Hay fever sufferers in the UK are spending an average of £3,697 on medication during their lifetime, despite growing scepticism over whether these remedies are effective. A survey of 1,000 allergy sufferers revealed that 62% consume up to two boxes of antihistamine tablets every month, with half relying on the same amount of nasal spray.

The high-pollen season places an additional strain on sufferers, with a quarter of them using three or more toilet rolls a week to cope with constant runny noses. The annual cost of these remedies is approximately £59, yet 28% of hay fever sufferers say no medication provides relief. Despite this, many continue to make the same purchases year after year.

This season, however, some are looking towards alternative solutions. Around 24% are considering replacing tablets and sprays with air purifiers, with three in ten believing air purifiers would be a more cost-effective option than traditional medication. Additionally, 34% think a purifier could provide better relief overall, offering hope for a new approach to managing their symptoms.

A spokesperson for Utilita Energy, which commissioned the research as part of its Power Price List campaign, commented: “While many of us look forward to the arrival of spring after a long, cold and gloomy winter, it can bring a sense of dread for those who start sneezing as soon as pollen levels rise.

“Our research has revealed almost one in four hay fever sufferers are being proactive in using an air purifier indoors, with the average cost of running an air purifier 365 days a year £39.”

Over two thirds were unaware that this technology could help reduce their symptoms and 49% confessed they had simply never considered it.

Of those who have already invested in a purifier, 29% switched over due to frustrations with the effectiveness of existing hay fever medication. Other top reasons for making the switch included positive online reviews, recommendations from family or friends, and concerns over long-term medication use.

Nearly three quarters (72%) of air purifier users reported improvements in many of their pollen-induced symptoms. Four in ten claimed the cleaner air helped to unblock their noses, 36% sneezed less than usual, and 30% found relief from a constantly running nose.

A spokesperson for Utilita Energy stated: “To help households weigh up the value of using an air purifier, we can confirm the average entry level indoor air purifier costs £90 to buy, and £39 a year to run when using it constantly all year round.

They also added: “On average, the carbon emissions generated by an air purifier being used every day is the same as driving in a standard car for 148 miles.”