Runny nose, congestion, sneezing, cough: Welcome to seasonal allergies
By Deborah Dittner
It’s that time of year when seasonal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis, come into play.
Many can exhibit symptoms in spring, summer and fall as pollen counts go on the rise.
Symptoms may vary per each individual and can consist of a runny nose, congestion and sneezing; a tickle in the throat, cough, full feeling in the ears; itchy, watery, reddened, puffy eyes and overall feelings of fatigue, headaches and shortness of breath, especially if asthma has been a problem in the past.
Springtime allergies consist of pollen from specific trees such as maple, oak and birch. Once summer rolls around, the grasses and pollens from some weeds may be causing symptoms. Late summer and early fall you may react to ragweed, sagebrush and mold.
When the weather is windy and dry, pollen tends to increasingly spread. A rainy day may actually lower this spread creating some relief.
If you know you typically suffer from certain allergies, there are ways to either prevent the symptoms or manage the symptoms with greater ease.
Check to see what the pollen count is each day. If the count is high, stay indoors as much as possible. The indoor air needs to stay as clean as possible by using air conditioning and HEPA filters.
If it is especially windy, keep windows closed as well. When outdoors, wear sunglasses to limit pollen exposure to your eyes. Upon coming in from the outdoors, shower and change clothes to remove pollen.
Many may rely upon over-the-counter (OTC) medications to manage symptoms of seasonal allergies. Antihistamines and decongestants are common go—to OTCs. The use of a neti pot with a saline rinse may help in removing pollen from the nasal passages.
These remedies may bring some immediate and successful relief of allergy symptoms.
But what if you started your routine of prevention a few weeks prior to your anticipated allergies?
Chronic sufferers may find wonderful results by addressing your reaction to certain foods, lifestyle changes, herbs and also in the use of the neti pot.
Food
Identifying and eliminating food sensitivities (dairy, wheat or gluten) and eating balanced and whole, nutrient dense foods. Eat a rainbow of colors of vegetables, dark leafy greens, berries and clean lean protein. Consider eliminating sugars and other less healthy foods. Supplementation of vitamin D3 will help decrease inflammation and increase immune function. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil and flaxseed oil can also decrease inflammation. Proper hydration with pure filtered water is needed to thin out the mucous membranes.
Lifestyle
Solid sleep for seven hours nightly and daily use of the neti pot to irrigate nasal passages decreasing exposure to respiratory irritants. Emotions can also trigger lung issues causing a respiratory response. Supportive herbs consist of holy basil (Tulsi), ashwagandha, astragalus and hawthorne to name a few. Consider breathing techniques (many to choose from) to help reset the nervous system calming the body’s response. Respiratory irritants from smoking or second-hand smoke should be eliminated. Be aware of exposure to mold, animal dander, dust, chemicals, pesticides and herbicides as these can trigger a negative respiratory response.
Herbs
Prevention with herbs such as stinging nettle, quercetin, bromelain, astragalus, butterbur and medicinal mushrooms such as Reishi and chaga can help in the decrease and elimination in allergy symptoms. Using an herbal steam with aromatic herbs such as peppermint, eucalyptus, evergreens, thyme and bee balm can aid in opening up the lungs, loosening phlegm, decreasing spasms and fighting germs. These herbs can also be used in teas and infused in honey calming throat irritation.
If allergies are severe and not relieved by OTC medications and other natural remedies or interfere with sleep, you may need to consider a specialist for allergy shots or other medication as needed.
Deborah Dittner is a family nurse practitioner and health consultant. Her mission is to transform as many individuals as possible through nutrition and lifestyle changes. www.debdittner.com