Latest news with #BootsOnlineDoctor
Daily Mirror
06-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
‘Tweaks to slim down and stay at healthy size – without taking weight-loss jab'
When it comes to weight loss, slowly and surely is the way to go – making lifestyle changes rather than going on extreme diets, and breaking exercise down into manageable ideas will get results The internet is awash with tips, tricks and hacks to fix minor medical problems. But how much of it is accurate and can be trusted? In an age of misinformation and social media 'experts', it is always better to ask someone who is in the know about your health woes. Each week, Superintendent Pharmacist Claire Nevinson will answer our readers' questions on everything from insomnia and skin complaints to trapped wind and toilet troubles. This week, her colleague Ruth Taylor, Nutritionist at Boots Online Doctor, helps with weight loss support … Q. I'm overweight but not big enough to qualify for weight-loss injections – what alternatives for weight loss are on offer in pharmacies? A. 'With over two-thirds of adults in the UK classed as overweight or obese, it's important that people feel supported — whether they choose to explore access to weight loss treatment or not. There are a range of lifestyle changes that can make a big difference to your weight and overall health, and support is available to help people take that first step.' Steady progress is key 'At Boots Online Doctor, we encourage sustainable changes that support long-term health. Gradual weight loss — around 1 to 2 pounds (0.45 to 0.9kg) a week — is ideal. It helps preserve muscle mass and makes it more likely that people will maintain their progress.' Plan ahead to stay on track 'Planning your meals in advance can reduce the temptation to make less healthy choices. Foods that help keep your blood sugar stable and keep you feeling fuller for longer can help cut cravings, avoid energy dips, and support steady progress.' 'How to get your abnormal moles checked quickly if the GP wait is too long' You can find free Boots Online Doctor eating guides for weight loss, along with nutrition and healthy eating tips on the Boots Health Hub. The Boots Online Doctor Coach app* also offers coaching, where you can get 1-to-1, personalised support to help you build healthier habits and make lasting changes. Movement matters 'Physical activity is another key part of healthy weight management. Resistance-based exercise helps preserve muscle — which supports your metabolism and makes weight loss more effective. That doesn't have to mean lifting weights at the gym — even simple bodyweight exercises at home or walking with a weighted backpack can make a difference.' 'The NHS recommends 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity for adults aged 19 to 64. This can be broken down into manageable chunks, like three 10-minute sessions a day. Speak to your GP before starting any new routine if you haven't exercised in a while or have an existing medical condition.' Support you can trust 'Our service offers a range of tools to help support your goals — from a 10-week programme, live webinars and expert podcasts**, to one-to-one coaching and our new Weight Loss Tracker app***. For those who are eligible, we also offer access to weight loss treatment****, supported by expert clinical care.' * Get 1-to-1 coaching and nutritional advice for an additional fee. Terms and conditions apply. Subject to clinical review. Full T&Cs available at ** Available free to all Boots Online Doctor customers. *** Weight Loss Tracker: Boots' new app can help you track your weight and much more-download from Apple and Google Play app stores **** Access to treatment is subject to an online consultation with a clinician to assess suitability. Subject to availability. Charges apply.
The Sun
17-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
The 8 things to do if you're on fat jabs to prevent horror side effect that has ‘frightening' impact on your bones
FROM nausea to constipation and life-threatening pancreatitis, fat jabs come with a long list of possible side effects. But, as we revealed in Sun Health last month, there is a new complication that's come to light - putting people at risk of 'old lady's bones' and losing inches of their height. 6 6 More than 1.5million Brits are thought to be on weight loss jabs like Ozempic, including Wegovy and Mounjaro. Originally designed to treat type 2 diabetes, the jabs work by mimicking GLP-1, a hormone that's released in the body when you are full. Known as GLP-1 RAs (receptor agonists), they work to reduce appetite and curb cravings, while also boosting insulin to help regulate blood sugar levels. But, a study published in the journal Nutrition, Obesity, and Exercise found that people taking GLP-1 RAs had weaker bones as well as signs that their bodies were breaking down bone faster than building it, leading to a net loss of bone mass. 'Poor bone health can lead to conditions like osteopenia, osteoporosis and osteomalacia, and it raises the risk of fractures later in life,' says Ruth Taylor, nutritionist at Boots Online Doctor tells Sun Health. Currently, 3.5million Brits suffer from osteoporosis according to the British Nutrition Foundation and there are 520,000 fragility fractures each year in the UK. Ruth states that the safest way to lose weight is gradually, aiming for around one to two pounds (0.45 to 0.9 kg) per week. Whether you're on weight loss jabs or losing weight naturally, there are things you can do to prevent damaging your bones and reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis. PRIORITISE CALCIUM CALCIUM is an essential mineral for strong bones. 'Adults generally need 1,000mg per day, rising to 1,200mg per day for women over 50 and men over 70,' says Hamza Taha, a London -based osteopath. But, with calorie restriction, a woman's intake of calcium usually drops, which may worsen bone loss. According to other research in the journal of Bone and Mineral Research, taking 1,700mg per day of calcium in supplement form during weight loss can help mitigate potential bone issues. Make sure your diet contains plenty of calcium-rich foods too. 'The best sources include dairy (milk, yoghurt and cheese), canned sardines or salmon with bones, leafy greens like spinach, kale and broccoli, calcium-fortified plant milks, tofu, beans, and nuts,' says Hamza. TUCK INTO SARDINES AND CELERY AN odd combo, perhaps. However, 35-year-old Sophie Wright, who suffers from osteoporosis, says she fills up on these two foods as they're great for her bone health. Research in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition states that the calcium content in 100g of sardines is equivalent to the amount found in around 400ml of milk. ' Sardines are high in calcium because of all the little calcium-rich bones,' says Sophie. 'I'm always making sardine pasta, which is my take on tuna pasta. 'I also add lots of celery into my salads as they're great for bone health.' Celery has also been found to help prevent bone loss. Research published in the the Journal of Functional Foods found that apigenin and luteolin, plant compounds in celery, help to block the formation of osteoclasts, the cells that break down bone. This helps protect against osteoporosis. SUPPLEMENT SAVVY MOST people can get the majority of their essential nutrients through a healthy diet but supplements can help in certain cases, for example, during rapid weight loss. 'People living with obesity may already have lower levels of key vitamins and minerals, which can worsen during weight loss,' explains Ruth. 'In those cases, a multivitamin and mineral supplement may be useful. 'Women going through menopause are also at higher risk of bone loss due to falling oestrogen levels, so making sure they get enough calcium and vitamin D is especially important.' Vitamin D and calcium go hand in hand. Research in the journal Nutrie n ts states that vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and bone mineralisation, which helps strengthen bones. Plus, research in the journal Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity found that maintaining calcium and vitamin D intake positively affects bone mineral density, specifically during weight loss. Our bodies create vitamin D in response to sufficient sunlight. So the Government advises everyone to take a vitamin D supplement between October and April. Vitamin D3 is best because it is more easily absorbed by the body. CUT BACK ON UPFs 6 LOSING weight but still eating processed foods? Your bones won't be happy. Hazma says: 'Diets high in processed foods, sugar, salt, saturated fat and phosphate additives (these are added to processed foods to improve texture, flavour shelf life or colour) are linked to poorer bone density and higher osteoporosis risk. 'High sugar and salt intake increase urinary calcium loss, phosphate additives disrupt calcium metabolism, and processed foods often lack essential bone-building nutrients. 'Over time, these factors combine to weaken bones and elevate fracture risk.' Instead of processed foods such as cakes, sweets, processed meats and ready meals, enjoy a predominantly whole food diet. Stock up on grains such as brown rice, oats and brown pasta, fruits and vegetables, protein and healthy fats such as avocado and nuts and seeds. Everything you need to know about fat jabs Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases. Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK. Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market. Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year. How do they work? The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight. They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients' sugar levels are too high. Can I get them? NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics. Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure. GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss. Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk. Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health. Are there any risks? Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild. Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea. Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at said: 'One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.' Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia. Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients' mental health. Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines. LIFT WEIGHTS 6 RESISTANCE exercise is one of the best things you can do to support your bones while on GLP-1, according to the study in the journal Nutrition, Obesity, and Exercise. In the study, participants attended two group exercise sessions a week, as well as exercising on their own. In the group sessions, participants did 30 minutes of interval-based cycling, and 15 minute circuits with both strength training and aerobic exercise. Individual exercise was moderate-to-vigorous, such as cycling, running, brisk walking or circuit training. Hamza explains: 'When muscles contract during resistance or weight-bearing exercise, they pull on tendons attached to bones, creating mechanical strain and stress on the bone tissue. 'This mechanical force is sensed by bone cells, especially osteocytes, which then signal osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) to increase bone formation and remodelling to strengthen the bone. 'Aim to do resistance or weight-bearing exercise two to three times per week, using progressive resistance (lifting heavier or more reps over time). 'Bodyweight exercises help, but adding external load - like bands, free weight or machines - creates greater mechanical stress, which is what prompts bones to adapt and densify.' For Sophie, lifting weights twice a week is non-negotiable, with exercises including leg press, dumbbell-weighted lunges and squats. She says: 'I do a lot of moves on a wobble board (a flat, hard top attached to a round bottom which creates instability) too. 'I also do three Pilates reformer classes a week on the heavier springs, and I walk 12 to 15 thousand steps each day.' PACK IN PROTEIN IT'S not just muscles that need protein, bones need it too. In fact, protein actually makes up around 50 per cent of bone volume according to research in the Journal of Frailty, Sarcopenia and Falls. 'Protein also helps us absorb calcium,' adds Dominika Blonska, PT and founder of DEFINEBYDOM. 'Aim for around 1-1.5g of protein per 1lb of body weight.' For example, a 100lb person can aim for 100-150 g of protein per day. Meat, fish, eggs, dairy and legumes (beans, lentils, peas) are great options. For vegans, Ruth suggests tofu, tempeh, edamame and fortified plant-based milks. CUT BACK ON BOOZE ALCOHOL and sugary drinks such as Coke won't do your waistline any favours. But they could also damage your bones. 'Alcohol slows down calcium absorption and increases the risk of fractures,' says Dom. 'The phosphoric acid in sugary, fizzy drinks is linked to lower bone density.' Research in the Nutrition Journal found that this was particularly true in women under 50. Dom adds: 'Caffeine (in fizzy drinks and coffee) also affects calcium absorption - therefore, try to limit to one to two cups of caffeine per day.' MAGNESIUM MATTERS Foods rich in magnesium include nuts, seeds, whole grains, bananas, dried apricots and soy products such as milk and tofu. A supplement can help too. Research suggests that magnesium citrate, carbonate or oxide is best for bones. The top foods for healthy bones EATING a balanced diet will help to keep your bones healthy. This means plenty of fruit, vegetables, protein, healthy fats and sufficient calcium and vitamin D. Not getting enough of these things can cause conditions like rickets and osteoporosis, and increase your risk of breaking bones later in life. Adults need 700mg of calcium a day. It can be found in foods and drinks like: Milk, cheese and other dairy Green leafy vegetables (e.g. as broccoli, cabbage and okra, but not spinach) Soya beans Tofu Fortified plant-based drinks (e.g. soya drink) Nuts Bread and anything made with fortified flour Fish where you eat the bones (e.g. sardines and pilchards) The recommended daily intake for vitamin D for adults in the UK is 10 micrograms (or 400 International Units, or IU). As it's difficult to get all the vitamin D we need from our diet, and we get most of it from the sun, we should all take daily supplements from October to March. Vitamin D can also be found in: Oily fish (e.g. salmon, sardines and mackerel) Egg yolks Fortified foods (e.g. some fat spreads and breakfast cereals)
Daily Mirror
10-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'Boots new free AI skin checker spotted my rare condition first go'
Boots has launched a new AI-powered skin tool that can screen for over 70 skin conditions and is available via Boots Online Doctor. We tried it out to see if it really works A new study reveals that millions are grappling with skin conditions. A British Skin Foundation study found that nearly two thirds (60%) of the population have experienced a skin problem at some point in their lives. Furthermore, skin issues are the leading cause for GP visits, accounting for one in four new consultations in England and Wales. However, there can be numerous reasons to delay seeking medical advice for a spot, rash or other skin concern. Boots has now introduced an AI-powered skin tool capable of screening over 70 skin conditions, accessible via Boots Online Doctor. The Boots Online Doctor SmartSkin Checker operates through a straightforward photo upload of the skin issue. Using AI technology, the tool provides up to five potential skin conditions the user may be experiencing, including acne, eczema, rosacea, impetigo, and fungal infections. There's a 95% chance that one of the five results generated by the SmartSkin Checker is the accurate condition. While the results are not a diagnosis and cannot substitute professional healthcare advice, the SmartSkin Checker can offer customers an indication and guidance on next steps. But does it genuinely deliver? reports Surrey Live. I decided to test it on three skin problems I've had and evaluate the outcomes. I must admit, I was rather impressed with the findings. I was diagnosed with lichen sclerosis a few years back - an incurable yet manageable condition that affects up to one in 1,000 individuals, according to the National Library of Medicine. When I ran a photo through the Boots Online Doctor SmartSkin Checker it presented five potential diagnoses, with lichen sclerosis topping the list. Considering the consultant's surprise at my GP's initial detection, I found this to be quite impressive. Another instance involved a rash I picked up while camping last summer, which was excruciatingly itchy and sore, taking ages to get rid of. Doctors concluded it was a reaction to something encountered during the trip - perhaps the grass - identifying it as contact dermatitis. Upon testing the image with the checker, the correct diagnosis appeared, this time second among five possible outcomes. For my third test, I submitted a dark spot on my arm, which I had previously had checked out. Both doctors - and the Boots checker -confirmed my initial thoughts that is was simply a "liver spot". This checker is part of Boots' latest initiative to enhance skin care services. The high street retailer has rolled out dermatology training for its pharmacists and pharmacy staff across 200 stores nationwide, with plans to expand to additional locations soon. Boots has teamed up with L'Oréal Groupe and consultant dermatologist, Dr Justine Hextall, to develop a training programme that's received the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD)'s seal of approval. This initiative will enable Boots pharmacists to provide expert advice on prevalent skin conditions such as acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, keratosis pilaris, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation without the need for an appointment. The comprehensive training also encompasses melanoma, understanding of skin structure, the skin microbiome, and scalp health. Jamie Kerruish, Healthcare Director at Boots, commented: "There is a clear need for accessible support for skin concerns and conditions, which is why we are so proud to be launching new technology and upskilling our pharmacy team members in stores. Combined with our huge skincare product range and beauty expertise, we can be the first port of call for all those with a skin concern, making it really easy for people to get quick advice and helping to relieve pressures on GP surgeries across the country." Dr Justine Hextall, Consultant Dermatologist, stated: "The training I developed for Boots in collaboration with L'Oréal Dermatological Beauty gives pharmacists the ability to advise on and treat the most common skin conditions. We know that the numbers of people suffering from common skin conditions is rising and, for those affected, it can have a huge impact – from uncomfortable, itchy skin to loss of confidence. Pharmacists are already highly-trained healthcare professionals, and this training allows them to get a deeper understanding of the skin." In addition to the support available in-store from the dermatologically trained pharmacists and pharmacy team members, and online via the Boots Online Doctor SmartSkin Checker, Boots offers a wide array of skin support services. These include: Online health tools and information – Diagnostic and treatment services from Boots Online Doctor ** and information and resources via the Boots Health Hub and Boots Skin Hub Beauty experts, tools and services instore – including Boots Beauty Specialists, No7 Advisors and the No7 Pro Derm Scan, a NEXA skin imaging tool in six flagship Boots stores A wide range of products – Boots is home to thousands of skincare products – from treatment for common skin conditions to specialist and premium skincare from leading brands like La Roche-Posay, CeraVe and Vichy alongside its own label brands Boots is also broadening its best-selling own label brand for healthy skin, DermaCare, to incorporate an acne range. The range includes five targeted products, classified as medical devices, designed to treat symptoms of acne. For further information on skin support at Boots,visit the Boots Skin Hub.
The Guardian
29-05-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
How to stop hay fever: 13 remedies that actually work (and the ones that don't)
I grew up playing in the woods, sleeping with my dog and dead-heading flowers for my dad. This rampant early exposure should have turned me into a hay fever immunity machine, but here I am, all itchy eyes and streaming nose as summer hoves into view. Not that I can see it very well. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. 'You cannot cure hay fever,' is the rather dispiriting verdict of the NHS website, which recommends staying inside with your doors and windows shut. I sought a second opinion from Dr Unnati Desai, national lead for GP Services at Nuffield Health. 'Trying to avoid any type of pollen from about February to September in the UK is near impossible,' she says. 'Instead, find the right way to control your symptoms.' Or stop the pollen getting up my schnozz in the first place, says Dr Megha Pancholi, clinical lead at Boots Online Doctor. 'Simple things can reduce your exposure, like wearing wraparound sunglasses and applying petroleum jelly around your nose.' Well, that's a look. The more experts I spoke to, the more hay fever cures were touted. To find out which ones actually worked, I set about squirting them up my nose, swallowing them, wearing them and, in a few welcome cases, sleeping with them. Here, I reveal the remedies that won by a dribble-free nose. I've spent three decades testing consumer products, from heated clothes airers to computer software, so I'm professionally sceptical of manufacturers' claims to magically improve our lives by buying their stuff. As a long-term freelancer, I also have a solid background in running away from work to hang out with trees, which feed my soul and torture my sinuses with pollen. People's hay fever triggers and symptoms vary widely, so my own experience wasn't enough for this test. I shared products with my similarly sneeze-ravaged husband, Alan, and also consulted doctors, pharmacists and allergy experts to find out what remedies we should be using and why they might work. Testing hay fever cures is by necessity a long-winded process, and not just because I kept stopping to blow my nose, or whichever part of my face the snot was coming from. Many remedies can be safely 'layered', or combined with each other, but I wanted to find out how well each one worked on its own. So I used them separately for a few days each, beginning in March, when 2025's balmy spring began. I wasn't exactly comparing like with like. Unlike, say, the best mattresses, which all have similar benefits in similar ways, hay fever cures take a wild array of different approaches. Some soothe symptoms while others block allergens; some are drug-based and others adamantly not; some provide immediate relief while others take weeks to make a lasting difference. Then there was a rollercoaster of other variables that changed by the day, such as pollen count, time spent outdoors and degree of cat cuddling. This meant I couldn't get too hung up on details such as the precise number of minutes each product took to stop me sneezing, or the exact daily weight of soggy tissues. But I wanted meaningful test results, so I got Alan to try all the remedies as well, if only to stop him and his nose from costing us an extra loo roll a day. We then compared notes on each product's efficacy, convenience and value for money. I don't sleep in the woods, but my hay fever symptoms are worse at night. I regularly wake up at 3am with a scratchy throat, and Alan and I both greet the morning alarm with sneezing fits. What's going on? Indoor air is relatively static, so dust and pollen build up unless you clear them. 'Humidifiers can help by moistening the air, meaning dust and pollen find it harder to float around,' says Hannah Shore, head of sleep science at Mattress Online. 'Air purifiers can take a lot of the floating particles out of the air. Look for one with a 'quiet' setting so you can use it overnight.' I tried a couple of air purifier models: a large wifi-connected MeacoClean, whose Hepa (high efficiency particulate air) filter powerfully rid our bedroom of allergens within a few hours, and a compact Vitesy Eteria. The MeacoClean's night mode was unobtrusive while I fell asleep, and neither of us woke up sneezing. The desktop Vitesy helped keep my nose relatively clear while I worked. Relief: our symptoms cleared within hours, albeit indoors only. MeacoClean CA-Hepa wifi air purifier £199.99 at Meaco£199.99 at Amazon Vitesy Eteria compact air purifier £129 at Amazon 'A thin layer of petroleum jelly inside the nostrils helps trap pollen before it enters the nose,' says GP and author Dr Roger Henderson. Turns out the Vaseline trick actually works, genuinely calming my nose down. Alan found it effective but 'disgusting', noting that it smells of a petrol forecourt, which may be to some people's taste but not ours. It's also slimy and makes your nostrils glisten snottily in the light, which I'm guessing isn't high on our fashion editor's looks of the season. I found a more palatable alternative in organic barrier balms. The beeswax and seed oil formulation of HayMax gives it a firmer texture than Vaseline, and its frankincense, aloe and lavender varieties all smell delicious. Alan was an instant fan when it stopped his nose from running. I found it more effective for symptom prevention rather than cure – and the lavender version helped me sleep. Relief: won't stop a full-on sneezing fit, but helped me breathe and soothed symptoms for a couple of hours. HayMax balm £8.49 for 5ml at Boots£8.49 for 5ml at Holland and Barrett Vaseline original petroleum jelly £1.80 for 50ml at Boots£1.80 for 50ml at Superdrug 'I regularly deal with patients suffering from summer allergies, primarily allergic rhinitis,' says ENT (ear, nose and throat) surgeon Dr Anil Joshi. 'Saline (salt water) sprays moisturise the nasal mucosa, aid in the clearance of allergens and reduce inflammation. This can provide significant relief for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal allergies, especially when coupled with other therapies.' My own GP recommended saline spray years ago, and although I hated it at first (feeling much as I imagine it would to be water-boarded in the sea), it soon became a powerful ally in my war on a runny nose and sore throat. I like using straight-up saline, but Alan hated the 'salty aftertaste' and preferred xylitol-sweetened Xlear. Relief: within half an hour, although you'll need to blow your nose a lot. Xlear nasal spray £10.23 for 45ml at iHerb£9.99 for 45ml at Amazon Boots saline nasal spray £6.99 for 100ml at Boots 'Beconase and Flixonase contain small amounts of steroid such as beclometasone,' says Dr Naveed Asif, GP at the London General Practice. 'These help to reduce the body's allergic response to triggers such as pollen.' Steroid sprays aren't drug-free like saline spray, but they're safe for medium-term use (up to about three months, says the NHS) and they're brilliant value. Their main downside is that it takes a couple of weeks to feel the effects. I continued with the other remedies while Alan started on the Beconase. 'It took ages to work,' he said after two sprays a day for three weeks. 'But it's definitely helped, because I've stopped going through an entire kitchen roll to blow my nose.' For that, I am very grateful. Relief: takes two weeks to have an effect, then provides long-term relief from a range of symptoms. Beconase hay fever spray £10.99 for 180 sprays at Superdrug£11 for 180 sprays at Boots Antihistamines were recommended by most of the experts I spoke to, including those who were advocates of more natural approaches. 'Your symptoms are driven by excess histamine production,' says medical herbalist Siobhán Carroll. 'Antihistamines quell inappropriate histamine production and reduce the snowball effect of increased inflammation in the body.' The key is finding the antihistamine that works for you. 'They all work in a similar way, but people may respond differently to each one,' says Pancholi of Boots Online Doctor. 'Some antihistamines may be more effective for certain individuals than others, providing longer relief or causing less drowsiness.' I took cetirizine (Piriteze) and loratadine (Clarityn) for a week each, and they both reduced my symptoms, but not quickly or consistently. Cetirizine also triggered an attack of zits on my chin. Not just once, but within a few days of every single attempt to take it. I found my ideal match in the newer 'second-generation' non-drowsy antihistamine fexofenadine (Allevia), which has proved especially good at soothing my itchy eyes. I find my symptoms return by evening, though, rather than the advertised 24 hours. Relief: within 30 minutes and lasting several hours, but not the whole day. Allevia tablets £11.49 for 30 x 120mg tablets at Superdrug£12.49 for 30 x 120mg tablets at Boots Vacuuming is a hay fever sufferer's nightmare in the short term because it disturbs dormant dust, but it's also essential for ridding your space of allergens. 'Vacuums with Hepa filters are certified to trap more than 99.97% of airborne particles, including pollen, dust mites and pet dander,' says Dr Daisy Mae, allergy expert for Bed Factory Direct. 'In your bedroom, this can hugely impact sleep.' And don't forget to vacuum your mattress, she adds. I gave Alan the job of blitzing the bedroom with an Ultenic Hepa vacuum, whose alarming headlight revealed revolting levels of dust under the bed. Sneezing his way through the task, an hour later the room felt more comfortable and we slept soundly, with no runny noses to greet us in the morning. Relief: aggravates symptoms at first, but relief is powerful and lasting if you keep up the vacuuming. Ultenic U16 flex cordless vacuum with Hepa filter £135.97 at Amazon I love using eye drops that have been stored in the fridge, and pharmacist Rita Ghelani approves. 'Using eye drops daily keeps your eyes hydrated and feeling less sore,' she says. 'You can use special allergy eye drops, or those that lubricate and soothe the eyes.' My favourite budget choice is Boots hay fever relief eye drops, whose 2% sodium cromoglicate content relieves that niggling summer itch in my lower eyelids. If you wear contact lenses, then your best bet is Pollinosan hay fever eye drops from A Vogel, whose natural hyaluronic acid content soothed my eyes for several days during the great dandelion seed blizzard of April 2025. Relief: immediate but not long-lasting. Boots hay fever relief 2% w/v eye drops £4.85 for 10ml at Boots Optrex hay fever relief 2% w/v eye drops £6.25 for 10ml at Superdrug£6.49 for 10ml at Boots A Vogel Pollinosan hay fever eye drops £10.49 for 10ml at Holland & Barrett£13.99 for 10ml at Victoria Health Pharmacist Kiran Jones of Oxford Online Pharmacy recommends wearing sunglasses as part of a layered strategy. 'Start a nasal steroid two weeks before the hay fever season, use a barrier balm around the nostrils, wear wraparound sunglasses and check the Met Office three-hour pollen forecast.' My cheap, decidedly un-stylish pair of wraparounds proved surprisingly effective at blocking pollen and other airborne intruders (including midges) – and also stopped me from rubbing my eyes. When I upped the pollen-blocking ante by adding a wide-brimmed hat, the relief was even more noticeable – at least for my eyes. Sadly, my respiratory symptoms marched on. I tested this outfit in a particularly floral bit of park and nearly blew the glasses clean off with my pollen-triggered coughing fit. Relief: stopped my eyes feeling puffy and itchy within a few minutes when outdoors, but did nothing to relieve coughing and sneezing. Bollé wraparound sunglasses Sign up to The Filter Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. after newsletter promotion £10.32 at Staples£22.95 at Allergy Best Buys Uilyniu wraparound sunglasses £11.49 for two pairs at Amazon Forclaz women's anti-UV trekking cap £12.99 at Decathlon 'Anti-allergy bedding is treated to resist irritants,' says Shore of Mattress Online. 'Look for products approved by Allergy UK.' Alan and I tried a few samples of bedding from Silentnight and Bed Factory Direct for a week in early May, when the pollen count was particularly high. We slept well, and I especially enjoyed the cooling, cushioned feel of the mattress protector. The pillow protector was scratchy against my face, though, so I added an old pillowcase – which possibly defeated the whole point. Relief: helped us sleep without sneezing, but more of a long-term strategy than instant relief. Silentnight anti-allergy pillow protector £12 a pair at Argos£12 a pair at Amazon Silentnight anti-allergy duvet From £19 for a double at Silentnight£24 for a double at Argos Silentnight anti-allergy mattress protector £17 for a double at Boots£14.30 for a double at Amazon If high pollen days leave you so ravaged by symptoms that you fear going outside, then a mask with a built-in Hepa filter may be your only option. For those of us who just want to breathe and see more easily in summer, however, these fabric gas masks are a bit too much. When I wore a Respro Allergy Mask for walks in my local parks and nature reserves, I looked like I was heading for the trenches. My sneezing did stop after a few minutes, but I also felt hot and daft, and my eyes stayed itchy. The main relief it gave was the pleasure of taking it off once I was back indoors. Relief: didn't relieve my itchy eyes, but powerfully prevents respiratory symptoms while wearing. Respro allergy mask N95 £39.95 at Allergy Best Buys Cleaning the pollen off your face before bed was a strategy mentioned by a few of the experts I spoke to. 'Make sure you get rid of any pollen particles on your skin, particularly your hands, face and any long hair,' says sleep expert Shore. Even a quick wipe with cleanser helps, says Cultskin founder Dr Tijion Esho: 'Cleansing around the eye area can help ease itching and prevent allergens from being transferred into your eyes.' And don't forget to moisturise. 'Moisturiser provides a strong skin barrier,' says dermatologist Dr Benjamin Chun-Man Lee. And that doesn't apply only to adults: 'Studies have shown the value of moisturising in infancy to halt the progression of hay fever and allergic rhinitis.' An extra cleansing session at night didn't make much difference for me, because I always have a bath and wash my face before bed anyway. But every little counts, and it's worth starting now if you're not in the habit of cleaning muck – including allergens – off your face before bed. Relief: extra cleansing at night helps fend off symptoms by morning. Byoma Milky moisture cleanser £13.99 for 175ml at Cult Beauty£14 for 175ml at Space NK No7 cleansing balm £10.75 for 125ml at Boots 'When your body is dehydrated, it can produce more histamine,' says sports nutritionist Jess Hillard. Cutting down on booze can help, says pharmacist Ghelani. 'Some alcoholic drinks contain histamine, the chemical that sets off an allergic reaction in the body. Alcohol also dehydrates you, and that can make your symptoms worse.' Electrolyte powder in water can help your body retain water even when you're sweating a lot, so I tried that. I wouldn't say the cocktail washed away my symptoms, but a few days of careful dosing made me feel more alert when the weather was hot and the pollen was high. Relief: not immediate in my experience, but good hydration is a long-term anti-allergy strategy. Warrior Creatine plus electrolytes £17.99 for 80 servings at Warrior 'A natural decongestant can make it easier to breathe,' says Henderson. 'Aloe-vera-infused decongestants also help soothe irritation.' The strong snot-banishing fumes of Vicks VapoRub and Olbas Oil proved a hit with my husband, but I opted for Olbas patches. I evicted Alan to the spare room, slapped a patch on the empty pillow and slept like a dream – although my hay feverish eyes turned a bit pink from the mild vapour. Relief: quick and moderately effective relief for blocked noses, but may irritate eyes. Olbas Breathe Easy patches £6.49 for six at the Independent Pharmacy£5.95 for six at Amazon Vicks VapoRub £6.75 for 100g at Boots£6 for 100g at Amazon Unprocessed local honey is the hay fever cure du jour for Instagram influencers. Duly influenced, Alan and I spent weeks feasting on the handiwork of Hampshire bees in early spring. But my eyes still itched and Alan's nose still required lockdown-stockpile levels of loo roll, so I can't say it worked. 'Some people believe that eating local honey helps build up your body's resistance against local pollen,' says Crystal Wyllie, GP at Asda Online Doctor. 'But there isn't enough scientific evidence to support this. If eating local honey is your only hay fever remedy, you could be wasting money and leaving yourself at risk on high pollen days.' A cheap, easily available pill that stops you sneezing and sends you to sleep? Sign me up! Actually, don't, because first-generation antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine (Piriton) left me more tired than before. They made me drowsy, but this didn't translate into satisfying sleep – and I woke up during the night with a hay fever-triggered sore throat. It's not just me. 'One study found that sedating antihistamines cause non-REM sleep, which doesn't involve dreaming but a lot of snoring,' says Chun-Man Lee. 'Participants in the study woke up feeling unrefreshed because of the lack of true rest.' Sedating antihistamines do work for many users, as sleep aids as well as hay fever treatments. But they didn't do the trick for me. I was once a xylometazoline addict. The active ingredient in Sudafed Blocked Nose Spray and others, xylometazoline, opens a blocked nose by shrinking your blood vessels, and the relief feels magical if you're bunged up by hay fever or a cold. But it soon creates a physical dependency – so it actually made my symptoms worse. 'Many brands of nasal decongestant sprays contain xylometazoline (or oxymetazoline), which works by causing the blood vessels in the lining of the nose and sinuses to contract and narrow,' says Ghelani. 'Initially, the ingredient appears to help reduce swelling and the general feeling of congestion. However, products containing it should not be used continuously for more than seven days, as they can cause rebound congestion.' I ignored this advice in my early days of using a blocked nose spray to soothe hay fever symptoms. After weeks of daily use, I eventually struggled to breathe without it, especially at night. I weaned myself off it by only using it in one nostril, then every other night, and eventually – at last – not at all. Hay fever, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, is a set of symptoms triggered by your body's response – or overreaction – to pollen. If you're one of the unlucky 49% whose immune system sees pollen as a threat, your body 'protects' you from it by producing histamine and other chemicals that make your nose run, your eyes itch, and your head ache. I make light of how my body's own snotty overreaction affects my loo-roll bill, but for many people, the symptoms have a ruinous impact on their ability to work, sleep and simply enjoy summer. 'There isn't a 'one size fits all' in terms of symptoms,' says Desai of Nuffield Health. 'It comes down to the type of pollen you're allergic to and how your body responds to the allergies.' Some of the less common symptoms she mentions are allergic conjunctivitis, tightness in the chest and wheezing when breathing out. 'In some cases, medication may be needed to treat all three areas. If you suffer from severe hay fever, a GP can provide inhalers or oral steroids to help manage your overactive immune system.' Hay fever season lasts much longer than summer. Tree pollen arrives first, as early as February, when trees start to pollinate. This lasts until about mid-May, at which point grass is the chief offender, especially when the massive council lawnmowers are out. Flower pollen (known by some killjoys as 'weed pollen') comes next, from about June to September. More bad news: hay fever season is getting longer, and it's down to the climate crisis. The Met Office cites research that 'highlighted how increasingly unusual weather – as a result of climate change – coincided with increasingly erratic pollen seasons'. Other studies forecast that the climate emergency will increase the severity of hay fever season by up to 60%. Perhaps I then won't feel so silly going out in a Hepa mask and wraparounds. Jane Hoskyn is a journalist and WFH pioneer with three decades of experience in rearranging bookshelves and 'testing' coffee machines while deadlines loom. Her work has made her a low-key expert in all manner of consumables, from sports watches to solar panels. She would always rather be in the woods, ideally with a decent hay fever remedy to hand
