Hayfever and its debilitating symptoms ranging from itchy eyes and a runny nose through to congestion and wheeziness brings misery to millions each year.

Many thousands of people are already suffering this spring as the trees are releasing their pollen, although the majority of sufferers, around the 95% mark will be affected by the release of grass pollen in May.

The symptoms are caused by histamines, substances that the body produces in response to allergic reactions, which is why doctors usually recommend antihistamine medication.

Although 1 in 10 people in the UK experience hayfever, one of the highest ratios in the world, the condition is not treated seriously enough, nor are suferers given enough sympathy, according to professor Jean Emberlin, director of the National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit at the University of Worcester.

Hayfever affects 38% of teenagers.  This is not a trivial condition as if left untreated, it can develop into asthma.  The most important thing is for people to recognise they have it.  Many people wrongly dismiss it as not very serious but it can make life truly miserable and adversely affect performance at work and impact on youngsters in school, especially at summer exam times.

A report commissioned by Kleenex confirmed this and it was revealed that hayfever could be costing British busineses more than £7billion a year in lost productivity and lack of concentration among employees.

86% of us don't know which type of pollen we're allegic to, so try keepinga diary of your symptoms and match it against a pollen calendar.  Check pollen forecasts at sites such as and avoid going out at peak pollen times.

Lets take a look at the treatments available:

There is a huge range of over-the -counter remedies availabe such as Benadryl and Boots own Allergy Relief Tablets but there are also:

Nasal Sprays

Nasal sprays can counter itchy, watery eyes, a runny nose and sore throat.  Nasacort Allergy Nasal Spray (£6.49 for 30 sprays at Boots) is now available without a prescription.  Alternatively, try Beconase Hayfever Relief Nasal Spray also available at Boots.

Red Nose Remedy

A gadget that illuminates your nose so that it glows red sounds a strange way to relive hayfever symptoms but Medinose claims a high success rate,   It looks like an iPod with prongs to insert in nostrils and claims a significantly reduce symptoms.

Natural Boosters

If drug-free solutions appeal, a new natural remedy that claims to give a powerful boost to the immune system could be beneficial.  It contains quercetin, a natural plant extract to support the respiratory tract and bromelain an anti-inflammatory.  Available from , alternatively, Apibal Freeze-Cracked Bee Pollen also aims to boost immuntiy and counter symptoms.  Those interested in a homeopathy could find an appropriate remedy at .

Time For Tea

Peppermint is renowned for clearing congestion and helping to reduce sneezing, itching and wheezing.

Air Purifiers

For relief at home why not invest in an Air Purifier to reduce pollen levels in rooms.  The Airfree Air Purifiers have 3 models in their  range depending on room size.

If you are looking for a very cost effective, neat stylish solution to dealing with a wide range of allergens, you can't beat the Airfree Air Purifier range.

The Airfree P60 model is the smallest in the range and is suitable for an area up to 24m² - if you require an air purifier for a larger space then check out the Airfree models P80 & P125 also available at

If you are sensitive to airborne allergens and micro-organisms, bacterias, animal allergens, pollen, mould, mildew and other fungi spores, Airfree offers a safe, low maintenance, totally silent and effective way to eliminate problems.