Get Ready for Allergy Season: Tips for Managing Seasonal Allergies

What causes a scratchy throat?

A scratchy throat is most often caused by allergies or hay fever, a cold or other viral infection, dry air or dehydration, or irritants such as smoke or strong fragrances.

• Allergies and hay fever — pollen, dust mites or pet dander releasing histamine
• Colds and other viral infections
• Dry air or dehydration
• Irritants such as smoke and strong fragrances
• Acid reflux
• Post-nasal drip
• Certain medicines

See NHS hay fever — an itchy throat is a recognised hay fever symptom.

How to get rid of a scratchy throat fast

The fastest relief usually comes from a saltwater gargle, honey in a warm drink, staying well hydrated, and sucking on something soothing:

• Saltwater gargle: half a teaspoon of salt dissolved in a glass of warm water, gargle and spit — not for young children
• Honey in a warm drink — not for babies under one year
• Staying well hydrated
• Sucking lozenges, ice or hard sweets
• Steam from a humidifier or a hot shower

See NHS advice on sore throats for more.

Pharmacy treatments for a scratchy throat

Treatment depends on the likely cause, so it helps to think about what fits your symptoms:

• Allergy-related: antihistamine tablets, drops or nasal sprays, such as cetirizine or loratadine

• Soreness: medicated lozenges, and anaesthetic or antiseptic throat sprays

• Blocked sinuses or post-nasal drip: decongestant nasal sprays

• General discomfort: paracetamol or ibuprofen

See NHS advice on sore throat treatments for more on what’s available from a pharmacy without a prescription.

Scratchy throat, hay fever and seasonal allergies

Pollen triggers histamine and post-nasal drip, and that drip is what makes hay fever such a common cause of a scratchy throat. A non-drowsy antihistamine through the season helps, alongside reducing your exposure — keep windows and doors shut during high pollen periods, and shower after being outdoors to rinse pollen off.

See NHS hay fever for more on managing symptoms.

How long does a scratchy throat last?

A scratchy throat caused by a virus usually settles on its own within about five to seven days. One driven by allergies, dry air or reflux can linger for longer, until the underlying trigger is managed.

When to see a pharmacist or GP about a scratchy throat

See NHS advice on sore throats for the full guidance.

• See a pharmacist for advice and over-the-counter treatment
• See a GP if it lasts more than a week, keeps coming back, or comes with a lump or swelling
• Get urgent help via 111 or 999 for difficulty breathing or swallowing, drooling, or a high-pitched sound when breathing

Allergy season is just around the corner, and for millions of people in the UK, it's a time when the immune system overreacts to harmless stimulants like pollen, pet dander, dust mites, certain foods, and even medications. This overreaction triggers the production of histamine, which causes the familiar allergy symptoms we all know too well. From sneezing and itchy eyes to swelling and coughing, histamines try to rid the body of the allergens by causing discomfort.

While there’s no cure for allergies, there are ways to manage symptoms and make allergy season more bearable. Local pharmacists are a key resource for identifying, avoiding, and treating allergies, offering expert advice and products to help you through the season.

What are allergies and how do they affect you?

Allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies harmless substances as harmful invaders, like pollen or pet dander. The body produces histamine to try to combat these "invaders," which leads to symptoms like:

• Itchy eyes
• Sneezing
• Runny nose or blocked sinuses
• Coughing
• Swelling of the face, lips, or throat

Some allergy reactions are mild, while others, like anaphylaxis, can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention (call 999 in an emergency).

Seasonal allergies: The impact of pollen

In the UK, seasonal allergies, especially those related to pollen, affect millions of people. As the summer months bring warmer weather, they also trigger pollen allergies, often referred to as hay fever. If you suffer from pollen allergies, you know how they can ruin your outdoor plans. But don’t worry—your local pharmacist can help.

How can your local pharmacist help with allergy relief?

Pharmacists are well-placed to offer advice and recommend over-the-counter treatments to manage allergy symptoms effectively. Here's how they can help:

• Eyedrops: To relieve itchy, red eyes caused by pollen or other allergens
• Antihistamine Tablets: These help to stop sneezing fits, a scratchy throat, and watery eyes by blocking the effects of histamine
• Nasal Sprays: Decongestant sprays clear blocked sinuses and relieve a stuffy head, so you can breathe easily
• Vaseline Around Nostrils: A simple trick to trap pollen before it enters your nose, reducing irritation and the severity of symptoms

Managing life-threatening allergies

Certain allergies, such as food allergies or reactions to medication, can be life-threatening. It’s crucial to identify these allergies early, avoid the triggering foods or medications, and keep this information documented in your medical records.

For food allergies, pharmacists can offer advice on which foods to avoid and help patients find suitable alternatives. For medication allergies, pharmacists can identify safe substitutes and recommend treatments to prevent severe reactions. In some cases, patients may need to carry an epinephrine auto-injector (epi-pen), and pharmacists can advise on its proper use.

In the UK, this is usually called an adrenaline auto-injector, such as an EpiPen.

The role of pharmacists in allergy management

Pharmacists are a valuable resource for managing both common and severe allergies. They provide guidance on lifestyle changes to avoid allergens and suggest treatments that can prevent or ease allergic reactions. Whether it's over-the-counter medications, practical tips for reducing exposure to allergens, or identifying medications that may trigger an allergy, pharmacists offer expert care and support.

Why it’s important to address allergies early

The sooner you address allergy symptoms, the better. Untreated allergies can worsen over time and lead to chronic conditions like asthma or sinusitis. By taking proactive steps and consulting your local pharmacist early in the allergy season, you can enjoy a more comfortable summer free from sneezing and itching.

Visit your local pharmacist for allergy support

If you’re struggling with allergy symptoms or want advice on managing seasonal or food allergies, your local pharmacist is here to help. They can recommend the best treatments for your specific symptoms, offer advice on how to reduce allergen exposure, and help you stay on top of your allergy management.

Don’t let allergies hold you back this season! Book an appointment with Doctor Care Anywhere for expert advice on managing your allergies and access to the right treatments to help you feel your best. If you need more information or have concerns about your allergies, our clinicians are here to help, anytime, anywhere.