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Eye drops

If necessary, you can use eye drops in addition to other treatments.

• Antihistamine eye drops work quickly, so you can use them 'as required' to ease a flare up of eye symptoms. You can also use them regularly if needed. There are several brands.
• 'Mast cell stabilisers' are another type of eye drop. There are different brands. They are thought to work by stopping the release of histamine from certain cells (mast cells). You need to use them regularly to prevent symptoms.

Other nose sprays The following are sometimes used. They tend to be used if there are problems with any of the above treatments. Sometimes one is used as an 'add on' treatment in addition to one or more of the above treatments if symptoms are not fully controlled.

• Sodium cromoglicate nose spray. Like steroid sprays, it takes a while to build up its effect, and needs to be taken regularly. It is thought to work by stopping the release of histamine from certain cells. One disadvantage is that it needs to be taken 4-5 times a day (steroid sprays are taken 1-2 times a day).
• Ipratropium bromide nose spray may be worth a try if you have a lot of watery discharge. It has no effect on sneezing or congestion.
• Decongestant nose sprays that you can buy at pharmacies are not usually advised for more than a few days. They have an immediate effect to clear a blocked nose. However, if you use one for more than 5-7 days, a 'rebound', more severe congestion of the nose often develops. One may be useful for a few days to clear a blocked nose when you first use a steroid nose spray. The steroid can then get to the lining of the nose to work.

Treatment for severe symptoms

Rarely, a short course of steroid tablets is prescribed. For example, for students sitting exams who have severe symptoms which are not eased by other treatments. Steroids usually work well to reduce inflammation. A short course is usually safe. However, you should not take steroid tablets for long periods to treat hay fever as serious side-effects may develop.

Immunotherapy (desensitisation)

This treatment is sometimes used, mainly in cases where symptoms are not helped by other treatments. It is done using a series of injections to 'desensitise' the immune system. Another technique is being developed which involves placing the allergen under the tongue.

Asthma and hay fever

If you develop asthma symptoms during the hay fever season you may be prescribed an inhaler. If you already have asthma, your asthma may become worse in the hay fever season. You may need an increase in the dose of your usual inhalers (or other treatment that you take for asthma).

© EMIS and PIP 2005 Updated: May 2005 CHIQ Accredited PRODIGY Validated

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