Dr Phil Kieran: How can I manage my daughter's hay fever? 

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My 12-year-old daughter suffers from hay fever during the spring and summer months. We usually manage her symptoms with OTC antihistamines and limit her time outdoors when the pollen count is high. She naturally finds this restrictive, particularly when she wants to be with her friends. Is there a medication or therapy you could suggest?

Hay fever or allergic rhinitis is a common complaint, with more than 10 to 15% of the population suffering from it to a greater or lesser extent. It is caused by a hypersensitivity to pollen—similar symptoms can be caused by other allergies, such as dust allergies or pet allergies. Hay fever usually occurs at the same time each year for the sufferer. Tree pollen causes problems in the spring and early summer, while grass pollen is the usual culprit from summer to early autumn.