Medical treatment

Unfortunately, there is no cure for hay fever.

Antihistamine tablets or nasal sprays

Antihistamines treat hay fever by blocking the action of the chemical histamine, which the body releases when it thinks it is under attack from an allergen. This prevents the symptoms of the allergic reaction from occurring.
Antihistamines are usually effective at treating itching, sneezing and watery eyes, but they may not help a blocked nose.
Oral (to be swallowed) antihistamine tablets can be prescribed by your GP or bought OTC.

Corticosteroid nasal sprays and drops

Corticosteroids (steroids) are used to treat hay fever because they have an anti-inflammatory effect. When the pollen triggers your allergic reaction, the inside of your nose becomes inflamed. Corticosteroids can reduce this inflammation and prevent the symptoms of hay fever.
Your GP may prescribe corticosteroid nasal sprays or drops instead of antihistamines if:

you have persistent hay fever,
your main symptom is a blocked nose, or
you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If your hay fever symptoms are so severe that they impair your quality of life, your GP may prescribe a 5-10 day course of oral corticosteroids. These will quickly relieve your symptoms but are only given in exceptional circumstances due to serious side effects.

Injections

Long-acting steroid injections have been used for the treatment of Hayfever, but they are not recommended as routine management due to the risks of serious side effects and should only be used in exceptional circumstances.

Nasal decongestants

A decongestant, in the form of a nasal spray, can relieve a blocked. Decongestants reduce the swelling of the blood vessels in your nose, which opens your nasal passage and makes breathing easier.
Your pharmacist can advise you on the different products to choose from as many are available OTC. Nasal decongestants should not be used for longer than seven days. They may cause dryness and irritation in your nasal passage

Eye drops

Eye drops are available OTC or can be prescribed to treat the hay fever symptoms that affect your eyes, such as redness, itchiness, and watering. These drops contain an antihistamine to reduce the inflammation in your eyes, which will relieve the symptoms.
Some may cause side effects, such as a stinging or burning feeling in your eyes.

Immunotherapy

If you have persistent hay fever symptoms which are not relieved by the above treatments, your GP may refer you for immunotherapy treatment. This involves gradually introducing you to small amounts of the allergen, such as pollen, and monitoring your allergic reaction.
This treatment is only carried out in specialist medical centers. You will be monitored for up to an hour.
As you get used to the allergen, the amount used is slowly increased and your allergic reaction to it should get less severe.
Immunotherapy may take months or even years to be effective. There is a risk of anaphylaxis (anaphylactic shock), which is a severe allergic reaction. It is not recommended for people who have persistent asthma.

All information sourced from www.hse.ie