Hayfever treatment immunotherapy may cut symptoms

We're about to head into our peak season for allergic rhinitis - commonly called hayfever - and for sufferers that means the hassle of itchy eyes, sinus problems and even severe headaches.

Now some sufferers are turning to a treatment that could cut seasonal symptoms in at least 80 percent of patients.

There was a time when Patrick Herd couldn't enjoy the fresh air on his back deck.

A severe dustmite and pollen allergy left him frustrated and irritable but then the Brisbane dad tried a treatment called immunotherapy, which more specialists are recommending.

A few drops under his tongue every morning has worked wonders.

While regular treatments like antihistamines can relieve hayfever, with immunotherapy, the body is educated to react differently to allergy triggers like grasses or pollens.

First, triggers are diagnosed with a skin test then patients are given a small dose of their allergen through monthly injections or daily drops, costing around $2 a day.

Mr Herd has been taking his drops for 12 months, but said he noticed relief after just three.

"I'm certainly free of the allergies, so from my perspective it's an easy thing to do every day if you can be free of those allergic reactions," he said.

While spring pollens and grasses affect many Queenslanders, by far the most common allergy trigger is the dust-mite.

They're hard to avoid but getting rid of carpets, washing bed linen in hot water and using allergy pillowcase covers can work.