Hayfever and Allergic Rhinitis Article

Hayfever and Allergic Rhinitis

In addition to the sunshine (if we're lucky), spring and summer herald the arrival of the hay fever season. Those prone to this troublesome condition can be found checking the weather forecasts for the detailed updates of pollen counts, and ensuring that they have a good supply of tissues on them. It is particularly cruel that this condition strikes at a time when many young people are taking exams, or when most people simply want to go out and enjoy the sunshine without worrying that, within half an hour of being outside, their eyes are swollen, their noses streaming, and they have a face that feels like its stuffed full with cotton wool.

Many people who suffer with hay fever have sensitivities to other environmental agents, and suffer from allergic rhinitis at other times of the year. There may be a family history of eczema and asthma; indeed it is not uncommon to find some individuals who are afflicted by hay fever, eczema and asthma all at the same time. Many people find that certain foods seem to make their condition worse too, red wine and dairy products being two common culprits. The usual orthodox approach is to use anti-histamines, which reduce the allergic reaction to pollens and other allergens present in the atmosphere, and/or nasal sprays which reduce nasal inflammation and mucus formation. However, in addition to these measures, there are alternative approaches that can help.

This article is really aimed at people who suffer from simple hay fever and allergic rhinitis without any complications.

People who also suffer with asthma and are on inhalers, or have severe allergic reactions, are best treated by a professional medical herbalist in conjunction with their GP, and should not stop any of their medication unless under medical supervision.

So what is hay fever?

A good starting point is to understand a little more about the factors which lead some individuals to develop hay fever. It seems that in this condition, there is a genetic tendency to develop increased sensitivity to foreign proteins such as pollen. The first time the pollen is encountered, the immune system produces certain antibodies (Ig E) that adhere to cells in the mucus membranes lining the upper respiratory tract. Subsequent contact with the same pollen causes an immediate reaction stimulating the release of histamine and related substances by those cells in the mucus membranes. Histamine causes the blood vessels in the nose to swell and become congested and increases leakiness of the capillary walls there.

The result of this for the affected individual is acute inflammation of the nasal mucus membranes and conjunctiva, sneezing, production of a watery discharge from the nose, and red, watery eyes.

General considerations

The first thing to consider when attempting to improve the problem is diet and lifestyle.

• We are advised to eat at least 5 portions of fruit and veg daily and this is very much so the case for hay fever sufferers.
• Refined carbohydrates in the form of sugar, white flour, rice and pasta should be kept to a minimum; in naturopathic terms, these foods, along with a high fat and dairy intake, are seen as increasing mucus formation.
• In practical terms, this means sticking to brown bread, brown rice, wholemeal pasta and other whole grains, and avoiding biscuits, cakes, sweets, soft drinks and pastry.
• Drink plenty of water
• Ensure that you are getting some seeds and nuts in your diet daily, (that is unless you suffer with a nut allergy); sesame, pumpkin and sunflower seeds and almonds, walnuts and brazil nuts are the best; they contain lots of minerals such as zinc, calcium and magnesium, in addition to helpful essential fatty acids.
• An adequate intake of omega 3 fatty acids is also vital - this can be obtained from oily fish, hemp or flax seed oils.
• Some people do find that their symptoms improve if they reduce or cut out dairy products. However, this should only be carried out under supervision in the case of children, expectant and nursing women, menopausal women and generally frail or elderly people. Avoiding milk, cheese, butter and cream for a few weeks often gives the system a chance to rest, and many people find they are then able to reintroduce certain items such as yoghurt, back into their diet in moderation.
• Watch out for stress, which can contribute to increased release of histamine in the mucus membranes.

Herbs

Herbs can help in a number of ways;

• many plants such as elderflower, eyebright and ribwort are anti-catarrhal, in other words they will dry up mucous secretions.
• Some plants can also reduce a person's sensitivity to allergens in the first place; these include elderflower, eyebright, chamomile, nettles, ribwort and Echinacea. Taken regularly, slightly before and during the hay fever season, these herbs can reduce the frequency and severity of attacks. Both chamomile and elderflower have gentle relaxant properties, very appropriate in hay fever as attacks can leave individuals feeling irritable and miserable; chamomile has the added benefit of being good for digestive problems.
• Eyebright, as the name suggests, has always been used traditionally for eye problems too (eye problems should always be checked out by your GP or optician and do not apply herbal products directly onto the eyes).
• Nettle leaf is a superb skin remedy and can be helpful for people who, in addition to hay fever, suffer with urticaria (nettle rash) and other allergic skin rashes.
• Echinacea is particularly good where there is superimposed infection (usually identified by the presence of yellow to green catarrh) or recurrent upper respiratory tract infections.

In addition to supporting the immune system, many herbalists also use liver remedies when treating allergies, as this organ is greatly involved in immune system activity.

• Dandelion root is a gentle liver tonic, along with globe artichoke leaves and milk thistle seeds.

Over time, the dietary measures and herbs outlined in this article, will gradually reduce the sensitivity to pollen, and increase the individual's resistance. You may never be able to get rid of this genetic tendency, but there is a lot that can be done to minimise its impact.

These remedies are generally safe to take in combination with anti-histamines. However you are always advised to seek advice in your own particular case.

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Related topics:

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