With a few unsettling and miserable years behind us, we need to be getting back outside in the sun. Unfortunately, for some of us, staying well outdoors is a challenge. Yes, we’re talking about hay fever. Essentially, it’s an allergic reaction to pollen – and one in five people suffer from it.
Related: All of the best spring cleaning essentials in one place
So, if you’re prone to getting hay fever or have already started to get symptoms this year, it’s important to find treatment. Luckily for us, it can be managed by some daily treatment.
If you’re getting itchy, or your nose is running when you step outside, it’s worth reading up on it and investing in some hay fever medication this year. Why suffer? Look after yourself.
What’s the Best have put together a guide of the best hay fever nasal spray on the market, which will tackle all those symptoms.
Steroid nasal sprays, also called corticosteroid nasal sprays, are anti-inflammatory medicines that you spray into your nose. Some steroid nasal sprays are available to buy from pharmacies and shops, while others are only available on prescription.
After all, it’s time for us all to get back together and have some fun.
Shortlist
1. Boots Hayfever Relief For Adults
2. Pirinase Hayfever Relief Nasal Spray
3. Sterimar Isotonic Nasal Hygiene Spray 100ml
4. Benacort Hayfever Relief Nasal Spray
5. Otrivine Adult Nasal Spray 10ml
6. Beconase Hayfever Relief for Adults Nasal Spray 100ml
7. Boots Allergy Barrier Nasal Spray 800mg
But, first, let’s answer some questions that you may have.
What is hay fever?
Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen, usually when it comes into contact with your nose, mouth, throat and eyes. Pollen, if you weren’t aware, is a fine powder from plants.
Especially when it’s warm, windy and humid, hay fever typically peaks between the months of March and September. This is when the pollen count is at its highest.
What are my treatment options?
Tablets - Antihistamine tablets are the most popular treatments for hay fever. To counteract the histamine in your body, these tablets can be attained over the counter of your pharmacy – or online – and should be taken daily for the best results. The most common ingredients used in tablets are cetirizine, loratadine and chlorphenamine.
Nasal sprays – Secondly, nasal sprays are also used. When sprayed regularly, they drive the cells from the lining of the nose and stop the release of histamine in its tracks. Easy.
Eye drops – If sprays aren’t your thing, and your eyes are itchy, eye drops may increase the effect of the tablets. They typically contain an ingredient named sodium cromoglicate and can relieve your eyes from soreness and itchiness.
All of these tablets for hay fever relief have been hand-selected by What's The Best shopping experts. Piper is qualified to give advice on OTC medicines. Plus, she has spent hours investigating and researching, so you can choose the best one. We'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
SHOP: The best hay fever nasal spray
www.boots.com
Perfect for people aged 18 and over This steroid spray from Boots is designed to combat the symptoms of hay fever: sneezing, itchy and a runny nose. Active Ingredients: Beclometasone Dipropionate Suitable for: Adults over the age of 18 years. This non-drowsy spray can provide daytime and night-time relief with two sprays into each nostril twice daily. Contains 100 metered sprays.
www.boots.com
Perfect for a one-a-day dose From the popular brand, Piri Allergy, here is a nasal spray that can help symptoms for 24 hours and help prevent the return of symptoms during the day. Active Ingredient: Fluticasone propionate Suitable for: Adults & children over 18 years Contains 60 doses.
www.boots.com
Perfect natural spray, suitable for all ages This spray helps clean and eliminate any impurities from your nostrils. Made from 100 per cent natural, micro-diffused seawater, it's a natural product of high quality. Ingredients: Isotonic Sea Water Suitable for: Suitable for adults and children. Use two to six times a day for as long as needed.
Perfect for adults, including the elderly This Benacort Hayfever Relief Nasal Spray can relieve hay fever symptoms including nasal congestion, runny & itchy nose, sneezing. Active Ingredient: Budesonide Suitable for: Adults (18+ years) and the elderly. With two sprays in each nostril every day, you can prevent the inflammatory nature of hay fever.
www.boots.com
Perfect for decongestion This works in minutes and lasts for up to 10 hours. Active ingredient: Xylometazoline Hydrochloride (0.1% w/v). Suitable for: Adults and children aged 12 years and over. Each application delivers a measured dose.
www.boots.com
Perfect for people aged 18 and over This spray from Beconase is designed to combat the symptoms of hay fever: sneezing, itchy and a runny nose. Active Ingredient: Beclometasone Dipropionate Suitable for: Adults over the age of 18 years. This non-drowsy spray can provide daytime and night-time relief with two sprays into each nostril twice daily. Contains 100 metered sprays. Never use on children. Related: Beconase Nasal Spray 180 Doses
www.boots.com
Perfect for breastfeeding and pregnant people With up to 200 sprays, this Allergy Barrier spray from Boots is clinically proven to deliver fast, effective protection against hayfever and other airborne allergens. Ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose Powder & Peppermint Powder Suitable for: Adults including pregnant and breastfeeding people. It is also suitable for children from 18 months under adult supervision. The product contains a mixture of cellulose and peppermint which acts as a barrier to allergens and prevents symptoms.
Perfect for children and sensitive noses FUSION Allergy Nasal Spray alleviates itchy and runny nose, sneezing and nasal congestion. Ingredient: Ectoinu00ae Suitable for: Children and adults FUSION Allergy Nasal Spray contains Ectoin, a natural, cell-protective molecule with inflammation-reducing and membrane-stabilising properties.
Perfect for soothing sore nostrils PiriNatural, from the popular brand Piri Allergy, is a steam spray, ready for use regularly. it contains isotonic seawater and aloe vera. It clears, washes and moisturises. Ingredients: Aloe Vera, Sea Water & Purified Water Suitable for: Suitable for children above two years of age and adults. Moisturises and soothes the nasal passages when dry or irritated (e.g. in low humidity due to heated/air-conditioned rooms, high altitude, air travelling).
FAQs
Why do some people get hay fever – and others don’t?
Scientists aren’t sure why some people produce antibodies against pollen and others don’t, but it is now more common to produce them than not. It is speculated that it’s down to environmental changes. Tolerance to pollen varies season upon season, person to person.
Can I use hay fever nasal spray as well as a tablet?
Yes, you can take an antihistamine tablet and use a steroid nasal spray at the same time. But, read the accompanying information booklet first, or check with your pharmacist if you have questions.
Are hayfever nasal sprays safe to use?
Long-term use of a steroid nasal spray is thought to be safe.
However, Beclometasone can sometimes cause side effects if used for more than a few months on a high dose. So, make sure you don't overdo it on a Beclometasone spray.
Tell a doctor straight away if you get:
• problems with your breathing
• damage to your nose
• sores inside your nose.
How often can you use hayfever nasal sprays?
Like the antihistamine tablets, these steroid nasal sprays are most effective when they are taken every day. Also, GPs advise starting this a few weeks prior to the pollen.
However, always read the label.
Are there any natural remedies for hay fever?
Some herbs are thought to help with seasonal allergy relief. If you’re looking for something less medicinal, why not try to get some of these tasty teas?
They're thought to work best when drunk in the evening:
Also, buying locally-sourced honey is presumed to lessen the effects of hay fever.