Jerry Wagham*
The benefits I’ve gained from the treatment are immense – my life is transformed. I can walk in the park and take my daughter on the swings without fear of severe hay fever symptoms. I now only take antihistamines occasionally, instead of daily eye drops, nasal spray, inhaler and tablets.
History
Jerry* has suffered from severe hay fever since 1997. During 2001 and 2002 his symptoms worsened – throughout the pollen season he found himself plagued with a runny nose, itchy nose and eyes, sneezing, occasional nosebleeds and wheezing.
Anti-allergy medication such as antihistamine, cromoglycate eye drops and steroid nasal sprays did not improve his symptoms. In 2004, when Jerry’s* wellbeing was so badly affected that he couldn’t take his daughter to the park, he decided to ask his GP for a referral to an allergy clinic.
Treatment
At the clinic, skin prick testing showed Jerry* had a grass pollen sensitivity with a 5to 6 cm wheal and flare response. Hay fever disease assessment confirmed the severe nasal and eye symptoms that had impacted his quality of life so drastically. In January 2005, Jerry* started a course of specific immunotherapy with a registered subcutaneous treatment.
Results
Jerry* tolerated the six subcutaneous injections well and was recalled for three consecutive years for the licensed protocol of six injections, completed before the start of each grass pollen season.
After year two Jerry* started to see the benefits, reporting a very good season between May and July 2006 – this coincided with one of the highest pollen counts on record. He also experienced reduced symptoms in his nose, chest and eyes, with less anti-allergy medication needed to relieve his hay fever.
* To protect patient-doctor confidentiality, the case studies are anonymous and patient pictures are fictional.