We want you to have clear information about your choice to have a Kenalog injection to relieve the symptoms of hay fever. It is essential that you understand this information, so please discuss any questions you have with the clinician. We also encourage you to seek further information online or elsewhere to ensure you are comfortable with the risks and benefits of this treatment.
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Reasons for Having a Kenalog Injection:
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A Kenalog injection is considered as a last resort treatment for severe hay fever that does not respond to alternative treatments. Hay fever occurs when your immune system unnecessarily reacts to pollens, using up significant energy in an effort to fight off these perceived threats. This condition can cause fatigue, concentration problems, and decreased alertness, affecting performance in exams and daily life. Approximately 10-15% of the population experiences hay fever symptoms, and about 10% of those individuals do not respond to readily available treatments like antihistamine tablets, nasal sprays, and eye drops. Kenalog injection can be considered for these individuals after other treatment options have been exhausted.
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Kenalog Injection Description:
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Each Kenalog injection contains Triamcinolone acetonide 40mg/1ml as the active ingredient. Triamcinolone acetonide belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids (steroids). Corticosteroids are commonly used to reduce the body's inflammatory and allergic responses in various medical conditions. While Kenalog injections were previously administered to severe hay fever sufferers via the NHS, they are no longer recommended by NHS guidelines due to potential risks that outweigh the benefits. However, patients still have the choice to receive this treatment after a consultation determines that the potential benefit may outweigh the potential risks.
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Kenalog Injection Procedure:
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A Kenalog injection is administered into the gluteal (buttock) muscle as an intra-muscular (IM) injection. Before the injection, the skin surface is thoroughly cleaned with an alcohol swab. The injection itself takes only a few seconds and is generally not very painful as the substance is not irritating to the tissue.
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Potential Benefits:
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For many people with severe hay fever, a Kenalog injection provides relief from symptoms throughout the entire season. In some cases, it can completely alleviate the symptoms, allowing individuals to resume normal activities. In exceptional circumstances, a second dose of Kenalog may be necessary. It is not recommended to receive more than 80mg (2 injections) per season.
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Possible Side Effects:
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While the dose levels of Kenalog injection used for hay fever are unlikely to cause common side effects associated with steroids, it is important to be aware of the potential risks. Kenalog injections, like all steroids, can cause unwanted side effects. These may include increased risk of infections, pain and skin color changes at the injection site, sterile abscesses, loss of fat under the skin (resulting in skin dimpling), mood changes, indigestion, weight gain, eye problems, fungal infections, osteoporosis, and reduced response to major stress. Additionally, rare cases of anaphylactic allergic reactions have been reported. Psychological effects such as depression, mood swings, anxiety, and confusion can occur, although they are usually associated with higher doses of steroids.
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Alternative Treatments for Hay Fever:
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Before considering a Kenalog injection, it is recommended to explore other treatment options. Non-medical treatments include staying indoors on high pollen count days, reducing bare skin exposure to pollen, and frequently showering to wash off pollen from the skin. Over-the-counter medications such as antihistamine tablets, eye drops, and nasal sprays can also be effective. Prescription medications like oral steroids, antihistamine nasal sprays, antihistamine tablets, and montelukast may be prescribed for severe cases. Immunotherapy (desensitization) treatments, which involve gradually increasing doses of allergens, can provide long-term relief but cannot be combined with Kenalog injections.