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Hay fever

Seasonal allergic rhinitis. Itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing. Treatable.

Speak to a GP about hay feverFrom £79
A doctor consulting about Hay fever

In short

Hay fever affects around 1 in 5 UK adults. When over-the-counter treatments aren't enough, a GP can prescribe stronger antihistamines or steroid nasal sprays that often make a significant difference.

Overview

What is hay fever?

Hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) is an allergic reaction to pollen from grass, trees, or weeds. The immune system mistakes pollen for a threat and releases histamine, which causes the symptoms. Pollen seasons vary by type, running from late March through September in most of the UK.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

  • Sneezing, often in bursts
  • Runny or blocked nose
  • Itchy, watery eyes
  • Itchy throat, mouth, or ears
  • Cough
  • Headache or sinus pressure
  • Tiredness, often from disrupted sleep

When to act

When to see a doctor

Book a GP if over-the-counter treatments aren't controlling symptoms, hay fever is affecting your sleep, work, or daily life, or you need stronger options ahead of exams or important events.

When to seek urgent help

Seek urgent help if

  • Wheeze or shortness of breath (possible allergic asthma , needs prompt assessment)
  • History of anaphylaxis with food or insect stings (refer to specialist immunology)
  • Symptoms year-round, not just in season (suggests perennial rhinitis or non-allergic cause)

Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies or NHS 111 for urgent non-emergency advice.

Treatment

How a private GP can help

  • Assessment of triggers and severity
  • Prescription-strength oral antihistamines (e.g. fexofenadine, levocetirizine)
  • Intranasal corticosteroid sprays (e.g. mometasone, fluticasone) which are more effective than antihistamines for blocked nose
  • Eye drops for itchy or watery eyes (sodium cromoglicate, olopatadine)
  • Advice on minimising exposure (timing of outdoor activity, pollen counts, etc.)
  • Treatment for any associated allergic asthma

What we don't do

  • Allergen immunotherapy (referred to a specialist allergy service)
  • Investigation of complex or multi-allergen cases (refer to immunology)

Pricing

What it costs

An online consultation about hay fever starts at £79 for a 20-minute video appointment. In-pharmacy consultations are £129 and home visits are £189. Your consultation includes one private prescription if appropriate, and a sick note for work if needed. You pay the pharmacy separately for any medication.

See full pricing breakdown

FAQ

Common questions about hay fever

Will I always have hay fever?
Hay fever is often lifelong, but severity varies year to year. Some people see symptoms improve with age.
When does pollen season start?
Tree pollen from late March, grass pollen from mid-May to July, weed pollen from June to September. Check the Met Office pollen forecast.
Can I take antihistamines long-term?
Yes. Non-sedating antihistamines (fexofenadine, levocetirizine, cetirizine, loratadine) are generally safe to take long-term in adults.
What about hay fever in pregnancy?
Some treatments are safe in pregnancy (e.g. loratadine, chlorphenamine for short use). Always discuss options with the GP.
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Ready to talk to a GP about hay fever?

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