SPRING is always a difficult time of year for those who suffer from hay fever, as the new pollen from the trees and flowers bring with them a season of runny noses, watery eyes and constant sneezing.

However, this year let your pharmacist help you to beat those hay fever blues.

That's the spring-time healthcare message from the National Pharmaceutical Association, the trade body representing over 11,000 pharmacies across the UK.

Hay fever is one of the most common allergies in the UK affecting 10-20 per cent (around six million people) of the population. It is an allergic response to pollen, which can affect anyone regardless of age, sex or nationality.

Hay fever is more common in people aged between eight and 25 years and research suggests that the allergy can run in the family.

Hay fever is seasonal and most people are affected between May and July. Sometimes though, symptoms can start as early as March and run through to October.

Hay fever is caused by three main types of pollen - tree pollen, grass pollen and the pollen from flowers or fungus spores.

As these pollens are seasonal, this explains why different sufferers have hay fever at different times of the year.

If symptoms are worse in spring then you are likely to be allergic to a type of tree pollen. However, the summer months often trigger sneezing fits and a runny nose for hay fever sufferers who are allergic to grass pollen.

Autumn can also pose a problem for some hay fever sufferers, as both late-flowering plants and the spores of some fungi cause allergic reactions.

An allergic reaction to pollen triggers off a substance called histamine.

It is released by the body as a defence mechanism to the pollen. The histamine causes hay fever symptoms of sneezing, swollen, itchy or watery eyes, a runny or blocked nose or tickly throat.

And although there is no cure for hay fever, there is a wide range of decongestants, antihistamines, nasal sprays and eye drops available from the local pharmacy, which all help to relieve symptoms.

John D'Arcy, chief executive of the NPA advises: "Hay fever treatments help to reduce the allergic symptoms to pollen, such as a runny nose or itchy eyes.

"As there are so many different products available, it is always a good idea to ask your pharmacist for advice, as they have the latest information on different treatments, possible side effects, and can suggest what product to use."

Hay fever treatments can ease uncomfortable symptoms but sufferers should also try to protect themselves from any pollens that cause an allergic reaction.

To help, the NPA has put together a list of top ten tips:

* Avoid places that may trigger any symptoms such as long grass, freshly mown grass in gardens or fields, and certain types of trees.

* Keep windows and doors closed when the pollen count is high - early evening and at night time.

* Dry clothes indoors, rather than on a washing line outside. Avoid damp areas where mould may be present.

* Be aware of the pollen count which is broadcast on the weather forecast, radio, TV and the internet.

* If you are using antihistamine tablets then always read the label, to cheek that they do not cause drowsiness.

* Wear sunglasses when outside, to protect your eyes from the pollen.

* Try applying a thin layer of Vaseline just inside nostrils to trap pollen

* Avoid smoky environments as these can irritate the allergy and make symptoms worse.

Always ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable treatment.

By visiting your pharmacy and following these guidelines, hay fever sufferers can curtail the sniffles and tears this summertime. So, wipe away those hay fever blues for good and go out to enjoy the sunshine