Hay fever causes, symptoms, treatments and prevention for those suffering in pregnancy, babyhood and childhood.
Who gets hay fever?
Hay fever can develop at any age and can disappear at any time, though hay fever symptoms tend to peak between the ages of 15 and 25.
Fortunately, hay fever is rare in children under 5 years. If you do suspect your baby or toddler has it, head to your doctor to confirm it is the case. Also read our specific advice for toddler hay fever.
Here, we explain the causes of hay fever.
Hay fever symptoms
The most common hay fever symptoms are:
- Sneezing
- Runny or blocked nose
- Itchy, red or watery eyes
- Itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears
Read more about these symptoms as well as less common hay fever symptoms.
If these symptoms match yours, it’s still best to see your doctor for a hay fever diagnosis. This rules out the possibility of the symptoms being caused by something else, and can help you decide on a treatment. It’s especially important when your pregnant, or treating a baby or young child, to get the expert advice.
Preventing hay fever
There are steps you can take to prevent (or at least try to lessen!) your or your child's hay fever. Try these 11 hay fever prevention tips.
Treating hay fever
Hay fever treatments include:
- Antihistamine tablets or nasal sprays
- Corticosteroid nasal sprays and drops – you could be given these instead of antihistamines if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, your biggest symptom is a blocked nose, or you’re suffering persistent hay fever.
- Oral corticosteroids – these would only be given if your hay fever symptoms were so bad they were impairing your quality of life.
- Nasal decongestants
- Eye drops
- Immunotherapy
- Alternative therapies - these include acupuncture, homeopathy and herbal remedies.
Read more about the details, including side effects, of these hay fever treatments.
Antihistamines and pregnancy - what's the story?
If you’re pregnant, you’re advised to avoid antihistamine tablets.
However, as pharmacist Nargis Ara explains, there are times when you may have to use them. “Hay fever tablets are antihistamines. Though not licensed for use in pregnancy, they are occasionally used when benefit outweighs risk. Some are safer than others and your doctor can tell you which definitely to avoid, and whether an alternative treatment such as eye drops may be better, ” she says. (Read more summer pregnancy health advice.)
Nasal sprays, such as Flixonase and Beconase, are okay because they work directly on your nose and won’t be passed on to your unborn baby. (Find out more about what’s safe and what to avoid in pregnancy.)
One hay fever treatment option is the natural remedy Nasaleze. When inhaled, it creates a film of mucus that acts as a barrier against pollen. It’s safe for use if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding and your children can use it (under supervision). Another option safe for pregnancy, breastfeeding mums and young children is the pollen barrier HayMax. It’s organic and made from beeswax and essential oil.
