Hay Fever Management: What Really Works, and When to Consider Further Treatment)
For many people across Shropshire, hay fever is more than just a seasonal nuisance. It can affect sleep, concentration, work, and overall quality of life. Hay fever is usually worse during peak pollen months, between late March and September, especially when it is warm, humid and windy. This is when the pollen count is at its highest. At Shropshire Health, we understand how debilitating these symptoms can be, and we’re here to support you with safe, effective, and personalised treatment options.
What is Hay Fever?
Hay fever, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, is caused by an allergic response to a harmless outdoor or indoor substance, which the body identifies as being harmful (allergen). Common allergens that can trigger hay fever symptoms include plant pollen, grass, mould or dust mites. Tiny flecks of skin shed by cats, dogs, and other animals with fur or feathers (pet dander) can also be allergens, causing cold-like symptoms, which may include:
Sneezing and coughing
Runny or blocked nose
Itchy, red or watery eyes,
Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat and ears
Mucus what runs down the back of the throat
Loss of smell
Swollen, bruised-appearing skin under the eyes (known as allergic shiners)
Fatigue and poor sleep
Pain around the sides of your head and your forehead
Headache
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may persist for prolonged periods. Unlike viral illnesses such as the common cold, which typically resolve within 1–2 weeks, hay fever can last for several weeks or months. Although there is no cure, a combination of avoidance strategies and medical treatments can help to effectively manage and relieve symptoms.
What to Try and What to Avoid
Besides making you miserable, hay fever can affect how well you perform at work or school and can generally interfere with your life. You can learn to avoid triggers and find the right treatment to help to ease the symptoms or severity of hay fever, which may include the following:
Do’s
Put petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) around your nostrils to trap pollen
Wear wraparound sunglasses, a mask or a wide-brimmed hat to stop pollen getting into your nose and eyes
Shower and change your clothes after you have been outside to wash pollen off
Keep windows and doors shut as much as possible
Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth
Try to use a pollen filter in the air vents of your car, if you have one, and a HEPA filter in your vacuum cleaner
Don’t
Do not cut grass or walk on grass
Do not spend too much time outside
Do not keep fresh flowers in the house
Do not smoke or be around smoke, as it makes your symptoms worse
Do not dry clothes outside, as they can catch pollen
Do not let pets into the house if possible, as they can carry pollen indoors
First-Line Treatments
Most people can manage hay fever effectively with standard treatments, including:
Antihistamines (e.g. Cetirizine, Loratadine)
Steroid nasal sprays (e.g. fluticasone)
Eye drops for irritation
Avoidance measures (e.g. the Do’s and Don’t’s listed above)
These treatments are widely recommended and are effective for the majority of patients.
When Hay Fever Becomes Severe
Some individuals, however, may continue to struggle despite trying multiple treatments correctly and consistently. You may fall into this category if:
Symptoms significantly affect your sleep or daily functioning
You’ve tried multiple medications without relief
You find yourself needing frequent time off work or avoiding activities
You have another condition that can worsen hay fever symptoms, such as nasal polyps, asthma or frequent sinus infections
Are Hay Fever Injections an Option?
In selected cases, a Kenalog (triamcinolone) injection may be considered. At Shropshire Health, we may offer this treatment only after a full clinical assessment and when all standard treatments have failed. It is important to know:
This is not a first-line treatment
It is used selectively and cautiously
It provides symptom relief for several weeks in some patients
Possible Side-Effects
Kenalog is a long-acting steroid that works by reducing the body’s allergic inflammatory response. However, while Kenalog can be very effective for hay fever, it may sometimes cause side effects. It is important to be aware of these so you can recognise any changes and seek help if required.
Common (usually mild and temporary):
Facial flushing
Headache
Sleep disturbance
Mild pain at injection site
Less Common:
Mood changes (e.g. irritability, anxiety)
Increased appetite
Raised blood sugar levels
Menstrual irregularities
Increased susceptibility to infection
Rare but Serious:
Severe mood changes or depression
Visual disturbances
Adrenal suppression (hormonal effects)
Bone or joint
A Balanced Approach to Treatment
Because this is a systemic steroid injection, it is important to weigh up the benefits and risks carefully. That’s why at Shropshire Health we:
Carry out a thorough medical assessment
Ensure safer alternatives have been tried first
Provide full informed consent and discussion of risks
Only offer treatment when clinically appropriate
Our focus is always on safe, evidence-based care tailored to you
Our Approach at Shropshire Health
As a CQC-registered private GP and wellbeing clinic, we are committed to providing high-quality, personalised care with a strong focus on prevention and long-term health.
We don’t just treat symptoms, we look at the bigger picture of your health and wellbeing, helping you find the most appropriate and sustainable solution.
When to Book an Appointment
Hay fever can be frustrating, but you don’t have to just “put up with it.” With the right approach, most people can achieve good symptom control, and for those who can’t, there may be additional options available following careful assessment. You can book a consultation with our experienced clinical team If your hay fever is:
Severe
Not improving with over-the-counter or prescribed treatments
Impacting your quality of life
…it may be time for a more in-depth review. Let us help you breathe easier this summer, book with Shropshire Health today.
