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What is hay fever?

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Hay fever (also known as allergic rhinitis) is an allergic condition where the body reacts to specific pollen antigens resulting in regular allergic symptoms for a period of time. Around 42% of the population suffer from hay fever symptoms to varying degrees.  The symptoms can be similar to that of a cold which can sometimes cause confusion for people but unlike a cold hay fever is not caused by a virus.  Hay fever symptoms can also last weeks changing in severity and you do not usually develop a 'fever' as you do with a viral cold.Typical symptoms of hay fever include:

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• Runny / congested nose

• Sneezing

• Itchy roof of mouth, throat or nose

• Headache or pain around head

• Fatigue

• Red, watery & itchy eyes

• Loss of smell

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Severity of symptoms can vary per individual and symptoms can occur at any age. Hay fever can also disappear from an individuals life at any time so it is crucial that the individual is currently having symptoms before considering further treatment.  There are many preventative and current over the counter measures you can currently choose from:

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Current measures:

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• Understanding which pollen you are allergic too and staying indoors during high pollen count

• Placing vaseline up your nose to line nasal passage

• Wearing sunglasses outdoors

• Keeping windows and doors closed when indoors

• Shower and change clothes after being outdoors

• Using a pollen filter in car and vacuum regularly in the house

• Do not dry clothes outdoors

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Current treatments include:

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• Over the counter (OTC) antihistamine medication

• OTC Steroid and non-steroidal nasal sprays

• Prescription inhalers

• OTC and prescription based eye drops

• Prescription steroid medication and non-steroidal based medication

• Specialist immunotherapy treatments

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Kenalog treatment:

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Kenalog is a treatment that can be used for people who suffer from severe hay fever symptoms and who are not controlled on current available medication. Kenalog contains triamcinolone 40mg/ml which is part of a group of medications known as 'corticosteroids.'  The main use of corticosteroids is to reduce the body's inflammatory and allergic response and they are used commonly for these conditions.

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There are many individuals who have used kenalog to good effect and even though this treatment is no longer available on the NHS, we believe the treatment can be very beneficial for those who have considered the risks.

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Kenalog does not cure hay fever but suppresses the immune system long enough to cover the duration of the hay fever season.  The effects are proven to last three weeks but many people state the effects last the entire season.  Kenalog may not remove all symptoms completely but may reduce the need for daily OTC medication or be used alongside daily medication with less severe symptoms.  

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Kenalog can only be prescribed after a thorough consultation with our practitioner.  Only one dose is required for the season.  If a second dose is required this will have to be discussed further.  Kenalog is an intra-muscular injection and can only be placed in the glute muscle for safe practice.

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Price: £89

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