Latest news with #AllergyUK
Times
12-07-2025
- Health
- Times
What is fexofenadine? The hay fever pill that could save your summer
The latest box that Amol Rajan has ticked on his busy to-do list is finding a cure for hay fever. Well, sort of. The University Challenge quizmaster, Today programme host and summertime sneezer has been singing the praises online of a pill called fexofenadine — and has been inundated with messages of gratitude from fellow sufferers on Instagram and TikTok. About a quarter of the population suffers from hay fever, although the charity Allergy UK says levels are rising, with as many as 49 per cent of people now reporting symptoms. Rajan's followers, however, say 'fex' has relieved them of theirs. So what is it and how does it compare with other allergy drugs? The most commonly taken hay fever medications are both antihistamines: cetirizine (often sold under the brand names Benadryl or Piriteze) and loratadine (Clarityn). They work by stopping you feeling the effects of histamine — the chemical your body releases during an allergic reaction. This chemical causes the runny nose, sneezing and itchy, watery eyes. • Why nature isn't to blame for your hay fever hell These pills make you less drowsy than older generations of antihistamine such as chlorphenamine (Piriton), they last longer and are less likely to disrupt the important REM (rapid eye movement) stage of sleep. Cetirizine and chlorphenamine are generally faster-acting than loratadine, both taking effect within an hour compared with up to three hours, but loratadine can last for up to 24 hours. Cetirizine can also last all day but is slightly more likely to cause drowsiness than loratadine. Chlorphenamine lasts up to six hours. Fexofenadine is also an antihistamine, but has only been available over the counter since December 2020. It is generally the least sedating of the antihistamines and lasts for 24 hours. It can cost more than cetirizine or loratadine, but buying a branded version such as Allevia (£12.49 for 30 tablets at Boots) is unnecessary. 'Generic versions are cheaper and equally effective,' says Dr Chris Rutkowski, a consultant allergist at OneWelbeck in London. 'When looking at a label you should focus on the active ingredient rather than a brand.' The active ingredient is fexofenadine hydrochloride, which, despite the glowing reports sent to Rajan, is no more potent than the other histamine blockers. 'All antihistamines work a little differently in different people and it's worth trying a few to see which suits you, but they are really pretty similar,' says Professor Adam Fox, chairman of the National Allergy Strategy Group. • Will genetically modified rice end hay fever misery for millions? Fexofenadine is suitable for most people aged six and above. If the single 120g adult dose isn't working for you, talk to your pharmacist or GP about a larger dose. There are very few people who cannot take antihistamines but if you have glaucoma, prostate issues, a heart condition or are on certain medications it's best to check with your GP first. 'Side-effects for fexofenadine are typically mild,' Fox says, but they can include those of the other antihistamines: dry mouth, nausea, headaches. Adding a steroid nasal spray may help some sufferers. For serious cases Rutkowski says to consider sublingual immunotherapy (Slit), where a small amount of pollen is placed under the tongue. • How to exercise when you suffer from hay fever Alternatively Fox recommends asking your GP about prescription-only tablets such as Grazax and Itulazax, which treat grass and tree pollen allergies respectively.
Metro
09-07-2025
- Business
- Metro
This Amazon Prime Day bag a whopping 57% off Garnier's cult cleanser
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more At the end of a long day, the last thing you need is a battle taking off your makeup. Luckily, everyone's favourite cleanser is subject to a generous 57% discount for Amazon Prime Big Deal Days this October. Is now the time to stock up? You bet it is. The no frills but utterly fantastic Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water is gentle on skin but powerful enough to take off even waterproof mascara and boasts a whole host of beauty industry fans. Formulated with botanical glycerine and micelle technology that acts as a magnet to attract makeup and dirt, it takes off the day's grime while keeping skin soft, hydrated and soothed. The soothing, fragrance-free formula is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It is dermatologically tested and accredited by both the British Skin Foundation and Allergy UK. SHOP £4.27 (was £9.99) – save 57% Usually priced at £9.99, the cleansing water has racked up over 21,000 reviews with an impressive 82% of those reviews giving it five stars. More Trending Not to mention over 100,000 people have purchased one of these bottles of makeup removing magic! One reviewer claimed, 'I am so glad to have found this product because it is so gentle on the skin, does not burn and is safe to use around the eye without the sting that other cleansers cause.' Another said, 'This is excellent value for such a big bottle and by far my most favourite micellar water for removing waterproof eye makeup.' The supreme cleansing ability and affordable price point makes this cleanser a cut above the rest and this unbeatable Amazon Prime Day offer has us stocking up sharpish. Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Share your views in the comments below MORE: Molly-Mae Hague's skincare secret since ditching filler is now under £10 in Amazon Prime Day MORE: La Roche-Posay 'wonder product' nearly half price in Amazon Prime Day deal MORE: Unbeatable saving alert! Ring Video Doorbell is back to lowest price ever this Amazon Prime Deal Day Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Telegraph
03-07-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
Pollen levels so high that people with no allergies suffer from hay fever
Pollen levels have been so high this year that hay fever has been triggered in non-sufferers. The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (Cams), which is an EU weather agency, reported a rise in grass and olive pollen release and transport across southern Europe, as well as 'extreme levels' of birch pollen in north-eastern regions. Western Finland in particular had seen 'extreme daily means of birch pollen' in May which 'led to symptoms even among individuals without known allergies', the agency said in its air quality update this month. The symptoms of hay fever – sneezing, itchy eyes, a runny nose and a headache – are caused by the body producing allergic antibodies when it comes into contact with pollen. Laurence Rouil, the director of Cams, noted the 'severity and extent' of this year's bout of pollen as a reminder of the importance of atmospheric monitoring to minimise health impacts 'specially for vulnerable populations'. Around a quarter of adults in Europe are afflicted by airborne allergies, which the World Health Organisation expects to rise to half by 2050. Almost half of British adults already suffer hay fever symptoms, according to Allergy UK, and 37 per cent developed them for the first time in the past five years. The driest start to a spring in Britain since 1956 has led to an 'explosion' in hay fever symptoms, as plants and trees flowered earlier, lengthening the pollen season. Dr Beverley Adams-Groom, the UK's chief pollen forecaster, observed that a changing climate is making the pollen season, which typically lasts from March to September, longer. As a result, the two main types of allergenic pollen – tree and grass – are overlapping more. Symptoms have been exacerbated this year by the lasting effects of wildfires on air quality and air pollution levels. Invasive species spreading to new regions have also brought pollen with them. Dr Adrian Morris, of the Allergy Clinic at Guildford Nuffield Hospital, Surrey, warned earlier this year that those with symptoms were also not responding to standard medications as quickly, indicating increased resistance to antihistamines. He said: 'It's possibly because the pollen counts are getting higher, and there is a thing called tachyphylaxis, where your body seems to not be as responsive to the antihistamines as it was before. 'People are afraid to go out of doors to the park, and we find hay fever is worse with city dwellers than countryside, because diesel mixes with the pollen and drives it deeper into their airways.'
Daily Mirror
03-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Brits urged to ditch one common drink if they suffer from two symptoms
There are many ways hayfever can be triggered, and one common drink may be making your allergy symptoms even worse according to an expert - and here's how you can help Hayfever can be the bane of your life during the summer - and there may be on common drink making it that much worse. According to experts, if you are suffering with dry or itchy eyes in the sun, it may be down to your morning cup of coffee. With nearly half of the UK population suffering from allergic rhinitis, finding relief from itchy, watery eyes is more important than ever. Neil Laird, specialist optometrist at Pure Optical, has revealed how the caffeine may be to blame for your stinging eyes - and how you can get around skipping your cup of joe and help manage your symptoms much easier. The warmer weather may bring sunshine and blooming flowers, but for nearly half of the UK population are suffering from hay fever. It can bring on sneezing fits, scratchy throats, and relentless eye irritation that can make everyday activities feel unbearable. Nearly half the UK population (49 per cent) has reported suffering from hay fever, according to the charity Allergy UK. 'Pollen triggers an allergic response that causes the body to release histamine, leading to inflammation, redness, and excessive tear production. For many, this isn't just a mild irritation, it can be downright debilitating," the expert said. According to Laird, caffeine can "increase histamine level" meaning your morning cup of coffee could be making your symptoms worse. He advised switching to herbal tea or decaf coffee could help keep your eyes calmer during peak hayfever season. Meanwhile, one overlooked activity has been found to reduce hay fever symptoms. Scientists from Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand, found that moderate exercise reduced allergies too. The study's authors argued: "Allergic rhinitis is a significant cause of widespread morbidity, high medical treatment costs, reduced work productivity, can affect a patient's quality of life and can be associated with conditions such as fatigue, headache, cognitive impairment and sleep disturbance." However, there are methods to ensure your exercise routine is as pollen-proof as possible. Guidance from King's College Hospital in London stated that pollen count is higher in the early morning when plants first shed pollen. On hot days, pollen can then surge again in the evening. You can also use apps such as My Pollen Forecast and the Met Office's pollen forecast to monitor the pollen count for up to five days. Whether you're working out at the gym or outside, take a shower as soon as you can when you get home. Washing off the pollen is key to minimising allergic reactions. Make sure to also wash your hair as pollen can land in it and then irritate you until it's washed again. The Thai study recommended ditching high-intensity exercises for more moderate workouts. Going full throttle with intense, exhaustive physical activity can set off stress reactions, inflammation and histamine levels, making symptoms worse. Instead, opt for gentler activities such as yoga, light strength training or a brisk walk.
Daily Mirror
24-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Beat hay fever symptoms with some light exercise, say experts
The urge to stay indoors to avoid the dreaded pollen could be great among sufferers, but scientists claim staying active can keep the symptoms at bay As hay fever continues to plague large parts of the country and the sun and pollen bombs persist, some might feel there's no point in exercising. However, this is a misconception as there are ways to stay active during peak allergy season without overdosing on medication. Nearly half the UK population (49 per cent) has reported suffering from hay fever, according to the charity Allergy UK. Among the preventive measures it suggested include monitoring daily pollen forecasts and washing your hair if you have been walking outdoors on a high-pollen day. However, one overlooked activity has been found to reduce hay fever symptoms. Scientists from Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand, found that moderate exercise reduced allergic rhinitis, which occurs when your nose gets irritated by something you're allergic to. The study's authors argued: "Allergic rhinitis is a significant cause of widespread morbidity, high medical treatment costs, reduced work productivity, can affect a patient's quality of life and can be associated with conditions such as fatigue, headache, cognitive impairment and sleep disturbance." However, there are methods to ensure your exercise routine is as pollen-proof as possible. Guidance from King's College Hospital in London stated that pollen count is higher in the early morning when plants first shed pollen. On hot days, pollen can then surge again in the evening. You can also use apps such as My Pollen Forecast and the Met Office's pollen forecast to monitor the pollen count for up to five days. Whether you're working out at the gym or outside, take a shower as soon as you can when you get home. Washing off the pollen is key to minimising allergic reactions. Make sure to also wash your hair as pollen can land in it and then irritate you until it's washed again. The Thai study recommended ditching high-intensity exercises for more moderate workouts. Going full throttle with intense, exhaustive physical activity can set off stress reactions, inflammation and histamine levels, making symptoms worse. Instead, opt for gentler activities such as yoga, light strength training or a brisk walk. The study, which was published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Allergy and Immunology, found that exhaustive and moderate-intensity exercise considerably improved allergic rhinitis symptoms among adults. The authors concluded that "moderate-intensity exercise is beneficial for allergic rhinitis patients". To carry out the research, the scientists made 13 individuals with allergic rhinitis and 14 healthy participants run on a treadmill twice – once at increasing speeds before they became exhausted and then at a moderate pace (65-70 per cent of their heart rate) for half an hour. The severity of allergic rhinitis symptoms was assessed before and after exercising.
