Seasonal allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever affects millions every year on a worldwide basis. This year, it seems to me that firstly I am treating more people with seasonal rhinitis and secondly that the season has changed, starting later than usual and going much further into the “so-called” summer season. This observation might not be such a surprise as all seasons seem to happen at least one month later than usual.
Hay fever affects approximately 26% of the UK population, 15% of this figure affecting children. It targets no specific age even affecting those in later years and may develop into full-blown asthma. Seasonal rhinitis is the body’s reaction to an airborne allergen. In many cases, an allergen that is unknown and almost impossible to pinpoint through testing. Common causes are pollens from grasses, trees and flowers as well as animal dander and house mites. This begs the question, if we don’t know exactly what the cause is how can it be treated effectively?
The body reacts when the immune system makes immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to fight off the allergen. Therefore, if we can dampen the response and sensitivity of the immune system to the allergen this is likely to be an effective strategy when combined with nutrition and supplements to support the nervous system as well as the immune. Typical symptoms include, itchy eyes, streaming and itchy nose, excessive sneezing, a bunged up feeling of nasal congestion which affects sleep as well as daytime quality of life, daily functioning and productivity.
Treatment strategies
As the gut holds 70% of the immune system, treating the gut is a good place to start and could reduce and alleviate the allergic reaction by ensuring the gut has a healthy balance of bacteria. Taking a good probiotic can reduce the allergic reaction and may even relieve symptoms. Keeping the gut healthy all year round is important to building the immune system for when pollens are more aggressive. Eating natural unprocessed foods that lower the levels of toxicity for the liver to process, supports overall health. Making sure your diet is rich in vegetables and fruit provides essential carotenoids which have been associated with better control of seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Carotenoids are antioxidants that fight off free radicals in the body. In vegetables and fruit they are the brightly coloured pigments that give colour to the plant, such as orange, red and yellow. Examples are lutein, lycopene and beta-carotene found in yellow melon, peppers, tomatoes, carrots and spinach.
There are several studies on Pycnogenol (Pine bark) as being effective for the treatment of rhinitis as it blocks histamine release from mast cells. Most pharmaceutical antihistamines work differently by interfering with the attachment of histamine to cells only after it has been released. The most important thing if supplementing with Pycnogenol is to use it prior to the start of the pollen season on a consistent basis as it takes several weeks to positively affect the reactive immune response.
Anti-inflammatory herbs such as rosemary and oregano down regulate the inflammatory gene response, oregano due to carvacrol, a monoterpene phenol, aromatic oil and rosemary due to its metabolites that reduce inflammation by inhibiting cytokine production. Both can be used as a nasal spray helping to reduce sensitivity when breathing in.
One of my favourite herbs for hay fever is Plantain, Plantago lanceolata or major. If you are out and about in the countryside and suddenly get an attack, chewing a plantain leaf is very helpful in drying up any mucous in the airways, giving the sufferer almost instant relief. Plantago is a bronchodilator, immunostimulant and expectorant as well as being antiseptic.
Cinnamon may also be helpful for alleviating symptoms as it is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, a probiotic, expectorant and immunostimulant. Used as a nasal spray can be helpful in de-sensitising the allergic response. A study done in 2019 concluded that: “The use of a nasal spray of a standardized extract of cinnamon bark (IND02) over seven days reduced symptom severity and improved quality of life, work productivity and regular daily activities in participants experiencing SAR.”
Tissue salts Kali phos (Kalium phosphate) can be very helpful for relieving respiratory symptoms of hay fever, combined with Nat mur (Natrium muriaticum) to soothe itchy eyes and free-flowing watery nasal discharge. Take 2 tablets every 10-15 minutes of each until the condition clears.
It is difficult to entirely remove airborne allergens, but it is possible to limit them, especially when knowing the exact source which let’s face it can be a challenge.
- Removing carpets, rugs and upholstered furniture where allergens collect is a good start, but for many may not be practical.
- Removing cats and dogs from the main rooms of your house can also be helpful.
- Making the bedroom as allergy-proof as possible by encasing the mattress in allergen proof plastic.
- Washing sheets, blankets, pillowcases and mattress pads weekly in hot water with fragrance free detergent.
- Using only hypoallergenic pillows and mattress.
- Installing an air purifier in the bedroom, especially HEPA (high efficiency particulate arresting) is the best.
Other actions that are useful:
- Use a barrier cream on the nostrils to trap pollens
- Monitor pollen forecasts to avoid going outside when pollen counts are high
- On high pollen days avoid drying washing outside on a line
- On high pollen days when returning home shower, wash hair and change your clothing.
Treating hay fever before the season begins is one of the best strategies, as it enables the body to prepare by de-sensitising the response. This doesn't mean that you will get no reaction, it means that the reaction will be more manageable and less invasive in your life.
References:
The Pcynogenol Phenomenon, Prof. Dr. Peter Rohdewald, Richard A. Passwater, Ph.D
Dispensing with Tradition, Annie McKintyre, Michelle Boudin
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