Dr Chris Rutkowski
Consultant Allergist
Specialist expertise: Adult Allergy, Drug Allergy, Urticaria, Angioedema, Anaphylaxis, Allergy, Food Allergy, Provocation Food Challenges, ISAC Test, Anti IgE Treatment, Immunotherapy, Hay fever, Rhinitis.
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is one of the most common allergies in the UK, affecting around 13 million people.
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is one of the most common allergies in the UK, affecting around 13 million Brits. It starts early in the year if it is due to tree pollen allergy (Feb-May) or in summer in patients allergic to grass pollen. Symptoms can be present all year round in patients allergic to house dust mites, moulds or pets.
Symptoms of hay fever include:
An allergy specialist will be able to confirm whether you have hay fever or not using the relevant allergy skin prick test and blood tests.
There are various treatments – both over the counter and prescribed – that can help reduce and manage symptoms. These include nasal steroid sprays, antihistamine tablets and eye drops designed to treat the inflammation and irritation caused by hay fever. ‘Old-style’ antihistamines such as chlorphenamine or hydroxyzine should not be used as they cause drowsiness. If standard treatment fails, an allergist can recommend a course of desensitisation (immunotherapy) to try to make hay fever ‘go away’. In addition to medication, patients might wish to:
By having a complete and integrated team of sub-specialty experts under one roof we ensure that patients are seen by the right consultant at every appointment. Our skin health specialists cover a wide range of dermatological conditions, and our dedicated allergy specialists are recognised leaders in their field.