Hay fever
Severe hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, can significantly affect quality of life, especially during the peak pollen season.
What is hay fever?
Children and young people with hay fever often experience disrupted sleep, poor concentration, and fatigue, which can impact academic performance. Research shows that hay fever can lower exam grades, making conditions like GCSEs and A-levels even more challenging when they coincide with spring and summer pollen peaks.
Treatment options
For those with persistent and severe hay fever, desensitisation therapy (also known as allergen immunotherapy) is a highly effective long-term solution. Available in convenient tablet or oral droplet formulations, these treatments gradually reduce the immune system’s sensitivity to pollen. Over time, this can dramatically decrease symptoms, helping patients lead more comfortable and active lives.
Unfortunately, these treatments are not routinely available on the NHS and require specialist assessment and supervision to ensure their safety and effectiveness.
Environmental allergy assessment
Hay fever often occurs alongside other environmental allergies, such as sensitivities to house dust mites or pet dander. We offer comprehensive assessments to identify these triggers and provide practical advice for managing symptoms.
Managing hay fever
In addition to desensitisation therapy, several steps can help reduce the impact of hay fever:
- Using antihistamines, nasal sprays, or eye drops to manage symptoms
- Checking daily pollen counts and planning outdoor activities accordingly
- Keeping windows closed during high pollen times and using air purifiers
- Washing hands and face after being outdoors to remove pollen particles
With the right approach, even severe hay fever can be effectively managed, improving quality of life and supporting children during critical school periods.
Need advice and can’t get to your GP?
You don’t need a GP referral, contact us directly.
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Where to find us
Outpatient Clinic
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Spire Southampton Hospital Chalybeate Close
Hampshire SO16 6UY - Opening Times Mon & Thurs mornings
The Peanut immunotherapy Clinic
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Southampton General Hospital Tremona Road
Hampshire SO16 6YD - Opening Times - Saturday mornings
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Other conditions we treat
We provide comprehensive care for a wide range of allergic and immunological conditions
Asthma
Asthma in children can range from persistent coughing to severe attacks. Our clinic can help navigate these concerns with lung function tests, inflammatory gas measurements, and tailored treatment plans.
Find out more
Eczema
We provide testing and practical advice to help manage symptoms, like environmental changes and tailored skincare strategies, to improve your child’s quality of life.
Find out more
Food allergies
Food allergies can range from mild to severe. Identifying what your child is allergic to is crucial for avoiding triggers and preventing future reactions.
Find out more
What our clients say
The treatment provided was first class and every single staff member was so helpful and kind to both our daughter and ourselves throughout every stage of the treatment, Our daughter has completed her treatment and is now consuming two M&Ms daily which has completely transformed her life and ours. I only hope more parents avail of this treatment that can completely change a child’s life, I cannot speak highly enough of all the team members at Allergy Healthcare.
Nigel
Communication, knowledge, experience of the team and responsiveness. 10 on all levels for our experience and we now feel our daughter has the tools to navigate her way through life when she leaves our supervision.
Sam
The care and expertise at allergy healthcare was excellent. I cannot recommend them enough. Throughout my daughters treatment they were supportive and encouraging going above and beyond to support us.
Helen
Dr Mich is fantastic! Great with my son and explained everything about his condition in detail. He is extremely knowledgeable and put us all at ease. Highly recommended.
Sophie
Mich, Helen and the team were excellent in my son’s Palforzia journey. They were competent, thorough and considered throughout. Their knowledgable confidence rubbed off on my allergic son and we felt safe and supported. We felt welcome and cared for.
Suzy
Frequently asked questions
Have any questions? Visit our FAQ section for answers to common queries about hay fever.
What causes hay fever?
Hay fever is caused by an allergic reaction to pollen, which can inflame the nasal passages and eyes, leading to sneezing, itching, and congestion.
Can hay fever affect school performance?
Yes, severe hay fever can disrupt sleep and concentration, impacting children’s performance during important exams like GCSEs and A-levels.
What is desensitisation therapy for hay fever?
Desensitisation therapy involves taking small, controlled doses of allergen (e.g., pollen) to reduce sensitivity over time. It is highly effective but requires specialist supervision.
How can I manage hay fever at home?
Use antihistamines, keep windows closed during high pollen times, and wash hands and face after being outdoors to minimise symptoms.
Can hay fever lead to asthma?
Poorly controlled hay fever may increase the risk of developing asthma. Effective treatment of hay fever can reduce this risk.
How did we do?
We welcome all feedback that helps us to improve our services and provide the highest standards of care and treatment.
