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Understanding Hay Fever

Allergic rhinitis, better known as hay fever, is an extremely common nasal allergy, affecting around 18% of people in Australia (well over 4 million Aussies), according to the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA). That’s a lot of red noses. 

Although usually experienced more intensely in summer months or ‘hay fever season’, symptoms of hay fever are very similar to those of a cold or even flu – runny and/or itchy nose, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes. Other giveaways to a bout of hay fever include nasal congestion and snoring. 

Hay fever is caused by environmental allergens being inhaled or coming into contact with the eyes. 

These allergens can include different types of pollen (from grasses, weeds, trees and other vegetation), dust mites, mould, and animal dander (fur, down, hair and so on). 

The reason hay fever intensifies in summer is because there are more allergens in the air from seasonal pollens – however, the other allergens listed above are considered year-round triggers for hay fever, so people prone to hay fever can be afflicted at any time. 

Unlike a cold or the flu, symptoms of hay fever do not simply resolve themselves and go away – they must be treated, or they will persist. 

If left untreated, hay fever can potentially develop complications such as: 

  • Low sleep quality, leading to fatigue
  • Headaches 
  • Lack of focus 
  • Ear infections 
  • Sinus infections 
  • Risk of developing asthma

Hay Fever Treatment Options

There is a multitude of ways to relieve or lessen the irritating effects of hay fever – the majority being medications. 

These include:

  • Antihistamine tablets, syrups, intranasal sprays and eye drops can help to reduce symptoms like sneezing or itchy, irritated eyes. Where they lack is in controlling nasal blockage or dripping. Antihistamine eye drops can provide relief to watery eyes caused by allergies.
  • Intranasal corticosteroid nasal sprays (INCS) have a potent action on inflammation when used regularly (like asthma preventer medications). Different brands of INCS vary in strength and effectiveness, so it is important to read the labels and check details with your pharmacist or doctor.
  • Combination medications containing an antihistamine and intranasal corticosteroid nasal spray offer the combined advantages of both medications.
  • Decongestant sprays unblock and dry the nose but should not be used for more than a few days as they can cause long term nasal issues. 
  • Decongestant tablets unblock and dry the nose but should be used with caution. They can cause stimulant side effects like anxiety, tremors, quickened heart rate, insomnia, or increased blood pressure. If you already have high blood pressure, you should not take decongestant tablets.
  • Natural products such as saltwater nasal sprays or douches can also provide some temporary relief. 

While the above listed medicative treatment options provide some relief of hay fever symptoms, the effects are short-lived and strictly temporary, and they require consistent and repetitive dosage. 

This can become inconvenient, fussy, expensive and uncomfortable to maintain, especially when you’re constantly running to the chemist, or to your GP for yet another prescription. 

Fortunately, there is a long-term solution available, and it’s proven to be highly effective in controlling and supressing the symptoms of hay fever, allowing you to live a more carefree, comfortable life. 

The use of botulinum toxin – known as anti-wrinkle – for non-cosmetic purposes is referred to as ‘off-label use’ and, along with a list of other uses, it can be utilised for the prevention of hay fever symptoms. 

This treatment is named Haytox and it’s a safe, successful and sustainable way to prevent hay fever symptoms longer term, without the need for a collection of medications and constant use of sprays. 

Haytox: Botulinum Toxin for Hay Fever

How on earth can anti-wrinkle help with hay fever, you ask? 

Well, the science behind anti-wrinkle injections is that, in a nutshell, they serve to inhibit the movement of an overactive muscle, with relaxant effects that are long lasting but temporary. 

When applied to hay fever, botulinum toxin works to block nerve signals in the nasal passage that are normally responsible for triggering the onset of hay fever symptoms. 

While classically administered via syringe as an injectable treatment, botulinum toxin can also be administered topically – that is, applied to the skin’s surface and not injected. Great news if you’re not keen on needles. 

This topical application is how we use it for treatment of hay fever; the anti-wrinkle product is expertly delivered via precision spraying into the nasal passage, where it is absorbed through the nasal walls.

Where Can You Get Haytox Treatment?

Contour Clinics provides Haytox treatment for hay fever symptoms at all our clinic locations; Newtown, Five Dock, Castle Hill, Crows Nest and Miranda in Sydney, and Stones Corner in Brisbane.

We welcome patients for a complimentary, no-obligation consultation with one of our clinicians, so you can learn more about what your treatment will involve, and what to expect from your results.

Here at Contour Clinics, Haytox is performed only by highly experienced and qualified Cosmetic Doctors and Senior Cosmetic Injectors, who are skilled and experienced in administering treatments with precision, skill and utmost safety.

If you’re looking for a long-term solution to managing hay fever symptoms, then contact us online or call 1300 233 803 to arrange a free consult appointment.

The Contour Clinics Guarantee

All treatments at Contour Clinics are performed only by highly experienced, fully qualified and skilled clinicians, who treat each patient as an individual and tailor treatment to your unique requirements.

Your Haytox treatment at Contour Clinics comes with: 

  • Complimentary consultation and assessment for Haytox
  • Fully qualified, experienced and expert clinician performing your treatment 
  • Gold standard, industry-leading technique used 
  • Complimentary follow-up appointment to review results 
  • Complimentary top-up, if required

Talk to our friendly patient care team! We are happy to answer any questions you may have about our Haytox treatment for hay fever symptoms. 

Book a consultation with us! Consultation at Contour Clinics is comprehensive, complimentary and obligation-free. 

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