When is the best time to start taking hay fever medicine?
- 15 hours ago
- 3 min read
~Early administration of anti-allergic eye drops is the key~
"Use medicine only after the pollen becomes a problem"This is a method that many people use, but it can actually be a little slow.
Hay fever does not suddenly worsen the moment pollen enters your body.In the body, immune cells that react to pollen are gradually stimulated, preparing for inflammation. When the level of exposure exceeds a certain level, symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes suddenly become severe.
In other words, rather than dealing with the symptoms after they become obvious,Starting treatment while symptoms are mild or before they appear will ultimately make your life easier.This is called "initial treatment."
■ Why is “early” better?
The itchy eyes caused by hay fever are caused by an allergic reaction occurring on the surface of the eye (conjunctiva).
Pollen gets in your eyes ↓Stimulation of cells involved in allergies (such as mast cells) ↓Substances such as histamine are released ↓Itching, redness, and watery eyes
As this cycle repeats, the symptoms become more severe.
Anti-allergy eye drops work by blocking this reaction midway.However, once the inflammation becomes severe, it takes time to completely suppress it.
Therefore,
✔ Pollen has started to fly✔ My eyes are a little itchy✔ I feel something is off
Starting to use it at this stage is less likely to worsen the symptoms.
■ There are two types of anti-allergy eye drops
Broadly speaking,
① Type that suppresses the action of histamine② A type that makes the allergic reaction itself less likely to occur (mediator release inhibitors)
Recently, many drugs that have both of these effects have been used.
These medicines are not just "medicines that temporarily stop itching once it starts," butDrugs that reduce the risk of allergic reactionsIt will be easier to understand if you think of it this way.
That's why early treatment is so important.
■ When is the ideal time to start?
Generally speaking,
🌸 Just before pollen starts to spread🌸 Or early dispersal
is considered ideal.
By the time you hear on the news that "pollen has started to fly," your body has already begun to react.
For those who have a hard time every year,Not "after symptoms appear"It's best to start before you leave.
■ Continuity is very important
It is important to use anti-allergy eye drops at the prescribed frequency.
✔ Twice a day✔ 4 times a day
It varies depending on the prescription.
Even on days when symptoms are mild, it is important not to stop taking the medication on your own judgment.If you stop taking the treatment midway, the allergic reaction may intensify and the itching may return.
"It seems like it's okay today, so I'll stop" can actually have the opposite effect.
■ What if the itching is severe?
If you already have severe itching or redness, anti-allergy eye drops alone may not be enough.
In that case,
- Steroid eye drops (short-term use)・Use in combination with oral medication
etc. may be necessary.
Don't hesitate, contact us as soon as possible.
■ For contact lens wearers
During pollen season, pollen tends to stick to the lenses.
・Use of one-day type- Reduce wearing time- Remove it immediately after returning home
This also helps to reduce symptoms.
Please note that some eye drops cannot be used while wearing contact lenses.
■ What's the pollen level this year?
There are predictions that the amount of pollen released this year will be higher than usual.Taking measures before symptoms become severe can make a big difference in how comfortable you feel in spring.
■ Summary
Hay fever eye symptoms
❌ Deal with it after it gets difficultrather than⭕ Prevent before it gets painful
The key point is...
Anti-allergy eye dropsIt's not an "anti-itch" medicine, but a "medicine that makes it less likely to cause allergies."
An early drop can have a big impact on the spring that follows.
If you suffer from this every year, try to be mindful of using eye drops early this year.
Please feel free to consult us about the best timing to start taking this medicine and whether it should be used in combination with your current medication.
Dispensing Pharmacy KITAOKA will help make your spring a little more comfortable.
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