Coping with hay fever

She said: "It is terrible. Hay fever stops you from doing anything."

Sarah, from Scholars Walk, has been affected by hay fever for as long as she can remember.

Her symptoms usually start in early spring and last until October.

She has always been active and sporty but hay fever sometimes inhibits her performance and enjoyment of certain sports, particularly ones held in the countryside.

During the hay fever season, Sarah suffers from a constant runny nose, streaming and itchy eyes, sore throat, wheezy chest and general lethargy. In order to try and alleviate these symptoms Sarah has also tried various herbal remedies and daily antihistamines.

However, Sarah remarks that none of these treatments have been effective.

"Instead of looking forward to the warmer weather, I start dreading the fact that my hay fever will begin to kick in again. It's like having a permanent cold - streaming nose, itchy eyes, inner ears and throat and tight-chested to the point of needing an asthma inhaler.

"It makes me feel tired and lethargic and generally fed up. I have tried numerous treatments from my local pharmacist over the years but nothing has really controlled my symptoms adequately. I would certainly welcome any new hay fever therapy that could make you feel human over the spring and summer months."

Now doctors in Sussex are backing a new campaign to reduce the symptoms caused by hay fever.

Sufferers are urged to visit their GP before the hay fever season begins to discuss treatment options that can address the underlying causes.

A new report developed by the Surrey and Sussex Health Priorities Support Unit, which assesses the health needs of the local community, recommends that people with uncontrolled moderate or severe hay fever should be considered for advanced therapy known as Immunotherapy.

This is an approach that treats the underlying cause of hay fever and therefore helps to modify the disease, even working to prevent allergic reactions from occurring.

ENT Specialist Mr. Simon Baer is head of the nasal allergy practice at the Conquest Hospital.

He is supporting a new drive in the region to encourage hay fever sufferers to act now and seek advice for their allergy.

He commented: "With the shifting seasons it's more important than ever for people affected by hay fever to be prepared and start initiating treatment before their symptoms start in earnest.

"The good news is that now we have more options available to us to help control the symptoms of hay fever and even tackle the underlying causes of the allergy.

"Anyone who tends to suffer with more severe symptoms should make an appointment with their GP now to discuss how best to manage their condition over the coming months."

Anyone who wants to know more about hay fever and grass pollen, including a daily pollen count map can visit the following website at www.fightthecause.com.

Hay fever sufferers concerned about the upcoming hay fever season should consult their local GP.