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Also called Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis, Hay fever is very common – affecting 1 in 5 people in the UK. It often runs in families and is more likely if you have asthma or eczema. Here's a simple guide to help you manage your symptoms.

Symptoms

• Sneezing, runny or blocked nose
• Itchy, red, or watery eyes
• Itchy throat
• Headaches, sinus pain
• Fatigue

Self-Help: Pollen Avoidance

• Many patients can improve their symptoms significantly by taking a few practical steps:
• Check daily pollen forecasts (Met Office website).
• Stay indoors during peak pollen times (2–9pm).
• Keep windows closed in car and at home.
• Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors.
• Shower and change clothes when you come in.
• Face masks (e.g. surgical/COVID-type) reduce pollen inhalation.
• Avoid drying clothes outdoors on high pollen days.
• Try saline nasal sprays or eye washes to rinse away pollen.

Medication – Available Without Prescription

Most hay fever treatments can be bought over the counter – the NHS views this as a self-care issue, and GPs will not usually prescribe these medications.

You can combine treatments if needed:

•  Antihistamine tablets (cetirizine, loratadine, acrivastine, fexofenadine) Take daily in the morning; may increase to 2–3 tablets daily if needed (always check leaflet).
• Steroid nasal sprays (beclomethasone, budesonide, fluticasone, mometasone) Best used twice a day and started before the season begins. Allow 3 days to see effects.
• Antihistamine eye drops (e.g. sodium cromoglicate) Use 4 times a day for itchy/watery eyes. Check with optician if you wear contact lenses.
• Decongestant sprays (short-term only – max 7 days) Can help unblock your nose but not for long-term use.
• Simple pain relief (paracetamol, ibuprofen) For headaches and sinus pain.
• Throat lozenges for sore or tickly throats.
• Saline nasal sprays/irrigation – useful especially during pregnancy or if avoiding medications.

When to See a GP

• Wheezing, chest tightness or breathing difficulties.
• If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding and need further guidance
• If symptoms are not improving despite trying self-care and over-the-counter treatments.

Note: GPs do not prescribe stronger antihistamines. Oral steroids are rarely needed and only in very severe cases – if needed often, you may be referred for immunotherapy.

Did You Know?

• Steroid nasal sprays are more effective than antihistamines for nasal symptoms.
• Combining nasal sprays and antihistamines often works better than using either alone.
• Products like Dymista combine both (available to buy).

Quick tip: Start your hay fever treatment 2 weeks before the season starts for the best effect!

Useful Links:

• NHS Hay Fever Advice
• Allergy UK – Self-Help Tips

Stay connected with Thornaby & Barwick Medical Group!

Follow us on Facebook for the latest updates, health tips, and important practice news: facebook.com/ThornabyBarwickMedicalGroup

• You don’t always need a GP appointment — the pharmacist can assess and supply treatment directly in many cases
• Anyone can get scabies. It has nothing to do with poor hygiene
• All household members and close contacts should be treated at the same time, even if they don’t have symptoms
• Wash bedding and clothing at 60°C or higher
• Use this link for more info and advice: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scabies/

Did you know you can now refer yourself directly to a range of health and wellbeing services—no GP appointment needed?

From mental health, pregnancy support, and sexual health, to MSK, podiatry, audiology, and more—check out our Self-Referral Hub for access to help when you need it: https://bytespcn.nhs.uk/self-referral-hub 

Please note that the practice will be closed from 1pm on the following dates for education and training. Access to the building will be unavailable and clinical cover will be provided by our GP federation and NHS 111. In an emergency, please call 999.

• Tuesday 20th May 2025
• Thursday 19th June 2025
• Thursday 18th September 2025
• Tuesday 14th October 2025
• Wednesday 11th March 2026

For the latest updates on our PPG: https://tbmg.nhs.uk/ppg-updates 

Thornaby and Barwick Medical Group (TBMG) has been recognised as an Active Practice by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP), signifying the practice's commitment to promoting physical activity among staff and patients. This initiative involves implementing strategies to reduce sedentary behavior and increase physical activity, such as organising events that promote activity and providing information on local exercise opportunities for patients. Achieving Active Practice status reflects TBMG's dedication to enhancing overall health and well-being for our patients.

Dr. Jahnavi is excited to be leading an amazing group of motivated patients on their journey to reverse diabetes! These participants are taking control of their health and are already seeing incredible results through our 4-week Diabetes Lifestyle Programme which includes structured weight loss and educational sessions. Keep it up, everyone!

As we celebrate reaching our 10,000-mile challenge, we want to take a minute to shine a spotlight on these three amazing women who will be lacing up their running shoes and taking on marathons across the world this October! Best of luck you three! ❤️

A big thank you to all the amazing women who attended our drop-in clinic for cervical smears during Cervical Screening Week! 🌸 We screened over 20 women, including some who got their first and others who had previous reservations about smears. Thank you for making this event a success! 💖 #WomensHealth #CervicalSmear #CommunityCare

A huge thank you to everyone who made the park run a success! 🎉 Join a park run near you every Saturday at 9am across the country. You can walk, run, volunteer, and be part of a wonderful community. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ You might see our team at Albert Park or Stewart Park regularly. Come and say hi! 👋 #ParkRun #Community #GetActive