How’s your hay fever at the moment?

[ShutUpJennie]

I can normally control my hay fever with OTC cetirizine; I take it most of the year as a one-a-day tablet, before bed, with no side effects

This year it has been really bad - I always get symptoms from tree pollen when the blossom comes out but this time they’ve stayed and I’m a sneezing mess with red eyes still. I also have a nasty sun rash which I can get rid of

Is anyone else suffering more than normal? What do you take and is it worth looking for something stronger that might cause drowsiness?

I find I need to change types of antihistamine every couple of years as they stop working. I was taking Cetirizine until a few weeks ago when I had a day where I was really unwell with hayfever symptoms and basically slept all day. I switched back to Loratadine and I can function again. I also use eye drops and hayfever nasal spray during peak season.

Adding to the crowd suggesting fexofenadine - its ace. You can get unbranded version which is exactly the same as Allevia and will save you £££. I also take Loratadine at night when symptoms particularly bad. A GP told me years ago that doubling up on different kinds of anti-histamine is more effective than double dosing on the same item?? Not sure about the science of that just what i was told.

I also take nasal spray and eye drops. Some of the barrier type nose creams can be effective too Hay max I think the one i use is called.