How it works
As you are aware, botulinum toxin is commonly used for improving wrinkles from overactive facial muscles. It works by effectively blocking neural transmission at nerve endings on the muscle.
Australian medical researchers have previously proven that it can also block neural transmission at the specialised nerve endings in the nasal cavity. These nerve endings or receptors react to stimulation by environmental allergens, and provoke an attack of hayfever symptoms.
Therefore, by applying botulinum toxin in the nasal cavity, you can avoid the troublesome symptoms of hayfever – itchy, runny or blocked nose, sneezing; itchy or bleary, red, gritty and irritated, watery or streaming eyes.
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Botulinum toxin treatment for wrinkles is by injection, however the mucosa lining of the nasal cavity is so thin, it’s nerve receptors can absorb the botulinum toxin directly by topical application. This means that you can have the treatment without any pain from needles.
Does this treatment cure hayfever?
The treatment does not ‘cure’ hayfever but controls it and prevents the symptoms by bypassing the body's immune system from having to respond to the allergic stimulus.
Are there any side-effects?
No - There are absolutely no side effects. After applying botulinum toxin inside the nose, the mucous membrane of the throat will not be affected even if the botulinum toxin runs into the throat. The treatment does cause an effect like a hayfever attack that lasts for up to 10 minutes.
Is it painful?
No pain. You might feel a bit uncomfortable when the applicator is being inserted into your nose. There is no pain and no odour.
How long does the treatment take?
Treatment takes about 5 minutes (You will be kept under observation to rest for about 10 minutes after the treatment).
Is it expensive?
No - it's inexpensive and cost-effective. One or two botulinum toxin treatments are very inexpensive compared to the ongoing costs of buying over the counter sprays and hayfever relief tablets, prescription sprays and tablets, or the high expense and inconvenience of seeing a Consultant Allergist, buying their bottles of immune serums, and then having to arrange weekly or fortnightly injections with your family GP.
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Treatment is $150
How long does it last?
All patients get a benefit. Some may need a second treatment after 4-6 weeks if their initial response is incomplete.
Hayfever symptom control can last from several months up to two years depending on the individual. It is recommended to have the treatment repeated annually during the hay fever season.
Importantly, botulinum toxin treatment does not interfere with other treatments if they are needed (you can have the botulinum toxin treatment in combination with any other hay fever treatments).