Hayfever season is here and for many sufferers, it is worth being prepared early and exploring new treatment and prevention options. 

Hayfever is an allergic inflammation of the nasal airways. It occurs when an allergen such as pollen or dust is inhaled by an individual with a sensitized immune system, causing the release of inflammatory mediators such as histamine.

This inflammatory reaction causes the symptoms that sufferers are familiar with such as itching, redness of the eyes, blocked nose and tickly throat.  If you are asthmatic, this will often aggravate your condition.

Many people rely on over the counter anti-histamine treatments to get through the season and battle the symptoms and this works for many people. 

But for more serious symptoms, medical intervention can be necessary including the use of inhalers, steroids and other prescription medication. 

If you are asthmatic, it is especially important that you are prepared and seek medical advice if you feel your condition is worsening.

Hayfever or coronavirus? Hayfever does not cause a dry cough. Sneezing is typical of hayfever but not of coronavirus. Coughing can a be a symptoms of both, which is where it gets complicated. Here is a helpful video to try to distinguish between the two.