Hay fever can indeed be a dreadful nuisance, draining the pleasure out of the summer season. For roughly 26% of the population in Ireland who are tormented by this seasonal affliction, my sentiments will resonate clearly with you.
As we approached this year’s summer, I found myself at my wits’ end. I had previously taken a variety of measures including over-the-counter antihistamines, stronger prescribed medicines, various sprays and even the infamous “local honey spoonful” cure. Yet, despite my efforts, there has not been substantial relief. (I’ve yet to explore the supposed benefits of certain sacred springs.)
Then I encountered Kenalog. Some hail it as the much-needed solution, but it isn’t guaranteed that every healthcare professional will recommend it.
How can one identify if they are suffering from hay fever?
If the annual occurrence of the Leaving Certificate Examination brings with it unstoppable bouts of sneezing, then you may potentially be a sufferer.
If the advent of summer necessitates the constant carrying of tissues whenever you step out of the house, there’s a high possibility, you’ve got it.
If stepping outdoors induces watering and sore eyes, along with a prevalent urge to hibernate for a short period, you’re likely a sufferer too.
Many individuals are affected by seasonal rhinitis or hay fever as it’s more commonly known. The most prevalent form is activated by pollen during the months of May, June and July. The majority of those affected demonstrate an extreme immune response to tree or grass pollen which gets blown around everywhere by the wind. The body erroneously responds to this harmless substance, releasing histamines to counter the perceived invader. My body once required a course of steroid tablets to return to normal, after spending a summer at a US camp where a layer of orange dust had to be swept off our deck daily. Obviously, this is not an approach that can be utilised every summer.
The Kenalog steroid injection, which is primarily used for treating various conditions like arthritis, blood disorders and some types of cancer, can also prove efficient in battling hay fever symptoms. Triamcinolone, the chief component of the injection, lowers your body’s immune response to specific conditions and has been known to alleviate overreactions to pollen for hay fever patients. It often succeeds in subduing symptoms for the entirety of the hay fever spell for the majority of patients.
Although a GP needs to prescribe it, once you receive the prescription, it can easily be obtained from a pharmacy before being delivered back to your GP to perform the injection. I personally had the injection administered in my bottom, a less painful area according to the GP, although it’s not something I’d eagerly repeat. However, it has greatly improved my summer experience.
A week following the injection, my symptoms had nearly disappeared, and I found myself able to relax outdoors, particularly in St Stephen’s Green, without any worries.
However, it’s important to consider that like all medicinal drugs, Kenalog comes with potential side effects. Although I didn’t experience any, the risk is there. Once Kenalog is in your system, it can’t be removed, which could be a problem if you experience any of these possible side effects: headaches, dizziness, increased blood pressure, swelling, breathing problems, muscle weakness, sleep disorders, mental health concerns, weight gain, diabetes, osteoporosis, skin thinning, and a heightened susceptibility to flu (to name but a few).
These side effects have sparked debates about the use of the drug. In the UK, for instance, the NHS has ceased to prescribe Kenalog due to the high potential for side effects.
Would my GP recommend it? That largely depends on the GP. My own GP was agreeable to administering the injection, while a friend of mine described her GP as wary of its side effects. If your GP refuses, it’s best not to rush to another willing to prescribe the drug. There are numerous over-the-counter antihistamines available that have proven effective for many. I simply belong to the group that requires additional medication to manage my condition.
Convinced? Decide wisely.
Keep your cool, I’m not a GP. It’s crucial to always check with your general practitioner. They might hesitate to advise it due to its possible adverse consequences. However, more importantly, if you’re looking at this when it first comes out, it’s likely you’ve missed the boat for this year. Kenalog works most effectively right ahead of your hay fever season.