Hay fever Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, July 2009.
Answers to questions about hay fever
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- Will I suffer from hay fever abroad?
- Do supermarket own-brand antihistamines work?
- Do any complementary therapies work for treating hay fever?
Will I suffer from hay fever abroad?
It depends on which country you visit and at what time of year.
Explanation
The hay fever season falls at different times in different countries, depending on the climate and the type of vegetation growing there. If you get severe hay fever, it's best to go on holiday somewhere where the pollen count is low all year round, or to visit places that aren't in their peak pollen season.
The grass pollen season in Mediterranean countries such as Greece, southern France and Spain finishes about five weeks before it does in the UK. So a good time to visit these countries is after the middle of July because the pollen count will have already passed its peak. Some local plants may cause problems at other times of the year. For instance, the olive tree produces pollen in the spring.
There is generally less pollen in coastal areas, so if you visit the seaside your hay fever symptoms should lessen. This is because the sea breezes blow pollen inland and bring in fresh air. Mountainous areas may also be good places to visit as they contain fewer pollen-producing plants.
Further information
- Allergy UK
www.allergyuk.org
Sources
- Controlling your hay fever and rhinitis. Asthma UK. www.asthma.org.uk, accessed 25 July 2008
- Hay fever (Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis). Allergy UK. www.allergyuk.org, accessed 12 April 2009
Do supermarket own-brand antihistamines work?
The own-brand products of big supermarkets contain the same active ingredients as the branded antihistamines, so work in exactly the same way.
Explanation
Most antihistamines are available as branded products. The exact same ingredients are available, in the same dose, in unbranded or pharmacy or supermarket own-brands for often less than half the price of the branded version. These unbranded equivalents are known as 'generics'. The manufacturers of generic medicines sold in the UK have to follow the same stringent government rules as the manufacturers of the branded equivalent. Therefore, the active ingredient of the generic product will be chemically identical and have the same effect in the body as the branded one.
There is no reason to pay more for the advertised and possibly more smartly packaged product. Ask your pharmacist for advice before you choose an antihistamine, and always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
Sources
- Are generic medicines as effective as branded? British Generic Manufacturers Association. www.britishgenerics.co.uk, accessed 12 April 2009
Do any complementary therapies work for treating hay fever?
No, there isn't much scientific evidence to show that complementary therapies are useful for treating hay fever.
Explanation
Complementary therapies can be used alongside the medication prescribed by your GP. They include acupuncture, homeopathy and herbal medicines. Some practitioners claim that these complementary therapies can relieve your hay fever symptoms or even prevent them. But there isn't much scientific evidence to prove that these therapies actually work.
If you would like to try using a complementary therapy, let your GP know first. Always continue taking your usual medication, as complementary therapies can't be used to replace this.
Sources
- Allergic rhinitis. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. www.cks.library.nhs.uk, accessed 12 April 2009
- House of Lords Science and Technology Committee - sixth report. July 2007. www.publications.parliament.uk, accessed 12 April 2009
Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: July 2009
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