What Is a Kenalog Shot, and How Can It Help My Allergies?

In people with a pollen allergy and an underlying rheumatic disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis, their allergies can trigger or exacerbate flare-ups of joint pain. Commonly called hay fever, pollen allergy occurs when the immune system overreacts to pollen in the air, which is normally harmless.

Most of the time pollen allergy responds to treatments like antihistamines or nasal steroids. But when symptoms are resistant to common treatments, an injectable corticosteroid called Kenalog may be considered. Kenalog can ease allergy symptoms and relieve joint pain. 

Here at Total Care Family Practice in Henderson, Nevada, Dr. Evan Allen provides exceptional care for the entire family. Dr. Allen works closely with patients dealing with allergies to find effective solutions. While Kenalog isn’t a first-line treatment for pollen allergy, Dr. Allen may discuss it if other treatments have failed to relieve your symptoms. 

Understanding allergies

A variety of allergies affect around 50 million people in the United States, making allergies a common chronic disease. An allergy develops when your immune system recognizes a specific substance and overreacts to it. 

When you have allergies, your immune system produces an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE), which reacts to allergens and causes various symptoms. When the allergen enters your body, your immune system incorrectly identifies it as a dangerous substance. Then it reacts by producing antibodies that target the allergen. 

As a result, the immune system releases chemicals that cause allergy-related symptoms, including:

• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Headache
• Runny nose
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Skin rash

Symptoms depend on the specific allergen and how your body reacts to it.

Corticosteroid injections

Corticosteroids are a type of steroid hormone that comes in nasal sprays, topical creams, pills, and long-lasting injections. They ease inflammation caused by an overly reactive immune system.

Dr. Allen may consider a corticosteroid injection if other treatments haven’t worked for you. Kenalog is a long-lasting steroid injection used to treat severe hay fever that is resistant to typical treatments. Kenalog is particularly useful in patients with severe hay fever who also have rheumatic conditions that trigger joint pain.

Kenalog may relieve severe hay fever and ease joint pain

Patients with severe hay fever can experience a range of bothersome symptoms that interfere with daily life, including fatigue and difficulty concentrating. When symptoms fail to respond to antihistamines and other typical treatments, Kenalog may be an option. 

Kenalog contains the active ingredient triamcinolone acetonide, which belongs to a class of corticosteroids. It is given as an injection and works by suppressing the immune system, which eases allergy symptoms. The immune suppression also eases joint pain. 

Because steroids have powerful effects on the body, Dr. Allen will discuss the benefits and risks and determine if Kenalog is an appropriate option for you.

If you’re struggling with pollen allergy symptoms that haven’t responded to other treatments, Kenalog may be an option. To discuss treatment options, give us a call at our office in Henderson, Nevada, to schedule a visit with Dr. Allen.