Abstract

Hay fever is very common, and an even wider range of medications is available than at the time of our previous review.¹ Patients suffer symptoms such as running nose and eyes, blocked nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, nose, palate and ears and photophobia: the choice of treatment depends upon the type and severity of these symptoms. Patients only mildly affected, or severely affected on only a few days, need simple advice and a preparation which gives immediate relief and can be used intermittently. Severely affected patients, however, may need prophylaxis before the hay fever season starts, topical therapy throughout the season and even systemic treatment.