Seasonal allergies

After a cold winter, brand new blossoms on the trees are a welcome sight, hailing the green new life emerging all around us.

Days are become warmer and we start venturing outdoors. We picnic in the park and stroll in the garden to appreciate the splendour of new blooms. If the mere thought of this evokes a sneeze, you are probably one of many people who suffer from seasonal allergies.

Allergies are caused by an oversensitive immune system. Such an immune system generates a response or attack when faced with substances that are generally harmless. When an allergy sufferer is exposed to an allergen, the immune system releases a chemical substance called histamine to attack the unwelcome intruder. It is this histamine that is responsible for the allergy symptoms, as it increases mucus production and causes swelling of the mucus membranes, resulting in an itchy and runny or blocked nose, sneezing and watery eyes.

Some of the most common allergens that enter through the nose, eyes and skin include dust and mould in our homes. With the onset of spring, a new allergen, pollen, is added to that list. Since most allergy treatments and medications currently available only relieve the symptoms and cannot prevent allergic reactions, the best defence is to minimise your exposure to the allergen. Pollen counts are at their highest early in the morning and it is best to avoid outdoor activities at this time. Keep the windows in your home and car closed to prevent pollens wafting in, especially on dry windy days when pollen counts may be higher than on cool rainy days.

Air conditioning system contain filters that assist in purifying the air. Use a portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in your bedroom, and clean floors often with a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter. Consider drying bedding and clothing indoors or by machine, as pollen could settle on the fibres when hung outside. Wearing protective eyewear not only shields your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun, but also helps to keep out pollen. Delegate chores like mowing the lawn, as freshly-cut grass is sure to trigger an allergic reaction.

To find the best options to effectively treat and manage your allergies, discuss your symptoms and medical history with an allergist, doctor or health care practitioner. There are many allergy-targeting medicines that relieve allergy symptoms, which are available in various forms – from tablets, capsules and liquids to inhalers and sprays.

Antihistamines block the histamine that would normally be released in the body and although it does not clear up nasal congestion, it offers effective temporary relief from allergy symptoms such as hives, itching and sneezing. Nasally-administered antihistamines may be even more effective than its oral counterpart as it is administered directly into the nose, concentrating the drug where it is needed and can leave you symptom-free for up to twelve hours. Second-generation antihistamines do not cause drowsiness.

Decongestants are not very helpful in combating symptoms like sneezing, but will help to drain the fluid in the congested nasal passages, which is often the cause of swelling and headaches in hay fever sufferers. Steroid-type nasal sprays have proven to be a more comprehensive allergy medication because they counter a wider range of allergy symptoms, including congestion, itching and sneezing. They decrease inflammation and open up the nasal passages to improve breathing.

Allergy immunisation (allergen immunotherapy) involves repeated injections of tiny amounts of the allergy-causing substances. Over a period of time, these injections desensitise the immune system and reduces the reaction that causes allergy symptoms.

A natural approach to relieving allergy symptoms will include the use of nutritional supplements and herbs that strengthen the adrenal glands in the body to fend off allergy attacks. Some nutrients and herbs work as natural decongestants and antihistamines and can relieve inflammation. Spices and herbs such as cayenne pepper, onions, garlic and hot ginger aid in thinning mucous secretions, which assist in clearing the nasal passages.

The information contained in this article is of a general nature and intended for information purposes only.