New drug to treat hay fever: How does it work?
But tens of thousands of people in England could soon benefit from a new under-the-tongue tablet that provides long-term relief for hayfever symptoms.
The drug Betula verrucosa has been recommended as an option on the NHS for people whose hayfever symptoms persist even after taking antihistamines or using nasal sprays.
Tens of thousands of allergen sufferers are set to receive the new treatment, but what is it and how does it work?
What is Betula verrucosa?
Betula verrucosa or Itulazax 12 SQ-Bet is an under-the-tongue immunotherapy tablet which has proved successful in alleviating symptoms during drug trials.
How does the treatment work?
The medication contains birch pollen extract, which works to help build your body's resilience to tree pollen.
Controlled daily amounts of the allergen will help train the body's immune system.
Trials of the drug show a significant reduction in hay fever symptoms as the body adapts to the allergens by changing how it responds over time.
Recipients of the drug will be required to take it daily for three years.
What are the symptoms of hay fever?
NHS England lists the following symptoms for hay fever:
Sneezing and coughing
A runny or blocked nose
Itchy, red or watery eyes;
Itchy throat, mouth, nose, and ears
Loss of smell
Pain around the sides of your head and your forehead
Headaches
Feeling tired
The treatment is being recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) to those who are on the NHS and persist in using nasal sprays or taking antihistamines.
Nice estimates that around 27,000 people in England are expected to benefit from the tablet, but before having access to the medication, patients will be required to have blood tests or a skin prick to confirm they have an allergy to birch tree pollen.
According to Allergy UK, birch pollen allergy is estimated to affect around 25% of hay fever sufferers.
Amena Warner, head of clinical services at Allergy UK, said: 'Many people don't realise how awful it is having an itchy, runny nose, sneezing episodes or itchy, irritated eyes in the pollen season.
'We frequently hear from people who avoid time outdoors, keep doors and windows shut, check pollen counts, and try and minimise any exposure, which takes a significant toll on their physical and emotional wellbeing.
'Nice's recommendation is so important because it provides a genuine opportunity for people to manage the root cause of their pollen allergy, offering the chance to break free from this burden and enjoy a better quality of life.'
The NHS in England will provide the treatment within three months of Nice publishing its final guidance.
Professor Meghana Pandit, co-medical director at NHS England, welcomed the announcement.
She said: 'This innovative treatment, which will soon be rolled out on the NHS, enables patients to build up tolerance to birch tree pollen within their immune system, rather than just treating the symptoms – and we hope this will give many a new lease of life, allowing people to spend time enjoying being outside, without the discomfort allergies can bring.'
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