Seasonal Health Advice - Summer

Hay Fever

Hay fever affects up to 3 million people each year in the UK. Also known as Allergic Rhinitis, hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollens and moulds, which is why we experience the symptoms of runny nose, sneezing and itchy eyes from early spring through to autumn, and for some people, throughout the year.

If you suffer from these symptoms, when pollen counts are low, or your symptoms are worse indoors, then the cause may be due to the environment in which you live including factors such as mould or dust mites. Both of these are capable of triggering the symptoms of hay fever/allergic rhinitis.

Pollen Calendar

The level of pollen in the air varies throughout the day and the night. The chart below shows the typical daily peak times for pollen.

Seasonal/non-seasonal Allergies

You may find it difficult to identify the actual cause of your symptoms and identification may be a process of trial and error. Here are some simple questions that you can ask yourself to try and identify the cause.

What can cause allergic rhinitis?

There are many substances or environmental factors that can trigger the symptoms, some of the most common are:

• dust
• moulds
• pet hairs
• central heating
• dust mites
• air conditioning

Treatments

There are some highly effective products available without prescription, which will quickly help to relieve the symptoms of hay fever of allergic rhinitis.

Syrups

The last thing that children want to do in the summer is to stay indoors because they suffer from hay fever. Thankfully there are products available from your Pharmacist suitable for children one year or over. For children six years and over, your Pharmacist may recommend a tablet product.

It is particularly important when giving medicines to children that you follow the dosage instructions printed on the pack. Never be tempted to give adult medicines to a child. If in doubt, ask our Pharmacist. If you have any doubts, talk to your doctor.

Nasal Sprays

Nasal sprays or drops offer fast short-term relief from a blocked or runny nose. Some products offer the added benefit of a 'decongestant', which works by reducing swollen nasal passages and drying up excess mucus.

Excessive use of nasal sprays or drops can lead to the nasal membrane becoming over sensitive. Nasal sprays are, therefore, ideal for a quick fix over a short period of time.

Top Tips

• Take precautions at 'peak' times for pollen and when driving, keep your car windows closed to avoid contact with the pollen.
• Check the TV and radio reports each day to find out when the pollen count forecast is high.
• Speak to the Pharmacist for advice on using appropriate products before the symptoms start.
• To reduce mould spores entering the air from houseplants, place fine grit or pebbles on top of the soil.
• Vacuum carpets and upholstery regularly.
• In winter, keep a window open to allow air to circulate.
• Always follow the instructions given with all medicines.

Seek Advice

• If you have difficulty breathing especially if you suffer from asthma.
• If symptoms persist after several days of taking a treatment.

Skin Allergies

Bites

Typically a bite from a mosquito or midge will cause only a local reaction but can cause a lot of discomfort, particularly if there is more than one. Calamine lotion will help soothe an itchy bite and is suitable for both adults and children.

Hydrocortisone cream is suitable for adults only and will reduce any inflammation around the bite and help relieve the itch. It should not, however, be applied to broken skin or the face.

If you have had multiple bites you can consider taking an antihistamine tablet or syrup which will help relieve any general reaction to both a bite and sting.

Stings

Stings differ to bites in that the insect releases a small quantity of venom, which can be painful, itchy and last a couple of days. Both bee and wasp stings can in very rare cases cause a serious reaction called anaphylactic shock, which can be fatal.

A sting relief treatment will help reduce any swelling and discomfort. More general reactions such as urticaria are quite common and can be treated with an antihistamine tablet or syrup.

Anaphylactic Shock Syndrome

The sting from a wasp or bee can cause a very rare reaction in some people, which can prove fatal. Symptoms: Difficulty breathing, sweating, palpatations, fainting and loss of consciousness. Seek immediate medical assistance.

Nettle Rash

Also known as urticaria or hives, nettle rash is one of the most common skin allergies. The symptoms are itchy, raised white spots located in patches, mainly affecting the body, legs and arms. The cause of this rash can be difficult to identify, but foods such as shellfish, extremes in temperature and contact with plants are known triggers.

For the majority of sufferers, the symptoms can be relieved by taking an antihistamine tablet(s) or alternatively, you can apply a hydrocortisone or emollient cream to the affected area.

Prickly Heat

For many people, a holiday can be ruined by prickly heat rash. The direct cause is unknown, but the most common triggers are excessive sweating and sudden prolonged exposure to the sun.

For some an antihistamine tablet or hydrocortisone cream may help to reduce the symptoms. It is also advisable to reduce your level of sunbathing to just a few minutes on the first couple of days of your holiday. Remember always to protect your skin from sunburn with a sun cream or lotion with a minimum SPF15.

Contact Dermatitis

This type of problem occurs when the skin comes into contact with a substance that is an 'irritant', which could be an everyday product such as clothes, detergent or chemicals.

The part of the body affected by this type of reaction can provide an indicator to the potential irritant. For example if you suffer from dermatitis to the feet, do you walk bare foot on concrete? If yes the likely cause of your dermatitis are the chemicals in the concrete. Treatment in this instance could involve an emollient cream applied directly to the skin and protecting the feet from direct contact by wearing shoes.

Stress and Exams

Everyone gets stressed at one time or another. Lots of people get stressed at exam and test time or when coursework deadlines are looming large. This is quite normal, after all a bit of stress can be good for you. It's the body's way of making you alert and ready for what's coming. It can help you do better. But too much stress is not good. it can make you feel unable to cope, out of control, even ill.

So how do you know if you are under too much pressure?

How do you feel emotionally and physically? If some of these symptoms apply to you then you may be suffering from too much stress.

• Angry and impatient with people close to you.
• Close to tears over small events.
• Big mood swings.
• Alone and isolated.
• Self-esteem at rock bottom.
• Sleeplessness.
• Headaches.
• Tummy upsets.
• Loss of appetite or irregular eating.
• Panic attacks and difficulty breathing.
• Low energy and lack of concentration.
• Loss of interest in things around you.
• So what can you do about it?

Don't suffer in silence. Remember that whilst you can't completely escape from feeling stressed, there are things you can do which may help. Here are some tips:

Get on top of things!

• Check with your teachers on what you need to do to revise and listen to their advice.
• Plan a realistic revision or study timetable, which includes time to do things you enjoy as well as work.
• Take short breaks when studying or revising, a tired mind is not an active one.

Look after your body

• Feed your brain, eat healthy foods regularly.
• Take exercise, walk, run, swim, dance, play sport. It will help you sleep and your brain to work better.

Get as much sleep as possible.

• Avoid misusing drugs including alcohol to help you relax or gain energy. They may seem to help you at first but very quickly they will only make things worse.
• Find time to relax and learn to switch off. Never go straight to bed after studying. Listen to some music, watch TV, take a short walk, have a warm bath or do something you like.
• Tune into your own feelings, if you feel anxious, tired worried or stressed discuss your worries with people you trust.

Be positive

Concentrate on you, don't worry what other people say they are doing, it may not be true anyway.
Ultimately remember to just do your best. No one can expect any more of you than this. And if you don't do as well as you hoped, it doesn't make you a bad person.