U.K. sees rise in hay fever

In the last two months, Medical Specialists Pharmacy, an online pharmacy based in the U.K., has experienced a 310 percent sales rise in their hay fever treatments.

The online pharmacy has range of medicines to treat allergies such as hay fever, including Loratadine -- a non-drowsy antihistamine -- and Nasonex nasal spray -- a nasal corticosteroid spray for the relief of congestion, sneezing, itching and runny nose.

All of the pharmacy’s allergy products have been in large demand over the past few months from patients across Britain. The 310 percent sales increase can be explained by recent rare warm weather in the U.K.

Hay fever can cause repeated episodes of sneezing, runny or blocked noses, and red, itchy, watery eyes. These symptoms occur when a person has an allergic reaction to pollen, a fine powder comprised of proteins.

There are approximately 30 different types of pollen that may cause a person’s hay fever; however, about 90 percent of British patients with hay fever are allergic to grass pollen.

Grass pollen is usually at its highest levels from mid-May to July, according to the pollen count season.

Allergy UK, a charity, has provided an extensive and detailed list of ways to manage hay fever and allergic rhinitis on their website, www.allergyuk.org