Hay fever is the most common seasonal allergy, affecting one in five of us at some point in our lives, and the symptoms can make life very difficult for sufferers. It can come and go at any time in life, so for those that haven’t had it before it can take us by surprise.

But it doesn’t have to stop you from enjoying the warmer weather outdoors. Your local community pharmacist can recommend treatments to ease the symptoms.

Hay fever is caused by an allergic reaction to pollen and the hay fever season lasts for several months, with tree pollen released in the spring, grass pollen in late spring and summer, and tree pollen in the autumn.

Symptoms can include sneezing, coughing, a runny or blocked nose and itchy eyes, mouth, nose and ears. This is due to pollen causing the nose, eyes, throat and sinuses to become swollen, irritated and inflamed.

Although there is no cure for hay fever, there are many over-the-counter remedies available from your local pharmacy to help make life, and the condition, easier to manage during the summer months.

Pharmacists are fully trained healthcare professionals who can offer useful advice on treatments for hay fever, such as antihistamine tablets, nasal sprays and eye drops.

Antihistamines are commonly used for hay fever. They block the action of the chemical histamine, which the body releases when it thinks it is under attack from an allergen like pollen.

For those already taking regular medication, pharmacists can advise on the most appropriate treatments that won’t interact with the regular medications.

As well as seeking advice from your local pharmacist to ease its symptoms, sufferers can take some basic precautions to help minimise the effects of hay fever, including applying a small amount of Vaseline (petroleum gel) below the nostrils to trap pollen grains, and wearing wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting in the eyes.

It’s also a good idea to take a shower and change your clothes after being outdoors, and try to stay indoors when the pollen count is particularly high (over 50 grains per cubic metre of air). The pollen count is usually reported on the daily weather report.

To find your nearest pharmacy visit Find a pharmacy – NHS (www.nhs.uk) and put your postcode in the search box, along with the service you need.

For more information about treating hay fever, visit Hay fever – NHS (www.nhs.uk).