Hay Fever
May 17, 2006 4:33 PM
Many people suffer with runny noses and itchy, red eyes when pollen counts are high. But there are plenty of steps you can take to relieve these hayfever symptoms. Jacqueline Young
Hay fever is a type of allergic rhinitis that occurs at particular times of year, usually spring and summer, when pollen counts are high. Allergic rhinitis, which can occur at any time, is an inflammation of the nose caused by reaction to an allergen in the air or in food.
Symptoms and causes
Hay fever symptoms include: a blocked, runny and/or itchy nose; watering, itchy and red eyes; frequent sneezing; a tickly or sore throat, a heavy head and tiredness.
Common rhinitis triggers include mould spores, animal hairs house dust and mites, while hay fever is often caused by pollen from grasses, trees and plants. When a sensitive person breathes in one of these allergens the body reacts by producing histamine, which causes inflammation, increased mucus and congestion. Food allergies can also trigger this effect.
Orthodox treatments
You should avoid the allergen if possible. Doctors often prescribe antihistamines and anti-inflammatory sprays or drops. You can also buy these over the counter. Decongestants may be recommended but should not be used for long periods. You may also be asked to take a skin test to identify allergens.
Complementary approaches
- Homeopathy - allium, Galphimia glauca and other remedies based on individual constitution have been proved to relieve hay fever and rhinitis.
- Herbal medicine - nettle and sobrerol reduce rhinitis. Clinical reports also show benefits with the herbs ephedra and euphrasia and with Chinese herbal formulas.
- Acupuncture - one study found that use of a single acupuncture point - on the liver channel on the foot, effectively reduced hay fever symptoms, while others have shown no clear benefits. Treatment is best started well in advance of the pollen season. Combining acupuncture with Chinese herbs can help rhinitis.
- Nutritional therapy - vitamin C plus bioflavonoids have an antihistamine effect and can ease symptoms. The bioflavinoid, quercetin and pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) can bring relief. Vitamin E is anti-inflammatory.
- Naturopathic and dietary therapy - avoiding food allergens and cleansing fasts may be recommended but these regimes have to be carefully supervised. Bee pollen or honeycomb can be helpful if taken in advance of the hay fever season. Garlic and raw onion can ease congestion and help breathing.
- Clinical ecology - remedies to boost immune function can help to further reduce symptoms.
- Hypnotherapy - can help reduce allergic reactions but research evidence is limited. Relaxation therapy can reduce stress, which aggravates allergic reactions.
- Avoid known allergens as much as possible.
- Stay indoors and close windows when pollen count is high.
- Reduce house dust and mites by regular cleaning with a damp cloth and a vacuum cleaner designed to filter very small particles. Air rooms every day.
- Use hypoallergenic covers for mattresses and pillows.
- Keep pets out of the house or at least the bedroom.
- Keep soft toys to a minimum and put them in the freezer regularly to kill off mites.
- Use wooden flooring rather than carpets.
- Increase intake of vitamin C and bioflavonoids (found in citrus fruits or available as a supplement) and take 200mg to 500 mg pantothenic acid (B5) every day with a B-complex.
- Improve your diet to ease the load on the liver, which helps regulate allergic reactions. Reduce junk food, tea, coffee, sugar and fats. Increase vegetables, citrus fruits, wholegrains, garlic and natural honey, such as manuka.
- Test for food allergies if they're suspected.
This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Rob Hicks in September 2005.
First published in October 2002.
