Sneezing, watery eyes, a blocked nose and tiredness: for many people the pollen season is a burden every year. Besides classic allergy treatment, many ask about complementary options. At Alpha Skin in Bonn-Bad Godesberg these include high-dose vitamin C infusions and accompanying injections.
This article puts into context what this treatment can do, what it cannot, who it comes into question for and how it works.
What happens in an allergy
In an allergy the immune system reacts to substances that are actually harmless, such as pollen, house dust mites or animal hair. Among other things, histamine is released. It triggers the typical symptoms: itching, sneezing, swelling of the mucous membranes and watery eyes.
Typical allergies over the course of the year
Depending on the trigger, symptoms fall in different months: hazel and alder often flower as early as January, birch above all from March to May, grasses from May to July, mugwort and ragweed in late summer. House dust mites cause symptoms all year round, often more strongly in the heating season. A symptom diary helps to narrow down the trigger.
The basis: clarifying and treating the allergy
At the start there is a clarification of which substances you react to, for example with a skin or blood test at the family doctor or allergist. Proven building blocks of treatment are:
- reducing contact with the trigger, for example washing hair in the evening and using pollen screens
- antihistamines as tablets, nasal spray or eye drops
- cortisone-containing nasal sprays for a blocked nose
- hyposensitisation, which is the only treatment that addresses the cause
Infusions and injections do not replace this treatment. They come into question as an accompaniment.
What you can do yourself during the pollen season
- follow the pollen forecasts and avoid longer stays outdoors on days with heavy pollen count
- depending on where you live, ventilate at times of low pollen
- do not leave street clothes in the bedroom
- rinse the nose with salt water to remove pollen from the mucous membrane
- use a pollen filter in the car and keep the windows closed
Vitamin C and histamine
Vitamin C is involved in the breakdown of histamine in the body. In studies some people had lower histamine levels in the blood after high-dose vitamin C. Whether allergy symptoms noticeably decrease as a result, however, is not clearly proven scientifically. Some patients report that they feel better with it during the pollen season; others notice no difference.
Via the vein, clearly higher vitamin C levels can be reached than with tablets, because the gut absorbs only limited amounts.
Accompanying injections
In addition, the physician can use injections into the muscle or under the skin. Which products come into question depends on your symptoms, pre-existing conditions and previous treatments and is discussed in detail beforehand.
Who the treatment comes into question for
- for seasonal allergy to pollen, for example birch, grasses or mugwort
- for year-round allergies, for example to house dust mites
- if you are burdened despite basic treatment and are looking for a complementary option
The right time
For pollen allergies the treatment is often started two to four weeks before the start of the main season. A series of three to five appointments is often planned; during the season single appointments are possible.
How an appointment works
- Conversation: Type of allergy, symptoms, medication and pre-existing conditions are discussed.
- Infusion: Via a thin access in the arm the vitamin C infusion runs in while you lie down, usually 30 to 45 minutes.
- Injection: If agreed, the accompanying injection follows.
- Observation afterwards: After a short rest period you can go home.
Side effects
A small bruise or feeling of pressure at the injection site, a feeling of warmth, thirst or slight dizziness during the infusion are possible. Rarely, the infusion irritates the vein or an allergic reaction occurs.
When treatment is not carried out
High-dose vitamin C is not suitable in cases of a deficiency of the enzyme G6PD, a tendency to kidney stones, kidney diseases and iron overload. In severe heart diseases as well as in pregnancy and breastfeeding, treatment is carried out only after careful consideration.
Frequently asked questions
Can I then leave out my allergy medication? No. The infusion is a complement. Stop medication only after consultation.
Is that possible during hyposensitisation? Basically yes, but please agree it beforehand with the physician and your allergist.
When will I notice something? That varies greatly; some feel no difference.
Does vitamin C as a tablet help just as well? Via the gut only a limited amount is absorbed; levels as high as with an infusion cannot be reached with tablets. Whether that makes a difference to the symptoms is individual.
What should I observe before the appointment? Eat something beforehand and drink enough. If you have them, bring your allergy passport, test results and a list of your medication.
Cost and consultation
An appointment starts at Alpha Skin from €160; the price follows the German medical fee schedule (GOÄ) and the scope. More on the page Allergy injections and vitamin C infusions. The article Infusion therapy in Bonn explains general information on infusions. The practice is located at Theaterplatz 1b in Bonn-Bad Godesberg.
Important medical note
The information described is for general education and does not replace personal medical advice, examination or consultation. Whether a treatment is suitable depends on skin type, initial findings, pre-existing conditions, medication and individual goals.
Effect, durability, tolerability and possible side effects can vary from person to person. Specific results or a particular time course cannot be guaranteed.