General Allergy and Hayfever


1. I am a 30 year old with grass pollen hay fever, having suffered 10 years of misery. It's now so bad, I can hardly go out in the summer, even when the count is only "moderate". As I got married last year , my GP gave me an injection of Kenalog, which really made an amazing difference. I even called into GMTV last month, and Dr. Hilary supported this therapy, so I was planning to go back and ask for another dose this summer.

But my husband has been doing a bit of internet research, and came across this article: http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/322/7302/1589 and also this:
Avascular necrosis of the femoral head (AVN) is an increasingly common cause of musculoskeletal disability as well as a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The femoral head is the most vulnerable site for development of AVN. The site of necrosis is usually immediately below the weightbearing articular surface of the bone, the anterolateral aspect of the femoral head. This is the site of greatest mechanical stress.

Incidence of AVN is increasing due to the greater use of exogenous steroids.
Steroid exposure threshold is approximately 2000 mg of prednisone administered continuously. (equal to 80mg of Kenalog). However, AVN has been described following lower doses. The risk of AVN is greater in patients treated for a short duration (6 wks) with high doses (>20 mg).

AVN can occur up to 3 years following cessation of therapy. Steroid-induced AVN is more severe than AVN caused by other conditions because underlying demineralization and accelerated osteolysis place the weightbearing surface of the femoral head at increased risk of collapse.

Is it true? Clearly, I'm worried, as I don't want to damage my hips, so I am now reluctant to try any more Kenalog. But Dr. Hilary also mentioned desensitization injections. I have now moved to Scotland with my husband, and my local GP says these are not available anywhere in Scotland. I am prepared to travel so can you advise as to where I can get these injections?

2. My daughter suffers form eczema patches on legs and arms that we treat with borage cream and occasional steroid type cream. These now only appear in the summer months. She has a slight blocked nose but not classic hay fever symptoms. Is the eczema we see part of a hay fever diagnosis? Treatment with piriton products appears to help.

3. Where can I find my nearest Allergy Clinic?

4. I think I may have hayfever as I keep sneezing and my eyes are itchy and watery. How do I find out about getting an allergy test?



Hayfever and the link with Asthma


5. Are there any pratical things I can do to help my hayfever?



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