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'Seek advice over hay fever', pharmacists say

14/04/2008

Nearly three-quarters of hay fever sufferers are risking their health by not bothering to seek advice about treatment, a survey suggests.

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain says research carried out by pollsters YouGov suggests 73 per cent of those experiencing hay fever symptoms do not seek medical advice before selecting a treatment.

Sneezing, runny nose and itching eyes are all common symptoms of hay fever, properly called allergic rhinitis.

But too few are bothering to seek advice on what sort of product is best for them. The research suggests five million out of Britain's 13 million hay fever sufferers could be risking their health by taking inappropriate medicines.

"Pharmacists are highly trained health professionals and experts in medicines – they can play a significant role in the management of allergies including hay fever," RPSBG director of practice and quality development David Pruce commented.

Sufferers could benefit from having the type of allergy identified and the right treatment – many of which are tailored to individual symptoms – identified for them, Mr Pruce believes.

Given the damage hay fever can cause to sufferers' lifestyles the importance of getting the right treatment is especially important, he adds.

The RPSBG's research suggested two in five become irritable when they have hay fever, while 29 per cent have difficulty concentrating.

Five per cent of respondents even said they avoided leaving the home because of the condition.