Experts warned 2020 could see the highest pollen count in 70 years due to a delay in trees releasing pollen. Dr Beverley Adams-Groom, chief pollen forecaster at the National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit at the University of Worcester said: “We expect to see tree pollen reaching a high level in the context of our records going back as far as 1951.”
How many hay fever tablets can you take in one day?
Hay fever tablets, called antihistamines, come in two different types.
The older kind – such as chlorphenamine, hydroxyzine and promethazine – can induce symptoms of dizziness.
The newer kind – such as cetirizine, loratadine and fexofenadine – are non-drowsy.
The maximum amount of tablets for you to take will largely depend on your age and size, and whether or not you are taking other medication.
You should always check the packet to see the dose you should be taking.
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For example, for one-a-day type medication, you should not ingest more than one tablet in a single day.
For most over-the-counter medicines, the maximum tends to be three tablets a day.
If you take more than the recommended amount of pills, it is very possible to overdose on anti-histamines.
In serious cases, overdoses can lead to tremors, heart palpitations, seizures and hallucinations.
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Remember that just because a medical product is bought over the counter, it does not guarantee its safety.
If you think you may have taken too many hay fever tablets or are concerned about combining them with your current medication, seek medical attention immediately – even if you feel fine.
Symptoms of an overdose can often come delated, and it is better to seek help from a professional to be safe.
The side effects of each type of medication will differ significantly.
With the older type of anti-histamine, you should avoid using heavy machinery (driving a car) as they can affect coordination and judgement, as well as induce blurred vision.
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Before taking any tablets, you should always check the packaging of the medication and read the label thoroughly.
A Met Office spokesperson said: “Your GP can help you find the most appropriate treatment for you, especially if you have asthma and other allergies.
“Treatments include antihistamine tablets or nasal sprays, corticosteroid nasal sprays and drops, nasal decongestants, eye drops, immunotherapy, and alternative therapies.”
The peak in this year’s pollen count comes after Dr Hilary Jones revealed the important way to tell the difference between hay fever and coronavirus.
Dr Hilary said: “The interesting thing about hay fever is it doesn’t give you a fever. It’s a complete misnomer.
“Whereas coronavirus often can. One of the cardinal symptoms to look at with coronavirus is a fever over 38 degrees and a dry persistent cough, which is new to you.
“Hay fever is coming in now. People are getting a bunged up nose. That isn’t often a symptom of coronavirus.
“If you haven’t got the two cardinal symptoms of a cough, which is new, and fever, then you carry on as normal.”
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