HayTox (hayfever treatment)

Is constant sneezing, nose-blowing and itchy eyes making your life a misery?

“Haytox” descibes a spray treatment to reduce the symptoms of hayfever, popular in Australia and now in Ireland too. Botulinum toxin A is delivered into the nasal passage as an aerosol through a disposable intranasal atomiser device, providing a needle free, steroid free, tablet free solution to hayfever, allergic rhinitis and nasal polyps.

It works by blocking the nerve signals in the nasal passage which trigger the onset of hay-fever symptoms — the results of this treatment last about 8-12 weeks. It is not a cure but controls and prevents the symptoms by inhibiting the release of certain neurotransmitters involved in the allergic response, blocking the body’s immune system from having to respond to the allergic stimulus. It takes up to 3 weeks to take effect. Individual response varies and some people with a severe case may require another treatment after 4 weeks if symptoms persist.

First your nasal passages are cleaned (nasal toilet) using saline and then the treatment is administered using a cone shaped atomiser which is placed inside your nostril. A concentrated spray of botulinum toxin is delivered via the atomiser to coat the mucosa on your nasal passages.

Generally around 3 months and then you may need to get it repeated depending on whether your allergy is seasonal or effects you all year round.

There is no pain, the sensation is similar to the sensation of using a nasal spray which most hayfever sufferers will be familiar with.

It is 250 for the treatment and 100 for a top up at the 3 weeks mark if it is needed.

You should not have the HayTox treatment if you have any of the following:

• An allergy to Botox or materials used in the treatment
• You currently have infected rhinitis
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding
• If you have a bleeding disorder that is poorly controlled on anti-coagulant therapy

You must tell us if you suffer from the following:

• Severe anxiety
• If you have a deviated septum or problems with inhalation

Possible side effects with using Botox for the treatment of hay fever/rhinitis are extremely rare. However, the following may occur:

• Atomiser site discomfort

• Bleeding from the nostrils

• Redness, itching or irritation

• Headache

• Under eye puffiness

• Flu-like symptoms

• Anxiety symptoms

• Lack of effect

• You must not use a nasal spray for 24 hours following your procedure

• You may use all your other hay fever/rhinitis medication as normal

• Results take 2-3 weeks to take effect

• Your practitioner may review you at a 2 week period and may suggest a dose adjustment