Private hay fever clinic in London, same-day GP.
Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen. Most people take an antihistamine, find it only half works, and conclude nothing helps. In fact there is a clear order of treatments, and the single most effective one is the one most often used incorrectly. Our private GP clinic in East London offers same-day hay fever assessment with a private GP, diagnosis and a clear treatment plan — usually without a referral and often the same day.
The condition
What is hay fever?
Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen. Most people take an antihistamine, find it only half works, and conclude nothing helps. In fact there is a clear order of treatments, and the single most effective one is the one most often used incorrectly.
- What hay fever is
- Symptoms to look for
- Causes & risk factors
- Tests & diagnosis
- Treatment options
- When to see a specialist
Understanding hay fever
Hay fever: symptoms, causes, tests & treatment
Seek urgent help if you have
- difficulty breathing, wheezing or a tight chest — this is asthma, not hay fever
- swelling of the lips, tongue or throat
- a severe headache with facial pain and fever that is worsening
- one-sided nasal blockage or bleeding that persists
Pollen is a common trigger for asthma attacks, and hay fever season is when asthma deaths cluster. If you have asthma, take your preventer inhaler consistently through the season. In an emergency call 999, or go to the Royal London Hospital Emergency Department, Whitechapel Road, London E1 1FR.
The treatment ladder
- Non-drowsy antihistamines — cetirizine, loratadine or fexofenadine — taken every day through the season rather than only on bad days. Older sedating antihistamines are best avoided; they impair driving and next-day concentration.
- A steroid nasal spray is the most effective single treatment for blockage, sneezing and runny nose. It needs several days of consistent use to work, so judging it after two doses is judging it too early.
- Antihistamine eye drops for itchy, streaming eyes, which nasal sprays do not reach.
- Start two weeks before your season begins if you know when it is. Prevention works far better than rescue.
- A saline rinse before the steroid spray clears pollen and mucus and improves how well the spray works.
Almost everyone uses nasal spray wrongly
Tipping the head back and sniffing hard sends the spray straight down the throat, where it does nothing. Instead: look down at your feet, put the nozzle just inside the nostril, aim it outwards towards the ear on that side — not up towards the eye — use the opposite hand to the nostril, and breathe in gently. Do not sniff. If you taste it, it has gone too far back. Nosebleeds and a sore septum are almost always caused by aiming inwards at the middle of the nose.
Reducing exposure
Helps
- Petroleum jelly around the nostrils to trap pollen
- Wraparound sunglasses outdoors
- Showering and changing clothes after being outside
- Keeping windows closed in the early morning and evening, when pollen counts peak
- Drying washing indoors during the season
Makes it worse
- Cutting grass, or being nearby when it is cut
- Sitting outdoors in the early evening on warm still days
- Smoking and vaping, which inflame the nose further
- Alcohol, which contains histamine and worsens symptoms
- Pets that go outside and carry pollen in on their coats
Which pollen, and when
- Tree pollen — late March to mid-May.
- Grass pollen — mid-May to July. This affects the greatest number of people.
- Weed pollen — end of June to September.
- Knowing which one affects you lets you start treatment at the right time and, if needed, guides immunotherapy.
When symptoms are not controlled
If you are using an antihistamine and a correctly-administered steroid nasal spray daily and are still struggling, that is the point to be assessed rather than to add more over-the-counter products. Options include a combined steroid and antihistamine nasal spray, a short course of additional treatment, and testing to confirm exactly what you react to.
Immunotherapy — a daily tablet under the tongue, or a course of injections, given over three years — retrains the immune system and can substantially reduce or abolish symptoms long term. It is the only treatment that changes the underlying allergy rather than suppressing symptoms, and it is worth considering for anyone whose hay fever is severe, affects exams or work, or triggers asthma.
Hay fever and asthma
Around eight in ten people with asthma also have allergic rhinitis, and untreated hay fever makes asthma harder to control. If you have both, treating the nose properly measurably improves the chest. Never reduce your preventer inhaler during pollen season.
Book an appointment if symptoms are not controlled on standard treatment, you want allergy testing to identify your triggers, you have asthma alongside hay fever, or you want to discuss immunotherapy, which we arrange through our CQC-registered partners, ahead of next season — it is started in the winter, several months before symptoms begin.
GP services we offer
Expert care under one roof
From same-day GP assessment to specialist care, scans and tests — with a clear plan the same visit.
Private GP
Same-day GP to start your care.
Urgent Care
For acute problems today.
Private Blood Tests
Diagnostic blood tests, explained.
Scans & Imaging
Fast CT, MRI & ultrasound.
Rheumatology
Joint & autoimmune conditions.
Health MOT
A full private health check.
Simple & reassuring
Seen today, in three easy steps
Book in a minute
Book online any time or call reception — no GP referral needed for most appointments.
Seen quickly
A GMC-registered clinician assesses you, with tests and scans arranged in-house where possible.
Diagnosis & plan
You leave with a clear diagnosis, treatment, and any specialist care or scan arranged.
Private assessment
See a private GP for hay fever in London
At our private GP clinic on Whitechapel Road in East London, you can see a private GP or hay fever doctor without a referral — most days, often the same day. A private GP in East London or consultant GP will assess you, arrange the right tests and explain your diagnosis and treatment options clearly. We help patients across East London, Canary Wharf, the City, Docklands and Aldgate who want fast, private answers about hay fever.
Local, private, fast
A private GP clinic for East London & Canary Wharf
Tower Bridge Hospital is on Whitechapel Road in the heart of East London — minutes from Canary Wharf, the City of London, Docklands and Aldgate. Patients across Tower Hamlets, Wapping, Limehouse and Bethnal Green choose us for a fast, private hay fever appointment with a GP, without the wait or the referral.
Why choose us
Why choose our East London private GP clinic
- Same-day, no referral — private GP and GP under one roof
- Specialist-led care with GMC-registered clinicians
- Tests & scans on site, results explained the same visit
- Minutes from Canary Wharf & the City of London
- A named clinician who explains your results clearly
- Transparent pricing and a plan you can act on
Ready when you are
See a private GP for hay fever — the same day.
Book a private hay fever assessment in East London: same-day appointments, GP-led care and a clear plan. No referral needed.
Common questions
Hay fever in London: your questions answered
Where can I find a private hay fever specialist near me in East London?
Our private GP clinic is on Whitechapel Road in East London, minutes from Canary Wharf and the City. You can see a private GP or hay fever doctor for assessment and treatment, usually the same day and without a referral.
Can I see a private GP for hay fever the same day?
Yes. We hold same-day private appointments most days, including Saturdays, so you can be assessed by a GP or GP quickly, with tests done in-house where possible.
How much does a private hay fever appointment cost in London?
We keep pricing transparent — see our fees page or call 020 7916 0029, and we will explain the cost of the hay fever assessment and any tests before you book.
Do I need a referral to see a private GP for hay fever?
No. You can book directly with our clinic. If you are unsure whether to start with a private GP or a GP, we will guide you.
Which areas do you serve for private hay fever care?
We see private patients from across East London, Canary Wharf, the City of London, Docklands, Aldgate, Wapping, Limehouse and Tower Hamlets.
Medically reviewed by Dr Haydar Bolat — Clinical Director, GMC 7138332. Last reviewed August 2026 · next review August 2027. Written in line with our editorial & content-review policy, using guidance from the NHS, NICE and the relevant royal colleges. This information is general and does not replace personal medical advice.