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Hayfever
Mild to moderate hay fever can be treated without a prescription from your GP; we recommend daily use of steroid nasal spray such as fluticasone or beclomethasone to treat nasal symptoms, they may also help to reduce eye symptoms too. Steroid nasal sprays can also be used alongside antihistamine tablets and eye drops; some patients may need to use all three throughout the hay fever season. Please be aware that if these are started after symptoms have developed, it may take a couple of weeks to get control of your hay fever.
It is very important that you know how to use your nasal spray correctly; if you're unsure how to use the medication learn how to use a nasal spray
I do not recommend injection steroid therapy for the management of hay fever as this can have serious long-term side effects, such as increasing the risk of diabetes. Some people prefer to try homeopathic treatments to manage their hay fever symptoms, but there is no scientific evidence that these work.
If you have hay fever and existing breathing difficulties such as asthma, it is essential that you keep taking your preventer inhaler (usually a brown, pink or purple inhaler) to prevent a severe attack.
When there is hot weather, storms and a high pollen count, people living with respiratory conditions such as hay fever and asthma can be affected.
Published: Apr 14, 2026