To go to the GP with hay fever

[CurrentCurrant]

I’d never normally dream of this, but it’s unmanageable.

I’ve taken an tried everything in the pharmacy. It’s affecting sleep and was downright scary the other night l, my face was so sore and swollen I had trouble swallowing I was so congested. I wake up eyes glued and swollen, sore mouth and a thick head. I’ve never though hay fever could be like this, it’s gone from irritating to awful.

Fexofenadine is way better than the OTC meds, and non-drowsy too. But the best remedy is acupuncture. I haven't had hay fever since a course of acupuncture 5 years ago, having suffered terribly before. I didn't even go for hay fever either, it was just a bonus side effect!

yanbu
go see your gp
they are able to prescribe stronger stuff and hopefully you will get some relief.

in the meantime try to eliminate pollen/allergens from your home.

and no no no to homeopathy. it.does.not.work.

Immunotherapy is the treatment I had for allergies including grass pollen and now have fexofenadine on prescription. Life changing stuff.

Hi for it but be warned that strong antihistamines can have long term negative effects so GP may be hesitant to prescribe if this is the first time you have had it so bad.

I had to take DD (6) to A&E the other night because of a very bad hay fever reaction to her eyes - bad to an extent the out of hours GP sent us on. She now has prescription eye drops and it makes a world of difference. So yes, over-the-counter only goes so far. And hay fever seems to be very bad this year.

Perfectly reasonable to see the GP for severe hay fever not responding to OTC antihistamines. As others have mentioned, fexofenadine and avamys nasal spray most helpful, but also sodium cromoglycate eyedrops which you can buy OTC if you are having to wait for a GP appt

I get fexofenadine by using the online doctor through Lloyds Pharmacy. Much easier than getting an appt, at least at my doctors. You fill out an online form and pay, it goes to a clinican who, so long as there is no issues, signs it off, and you get an email/text to say you can collect it (delivery is an option, but I've not used it, if they can't issue it then they refund you). Last time I did it, it took approx 2 hours from completing the form to me picking it up - it cost £28 for 2 months supply (£16 for 1 I think).

Disclaimer : I don't work for them, other pharmacies may also offer this service, I use Lloyds because its just across the road from where I work :D

How did to get on @CurrentCurrant

They mucked up appointments and rung to cancel. Now have one for a fortnights time 🙄

Bit of a poor show to make you wait a fortnight when it was their cock-up. I'd be pushing to be squeezed in/ first refusal on the next cancellation, or do a phone consult.

Are you you still struggling to breathe? If so I think you need an urgent appointment. I’d call them back and say you have an allergic reaction and are struggling to breathe. If you say hay fever people imagine it’s mild.

The swallowing was fairly short lived, about 2 hours after WAY higher a dose than recommended of multiple tablets. I think it may have been me already very very highly and then eating something I usually very mildly sensitive too and having a crazy reaction.

Now I’m back to stuffy and miserable but my face looks normal

You poor thing it’s vile. My oldest ds swears by all the drugs etc but he puts vasaline up each nostril as was recommended by a work collegue and it has helped.