Thousands to benefit from hay fever breakthrough pill

HAY fever sufferers could enjoy a “better quality of life” thanks to a breakthrough remedy being made available on the NHS.

- By Hanna Geissler Health Editor

Up to 27,000 people in England are expected to be eligible for the daily under-the-tongue tablet that builds resistance to birch tree pollen.

Instead of masking symptoms, betula verrucosa contains birch pollen allergen extract and trains the immune system to tolerate it over three years.

It will be offered to patients whose symptoms persist after they have tried antihistamines and nasal sprays and who test positive for sensitivity to birch pollen.