Spring has sprung!
Yes we all know that one, but Spring by its definition means to leap forward or a time of rebirth. It’s the season between Winter and Summer when the weather becomes warmer, the days longer, plants and trees grow and flowers bloom. Animals awaken and the earth seems to come to life.
While most of us enjoy the warmer weather, for some Spring can be a miserable time of the year.
What is an allergy? An allergy is the body’s immune system reacting to something harmless (an allergen) which doesn’t bother most people. It begins by inhaling, swallowing or when the allergen comes into contact with the skin. In a person who suffers allergies, the body’s defence system produces antibodies that travel to the cells that release histamine and other chemicals which in turn results in a runny nose, itchy eyes and other symptoms.
There are 2 types of Allergies:
Seasonal allergies are when symptoms occur in the warmer months of the year and are due to pollens and mould spores.
Perennial allergies occur all year round and the symptoms are typically related to dust mite, mould, pet dander, cockroaches and food.
Causes:
1. Pollen from trees, grasses and weeds. These tiny grains are for reproduction and whilst some rely on insects spreading their pollen, others are spread by the wind.
Examples of trees include alder, aspen, ash, beech, birch, cedar, elm, olive, oak, willow and poplar.
Grasses and weeds include orchard, Kentucky, Bermuda, Johnson, rye, sweet vernal, Timothy.
2. Mould spores are typically more numerous in Spring. With the warmer weather and higher rainfall, mould is more prevalent and these spores are also carried by the wind.
3. Spring cleaning will stir up dust mites within the home.
Symptoms:
· Sneezing is the body’s first reaction to an allergen entering the nose
· The nose can be itchy, runny or blocked
· Red and watery eyes
· Puffy eyes with a bluish tone underneath
· Itchy eyes, nose, ears and mouth
· Post nasal drip, the sensation of feeling mucous run down the back of the throat
· Dry itchy skin or hives
· Coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing
· Asthma
· Stuffy, dull headaches and face pain from sinusitis
· Tiredness, fatigue, irritability and insomnia
· Food allergies causing hives and swelling around the mouth
Diagnosis:
The first step is to see your doctor. Usually he will order blood tests and a skin prick test which involves adding a drop of a specific allergen to a tiny scratch on the skin. If a bump (hive) results for any of the allergens you have found your triggers.
Treatment:
The easiest way to treat allergies is by prevention. Keep doors and windows closed and consider a hepa air filter for your air conditioner. Leave your shoes at the door. Wash your clothes and take a shower if exposed to an allergen. Covering pillows and mattresses with allergen-proof bed coverings. Washing bedding in hot, soapy water weekly. Keep an eye on the daily pollen count and avoid gardening or exercising outdoors. Relief can also be gained on cloudy days, especially when it’s raining and there is no wind.
Medications will treat the symptoms and can include eye drops, nasal sprays, oral antihistamines, decongestants and cortisone creams for skin conditions. Anti-inflammatory medications and saline sinus rinses are also effective treatments.
Immunotherapy can be very successful for long term relief and involves regular doctor appointments with increasing amounts of the allergen injected into the body. This desensitises the body to that allergen. If the allergy shots are not for you Subliminal Immunotherapy is also available and involves putting a tablet under the tongue until it dissolves.
Natural Remedies:
Saline nasal irrigation with the addition of baking soda is an effective method of clearing the mucous and opening the sinuses.
Steam inhalation can soothe and open the nasal passages.
Butterbur is a herb that can be effective at blocking allergy symptoms.
Bromelain found in papaya and pineapple can improve breathing by reducing swelling.
Quercetin is found in apples, onions and black tea. Research shows that it can block the release of histamine.
Stinging nettle may work for some by reducing nasal swelling.
Acupuncture can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
Hepa filters for air conditioners and vacuum cleaners. Dehumidifers.
Probiotics.
Eating honey may over time lower allergic symptoms by reducing your reaction to the pollen that bees collect to make their honey.
Taking Spirulina and Vitamin C.
Essential oils – Eucalyptus, Frankincense, and Peppermint.
In summary, Spring allergies can produce a myriad of uncomfortable or dangerous symptoms for some people. Taking simple preventative steps or any of the natural treatments mentioned above, can lesson symptoms as can some over the counter medications.
If symptoms persist by using over the counter remedies, consult your doctor who may order prescription medication or refer you to an allergy specialist.
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