Hay fever sufferers worry that they are taking too many medicines, according to health advice specialists.
The UK last week experienced its first ‘pollen bomb’ of the year – with ‘very high’ levels recorded across most of England, according to the Met Office.
Allergic reactions to this are expected to get only worse in the coming months, with studies showing the period between May and July is the most severe.
However, according to health advice website Healthwords.ai, sufferers have concerns that they are overmedicating.
During summer, the firm says that the number of patients visiting its site with fears about taking too many allergy medicines increases significantly.
It said people were particularly worried about taking too many hay fever tablets in a day as well as the safety of combining multiple pollen allergy drugs.
Hay fever, known as allergic rhinitis, is a reaction to pollen that affects around 13 million people in the UK – one in four adults and one in ten children.
The most commonly used hay fever remedies are antihistamine tablets. While effective, these can trigger drowsiness, as well as dry mouth, blurred vision and difficulty peeing.
Hay fever sufferers worry that they are taking too many medicines, according to health advice specialists
The UK last week experienced its first ‘pollen bomb’ of the year – with ‘very high’ levels recorded across most of England, according to the Met Office
Research also shows it is possible to overdose on antihistamines.
Symptoms range from extreme drowsiness and confusion to seizures. These typically occur if patients take three to five times the recommended dose.
For loratadine, also known as Clarityn, the most popular hay fever tablet, the recommended daily dose is one 10mg pill.
Many sufferers also regularly use steroid nasal sprays to combat the inflammation. But, according to the NHS, overuse of these can lead to headaches, unpleasant taste or smell, sneezing and even nosebleeds.
‘We’re seeing more people engage with how they use medication, particularly around dosage and combining treatments,’ says Arsalan Karim, co-founder of Healthwords.ai.
‘That reflects a more informed consumer but it also highlights the ongoing need for clear, trusted guidance.’
