Red Light Therapy for Hay Fever: The Drug-Free Solution That Works

Hay fever, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, affects millions of people across the UK every year. If you’re one of them, you know how much of a nuisance. Sneezing, itchy eyes, a constantly runny or blocked nose are a few of the symptoms which disrupt everyday life during the spring and summer months when the pollen count is high.

While there a plenty of effective treatments available; tablets, nasal sprays, and eye drops, for many they want something else. Something to be used alongside medicated treatments, something drug-free and easy to use. Something like red light therapy. This new treatment has become increasingly popular among hay fever sufferers as a complementary or alternative treatment to manage symptoms.

What is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level wavelengths of red, or near-infrared light. Directed inside the nose using a small handheld device for only short periods of time (3-5 minutes per nostril) for relief that lasts the whole day.

Does It Really Work?

Scientific studies have increasingly supported the benefits of this treatment for hay fever. Research has shown that regular use of this direct intra-nasal treatment can significantly reduce symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, and itching.

One study found that use of light therapy, when compared to a traditional antihistamine group and a placebo group showed noticeable improvement in allergy symptoms. Patients reported a significant reduction in all symptom categories. This improvement was even greater than that of the fexofenadine (oral antihistamine) group, which proved less effective than the light therapy.

It’s important to note that red light therapy doesn’t “cure” hay fever; it helps manage the immune response and reduce the severity of symptoms.

Why Choose Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy offers many advantages compared to traditional hay fever treatments, or to be used alongside them:

Drug-free: Red light offers a great option for those who can’t tolerate antihistamines or prefer to avoid medication.

Non-drowsy: Safe to use during the day without the risk of treatment affecting your concentration or alertness.

Simple and convenient: Handheld, home-use devices are easy to operate, portable, and reusable.

Minimal side effects: Due to red light therapy’s non-invasive administration, it is considered well tolerated with little to no side effects.

Combine with Traditional Treatments for Best Results

Red light therapy works well for many people on its own. Thought, you can also use it alongside traditional hay fever treatments. This creates a more holistic approach.

Treatment such as antihistamine tablets (cetirizine, fexofenadine, etc.), nasal sprays (Beconase, Piranase, etc.), or eye drops (Optilast, Opticrom, etc.) are all clinically proven to aid with the symptoms of hay fever, but for some do not offer complete relief. Combining therapies may offer better symptoms control, particularly on days when the pollen count is exceptionally high. We advise using red light therapy in the morning and, if still suffering, using tablets or sprays if needed later in the day.

The Bottom Line

Hay fever shouldn’t control your summer. Whether you’re tired of relying on tablets or looking for that extra defence against the pesky pollen count, this could be the breakthrough you need. Safe, science-based, and easy use. Try red light therapy this hay fever season, and breath easier.