By Dr. Courtney Cheng, D.O., M.S.H.S. & Dr. E. W. Spence, D.O.
What is the allergic rhinitis? Allergic rhinitis (i.e., seasonal runny nose, hay fever) is an inflammation of the passages of the nose due to an inappropriate response of the immune system. What causes the allergic rhinitis? Allergic rhinitis affects as many as 10-30% of the US population and is steadily increasing. Allergies are thought to be caused by environmental, hygienic, and genetic causes.
How do I know if I have the allergic rhinitis? If you suffer from allergic rhinitis, you may find yourself having increased doctors visits and missed work time on a seasonal basis. You may have cyclical bouts of sneezing, sinus congestion or runny nose with thin, clear discharge. You may also have allergies if over-the-counter and prescription antihistamines seem to temporarily improve the problem. Other typical allergic responses include coughing, wheezing, itching, shortness of breath, headache, fatigue, and hives or other skin rashes. Unlike a common cold which tends to quickly resolve, allergic rhinitis can last for weeks, or even months.
What can I expect when I see a doctor? Your doctor will likely inquire about possible triggers and timing of your problem. Blood work can check for possible elevations in IgE in response to allergen exposure. It is important to not take antihistamines prior to bloodwork.
How is hay fever treated? Most medications only treat the symptoms of allergies, including runny nose, watery eyes, skin reactions, asthma, etc; however, there are known therapies that treat and even get rid of many allergies.
What if my symptoms get worse? If you suffer from allergies, and over-the-counter remedies are not enough, seek advice from a medical professional about other possible therapies. We can look at some of the common reasons for allergies and provide techniques for decreasing the symptoms; however they do not replace the role of a qualified health professional. If you try any of these techniques and experience worsening symptoms, you should immediately stop and consult a health care professional.
CONNECT WITH YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
What is the immune system? The immune system is a highly complex defense mechanism that helps us fight infections. When someone has an allergy, the immune system responds inappropriately. The natural approach to decreasing the allergic response is to support the proper functioning of the immune system with supplements and digestive enzymes to improve absorption of important nutrients.What is an allergen? Allergens are typically nontoxic substances that the immune system identifies as an invader and sends the body's white blood cells to overreact and create more damage to the body than the invader. Typical allergens include certain foods, pollen, dust mites, animal dander, and chemicals.
How does the body work as a unit? The digestive track is necessary for the absorption of nutrients and vitamins needed to support the immune system. If the body is not taking in the appropriate amount of nutrients and vitamins, the immune system cannot function effectively. If the body is not absorbing the nutrients and vitamins due to problems with digestion, this can also effect the immune system.
HARMONIZE WITH BODY
What are some lifestyle advise? In order to reduce allergy symptoms, avoidance of the trigger becomes important. Minimize time outdoors when pollen levels are high. Close the windows during high pollen periods. When exposed to the outdoors for a prolonged period of time, clear the nasal passages and clean the body to remove possible allergens. Use a neti pot with saline fluid to clear the allergens out of your nasal passages. Shower and breath in the steam to clear your sinuses and provide moisture the nasal passages. Wash your sheets regularly with warm water. Consider purchasing a HEPA filter or air purifier to clean pollen, molds, and dust from ;your home or office.What are some nutritional advise? Many foods can either help or worsen allergies. It is important to understand what foods can exacerbate symptoms and which can encourage a healthy immune system.
FOODS
TO AVOID
|
REASON
|
Melon (canteloupe), cucumbers, banana, sunflower
seeds, chamomile, or any herbal preparation containing echinacea
|
Contains similar proteins as in ragweed
|
Dairy products, sugar, wheat, and food additives (vanillin,
benzaldehyde, eucalyptol, monosodium glutamate, BHT-BHA, benzoates, and
annatto.
|
Increases mucous production |
Caffeine, chocolate, citrus fruits, corn, dairy product
s, eggs, oats, oysters, peanuts, processed and refined foods, salmon,
strawberries, tomatoes, wheat, and white rice.
|
Common food allergies |
HELFPUL
FOODS
|
REASON
|
Bromelain 1000 mg 3 times daily, between meals (e.g., pineapple)
|
Reduces inflammation associated with hay fever
symptoms.
|
Quercetin 400 mg twice daily, before meals (e.g. garlic, onions, apples, buckwheat, capers)
|
Stabilizes the membranes of the cells that release histamine, which
triggers allergic symptoms.
|
Vitamin A 10,000 IU daily (e.g. sweet potato, squash, carrots, peas, broccoli)
|
Powerful immunostimulant
|
Vitamin B complex 100 mg of each 3 times daily (e.g. fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, breakfast cereals, and fortified grains)
|
Supports proper digestion and relieves wheezing and allergy attacks.
|
What are some exercise advise? Avoid exercising outdoors and especially on windy days.Add foods into your diet that are anti-inflammatory.
INTEGRATE COMPLIMENTARY ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
What can be expected during osteopathic manipulative treatment? Osteopathy in the cranial field can help to decrease the sinus congestion, runny nose, stuffiness by facillitating the natural motion of the cranium and encouraging ininhibited lymphatic flow through the gentle release of restricted areas.What can be expected during medical acupuncture treatment? Acupuncture treatments that help to strengthen, or tonify, the Wei Qi, or Defensive Energy, benefit the immune system by bolstering the ‘first line of defense’, in acupuncture terms. If you are prone to seasonal respiratory infections, acupuncture input (dubbed a winterizing treatment) may help to strengthen the Wei Qi. This regular treatment can also help bolster a person’s immune system especially before traveling, or in situations where the person has historically become ill (e.g. family gatherings, conferences, where germs are more easily ‘shared’). Treating a person within the first 24-48 hours of an upper respiratory infection onset with acupuncture can also be an effective way of shortening the duration and reducing the severity of symptoms.
What can be expected from immunotherapy? Immunotherapy is used by allergists to decrease the body's sensitivity to allergens. Recently, the FDA has approved sublingual forms of the provious injections for ragweed and grass allergies. Since immunotherapy can cause anaphylaxis reaction, it is only administered in a doctor's office where one can be monitored and immediately treated should a reaction occur.