Allergies in Hampshire: How to Tame Hay Fever and Sinus Symptoms
Each spring and summer, thousands of people across Hampshire start sniffling, sneezing, and rubbing their itchy eyes. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone — hay fever (allergic rhinitis) affects up to 1 in 4 adults in the UK.
At Hampshire ENT clinics, we help patients manage allergy-related nasal and sinus symptoms using a combination of medical therapy, modern procedures, and lifestyle strategies.
🌿 What Causes Hay Fever?
Hay fever occurs when your immune system overreacts to harmless airborne particles such as:
Tree pollen (spring)
Grass pollen (late spring to summer)
Weed pollen (late summer to autumn)
Mould spores or dust mites (year-round symptoms)
When these allergens are inhaled, they trigger inflammation inside the nose and sinuses, leading to nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, and itchy or watery eyes.
🤧 Common Allergy and Sinus Symptoms
Blocked or runny nose
Repeated sneezing
Postnasal drip and throat clearing
Facial pressure or headaches
Reduced sense of smell
Fatigue or poor sleep from congestion
If symptoms persist beyond the pollen season, you may also have chronic rhinosinusitis — often linked to ongoing inflammation from allergies.
💊 Managing Hay Fever and Sinus Problems
1. Avoidance & Lifestyle Measures
Check Hampshire pollen forecasts and limit outdoor time on high-pollen days.
Shower and change clothes after being outside.
Keep windows closed during peak pollen hours (morning and early evening).
Use saline rinses to clear allergens from the nose.
2. Medical Treatments
Nasal steroid sprays to reduce inflammation.
Antihistamines (tablets or nasal sprays) to relieve sneezing and itch.
Leukotriene inhibitors (e.g., montelukast) for stubborn symptoms.
Allergen immunotherapy (desensitisation) in selected cases.
3. Procedural Options at Hampshire ENT
For patients with chronic nasal congestion or rhinitis that doesn’t respond to medication, we also offer:
Clarifix® cryotherapy – targets the overactive nasal nerves causing persistent runny nose and drip.
Turbinoplasty – reduces swollen nasal tissue to improve airflow.
Endoscopic sinus surgery – for patients with chronic sinus disease or polyps.
📍 Expert Allergy & Sinus Care in Hampshire
At Hampshire ENT clinics, our team provides a full spectrum of care — from medical allergy management to advanced ENT procedures — helping patients across Portsmouth, Winchester & Salisbury, and the wider Hampshire region breathe easier all year round.
👉 If hay fever or sinus problems are affecting your daily life, contact Hampshire ENT clinics to arrange an assessment and personalised treatment plan.