Understanding the problem
Understanding the problem
Around 18 million people in the UK suffer from hayfever and it is estimated that this number will soar to 31.8 million by 2030. This rise is being linked to air pollution and the effect of climate change, as increases in environmental temperature can lead to more pollen-bearing plants and the hayfever season starting earlier.
Almost a third of hayfever sufferers report that their symptoms have become more severe in recent years and more than one in 10 say they have stopped going out altogether during peak pollen times.
The majority of hayfever sufferers seek relief from pharmacies with an average of 22 patients a week visiting pharmacies during a typical hayfever season, compared with 15.5 patients seeing their GP.
Some 85 per cent of sufferers admit that they haven’t changed their treatment approach for three years or more, despite their symptoms becoming more severe.
When to refer
Some customers will need to be referred to the pharmacist for further advice. This includes customers who:
- Have not had hayfever before
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Are taking other medication
- Also suffer from asthma
- Have unsuccessfully tried an OTC treatment or are suffering unwanted side-effects
- Report wheezing, breathlessness, or a feeling of tightness in their chest
- Report sinus pain, headache, or a yellow/green nasal discharge.