Hayfever Kenalog Injection

What is it?

The Kenalog Hayfever injection is a steroid injection that suppresses the immune system to reduce the severity of Hayfever symptoms. Injection into the buttock (gluteal) muscle. This is known as an IntraMuscular (IM) injection. 

Why would you have it?

Treatment of severe hay-fever, that is resistant to alternative treatments: Hay fever is caused by your immune system reacting unnecessarily to pollens. Your immune system is such an important part of your body that it will preferentially use up a lot of your energy uselessly ‘fighting off’ pollens which it interprets as attacking you. Pollen counts are becoming higher each year with longer high pollen seasons – read more here.

Who can offer this injection?

The hayfever injection should only be given by a clinical professional within a CQC registered premises. For example a private GP or registered nurse.

Do I offer this injection?

No.

Why don’t I offer it? 

The injection was historically available on the NHS but they no longer offer it due to a lack of evidence that suggests it is efficient. In addition the treatment comes with a high level of potential side effects including 

*raised blood pressure

*water retention

*headaches

*bone pain

*muscle weakness

 Once the steroid has been injected, nothing can be done to prevent it from spreading through the body over the following weeks, even if side effects are experienced,  In addition, it is contra-indicated in some patients, such as those who have stomach ulcers, diabetes or an active infection.

In addition the spokesperson for Allergy UK says “The steroid injection is not recommended as it is a high-dose steroid given by an intramuscular injection and once injected, the amount of steroid cannot be removed and it comes with a high side-effect profile.

“Many patients like it as it does help with their hay fever symptoms and that is why you can get it privately, but it is not given on the NHS in allergy services as the recommendations are to give immunotherapy for severe hay fever,” their spokesperson continues.

What do I recommend instead?

If you are part of the population who suffer with severe symptoms that are not helped by taking over the counter medicines (antihistamines) or using nasal sprays I would recommend visiting your doctor and asking them to refer you for immunotherapy. This is not a quick cure and can take many months even years. Immunotherapy desensitises the body response to the allergen causing the reaction, in the case of hay fever you are exposed to many types of pollen and an individual vaccine is produced for you.

How CAN I help?

Using my specialist non-invasive allergy testing machine I am able to test you against many types of allergens so I can provide you with a list of things to avoid. In addition I use my extensive knowledge and experience with gut health to help you to improve your quality of life. 

80% of your immune system resides in your guts put simply: healing your gut issues can help reduce inflammation and auto-immune responses as well as decreasing the likelihood of developing allergies such as hay fever or food sensitivities and intolerances.

If you would like to make an appointment to discuss hayfever or other allergy/ digestive health issues please contact me on 07810 750940