From itchy eyes to sneezing fits and a continuous runny nose, there are plenty of side effects to hay fever.
And now with warmer weather and high pollen counts, hay fever is really starting to take hold among sufferers.
One Shropshire pharmacist is now providing information leaflets to customers to coincide with Allergy Awareness Week, which runs from April 25 to May 1.
Staff at Lunts Pharmacies, which has stores in Shrewsbury, Craven Arms and Pontesbury, have already noticed more customers coming in to buy hay fever medication and are now offering advice on ways to reduce the symptoms.
Superintendent pharmacist Ian Swindell said many people suffer with hay fever at this time of year.
He said: “A lot of people will find themselves suffering from itchy, red or watery eyes, a runny or blocked nose, sneezing fits and itchy nose.
“Less commonly, people can also suffer from facial pain, headaches, or the loss of their sense of smell. Sometimes people don’t realise it’s hay fever but simple advice could really help them.”
Mr Swindell said there are a number of ways to treat hayfever, such as nasal sprays, tablets and eyedrops.
“These are available over the counter without a prescription,” he said. “Sometimes people need antihistamine drops and steroid sprays, some of which, require a prescription.
“We frequently get asked about hay fever and we sell a wide variety of hay fever remedies right from March through the summer to October.”
Mr Swindell said Allergy Awareness Week highlights the discomforts which many people suffer during the summer months.
He said: “But help is out there. You don’t need to stay inside for months. Just ask your pharmacist for advice and if the symptoms persist, your GP will be able to help.”
For more information on Lunts Pharmacies, visit the website https://lunts.net/
Superintendent pharmacist Ian Swindell
