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Allergies and intolerances

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Can the NHS refer for immunotherapy without anaphylaxis for severe allergies?

7 replies

userlotsanumbers · 29/04/2026 20:45

I have had a lifetime of allergies, you name it, I have problems with it: fragrance, dogs, cats, dust, birch trees, any stoned fruit, apples, wheat, sulphites...the list is long and distinguished. However, not to the point of anaphylaxis, just the facial swelling, sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, exhaustion kinda thing. I manage to avoid most allergens to a greater degree, it's a pain, but it's my life and I am used to it.

It's getting worse as I age, and I have just spent the most miserable period since mid-February with seemingly a permanent 'flu' due to hay fever (tree pollen) and it's ongoing. Still.

I am exhausted, and I want to try immunotherapy. However, I am hearing that the NHS will not refer unless in cases where anaphylaxis occurs. Does anyone know if this is correct, and then does anyone know how much places like the Spire charge for a course of immunotherapy.

Thanks in advance for any help, I am on my knees here with it.

OP posts:
Ineffable23 · 29/04/2026 20:56

I can't help on that front, but can I check what the docs have you on?

I have severe hay fever, and a dust mite allergy and I take fexofenadine 180mg (not the 120mg standard dose), top it up with a loratidine in the evenings if necessary (not officially allowed by the doctor but medic friends have unofficially said that they do). I also take a steroid nasal spray, and I used to need eye drops as well but I have been lucky enough that it has reduced somewhat since then.

I expect you're already on everything you possibly can be but just thought it was worth asking.

Nevermind17 · 29/04/2026 20:57

I don’t know if it depends on the area but my adult son was told they only give it to children on the NHS.

ETA: He does have anaphylaxis. Again, I don’t know if that makes a difference.

userlotsanumbers · 29/04/2026 21:34

Ineffable23 · 29/04/2026 20:56

I can't help on that front, but can I check what the docs have you on?

I have severe hay fever, and a dust mite allergy and I take fexofenadine 180mg (not the 120mg standard dose), top it up with a loratidine in the evenings if necessary (not officially allowed by the doctor but medic friends have unofficially said that they do). I also take a steroid nasal spray, and I used to need eye drops as well but I have been lucky enough that it has reduced somewhat since then.

I expect you're already on everything you possibly can be but just thought it was worth asking.

Hi thanks for the reply
I am on fexofenidine 120mg, cetirizine, sinus washes twice per day, nasal spray.
NOTHING is touching it, hence my desperation!

OP posts:
userlotsanumbers · 29/04/2026 21:35

Nevermind17 · 29/04/2026 20:57

I don’t know if it depends on the area but my adult son was told they only give it to children on the NHS.

ETA: He does have anaphylaxis. Again, I don’t know if that makes a difference.

Edited

This is my concern, that it is not commissioned any longer. I don't really have the means to pay, but equally, I can't live like this.

OP posts:
constantnc · 29/04/2026 21:39

I know 2 siblings having this. Neither have anaphylaxis. They are teenagers.

userlotsanumbers · 29/04/2026 21:41

constantnc · 29/04/2026 21:39

I know 2 siblings having this. Neither have anaphylaxis. They are teenagers.

Are they under 18?

OP posts:
constantnc · 01/05/2026 19:30

Yes under 18.

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