Allergic conditions are common problems, with hayfever (an allergy to pollen) being one of the most prevalent. For most, pollen is a harmless substance that they don’t give much thought. But for the estimated 18 million people in the UK who suffer from hayfever, the arrival of spring and flowers in bloom is a time they dread.

The UK allergy remedies market is huge - worth an estimated £117 million. However, many sufferers are not benefitting from their treatment and may be using it incorrectly.

New research commissioned by Allergy UK reveals that 62 per cent of hayfever sufferers find their current hayfever medication to be ineffective. In addition, only four per cent say their medication actually eliminates symptoms, while for the majority (60 per cent), it only makes their hayfever bearable. Results from Allergy UK also reveal that of the 39 per cent of sufferers who use a steroid nasal spray, only 14 per cent are using it correctly.

This means that for 86 per cent of patients, their nasal spray will not work effectively. The findings also show that many hayfever patients are not taking their medication as prescribed. Worryingly, 19 per cent of sufferers said that if their medication wasn’t working, they would carry on taking it regardless, while a further 13 per cent would simply increase the dosage.

Being aware of the symptoms and treatment options for hayfever should be a priority for pharmacy teams during the warmer months, particularly as many people confuse the symptoms for a common cold.