Over half of hay fever sufferers said that their hay fever medication was ineffective, according to research conducted by Allergy UK.
Only 4 per cent of respondents said that their medication actually eliminates symptoms, and for 60 per cent medication only makes hay fever bearable.
More than one in three hay fever sufferers use a steroid nasal spray but the research revealed that only 14 per cent were using it correctly. The research revealed that if their medication wasn't working, 19 per cent said they'd carry on regardless and a further 13 per cent would increase the dosage.
Maureen Jenkins, director of clinical services at Allergy UK said: ‘Our research shows how reliant sufferers are on hay fever medication but for so many it simply isn't working. … we are urging people to check whether they are using their medication correctly rather than just soldiering on and prolonging their suffering. If symptoms aren't improving with treatment, its so important to get medical advice to control this debilitating condition, which is also associated with the development of asthma.'
Eighty-four per cent of those who use antihistamines do so on a daily basis, 62 per cent of those who use steroid nasal sprays use them everyday and 56 per cent of those who choose eye drops use them daily throughout hay fever season, the research showed.
The research was released to coincide with Allergy Awareness Week (28 April to 4 May), which highlighted that the misuse of medicine can be a major cause of suffering.