Hayfever

Hayfever is a common term for allergic rhinitis which generally involves symptoms such as sneezing, watery or itchy eyes and a running nose. Many people find that these symptoms flare up in spring where there are more pollens in the air however there are a lot of people who react to  allergens all year round; animal hair, house dust, moulds and insecticides are all common triggers of symptoms.

Unfortunately, if left untreated, the associated build up of mucus in the nasal passages may lead to sinus infections or contribute to asthma symptoms. In addition sufferers may find their sleep disrupted, experience a 'foggy head' or daytime fatigue.

Nutrients such as Vitamin C & Quercetin function as natural anti-histamines as do herbs such as perilla, baical skullcap & albizzia. Fenugreek & Horseradish can be taken during the acute phase to assist with clearing mucus from the nasal passages. When people have a tendency to colds Zinc & Vitamin C can be added to boost the immune system & reduce viral inflammation.

Some other considerations include:

1. Fenugreek & Horseradish - can be used in tea and tablet form. Nature's Sunshine Fenugreek is great to clear sinus congestion quickly.
2. Neti Pots & sea salt water: a time-honored remedy renowned for its ability to irrigate the sinus & prevent infection.
3. Identify allergens. Consider dust mites, cat hair or pollens as potential triggers. Ensuring there is good ventilation & avoiding excessive dust build up also assists by removing potential triggers.
4. Avoid mucus forming foods such as dairy, bananas & oats.
5. Enzymes: digestive enzymes taken on an empty stomach between meals assists to clear mucus buildup.
6. Sleep with the head elevated to encourage drainage.
7. Using nasal inhalers such as Olbas Oil or burning essential oils such as Eco. Aroma's Sinus Clear are both very effective ways to clear the sinus.
8. Homeopathics such as Brauer's Hayfever Spray work best when used at frequent intervals throughout the day.
9. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective liver support is particularly important when addressing hayfever & allergies. A liver detoxification program assists the body to clear toxins or irritants from the body more efficiently and also strengthens the immune system.

Updates - 3 November 2014

Crump, C et al’, (2011), Gestational age at birth and risk of allergic rhinitis in young adulthood’, Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Volume 127, Issue 5, pp:1173-1179.

A number of studies have suggested links between atopic (allergic) diseases and various events at birth, or during infanthood. Researchers in Sweden recently examined data in attempts to determine whether or not hayfever development was influenced by age at birth.

They found that pre-term infants, or those with a lower gestational age has decreased needs for hayfever medications (when examining the prescribing registers of the country), and thus displayed lower rates of the condition. The researchers suggest that this may be because their immune systems had been exposed to pathogens earlier in life, prompting the body to produce more white blood cells known as T_H1 than those known as T_H2 (which are linked to allergies). Also, during pregnancy, a mother’s body has more T_H2 than T_H1 cells, because this is a safer state for maintaining a pregnancy. Longer time in the womb means that a child’s immune system may allow T_H2 cells to predominate, giving them a greater risk of atopy (allergy) later in life.

Vive Health Naturopaths recommend the following products for Hayfever:

NOTE: Consideration should always be given to individual requirements.  Please consider seeing a qualified practitioner before commencing a new treatment protocol or when combining supplements with pharmaceutical medication.

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