fever Management:
- Apply petroleum jelly around nostrils to trap pollen.
- Wear wraparound sunglasses for eye protection.
- Utilize an allergy reliever.
- Install a pollen filter in your car.
- Use a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner.
- Shower and wash your clothes after outdoor exposure.
- Check the daily pollen count; if high, consider staying indoors with windows and doors closed to minimize exposure.
Hayfever medicines and drugs
Hayfever remedies include nasal corticosteroid sprays, antihistamine pills, nasal antihistamine sprays, and decongestant pills. Cromolyn sodium, available as an over-the-counter nasal spray or prescription eye drops, prevents histamine release, helping to alleviate hay fever symptoms with minimal side effects. However, for treating allergic rhinitis, nasal steroids are often the primary option. These aren't the muscle-building kind but are designed to reduce inflammation, particularly in the nasal passages. Nasal steroids are highly beneficial for those with more than just mild, sporadic symptoms but require several days of use to become fully effective. They're recommended for daily use for optimal symptom relief and should be started a week or two before pollen season for seasonal allergies, or used year-round for perennial allergies.
Montelukast (Singulair), a leukotriene modifier, is effective for allergy-induced asthma but may have side effects like headaches and, in rare cases, psychological reactions. Nasal ipratropium spray can reduce excessive mucus production but won't help with congestion, itching, or sneezing, and has potential side effects such as a dry nose and, less commonly, blurred vision.
Oral corticosteroids, like prednisone, offer relief for severe allergies but due to potential serious side effects, such as cataracts and osteoporosis, are typically prescribed for short durations only. Galpharm hayfever and allergy relief is among the various options available in the UK for managing hay fever symptoms.
Hayfever tablets
Antihistamines come in various forms, including tablets, capsules, liquids, syrups, creams, lotions, gels, eye drops, and nasal sprays, offering a wide range of options for managing hay fever symptoms.
Antihistamines are medications designed to counteract histamine, a substance released by the body in response to allergens, which causes symptoms like inflammation and allergic reactions. These medicines help prevent allergy symptoms such as itchy and watery eyes, blocked and runny noses, and sneezing by inhibiting the body's histamine response. When it comes to hay fever tablets, there are two main types: sedating antihistamines, which might induce sleepiness and include options like chlorphenamine (Piriton) and diphenhydramine, and non-drowsy hayfever tablets, which are less likely to cause drowsiness, such as acrivastine, cetirizine (found in Benadryl, Piriteze, Zirtek), fexofenadine, and loratadine (Clarityn). Despite being labelled as 'non-sedating,' some non-drowsy hayfever tablets can occasionally cause drowsiness in certain individuals.
Allevia and Boots hayfever tablets are among the choices available, with options ranging from strong hayfever tablets to milder forms, catering to different levels of symptom severity. It's important to use sedating antihistamines with caution, especially when driving or operating machinery, and to be mindful of their use in individuals with conditions like glaucoma or epilepsy.
Hayfever eye and ear drops
Hayfever nasal sprays
Nasal sprays, particularly hayfever nasal spray and steroid nasal sprays, are highly effective in alleviating the symptoms associated with hayfever, such as nasal congestion and a runny, itchy nose. They are frequently the go-to treatment option for hayfever relief and are often recommended as the initial treatment choice.
- Over-the-counter hayfever nose spray options include fluticasone (Flonase Allergy Relief), budesonide (Rhinocort Allergy), triamcinolone (Nasacort Allergy 24 Hour), and mometasone (Nasonex 24HR Allergy). Additionally, there are prescription nasal sprays that combine an antihistamine with a steroid, like azelastine and fluticasone (Dymista), and mometasone and olopatadine (Ryaltris).
- Saline nasal sprays can moisten dry nasal passages and thin nasal mucus. You don't need a prescription and you can use them as often as needed.
- Nasal corticosteroids are generally considered safe for long-term use by most individuals, with minimal side effects such as an unpleasant smell or taste and nasal irritation. The occurrence of steroid-related side effects from nasal sprays is uncommon.
- Decongestants are another option to alleviate nasal stuffiness and the pressure associated with swelling. However, they are usually used in combination with other medications, like antihistamines, as they do not address all hayfever symptoms. Available in various forms such as liquids, tablets, and nasal sprays, decongestants come both over-the-counter and with a prescription.
- Oral decongestants, like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), and nasal decongestant sprays, including phenylephrine hydrochloride (Neo-Synephrine) and oxymetazoline (Afrin), can lead to side effects such as increased blood pressure, insomnia, irritability, and headaches.
It's advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before using decongestants, especially if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or are pregnant. It's important to note that decongestant nasal sprays should not be used for more than 2 to 3 consecutive days to avoid rebound swelling, which can exacerbate symptoms.
Antihistamine for hayfever
Antihistamines are effective in managing hayfever symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and a runny nose by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical released during an allergic reaction. While they are less effective against nasal congestion, they come in various forms including oral pills, nasal sprays, and eye drops to cater to different symptoms.
For oral relief, popular over-the-counter options include loratadine (Claritin, Alavert), cetirizine (Zyrtec Allergy), and fexofenadine (Allegra Allergy), known as some of the best antihistamines for hayfever. To address hayfever puffy eyes, non-prescription eye drops such as olopatadine (Pataday) and ketotifen fumarate (Alaway, Zaditor) can offer relief. For nasal symptoms, azelastine (Astepro Allergy) is available as a non-prescription nasal spray, with olopatadine (Patanase) being a prescription option. It's important to be aware of common side effects such as dryness of the mouth, nose, and eyes. Some oral antihistamines might cause drowsiness, while others can lead to restlessness, headaches, appetite changes, sleep disturbances, and issues with blood pressure and urination. Before using any antihistamine for hayfever, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding, or if you have glaucoma or an enlarged prostate, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional.
Allergen immunotherapy and injections for hayfever
Immunotherapy is a preventative approach to treating allergic reactions to triggers like grass pollen, house dust mites, and bee venom, offering hayfever relief. The treatment entails administering progressively higher doses of the allergen to which an individual is allergic. The underlying mechanism is similar to the vaccine one. How effective is this method? Approximately 80% of individuals experience a significant improvement in their allergy symptoms, meaning their symptoms are reduced but may not disappear entirely. Around 60% of individuals achieve lasting benefits after three to five years of undergoing immunotherapy for hayfever. Allergen immunotherapy, an effective treatment for conditions like insect sting allergies, severe hay fever, asthma, and sometimes eczema, can be administered through injections under the skin, oral tablets, sprays, or drops under the tongue. For those battling severe hay fever, there's good news: a hayfever jab known as a Kenalog injection is available on prescription. This medication works by dampening the immune system's response to pollen, thereby preventing the production of antibodies against pollen. Many find the Kenalog injection for hayfever incredibly effective, with some experiencing complete symptom relief throughout the season, while others notice a significant reduction in symptom severity, allowing for a more normal life when combined with other treatments. However, it's important to note that private hay fever treatments, including the hayfever injection, are not available on the NHS. The only way to obtain a safe and professionally administered injection is through private treatment. The cost for a hayfever injection is around £45 per 40mg dose. If you're wondering where you can get the hayfever injection, looking into private healthcare providers like these pharmacies is a viable option.
Natural and herbal remedies for hayfever
Exploring natural remedies for hayfever is a popular choice for many seeking relief from seasonal allergies. Among these, herbal remedies for hayfever, such as butterbur extracts, have garnered attention. When considering butterbur, opt for PA-free products to ensure safety from toxic substances. Limited studies suggest that spirulina and Tinospora cordifolia might also offer benefits, although their effectiveness is not fully established. Other natural options include capsicum, honey, vitamin C, and fish oil, known for their potential in easing allergy symptoms.
It's important to remember that herbal and homeopathic remedies for hayfever aren't subject to the same rigorous testing as conventional medicines. Therefore, discussing these options with a healthcare professional is crucial before incorporating them into your regimen.
Acupuncture is another alternative method some turn to for hayfever relief. While definitive evidence of its efficacy is sparse, the risk associated with acupuncture is generally considered low. For those interested, consulting with a qualified practitioner is advisable.
These hayfever relief natural remedies offer a range of options for those looking to manage their symptoms through alternative means. However, due diligence and professional guidance are key to finding the most suitable and safe approach.
Hayfever wipes
How to get rid of hayfever with home remedies
If you're wondering how to get rid of hayfever, it's worth noting that completely avoiding allergens might be challenging, but reducing exposure can significantly alleviate symptoms. Here are some practical hayfever home remedies and strategies to consider:
For Pollen or Molds:
- Keep doors and windows shut during pollen seasons.
- Avoid drying laundry outdoors to prevent pollen from clinging to fabrics.
- Utilize air conditioning at home and in your vehicle.
- Install and regularly change allergy-grade filters in your home's ventilation system.
- Limit outdoor activities in the early morning and on days with high pollen counts, especially during dry, windy conditions.
- Use a dehumidifier to keep indoor humidity low.
- Place high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in bedrooms and other frequently used areas.
- Steer clear of lawn mowing and leaf raking, or wear a dust mask if necessary.
- Wear glasses or sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes from pollen.
For Dust Mites:
- Encase mattresses, box springs, and pillows in allergy-proof covers.
- Regularly wash bedding and soft toys in hot water (at least 130 F or 54 C).
- Maintain low indoor humidity using dehumidifiers or air conditioners.
- Weekly vacuum carpets with a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner.
- If dust mites are a significant issue, consider replacing carpeting in sleeping areas with hard flooring.
- Use damp mops and cloths for cleaning to minimize dust dispersal.
These alternative hayfever remedies focus on creating an environment less conducive to allergens, thereby helping to manage and reduce hayfever symptoms effectively.
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Can you take hayfever tablets when pregnant?
Yes, you can. If you're asking yourself "Can I take anything for hayfever while pregnant?" remember our instructions. When dealing with hayfever during pregnancy, it's crucial to choose safe remedies. What allergy tablets are safe during pregnancy? Loratadine and Cetirizine are commonly recommended antihistamines for pregnant women because they don't typically induce drowsiness. Chlorphenamine may also be an option, although it's less preferred due to its sedative effects. Older antihistamines like promethazine and dexchlorpheniramine are more likely to cause drowsiness and are usually not the first choice. Antihistamines such as desloratadine, levocetirizine, and fexofenadine are also considered less sedating and are deemed relatively safe for use during pregnancy, following adequate safety follow-ups. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medication, including hayfever remedies when pregnant. Is it safe to take Allevia hayfever tablets while pregnant? Regarding Allevia hayfever tablets, they should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless specifically recommended by a doctor. While Allevia is unlikely to impair your ability to drive or operate machinery, it's essential to ensure that it doesn't cause drowsiness or dizziness before engaging in such activities. Always consult a healthcare provider to discuss what allergy tablets are safe during pregnancy and to address any concerns about treating hayfever in pregnancy.
Children's hayfever remedies in the UK
This table is based on the remedies outlined for treating children's hayfever in the UK.
Product Examples | Age Available to Buy For | Available From | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorphenamine tablets (Piriton®) |
6yrs+ |
Pharmacies only |
From £3.49 for 28 tablets |
| Chlorphenamine liquid (Piriton® syrup) |
1yr+ |
Pharmacies only |
From £3.29 |
| Cetirizine tablets (Zirtek® Allergy Relief) |
6yrs+ |
Pharmacies & supermarkets |
From £1 for 14 tablets |
| Cetirizine liquid (Zirtek® Allergy Solution) |
2yrs+ |
Pharmacies only |
From £4.99 |
| Loratadine tablets (Clarityn Allergy®) |
2yrs+ if >30kg |
Pharmacies & supermarkets |
From £1 for 14 tablets |
| Loratadine liquid (Clarityn Allergy® syrup) |
2yrs+ |
Pharmacies & supermarkets |
From £4.99 |
| Sodium cromoglicate eye drops 2% w/v (Allercrom®) |
6yrs+ |
Pharmacies & supermarkets |
From £5.49 |
| Beclometasone nasal spray |
18yrs+ |
Not available to buy for children |
From £5.49 |
| Fluticasone nasal spray |
18yrs+ |
Not available to buy for children |
From £5.49 |
When does hayfever season start in the UK?
Tree pollen marks the onset of the hay fever season in the UK, typically from late March to mid-May, affecting about 25% of people. Following this, grass pollen, which peaks twice, dominates from mid-May to July, impacting the majority of hay fever sufferers. Weed pollen season extends from late June to September, though its release can vary. The timing of hay fever seasons varies across the UK, with northern regions experiencing a later start and shorter duration due to generally lower pollen levels. Urban areas see fewer pollen counts compared to the countryside, and coastal regions have lower counts than inland areas. In England and Wales, for instance, the grass pollen season usually peaks in early June, followed by a second, less intense peak in early July, with levels gradually decreasing thereafter. Weather conditions, such as temperature and rainfall during spring and early summer, significantly influence these peaks. Several factors can delay the onset of the pollen season. Cold winter temperatures can prolong the dormancy of plants and trees, reducing pollen production. Conversely, warmer spring temperatures can increase it. Spring rainfall plays a crucial role too, with a dry season leading to reduced pollen levels.
Is it hayfever or cold? Symptoms of hayfever
Hay fever, a widespread allergy, triggers symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes. Although it cannot be cured, there are ways to alleviate symptoms or medications available for relief. The telltale signs of hay fever encompass sneezing, coughing, either a runny or blocked nose, itchy and watery eyes, an itchy sensation in the throat, mouth, nose, and ears, diminished sense of smell, discomfort around the head and forehead, headaches, and fatigue. These symptoms tend to intensify from late March to September, particularly on warm, humid, and breezy days when pollen levels peak. Unlike a common cold that typically resolves within a week or two, hay fever can persist for several weeks or even months, making it a more prolonged concern. Here's a table highlighting the differences between signs of hayfever and cold:
Condition | Symptoms | Onset | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hay Fever |
Runny nose with thin, watery discharge; no fever |
Immediately after exposure to allergens |
As long as you're exposed to allergens |
| Common Cold |
Runny nose with watery or thick yellow discharge; body aches; low-grade fever |
1 to 3 days after exposure to a cold virus |
3 to 7 days |
Hayfever cough
Hayfever sore throat
Swollen and itchy eyes
Hayfever headaches
Blocked nose from hay fever
Hayfever rash
FAQs about hayfever remedies and ear issues
Can hayfever make you tired?
Can babies get hayfever?
Can you overdose on hayfever remedies?
How do I unblock my ears from hayfever?
Can hayfever mess with your ears?
Yes, it can cause three main hearing health issues.
- Ear Fullness: The sensation of a full or blocked ear is often due to excessive fluid buildup, exerting pressure on the eardrum and leading to hearing difficulties. While this discomfort usually subsides over time, any accompanying pain may indicate an infection, necessitating immediate medical consultation.
- Conductive Hearing Loss: This type of hearing loss arises when sound transmission through the ear to the middle ear bones is hampered, possibly by fluid or earwax blockages. While conductive hearing loss can often be reversed and might resolve on its own, determining whether hearing impairment is temporary or permanent requires comprehensive evaluation. Significant or sudden hearing loss should prompt an urgent visit to a hearing specialist to prevent irreversible damage. Remember, timely action is crucial for effective treatment.
- Allergy-Induced Tinnitus: Experiencing tinnitus concurrently with allergy symptoms suggests a connection to allergic reactions. If tinnitus becomes a recurrent issue during allergy seasons, seeking advice from a specialized hearing center is recommended for management and relief.
How do you treat hayfever earaches?
How do I unclog my ears from allergies?
Should I take an antihistamine for clogged ears?
Will antihistamine unclog ears?
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