Islay is a beautiful place to visit and live, with beaches, gardens, farmland, woodland, moorland, golf courses and coastal walking routes all close by.
For many people, time outdoors can also mean hay fever or seasonal allergy symptoms, especially during spring and summer.
Whether you are visiting Islay for a holiday, whisky tour, walking trip, festival, golf break or family visit, our pharmacy team can help you choose suitable treatments and understand when further advice may be needed.
Our pharmacy team can advise on hay fever symptoms, suitable treatments and when further medical assessment may be needed.
Islay Pharmacy
42 Main Street
Bowmore
Isle of Islay
PA43 7JJ
Telephone: 01496 301591
Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen. It is most common during spring and summer, although symptoms can vary depending on the type of pollen and weather conditions.
Common triggers may include:
Symptoms can be worse on dry, windy days or after spending long periods outdoors.
Hay fever symptoms may include:
Symptoms can be frustrating, especially if they affect your sleep, driving, outdoor plans or ability to enjoy your visit.
Visitors often spend much more time outdoors than usual when staying on Islay.
Hay fever and allergy symptoms may be triggered or worsened by:
Even if you do not usually suffer badly from hay fever, a change in environment can sometimes trigger symptoms.
Yes. Our pharmacy team can discuss your symptoms and help you choose suitable options where appropriate.
Depending on your symptoms, we may be able to recommend:
Our team can also explain how to use treatments correctly, as some hay fever medicines work best when used regularly rather than only when symptoms become severe.
Antihistamines can help with symptoms such as sneezing, itching, runny nose and watery eyes.
Some antihistamines are more likely to cause drowsiness than others. If you are driving, cycling, operating machinery or drinking alcohol, please ask our pharmacy team for advice before choosing a product.
Nasal sprays can be helpful for blocked, itchy or runny noses.
Some sprays need to be used regularly for several days before they reach their full effect. Technique is also important, so please ask us if you are unsure how to use your spray.
Eye drops may help with itchy, red or watery eyes caused by hay fever.
If your eyes are painful, sensitive to light, affected by changes in vision or producing sticky discharge, seek medical advice.
Hay fever can make asthma symptoms worse for some people.
If you have asthma and your hay fever symptoms are worsening, or you are using your reliever inhaler more often than usual, seek medical advice.
If you are struggling to breathe, call 999 in an emergency.
Children can also experience hay fever and seasonal allergy symptoms.
Symptoms may affect sleep, concentration, school holidays and outdoor activities.
Not all medicines are suitable for all ages, so please speak to our pharmacy team before choosing a treatment for a child.
You may be able to reduce pollen exposure by:
These steps may not remove symptoms completely, but they can help reduce exposure.
Speak to a healthcare professional if:
Need advice about hay fever or seasonal allergies?
Our team can advise on symptoms, suitable products and when further assessment may be needed.
Telephone: 01496 301591
You may also find these pages helpful:
The information on this page is intended as general guidance only and should not replace advice from a doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
Not all medicines are suitable for everyone. Always read the label and ask our pharmacy team if you are unsure which treatment is suitable for you.
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or you are struggling to breathe, seek urgent medical attention.
Call 999 in an emergency.
