How to treat hay fever?

Hay fever is an inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa caused by an inappropriate reaction of the immune system to foreign bodies. Most often, these are certain pollens, but also mites, dust, animal hair or certain foods.

The cause is a congenital predisposition in combination with external factors. Currently, the prevalence is between 10 and 30 %. The pollen season lasts approximately from March to November (maximum incidence May to August).

Symptoms:

• itching of the nasal mucosa,
• sneezing (often paroxysmal),
• watery nasal discharge,
• swelling of the nasal mucosa (impaired patency),
• eye problems (itching, burning, redness or excessive tearing),
• skin manifestations (e.g. urticaria, atopic eczema...),
• itching to swelling of the mouth, etc.

Symptoms can be variable depending on the duration and the specific type of triggering allergen.

Prevention:

• limit contact with the allergen,
• use mechanical eye protection (sunglasses),
• ventilate only briefly and intensively,
• vacuum and mop regularly,
• avoid mowing grass, etc.

If you suspect hay fever, it is advisable to visit a doctor who, based on the examination, will determine a treatment plan based on the severity of the condition. An untreated condition carries a risk of developing complications and can result in the development of asthma.

The treatment is comprehensive and consists of:

• patient education,
• elimination of allergens,
• pharmacotherapy,
• specific allergen immunotherapy.

In the case of mild symptoms, a pharmacist can provide professional advice to the patient regarding first aid therapy.

Freely available according to the web portal of the Czech Chamber of Pharmacists for the public Pharmacist Drops, 29. 5. 2025