General Health
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The box below contains links for general health advice. Click on the conditions for further information
General advice is available from:
www.bad.org.uk Good website about skin problems from the British Assocaition of Dermatologists
www.hpa.org.uk Health Protection Agency
Helpful Information
Follow the links below for more information.
- Repetitive strain injury
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Diarrhoea
- Cholesterol
- Low back pain and computer ergonomics
- Coughs
- Sore throat
- Emergency treatment of Allergic reactions
- Asthma
- Carbon monoxide
- Insect bites
- Migraine
- Meningitis and Septicaemia
- Diabetes
- Glandular Fever
- Measles
- Acne
- Eczema and Psoriasis
- Cystitis
- Hayfever
- Wart and verrucas
- Ear Infections
- Conjunctivitis
- Athlete's foot
- Head injury
- Constipation
- Ingrowing toenail
- Mumps
- Influenza and Avian Flu
- Moles or Melanomas
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Hayfever
Hayfever
Hayfever is also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis. It affects about 15% of people in the UK and about a quarter of people aged between 11-21.
It means that you are allergic to pollen and/or fungal spores. You may also be allergic to other allergens such as house dust mites, pet hair and moulds. This is perennial allergic rhinitis and means you have it all year round.
Symptoms
• Sneezing
• Runny or blocked nose
• Itchy eyes, nose and throat
• Headaches
• Not being able to concentrate
• It may affect sleep
• It may trigger asthma in some people
Causes
Allergen Time of year when symptoms are worst
Grass Pollen May to July/August
Birch pollen April/May
Weeds, spores June/July to November
www.pollenuk.co.uk
www.allergyuk.org
www.bbc.co.uk/weather/pollen/index.shtml
Treatments available over the counter at the chemist
At present there is no cure but there are plenty of medicines that can help
Think about starting these treatments early in the season.
• Antihistamines – these will help to reduce sneezing and itching. It is worth trying a few brands to find one that suits.
• Eye drops –some contain antihistamine, sodium cromoglycate
• Steroid nasal sprays e.g. Beconase
These will help the blocked nose symptom but have to be taken regularly to be effective.
Additional medical treatments
If you are suffering and the over the counter remedies are not working please discuss with you GP. This may be particularly important around exam time
The GP can review your medication and in addition to the medications available above can think about steroid treatment in severe cases when fast relief is required.
Prevention
• Keep doors and windows shut when the pollen count is high
• Staying away from areas where there is more pollen, especially early morning and late afternoon evening when the pollen count is higher
• Wearing wrap around sunglasses
• Taking a shower and washing your hair after being outside
• Not drying washing outside.
Source: Allergy Uk
Bupa Health Information