Steroid Injections

These days we’re used to being able to get an injection to prevent a whole host of illnesses and other problems. So it’s no surprise that many people wonder if they can get a shot to reduce or eliminate the symptoms of hay fever.

The good news is that there is an injection available that can help to counteract the allergic symptoms of hay fever. It’s called triamcinolone, although you might find it listed under one of several brand names. It’s a steroid injection so, although you might think it sounds like the answer to all your hay fever problems, it’s not suitable for everybody and is usually only prescribed for occasional use or for very severe symptoms.

When Steroid Injections might be Prescribed for Hay Fever

Most doctors won’t prescribe steroid injections as part of a routine course of hay fever management medication. It’s usually reserved for hay fever sufferers who have a significant event coming up, when their allergy would severely impact their day – such as a big exam or a wedding.

One triamcinolone injection lasts for about four to eight weeks, depending on the dosage, so if given in advance, it can greatly improve the quality of life for hay fever sufferers on important days like these. Steroid injections might also be used for patients with extreme symptoms of hay fever that are aggravating other conditions, such as asthma.

The Potential Risks of Steroid Injections

Your doctor will help you weigh the risks associated with the use of steroid injections against the possible benefits to you. For example, steroid injections are unlikely to be suitable for patients with stomach ulcers, heart disease, diabetes or any kind of infection. Raised blood pressure, muscle weakness and water retention are among a variety of potential side effects. For these reasons, doctors do not give these injections lightly. As you might expect, the use of steroid injections to treat children or elderly people is also unlikely.

If you are Prescribed Steroid Injections

If, together with your GP, you decide that steroid injections could form a useful part of your defence against hay fever symptoms, you will find that your progress whilst receiving treatment is closely observed. You must ensure that your symptoms are frequently reviewed by your doctor. You’ll also get a steroid treatment card, which will show details of your medication and the dosage that you’re receiving. Keep it with you so that, if you have an accident or come down with an illness, any doctor treating you would know exactly what treatment you’re having.

Weighing your Options

Steroid injections are rarely a first line treatment against the symptoms of hay fever. Usually, they’re only considered once other avenues have failed. There are pros and cons to combating your allergic symptoms in this way. But used with caution, steroid injections can be an effective way of controlling severe symptoms for some people. If you think your hay fever symptoms might be bad enough to indicate the use of steroid injections, you’ll need to discuss all the risks and benefits with your doctor.