How does hay fever treatment work?
Prescription-strength treatments can help control hay fever by targeting the body’s allergic response, reducing inflammation, easing congestion, and preventing symptoms from returning during allergy season.
Antihistamine tablets (prescription strength)
Antihistamines block the effects of histamine, the chemical responsible for allergy symptoms. They help relieve sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, and a runny nose, and can be taken daily throughout the hay fever season to keep symptoms under control.
Steroid nasal sprays (prescription strength)
Nasal corticosteroids reduce inflammation inside the nose, easing congestion, sinus pressure, and sneezing. They are especially helpful for patients with persistent or moderate-to-severe symptoms and can be used in conjunction with antihistamines.
Eye drops (for allergic conjunctivitis)
Antihistamine or mast-cell stabiliser eye drops can help reduce redness, itching, and watering caused by pollen and dust exposure. These are often used together with tablets or sprays for comprehensive symptom control.