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Original poster

Debilitating hayfever at the end of my tether

76 replies

freakinthespreadsheets · 03/06/2025 13:30

I don't know where else to turn. I am hoping, praying someone out there has suggestions for what I can do to bring down my hayfever symptoms.
I have tree and grass pollen allergies so suffer all year round with moderate symptoms. Then I have fullblown attacks where I am wheezing ( i don't have asthma) my eyes swell almost closed, headaches from the sinus pressure, my face blisters up, im dizzy and lethargic and I ache all over. I cannot breathe through my nose at all so my mouth is dry, gums are sore and its hard to swallow, my jaw aches. I can't drive, I can't focus on work during these attacks. They happen 6-7 times a year and last around 5 days at a time. Then the rest of the time I still have more moderate hayfever i never get a break.

When i tell you I have tried EVERYTHING. I am prescribed fexofenadine 180mg and this didn't work on its own so I've tried taking more than one a day (doc said this was fine). Bought my own cetirizine, loratadine, clorphenamine etc. Have tried every nasal spray, eye drop etc under the sun, both prescription and OTC, and no combination of any of these things seems to bring my symptoms down or prevent these attacks.

I do all the right things, drying bedding indoors, showering and washing my face when I come in from outside, changing clothes, use the hayfever wipes and sprays and the pollen barrier balm, all of it. I have tried the hayfever injection, two doses of it, and it didnt relieve my symptoms. I get no reprieve whatsoever and I am exhausted.

I literally don't know what else to do. Please please please does anyone have any recommendations of what i can try?

OP posts:
Shoemadlady · 06/06/2025 23:48

Have you tried the pollinosan yet?? It works from day 1, it’s homeopathic so I didn’t think it would work but ran out of options. It’s magical!

LegoNinjago · 07/06/2025 00:00

WWomble · 03/06/2025 16:31

Yup, BTDT. I got referred to the allergy clinic at the regional hospital. Tests - skin prick and bloods and then qualified to be desensitised. 3 lots of 6 months, under the tongue pollen pills.

PM if I can help further. Not an instant solution and doesn’t work for everyone, but worth a try.

Second this. Ask your GP to refer you for desensitisation therapy. Full course takes 3 years but some improvement will be noticeable after first year

idratherbedrawing · 07/06/2025 10:09

@EggbertHeartsTinai was also in the trial - you are talking about the graduate study right? Like you I think I had the real graxax as got an itchy mouth initially & my hayfever was been soo much better when taking them & also the one year post treatment. However this year it’s back with a vengeance. It’s awful. No attacks as bad as the OPs, but usual moderate to severe symptoms most if the time and fixofendene plus other meds barely touch it. Think either I was on the placebo injection or the injection to make graxax effective for long tern relief didn’t work so basically the graxax has worn off as we only had 2 years treatment as opposed to previous protocol of graxax tablets tested to be effective (which was 3 years)

anyway I’m now wondering if can get referred to an allergy clinic by my GP to poss get graxax, but I don’t rate my chances. The nurses on the trial told me that the imperial allergy clinic can only give graxax to like 20 referred patients as it’s so expensive and NICE guidance on it is very tough cos it doesn’t save lifes (hayfever doesn’t kill you) and the valuations of medicines doesn’t seem to value productivity gains. On top of this, as before the trail the GP doesn’t seem to care or realise that anti histamines are ineffective for me. That’s the main reason I signed up for the trail, was to access treatment that seemed impossible to obtain.

So I’m just really interested to hear from others on what said to their GP to get a referral!

EggbertHeartsTina · 13/06/2025 20:03

idratherbedrawing · 07/06/2025 10:09

@EggbertHeartsTinai was also in the trial - you are talking about the graduate study right? Like you I think I had the real graxax as got an itchy mouth initially & my hayfever was been soo much better when taking them & also the one year post treatment. However this year it’s back with a vengeance. It’s awful. No attacks as bad as the OPs, but usual moderate to severe symptoms most if the time and fixofendene plus other meds barely touch it. Think either I was on the placebo injection or the injection to make graxax effective for long tern relief didn’t work so basically the graxax has worn off as we only had 2 years treatment as opposed to previous protocol of graxax tablets tested to be effective (which was 3 years)

anyway I’m now wondering if can get referred to an allergy clinic by my GP to poss get graxax, but I don’t rate my chances. The nurses on the trial told me that the imperial allergy clinic can only give graxax to like 20 referred patients as it’s so expensive and NICE guidance on it is very tough cos it doesn’t save lifes (hayfever doesn’t kill you) and the valuations of medicines doesn’t seem to value productivity gains. On top of this, as before the trail the GP doesn’t seem to care or realise that anti histamines are ineffective for me. That’s the main reason I signed up for the trail, was to access treatment that seemed impossible to obtain.

So I’m just really interested to hear from others on what said to their GP to get a referral!

Yes! The Graduate trial. I was definitely better for the last two years. This week has been awful but the rescue meds they gave us have helped. I didn’t realise Grazax protocol was three years.

I wonder if we’ve met?! Do you go to the group events?

AppropriateAdult · 13/06/2025 20:22

The only obvious thing missing from the arsenal of drugs you’ve tried is montelukast, OP - would definitely be worth asking your GP to prescribe this.

idratherbedrawing · 14/06/2025 18:43

Hi, @EggbertHeartsTinai went to the one that was near the hospital and the first bowling one, brought my kids to that, they hated the science talk but loved all the food 😂. I’m officially out of the trial now so don’t get free rescue meds but fortunately they offered me a pack this year anyway as they had so many left.

senseofdevelopment · 14/06/2025 18:49

Maybe not much help if you've tried everything, but ketotifen is the only one that works for me (eyedrops and tablets - not sure if tablets are easy to get in UK...)

senseofdevelopment · 14/06/2025 18:52

Oh and when you had the Kenalog injection, was it definitely an appropriate dose for bodyweight?

Sounds like, even if the Kenalog doesn't work, that steroids could give you relief during the worst attacks but you'd need a doctor/specialist willing to pursue this and to weigh up the pros and cons... So keep pushing or go private...

ViciousCurrentBun · 14/06/2025 18:56

DH wears a proper mask outside and we have an air purifier.

handmademitlove · 14/06/2025 20:10

At my worst I was on 4 x fexofenadine and 2 X cetirizine a day as well as eye drops / nasal sprays...

ENT referral to check for polyps could be helpful as a starting point as they can make symptoms much worse. My ENT consultant also prescribed ryaltris which made a huge difference. It is a combination antihistamine and steroid spray and has been the most effective since the kenalog injections I had as a teenager!

hilariousnamehere · 14/06/2025 20:16

@freakinthespreadsheets have you tried Phenergan (promethazine hydrochloride) at night? I had (have) debilitating chronic rhinitis and hayfever and various allergies and had tried what I thought was everything, then aged 31 took night nurse for the first time and it made such a difference - asked Dr and he prescribed the tablets on their own, I take 30mg daily in winter and 40-50mg through spring and summer, and although it is drowsy it has utterly changed my life.

Ironically as I type this am sniffly and snotty but that's because I've not had enough sleep this week, plus last night's dose is wearing off!

hilariousnamehere · 14/06/2025 20:17

@freakinthespreadsheets meant to add that at one point I was taking 14 certirizine a day, and fenofexadine also does nothing for me, but Dr said they hadn't thought to try me on promethazine as it's an "old" antihistamine 🤷‍♀️

changenameagain555 · 14/06/2025 20:26

Have you tried mast cell stabilisers like quercetin and bromelain? They're supplements of natural mast cell stabilisers rather than medication from the GP. Quercetin helps DS a lot.

Thaawtsom · 14/06/2025 20:27

I combine antihistamines (fexofenadine 180, cetirizine and piriton) on the recommendation of a GP who immediately took my hayfever seriously (much worse since menopause). He was concerned about my eyes and my breathing. I can up the fexofenadine if I need to, but the current mix seems to be working. Agree with PP -- need to find a GP who takes it seriously. Hayfever is debilitating. When my DC have all finished school I am planning on spending the entirety of June at the coast. I WFH so can.

Original poster
freakinthespreadsheets · 14/06/2025 23:04

AppropriateAdult · 13/06/2025 20:22

The only obvious thing missing from the arsenal of drugs you’ve tried is montelukast, OP - would definitely be worth asking your GP to prescribe this.

Thank you that will be my next step!

OP posts:
Original poster
freakinthespreadsheets · 14/06/2025 23:05

senseofdevelopment · 14/06/2025 18:52

Oh and when you had the Kenalog injection, was it definitely an appropriate dose for bodyweight?

Sounds like, even if the Kenalog doesn't work, that steroids could give you relief during the worst attacks but you'd need a doctor/specialist willing to pursue this and to weigh up the pros and cons... So keep pushing or go private...

Yes, I'm not massively overweight but I did have 2 doses
I'll keep pushing for montelukast next

OP posts:
Original poster
freakinthespreadsheets · 14/06/2025 23:06

hilariousnamehere · 14/06/2025 20:16

@freakinthespreadsheets have you tried Phenergan (promethazine hydrochloride) at night? I had (have) debilitating chronic rhinitis and hayfever and various allergies and had tried what I thought was everything, then aged 31 took night nurse for the first time and it made such a difference - asked Dr and he prescribed the tablets on their own, I take 30mg daily in winter and 40-50mg through spring and summer, and although it is drowsy it has utterly changed my life.

Ironically as I type this am sniffly and snotty but that's because I've not had enough sleep this week, plus last night's dose is wearing off!

I'll give this a try! If it's drowsy then night time is fine but need to be alert in the day for my job

OP posts:
DeSoleil · 14/06/2025 23:11

A growing body of research suggests that gut health may play a significant role in hay fever and allergies. People with hay fever often have a less diverse gut microbiome, and this imbalance can lead to increased inflammation and a more reactive immune system, potentially exacerbating allergy symptoms.

Here's a more detailed look at the connection:

  • Gut Microbiome and Immune Response:
  • The gut is home to a vast amount of bacteria, collectively known as the gut microbiome. This microbiome plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system.
  • Dysbiosis and Inflammation:
  • Imbalances in the gut microbiome, known as dysbiosis, can disrupt the immune system's balance and lead to increased inflammation throughout the body. This inflammation can contribute to allergic reactions, including hay fever symptoms.
  • Impact on Allergy Symptoms:
  • Studies have shown that individuals with hay fever often have a less diverse gut microbiome compared to those who don't experience hay fever. This imbalance may contribute to a more overactive immune response to allergens, such as pollen.
  • Nasal Microbiome Connection:
  • The nasal microbiome, the community of microorganisms that live in the nasal passages, may also be involved in allergic conditions like hay fever.
  • Dietary Influence:
  • The foods we eat can significantly impact the composition and diversity of the gut microbiome. A diet high in processed foods, sugary foods, and saturated fats may contribute to gut dysbiosis and inflammation.
  • Probiotics and Gut Health:
  • Some research suggests that probiotics can help improve gut health and may reduce hay fever symptoms. Probiotics are live microorganisms that can help restore balance to the gut microbiome.
Further reading -

https://www.independent.co.uk/health-and-fitness/gut-health-allergies-hayfever-b2742126.html

https://www.vogue.co.uk/beauty/article/hay-fever-gut-health#:~:text=%E2%80%9CResearchers%2520looking%2520into%2520this%2520link,that%2520causes%2520hay%2520fever%2520symptoms.%E2%80%9D&text=If%2520there%2520is%2520indeed%2520a,result%2520in%2520excessive%2520histamine%2520production.%E2%80%9D

https://theweek.com/news/science-health/960570/the-link-between-hay-fever-and-your-gut-bacteria

MissConductUS · 15/06/2025 01:05

DeSoleil · 14/06/2025 23:11

A growing body of research suggests that gut health may play a significant role in hay fever and allergies. People with hay fever often have a less diverse gut microbiome, and this imbalance can lead to increased inflammation and a more reactive immune system, potentially exacerbating allergy symptoms.

Here's a more detailed look at the connection:

  • Gut Microbiome and Immune Response:
  • The gut is home to a vast amount of bacteria, collectively known as the gut microbiome. This microbiome plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system.
  • Dysbiosis and Inflammation:
  • Imbalances in the gut microbiome, known as dysbiosis, can disrupt the immune system's balance and lead to increased inflammation throughout the body. This inflammation can contribute to allergic reactions, including hay fever symptoms.
  • Impact on Allergy Symptoms:
  • Studies have shown that individuals with hay fever often have a less diverse gut microbiome compared to those who don't experience hay fever. This imbalance may contribute to a more overactive immune response to allergens, such as pollen.
  • Nasal Microbiome Connection:
  • The nasal microbiome, the community of microorganisms that live in the nasal passages, may also be involved in allergic conditions like hay fever.
  • Dietary Influence:
  • The foods we eat can significantly impact the composition and diversity of the gut microbiome. A diet high in processed foods, sugary foods, and saturated fats may contribute to gut dysbiosis and inflammation.
  • Probiotics and Gut Health:
  • Some research suggests that probiotics can help improve gut health and may reduce hay fever symptoms. Probiotics are live microorganisms that can help restore balance to the gut microbiome.
Further reading -

https://www.independent.co.uk/health-and-fitness/gut-health-allergies-hayfever-b2742126.html

https://www.vogue.co.uk/beauty/article/hay-fever-gut-health#:~:text=%E2%80%9CResearchers%2520looking%2520into%2520this%2520link,that%2520causes%2520hay%2520fever%2520symptoms.%E2%80%9D&text=If%2520there%2520is%2520indeed%2520a,result%2520in%2520excessive%2520histamine%2520production.%E2%80%9D

https://theweek.com/news/science-health/960570/the-link-between-hay-fever-and-your-gut-bacteria

I posted similar up thread with some different links if anyone is interested. In my case, supplementing with probiotics has been life changing for my seasonal allergies.

Chocco25 · 15/06/2025 05:08

Which ones do you use @MissConductUS?

Original poster
freakinthespreadsheets · 15/06/2025 11:08

DeSoleil · 14/06/2025 23:11

A growing body of research suggests that gut health may play a significant role in hay fever and allergies. People with hay fever often have a less diverse gut microbiome, and this imbalance can lead to increased inflammation and a more reactive immune system, potentially exacerbating allergy symptoms.

Here's a more detailed look at the connection:

  • Gut Microbiome and Immune Response:
  • The gut is home to a vast amount of bacteria, collectively known as the gut microbiome. This microbiome plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system.
  • Dysbiosis and Inflammation:
  • Imbalances in the gut microbiome, known as dysbiosis, can disrupt the immune system's balance and lead to increased inflammation throughout the body. This inflammation can contribute to allergic reactions, including hay fever symptoms.
  • Impact on Allergy Symptoms:
  • Studies have shown that individuals with hay fever often have a less diverse gut microbiome compared to those who don't experience hay fever. This imbalance may contribute to a more overactive immune response to allergens, such as pollen.
  • Nasal Microbiome Connection:
  • The nasal microbiome, the community of microorganisms that live in the nasal passages, may also be involved in allergic conditions like hay fever.
  • Dietary Influence:
  • The foods we eat can significantly impact the composition and diversity of the gut microbiome. A diet high in processed foods, sugary foods, and saturated fats may contribute to gut dysbiosis and inflammation.
  • Probiotics and Gut Health:
  • Some research suggests that probiotics can help improve gut health and may reduce hay fever symptoms. Probiotics are live microorganisms that can help restore balance to the gut microbiome.
Further reading -

https://www.independent.co.uk/health-and-fitness/gut-health-allergies-hayfever-b2742126.html

https://www.vogue.co.uk/beauty/article/hay-fever-gut-health#:~:text=%E2%80%9CResearchers%2520looking%2520into%2520this%2520link,that%2520causes%2520hay%2520fever%2520symptoms.%E2%80%9D&text=If%2520there%2520is%2520indeed%2520a,result%2520in%2520excessive%2520histamine%2520production.%E2%80%9D

https://theweek.com/news/science-health/960570/the-link-between-hay-fever-and-your-gut-bacteria

This is interesting. I also have IBS, so wonder if there's a connection

OP posts:
TheeNotoriousPIG · 15/06/2025 11:37

I haven't read the full thread, OP, but I do sympathise! I grew up with horrendous hay-fever (and bonus points for living in the countryside...) and it really is debilitating when you're allergic to going outside (or pesky people who insist on bringing cut flowers indoors).

Have you tried cutting out dairy? I was wary, because I really like chocolate, and vegan chocolate just isn't the same (plus it only comes in tiny bars)! However, it did wonders for cutting down snot and phlegm production. You can try re-introducing it later.

A farming favourite is an application of Uddermint under your nostrils. It is a peppermint-based cream that can burn the back of your eyeballs, but your sinuses are cleared in no time! It has seen me through colds, hay fever and flu. The same company make a human equivalent, called Mint Ease, but I'm not sure if it works as well. Notably, Uddermint is also excellent for a range of things, including achy muscles and arthritic pain, as well as relieving cows of mastitis and udder complaints...

whatcoulditbee · 22/06/2025 08:24

That sounds horrendous OP and I'm so sorry you suffer so badly.

I've been playing around with different tablets etc this year as nothing seems to be cutting it. I want to find a combination thsy works well.

When people are mentioning the Pollinosan, are you referring to the eye drops, nasal spray, tablets or a combo of all?