No need to see GP for hay fever, says pharmacist

A pharmacist is urging the public to go to their local pharmacy if they struggle with hay fever – rather than "bothering" their GP.

The advice comes as the Met Office forecasts very high levels of ash and birch pollen across the South West this week.

Mike Hewitson, a community pharmacist in Norton-sub-Hamdon, Somerset, said pharmacies offer treatments without the need for an appointment.

He said hay fever has a "big impact on people but we can do lots about it".

Pollen counts tend to be high during warm, dry, and breezy weather conditions, as these factors promote pollen production and dispersal from trees, grasses, and weeds, according to the Met Office.

"Different types of plants flower at different times," Mr Hewitson added.

He said trees are generally earlier in the season, and grass pollen then hits us in June and July.

Symptoms of hay fever can include a runny nose, itchy eyes, a cough or sneezing.

Mr Hewitson said the main treatment for hay fever was non-drowsy antihistamine.

"Some people may have more nasal symptoms and could use a nasal spray," he said.

"For other people it's the eyes that are really tricky, you could use a antihistamine eye drop.

"For some people it may be all of those things and you could use a combination.

"Our staff are trained to be able to help patients. Very rarely would you need a GP, it's not something I'd bother the GP about."

Mr Hewitson said many people don't appreciate how debilitating pollen allergies can be.

"It can affect kids in school going through exam periods, lots of medication can cause drowsiness," he said.

According to NHS advice, in rare cases a GP might prescribe a steroid treatment for hay fever or refer a patient to immunotherapy, where small amounts of pollen are prescribed as an injection or tablet to build immunity over time.

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