Hay Fever Season
SPRING / SUMMER 2026
Surviving Hay Fever
Season
Hay Fever Relief: Our Guide at Saxmundham Pharmacy
Sneezing · Itchy Eyes · Runny Nose · Congestion · Blocked Sinuses
Hay fever affects 1 in 5 people in the UK and peaks between March and September.
When pollen triggers your immune system, it releases histamine — causing that all-too-familiar misery. The good news? With the right products used consistently, hay fever can be well controlled.
Here's what we recommend at Saxmundham Pharmacy.
Our Recommended Products
1 — Fexofenadine Tablets
e.g. Telfast, Allevia — Non-drowsy antihistamine
A second-generation antihistamine that blocks histamine to relieve sneezing, itching, runny nose and watery eyes — without causing drowsiness. Ideal for daytime use.
Adults & 12+
120 mg once daily (rhinitis) or 180 mg once daily (urticaria)
When to take
Take on an empty stomach. Avoid grapefruit, orange or apple juice — they can reduce absorption by up to 36%
How long
Throughout pollen season, daily or as needed
Tip: Start taking fexofenadine 1–2 weeks before your known pollen season for the best preventative effect.
2 — Mometasone Nasal Spray
e.g. Nasonex, Clarinaze — Corticosteroid nasal spray
The most effective single treatment for nasal hay fever. Reduces inflammation in the nasal passages and relieves congestion, sneezing and runny nose. Also helps reduce eye symptoms.
Adults & 18+
2 sprays in each nostril once daily (200 mcg). Reduce to 1 spray once symptoms are controlled
How to use
Aim the nozzle outward, away from the septum. Sniff gently. Blow your nose before use
Important
Start 2–4 weeks before your season begins. Full effect takes 1–2 weeks — don't stop early
Tip: Use NeilMed Sinus Rinse first, wait 10–15 minutes, then apply mometasone for maximum absorption.
3 — Sodium Cromoglicate Eye Drops 2%
e.g. Opticrom, Hay-Crom — Mast cell stabiliser
Prevents histamine release in the eyes. Relieves itchy, red and watery eyes caused by allergic conjunctivitis. Works best as a preventative — use regularly before symptoms start.
Adults & 6+
1–2 drops in each eye, 4 times daily. Up to 6 times daily if severe
How to use
Tilt head back, pull down lower lid, instil drops, close eye for 1–2 minutes
Contact lenses
Remove soft lenses before use. Wait 30 minutes before reinserting
Storage
Discard 28 days after opening. Store below 25°C
Tip: Rinse with eye wash first to cleanse, then apply the drops for better effect.
4 — Sterile Eye Wash
e.g. Optrex Eye Wash — Pollen & allergen removal
Physically flushes pollen, dust and allergens from the eye surface. Gives immediate soothing relief. Use as the first step before any medicated eye drops.
How to use
Fill an eye bath, place over open eye, blink several times. Or instil 1–2 drops and blink gently
Frequency
2–3 times daily during high pollen periods, or whenever eyes feel gritty or sore
Before drops
Use eye wash first, wait 5–10 minutes, then apply sodium cromoglicate
Caution
Use only sterile pharmacy-grade wash. Never use tap water directly in eyes
Tip: Keep a small bottle in your bag for on-the-go relief on high pollen days.
5 — NeilMed Sinus Rinse
Saline nasal irrigation — Drug-free, preservative-free
Flushes allergens, mucus and irritants out of the nasal passages. Highly recommended by ENT specialists and GPs. Drug-free and safe for long-term daily use. Improves the effectiveness of mometasone spray when used first.
How to prepare
Dissolve 1 sachet in 240 ml of distilled or previously boiled, cooled water (lukewarm)
Frequency
1–2 times daily. Twice daily during high pollen season
How to use
Tilt head 45°, insert tip into upper nostril, squeeze gently. Solution flows out the lower nostril. Breathe through your mouth. Repeat on the other side
With nasal spray
Rinse first, wait 10–15 minutes, then apply mometasone
Important
Never use straight tap water — use only distilled, filtered or boiled and cooled water
Tip: Use NeilMed before bed to remove pollen built up during the day. It makes a huge difference to overnight congestion.
Suggested Daily Routine
Morning
NeilMed Sinus Rinse
Wait 10–15 minutes
Mometasone nasal spray
Sodium cromoglicate eye drops
Fexofenadine tablet
During the Day
Reapply eye drops as needed
Use eye wash for sore eyes
Check the pollen forecast
Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors
Evening
Shower and wash your hair
NeilMed Sinus Rinse
Apply eye drops if irritated
Keep windows closed overnight
Extra Tips for High Pollen Days
Sunglasses — wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors to reduce pollen reaching your eyes
Vaseline — apply a thin layer around your nostrils to trap pollen before it enters
Windows — keep them closed in the morning and early evening when pollen counts peak
Clothes — change when you come indoors, pollen clings to fabrics
Pollen forecast — check daily at metoffice.gov.uk and plan outdoor time accordingly
Laundry — avoid drying clothes outdoors on high pollen days
We Can Help
Our pharmacists are on hand to give you personalised advice on the best hay fever treatment plan for you.
Pop in and speak to us — no appointment needed.
Address: 7 High Street, Saxmundham IP17 1DF
Phone: 01728 602051
The information in this blog is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always read the product label before use. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking other medications, or have underlying health conditions, consult your pharmacist or GP before starting any new treatment. Speak to our team at Saxmundham Pharmacy for personalised advice.
