PrivateMedical.Clinic™ is set up to assist people needing a Hay fever treatments to get back to functioning normally
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Hay fever
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Studies have shown that about 10-15% of us suffer from hay fever symptoms.
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10% do not respond to usual treatments of over the counter medications like nose sprays, eye drops and anti-histamines.
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A significant number of people have found that an injection has helped them get through the season- preventing days off work, being able to attend meetings, functions like weddings and even being able to drive safer.
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It used to be offered as part of the NHS provision.
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There are other treatments including injections which are not a cure however but give temporary relief to help with the symptoms through the season. One of the options is an injection which is a corticosteroids which works by helping to reduce the allergic responses but is also used for a number of other conditions including joint issues and even certain types of cancers.
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The injection is still officially licensed for the treatment of severe hay fever in the UK and continues to be routinely administered to patients in most other countries around the world.
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Click on the link to see the official patient information leaflet
Doctor review:
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We cannot guarantee all who request treatments will be treated.
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A thorough risk assessment is undertaken by a doctor to check for contra-indications, whether other treatment options are more suited and whether the injection is likely to be of assistance.
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We do not treat people under the age of 18 years old and weigh each patient as treatments are dose depending on weight.
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Only once a full verbal and written consent is obtained would we proceed to have treatments given.
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Procedure if an injection is recommended:
The injection is milky white solution and is injected into the buttock (gluteal) muscle once the skin is cleaned with a sterile wipe.
It usually only take a few seconds and is rarely painful.
There is not need to undress fully to have the injection and chaperones are welcome if requested.
Potential Benefits:
Most people find the effects work quickly – usually within a few days and the effects last the whole season enabling people to function normally.
Occasionally a second dose is recommended.
It must be noted however that rarely some people do not find it beneficial at all.
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Possible side-effects:
All cortico-steroids can cause unwanted side-effects, although these are rare at the dose levels that you get from a hay fever injection. The main issue is that the injection can partially suppressed the immune system for up to 3 weeks which may become an issue if a significant infections like chickenpox or measles become apparent
Serious possible adverse effects:
Anaphylactic allergic reactions have been very rarely reported.
You must contact a doctor IMMEDIATELY (by going to an Accident & Emergency department) if you notice any of the following symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction:
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Swelling of the face, lips or throat
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Breathing difficulties
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Skin itching, redness or a rash
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Sticky black stools
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Severe abdominal pain
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Vomiting blood
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Possible psychological effects of all steroids:
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Mood changes- happier or more sad
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Changes in blood sugars/ Thyroid function/ female hormones causing menstrual irregularities
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Indigestion, stomach pain, stomach ulcers, bloating, weight gain, pancreatitis.
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Eye problems including glaucoma and cataracts
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Changes in seizure control
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Fungal infections
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Osteoporosis (thinner bones).
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Reduction in the body’s overall ability to respond to major stress resulting from serious injuries.
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Alternative treatments for Hay fever:
Non-medical treatments:
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Stay indoors on high pollen count days
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Reduce bare skin as much as possible - the allergy can be made worse by pollen on the skin – not just the nose, eyes & mouth.
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Have frequent showers to wash any pollen off the skin
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Vaseline on nostrils
Non-prescription medications which you should always try first ( Pharmacist) :
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Antihistamines tablets
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Eye Drops.
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Nasal Sprays.
Prescription Medications ( Doctor care):
There are effective prescription only medications attained form your GP such as:
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Antihistamine nasal sprays
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Fexofenadine antihistamine tablets
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Montelukast tablets
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Ranitidine tablets
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Prednisolone ( Steroid) tablets
Immunotherapy (Desensitisation) Treatments (Specialist care):
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Giving injections or tablets of what you are allergic to in slowly increasing doses can reduce your immune reactions and cure your hay fever permanently. Every dose has to be monitored closely in case of anaphylactic reaction and requires dedication and commitment as you need a dose every few weeks for at least 2 years if it is going to work at all.
It is highly recommended in children with severe disabling allergies.
The Hay Fever injection cannot be given at the same time as desensitisation treatments as it counteracts the effectiveness of the treatment regime.
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