Spring and Hay Fever Often Go Hand in Hand

Sunday, September 1st 2002

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For some people spring and hay fever go hand in hand. The irritating symptoms can be mild or severe, and can affect your overall quality of life. Read on and find out about several effective, natural solutions.

What is Hay Fever?

Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, is an exaggerated immune-system response to otherwise harmless substances, most commonly pollen from trees, grasses and weeds.

When an allergic person inhales theses substances, or any other allergen, the immune system treats them as invaders and goes into overdrive to produce immunoglobulin E (igE) antibodies. These antibodies attach to mast cells, which are found throughout most of the body's tissues, including the mucous membranes of the nose.

When an allergic person inhales an allergen, the mast cells produce a variety of chemicals, including histamine, to ward off the invader. These chemicals cause the runny nose, watery, red swollen eyes, congestion and sneezing fits that make hay fever sufferers so miserable.

For most, Hay fever is seasonal, however some unfortunate people suffer from this condition all year round. In these cases (called perennial rhinitis) it is usually due to inhaling an irritating substance that is relatively constant in the environment e.g. mould, house dust, dust mites, animals dander (the tiny flakes of dead skin shed from animals' coats), or it may be due to an underlying food allergy.

The tendency to develop some form of allergy is often hereditary or atopic, but the specific allergy is not. Those who suffer from hay fever may also suffer from eczema or dermatitis and a number of hay fever sufferers develop asthma.

Various prescription and over-the-counter drugs are commonly used to treat hay fever. Drugs such as anti-inflammatory steroidal nasal sprays, decongestants and antihistamines may provide temporary relief - but at a price. Nasal sprays can cause local irritation of the delicate mucous membranes and decongestants commonly cause sleeplessness and irritability.

Antihistamines can cause nausea, headaches and dizziness. Some people experience such extreme drowsiness while using antihistamines that manufacturers urge users to avoid driving while taking them. Antibiotics are commonly associated with hay fever and sinusitis. However these pose a problem, as resistance to antibiotics is building.

Do Not Despair, There are Drug-Free Ways to Relieve Your Symptoms!

Of course, the most successful means of preventing the symptoms of hay fever is identification and avoidance of the offending allergen. In some instances, this is easily established, however it often requires some good detective work in order to identify the culprit.

Be Proactive!

Focus the diet on large amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables (preferably organic) and moderate amounts of protein. Drink plenty of water as this helps to keep the mucous thinner.

Avoid mucous forming foods such as dairy products, wheat and white flour products. Sugar should be avoided as it reduces immune function and increases susceptibility to infection. Chemical and preservative laden junk foods may also be contributing factors, so keeping these to a minimum is advisable.

Allergies to dust or dust mites can be reduced by frequent vacuum cleaning. Wipe your furniture with a damp cloth and avoid feather duvets and pillows. Blankets and bed linen should be laundered regularly. Add 5 to 10mls of eucalyptus essential oil to your final rinse to kill dust mites. Dehumidifiers are another option for those sensitive to mould.

Author Leanne James Dip. Irid., Dip. Herb. Med.

The following products are all useful for Hayfever and Allergies:

Allergy Check
Allergy Support
Body Cleanse Total Detox Pack
Colostrum
Eczema Shield Powder
Extra C Powder
Formula 825
Gencydo Hayfever Relief
HAS
HistaEze (Quercetin with Bromelain)
Inner Health Plus Dairy Free
Mega Hayfever Relief
Sinus & Hayfever Relief
Sinu-Clean Nasal & Sinus Wash Starter Kit

Related health information can be found here:

Allergies
Asthma
Bronchitis
Congestion
Hay Fever
Sinus
The Good Health Diet
Water, the Elixir of Life

Related articles can be found here:

Armoracia - Horseradish Root - Discover Metabolic Catalyst

Asthma and wheezing burden underestimated

Boost Your Seven Immune Systems

Fenugreek Seeds - Powerful Multiple Remedy

Improved Colostrum Provides Extra Health Benefits

Olive leaf Extract - Nature's Antibiotic

Spring and Hay fever often go hand in hand

If you need help or advice, you are welcome to email our naturopathic team with your health question.

Disclaimer: The health information presented here has been written for the New Zealand health consumer. It is of a general nature and is only intended to provide a summary of the subjects covered. The information is not intended to be comprehensive or to provide medical advice to you. While all care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, no responsibility or liability is accepted, and no person should act in reliance on any statement contained in the information provided. All health ailments should be treated by a qualified health professional.

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