Allergy Relief Starts Here

Written by Dr Nicola Harrison

25th April 2025

🌸 Hayfever & Other Allergies
 

With spring in full bloom, many people find themselves struggling with the less welcome side effects of the season—sneezing, congestion, and fatigue, all due to hayfever (also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis).

The good news? There are a wide range of strategies available to help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
 

🧬 Why Allergies Happen
 

Allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to something harmless, such as:

• Tree pollens in spring

• Grass pollens in summer
   

🤧 Typical Allergy Symptoms
 

Symptoms develop in two phases:

Early Phase (within minutes):

• Clear nasal discharge (runny nose)

• Repetitive sneezing

• Itchy, red, or watery eyes

• Itching of the nose, throat, or roof of the mouth
   

Late Phase (hours later):

• Nasal congestion or blockage

• Postnasal drip (mucus dripping down the throat)

• Frequent throat clearing

• Ear pressure or a feeling of fullness

• General fatigue or low energy
   

💡 Three Main Approaches to Hayfever Treatment
 

With many options available, the best approach is often a combination of methods:
 

1️⃣ Environmental Measures

Reduce your exposure to allergens with these simple strategies:

• ✅ Check pollen forecasts and plan accordingly

• ✅ Limit outdoor time during high pollen periods (early morning & evening)

• ✅ Keep windows and doors closed during peak times

• ✅ Avoid drying clothes outside

• ✅ Shower, wash your face and hair, and change clothes after being outdoors

• ✅ Use wraparound sunglasses to protect eyes

• ✅ Apply a barrier balm (e.g., Vaseline) around nostrils to trap pollen
   

2️⃣ Medical Treatments

These can significantly reduce hayfever symptoms:

• 💊 Non-sedating antihistamines (e.g., fexofenadine 120mg, cetirizine 10mg) – once daily

• 💉 Steroid nasal sprays – start 2 weeks before the season begins

• 👁️ Antihistamine eye drops – relieve itchy, watery eyes

• 📉 Short courses of steroid tablets – for severe symptoms (usually 5 days)
   

3️⃣ Surgical Options

Considered when symptoms are severe or due to structural issues:

• 🌀 Septoplasty – corrects a deviated nasal septum

• 🔽 Turbinate reduction – reduces swollen nasal tissue

• 🧼 Polypectomy – removes nasal polyps that obstruct airflow
   

💉 What is Allergy Immunotherapy?
 

Immunotherapy (also called desensitisation) helps your immune system become less reactive over time—like a vaccine.

Two delivery methods:

• SCIT – Weekly injections (subcutaneous)

• SLIT – Daily dissolvable tablets or drops under the tongue (sublingual)
   

➡️ Best results come from starting 3 months before allergy season. Treatment continues for 3 years and may provide long-lasting relief even after it ends.

In the UK, SLIT is now preferred due to its safety and ease of use.
We’re happy to discuss if immunotherapy is right for you.
 

🧪 Identifying Your Triggers: The ALEX2 Blood Test
 

To find out if immunotherapy is appropriate, we recommend the ALEX2 blood test, which screens for:

• 165 allergens: including pollen, dust mites, moulds, pets, and foods

• Over 300 individual sensitivities

• Detailed IgE antibody analysis at a molecular level
   

🩺 A full allergy consultation with a GP is required before this test.
 

⚠️ Kenalog Injections: Falling Out of Use
 

You may have heard of the “hayfever injection”—Kenalog (a steroid called triamcinolone).

While effective short-term, it’s no longer recommended due to potential risks:

• Bone thinning & fracture risk

• Raised blood pressure & fluid retention

• Sleep disturbances

• Higher risk of infections (flu, shingles, chickenpox)
   

👉 The MHRA (UK’s regulator) has issued warnings, and clinics offering it may be in breach of licensing laws.
If you’ve had Kenalog in the past, we can help you find safer alternatives.
 

🚨 Innovation Alert: Needle-Free Adrenaline
 

Neffy is a new nasal spray version of adrenaline for severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).

• Approved in 2024 by the US FDA and European Medicines Agency

• No needles – easier for those with needle phobia

• Simpler to use in emergencies

• MHRA approval in the UK is expected soon
   

✅ Next Steps
 

Whether you're dealing with hayfever symptoms or exploring long-term allergy treatments, we're here to support you.
 

📅 Book a consultation if you’d like to:

​

• Get tested for specific allergens

• Start or learn more about immunotherapy

• Review your current allergy management plan