A new study from researchers at Imperial College London has found that three years of allergy treatment could cure people suffering from hay fever for at least a few years. Symptoms of these seasonal allergies include sneezing fits, runny nose, and itchy eyes.

Almost 8 percent of adults in the United States suffer from hay fever, according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.

Read: Hay Fever Is More Common In Fall Babies, Plus Other Strange Ways You Can Increase Allergy Risk

Researchers worked with 106 patients who were administered either pollen injections, tablets or a placebo for their allergies. According to a press release from Imperial College London, 92 patients completed the study.

Results showed that three years of treatment significantly lessened symptoms “for several years” after completing the program. But just two years of treatments didn't bring the same benefits.


Grass pollen is the most common reason for these seasonal outdoor allergies. The body thinks the element is an invader and launches an immune response, which is where the allergy symptoms come from. Exposing people to this pollen is the most effective treatment for people who really have debilitating hay fever, according to lead researcher Professor Stephen Durham.

Read: Desensitisation approaches effective against hayfever-like allergies

"Hay fever causes major impairment of sleep, work and school performance and leisure activities during what for most of us is the best time of the year," said Professor Durham, according to the release.

"Most people respond to the usual antihistamines and nasal sprays, although there is a portion who do not respond adequately or who have unacceptable side effects to the treatment,” he explained.

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