Hay fever misery does last longer - here is how to cope

"If people are allergic to pollen, it can inflame their airways and cause terrifying breathing conditions, which can lead to life-threatening asthma attacks and COPD flare-ups," says Dr Samantha Walker, director of research and innovation at Asthma and Lung UK.

There's no cure for hay fever, but there are medicines which can relieve symptoms and help you feel a bit better.

Allergy expert Professor Stephen Till, from Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals in London, recommends "a cocktail approach", which means taking:

• antihistamine tablets or drops that don't tend to make you feel sleepy and are long acting
• a steroid nasal spray, and
• eye drops

"They all work in different ways and are all very safe for most people - just go to a pharmacy for advice," Prof Till says.

These products can all be bought over the counter in your local chemist.

Avoiding hay fever triggers is essential too, says pharmacist Ashley Cohen from Leeds.

"I always say it's about good hygiene - pollen sits on your face and arms when you go outside, so have a shower and change your clothes when you come in."

And he warns that pets are "brilliant vehicles" for bringing pollen into your house.

The NHS also recommends:

• putting nasal balm or petroleum jelly around your nostrils to trap pollen
• wearing sunglasses, a mask or a wide-brimmed sun hat to stop pollen getting into your nose and eyes
• vacuuming and dusting your home regularly
• trying out a pollen filter in the air vents of your car

Also, try to avoid:

• cut grass or walking on grass
• keeping fresh flowers in the house
• smoking or being around smokers
• drying clothes outside

"Ninety percent of people with hay fever can be managed with over-the-counter medication," says pharmacist Ashley Cohen.

If your hay fever becomes really debilitating, your GP can refer you to a specialist - but that will take a while.

Allergy expert Prof Adam Fox says the provision of specialist allergy services and even knowledge among GPs about allergies "is not as good as it could be".

"For a significant minority, it has a genuine impact on quality of life - on productivity at work and performance at school."

Immunotherapy treatment might be available for the worst affected. That's when tiny amounts of pollen are injected into the body over time to get it used to the substance, so that it no longer overreacts.