Hay Fever Treatment: What Works, What Risks, and What to Expect
- The London Allergy Clinic
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
What are the typical hay fever symptoms?
Hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) usually causes a combination of symptoms including some or all of the following:
Itchy nose
Itchy eyes
Itchy throat
Red, watery eyes
Sneezing
Nasal congestion
And sometimes fatigue.
If you suffer with these every spring or summer, especially when the pollen count is high, it’s likely hay fever.
When is hay fever season in the UK — trees, grass & weeds explained
The hay fever season in the UK generally runs from around March through to September. The timings vary by region and weather, but broadly:
· Tree pollen season comes first (approximately late March to mid-May) with pollens commonly from trees such as birch, alder, hazel.
· Grass pollen season follows, typically mid-May to July. Grass is the most common trigger for hay fever.
· Weed pollen season runs from late June through September. Weeds like nettle, mugwort, and ragweed tend to release pollen later.
First-line hay fever treatment: Over-the-counter meds
For many people with mild to moderate hay fever, the first line defence is using over-the-counter antihistamines. Common choices include cetirizine, loratadine, or fexofenadine (120 mg). These help reduce sneezing, itching, watery eyes and runny nose. Over-the-counter nasal steroid sprays and eye drops often also help when added to antihistamines.
When stronger or prescription treatments are needed
If over-the-counter antihistamines aren’t enough, or if symptoms are severe (or interfering with sleep, work, studies), prescription antihistamines at higher dose-strength may be used (e.g. fexofenadine 180 mg). Prescription nasal steroids, eye drops, or combination therapy (antihistamine + steroid nasal spray + eye drops) may be necessary.
Immunotherapy: The most definitive treatment
When regular medication fails to control symptoms or is poorly tolerated, immunotherapy is an important option. This is the treatment that targets the underlying allergic response rather than just masking symptoms. There are two main forms:
· SLIT (Sublingual Immunotherapy): tablets or drops taken under the tongue, usually daily. It is more modern, generally safer, and more convenient than the alternative.
· SCIT (Subcutaneous Immunotherapy): injections under the skin, given once a week for a period of 4 – 6 weeks, repeated annually for 3 years.
At the London Allergy Clinic we offer both SLIT and SCIT. Most of our patients prefer SLIT, as it is typically cheaper and far more convenient in daily life, while still effective when well matched to the patient’s allergy profile.
Controversial treatments and why we don’t use Kenalog injections
You may have heard of “Kenalog” (triamcinolone) injections being offered by some clinics / online for hay fever. This is a strong corticosteroid injection, which suppresses the immune system temporarily to reduce symptoms. However:
· Kenalog is not licensed in the UK for treatment of hay fever. ITV
· Advertising of Kenalog for hay fever is prohibited. Government enforcement notice
· There are serious risks and side effects associated with systemic steroid injections.
Because of the risks, the NHS discontinued its use for hay fever. For the same reasons it is also not part of our service.
How The London Allergy Clinic can help
At London Allergy Clinic we provide a clear, evidence-based treatment plan. We evaluate your symptoms, confirm the timing of your pollen sensitivities, try first-line therapies, and escalate to stronger prescription meds or immunotherapy if needed. Our goal is relief, safety, and making sure you are getting effective treatment without undue risks.
Our team of expert professionals can guide you through this process.
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