Around 16 million Britons suffer from hay fever, and many of them will turn to over-the-counter medications for some much-needed relief during the season. But even as these medications work for most people, many are searching for alternative, stronger solutions to alleviate their symptoms.
One of those is the hay fever injection, known as Kenalog, which provides 3 to 6 months of relief from hay fever symptoms, and there’s clearly interest. There were 11k searches for “hay fever injection” in June last year, and with searches up 41% already this past week, there will likely be a similar peak this year.
However, Dr Rupa Parmar, GP and Midland Health, advises caution when it comes to Kenalog and explains everything you need to know about the hayfever injection, including who it may not be suitable for and the lesser-known, but effective, alternatives.
“There is no cure for hay fever, and so it’s understandable that many are looking for ways to relieve their symptoms, at least temporarily, in the summer. But I only recommend the injection after trying alternatives with fewer side effects, rather than as a first choice.
“This is because hay fever injections have many side effects, including soreness, swelling, increased blood pressure, mood swings, and insomnia. In some cases, people may also become susceptible to other bacteria and viruses. It’s so important to fully consider whether the injection is right for you, as trying other treatments first may provide the same relief.
“One of the alternatives people should consider is light therapy, a non-drug alternative that is suitable for anyone over the age of 5. UV light therapy, known as Rhinolight, is a non-invasive, pain-free treatment for the nose in people with hay fever. It has fewer side effects and is shown to be effective, requiring only a few sessions for noticeable relief.
“Rhinolight therapy is a fairly new treatment that aims to tackle hay fever symptoms at the source. It uses low-level light to help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, which can ease common symptoms like congestion, sneezing and itching.
“Unlike treatments that involve injections or ongoing medication, Rhinolight is gentle and pain-free, so it can be a good option for both adults and children.
“I’d also warn patients to be cautious of providers who don’t speak openly about the potential downsides and fail to conduct a medical consultation before administering the injection. Your doctor should always assess your full medical history to ensure there is nothing that could put your health at risk from having the injection, and tell you all the side effects during a consultation.
“Overall, it’s crucial to weigh up the options and decide what’s right for you when it comes to hay fever treatments. It’s also important to remember that you should never feel pressured by a medical professional to get any treatment; remember, you can always say no.”
