---
title: "Hay fever & allergies: symptoms, causes & treatment"
description: "Seasonal allergic rhinitis causes sneezing, itchy eyes and a blocked nose when pollen counts rise — very treatable with antihistamines and nasal sprays."
url: "https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/conditions/hay-fever/"
source: "Sanara Health"
licence: "Quote with attribution and a link to the url above."
---
# Hay fever & allergies: symptoms, causes & treatment

Seasonal allergic rhinitis causes sneezing, itchy eyes and a blocked nose when pollen counts rise — very treatable with antihistamines and nasal sprays.

Editorial information by **Kaiser Khan**. Not clinically reviewed.

Coming to NHS pharmacies in England

## Pharmacy First is adding this condition

NHS England announced on 10 September 2026 that Pharmacy First will add seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) for children aged 4 to 11 this autumn, at pharmacies with a pharmacist prescriber. It is not live everywhere yet — ask your local pharmacy, or use your GP or NHS 111 in the meantime.

[How Pharmacy First works →](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/guides/pharmacy-first-uk/)[NHS or online? Decision tool →](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/tools/nhs-or-online/)

Source: [NHS England: five new Pharmacy First pathways](https://www.england.nhs.uk/2026/09/patients-to-get-quicker-treatment-for-migraines-acne-and-3-other-everyday-conditions-at-pharmacies/), checked 24 September 2026. Sanara earns nothing when you use the NHS.

## Symptoms

- Sneezing and runny nose
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Blocked nose and reduced smell
- Tiredness from poor sleep

## Why it happens

Immune overreaction to pollen (tree, grass or weed), dust mites or pet dander. Symptoms often peak in spring and summer in the UK.

## Treatment

Antihistamine tablets, steroid nasal sprays and eye drops control most hay fever. Start treatment before your season begins for best results.

## Self-care that helps

Check daily pollen forecasts; shower and change clothes after outdoor time; keep windows closed on high-count days; wraparound sunglasses outdoors.

## When to get help

Asthma symptoms worsening with hay fever, or no improvement after 2 weeks of regular treatment — speak to a clinician.

[See our hay fever & allergies support →](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/medicines/hay-fever/)

Go deeper

## Related guides

[Hay fever treatment UK: tablets, sprays and when to start — Best hay fever treatments in the UK — antihistamine tablets, nasal sprays and eye drops. When to start before pollen season and when to see a GP.](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/guides/hay-fever-treatment-uk/)

Available without prescription

## Products that can help

[Everyday health — Vitamin D3: 1000 IU explained](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/supplements/vitamin-d3-1000iu/)

[Everyday health — Omega-3 fish oil](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/supplements/omega-3-fish-oil/)

[Everyday health — Daily multivitamins](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/supplements/daily-multivitamin/)