What is Hayfever?

SAR: Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis - is the common term for hayfever. Allergic Rhinitis describes an inflammation or irritation of the nasal lining as part of an allergic reaction and is triggered by something ‘seasonal’ eg pollen.

PAR: Perennial Allergic Rhinitis - has the same symptoms as SAR but is triggered by something that is often present all year year round eg dust mites or pet dander.

SAR and PAR have symptoms that can usually be treated in a similar manner.
Despite hayfever being classed as seasonal and more common in spring, pollens do continue to exist all year round although to a lesser degree compoared to spring, so hayfever may not be restricted to the spring season in some people.

Treatment of hayfever...
Oral non-sedating antihistamines, like Telfast, are the treatment of choice for reducing hayfever symptoms quickly because they work directly by blocking histamine - the main chemical responsible for the symptoms of hayfever. Telfast offers fast, effective relief from allergy and hayfever symptoms without causing drowsiness.3 For those with persistent or severe hayfever, you may wish to recommend a nasal steroid spray, such as Telnase, in addition to antihistamine treatment. Nasal steroid sprays will unblock and reduce nasal allergy but should not be used continuously for longer than 3-6 months.

If you have a customer complain that their antihistamine is ineffective in reducing their hayfever symptoms, it may be that they are not suffering hayfever at all - they may have a common cold or sinusitis (inflammation or infection of the sinuses). In such cases it is important that you refer your customer back to their doctor for a definitive diagnosis.