Conditions

Allergies (Hay Fever)

Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an allergic reaction to pollen or mold that affects the mucous membranes of the nose, eyes, and air passages.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Itchy, red eyes
• Clear discharge from the nose and eyes
• Sneezing
• Fatigue
• Nervousness, irritability
• Sleep loss

Diagnosis:

This condition is often self-diagnosed because symptoms return every year at the same time. However, a scratch test (where a diluted form of the allergen is placed under the skin to check for reaction) or a radioallergosorbent test (RAST) ­ where blood is drawn to measure the antibodies produced in response to certain substances can positively identify the allergy.

Traditional Treatments:
Your doctor is likely to recommend the following:

• An over-the-counter antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (found in Benadryl), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton) or brompheniramine (Dimetane).
• If over-the-counter medications do not relieve symptoms, a prescription antihistamine such as hydroxyzine or cetirizine may be tried.
• The most common side effects of any antihistamine (over-the-counter included) are drowsiness, fatigue, and dry mouth. In some cases these medications may cause dizziness, tremors, nervousness and other effects as well.
• Decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) are often used to relieve nasal symptoms without causing drowsiness or fatigue.
• Cromolyn sodium (Intal, Nasalcrom) can be applied directly to the nasal tissues to stabilize the cells that release histamine. This drug is more of a preventative than a remedy. However, there are little to no side effects.
• Inhaled steroids may be recommended for those that don't respond to other treatments. Beclomethasone, dexamethasone, fluticasone, and flunisolide are all forms of inhaled steroids. These drugs tend to depress the functioning of the adrenal glands and should be used judiciously.
• For severe cases an oral steroid such as cortisone or prednisone may be used.
• Desensitization therapy is a rarely used due to expense and low rate of success. This therapy is a process by which diluted doses of allergens are gradually increased to desensitize the body to the allergen.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies:

Often hay fever seems to respond better to alternative treatments than to the conventional medical products. As always (but more so with hay fever) be especially careful to choose only hypoallergenic supplements and products.

Nutritional Supplementation:

• Bromelain in 3 daily doses of 1,000 mg will reduce inflammation associated with hay fever symptoms.
• Taking a good multivitamin and mineral supplement can help boost the body's resources and bring relief from the associated fatigue.
• Raw thymus glandular plus adrenal glandular helps promote immune functions, increase energy, and reduce symptoms. Try taking 500 mg twice daily or follow the label directions.
  Caution: Do not give these supplements to a child under 16 years of age.
• Flaxseed oil (or any of the following: black currant seed oil, borage oil, and evening primrose oil) has an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic effect. Take a dose that supplies 250 mg of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) three times daily.
• Quercetin at 400 mg, twice daily before meals, stabilizes the membranes of the cells that release histamine.
• Taking 250 mg of magnesium, twice daily will relax the smooth muscle of the bronchial passages. This is particularly helpful if hay fever symptoms may bring on an asthmatic episode.
• Vitamin C with bioflavonoids, taken in three daily doses of 1,000 mg, has a potent anti-inflammatory effect. Use esterified or buffered form.
• Quercetin, Bromelain and Vitamin C are available together in a QBC complex.

Alternative Therapies:

• Echinacea and goldenseal are popular treatments for allergies. Take one dose of a combination formula that supplies 350 to 500 mg of echinacea and 200 to 350 mg of goldenseal, three times daily for up to five days.
• Licorice supports adrenal function. It's recommended that you take Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) in three, 300 mg doses daily for maximum benefit.
• Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory. Take 250 to 350 mg three times, daily, or as needed for symptoms.
• Placing sliced cucumbers on the eyes will help relieve red, itchy eyes.
• Nettle leaf, 200 mg three times daily, reduces tissue swelling.
• The homeopathic treatment, Arsenicum album, has been shown to help alleviate many of the symptoms associated with hay fever.
• Sabadilla may also help treat a runny nose that's accompanied by sneezing, sinus pain and red eyes.
• A steam inhalation treatment of basil, peppermint, eucalyptus, or pine can help ease congestion.
• Tiger Balm (available in most stores) contains a blend of beneficial herbs in a wax base. Apply liberally to the chest and neck to help alleviate nasal congestion.

General Recommendations:

• Stay indoors as much as possible during the "allergy season." Keep windows shut and use the air-conditioner when possible. Especially avoid going outdoors in the afternoon, as this is when allergens are at their worst.
• Avoid tobacco smoke.
• Shower and change when you come indoors after spending time outside. Pollen can stick to your hair and clothing.
• Keep pets either inside or outside.
• Try using an air purifier and filter in your home. Make sure and keep the filters to your heater/air conditioner clean (or replace them regularly).
• A study at the University of California-Davis found that eating yogurt every day significantly reduced the incidence of hay fever attacks.

Warnings:

Drug, supplement, and herb warnings:

Do not give raw thymus glandular or adrenal glandular to a child under 16 years of age.

General Warnings:

Those with hay fever should be alert for signs of other allergies. Additional allergy tests are generally recommended.

Children of parents with allergies should be watched for symptoms, as allergies tend to run in families.