Pollen allergy may be the reason for your sneezing in spite of a change in seasons
Mark Bevan asked:
About Hay Fever
In the various seasons (spring, summer, and fall) during the year, pollen grains are dispersed from trees, weeds, and grasses. These pollen grains travel on air currents to fertilize other plants. Inhaling pollen, in some people, can trigger seasonal allergic rhinitis which is also called pollen allergy or hay fever. In this condition the mucous membranes in the nasal passages inflame, which causes swelling, sneezing, itching, irritation and a runny nose.
Allergy seasons are :
May – July/August – Grass pollen: Feb – June – Tree pollen (depending on whether allergic to early or late flowering trees) August – September – Nettle/weed pollen
Hay fever symptoms can continue all the year round and may also occur from indoor allergens like house dust mites, pets and possibly indoor moulds.
Hay fever is actually an attempt by the body to rid itself of allergens but the immune system overreacts and releases chemicals which cause inflammation, causing:
Itchy, watery, red eyes Frequent sneezing Constantly dripping nose
Sufferers, when afflicted with this condition, have to struggle to breathe through their nose. Symptoms are often quite bad in young people and tails off in later years as the body adapts. Studies have shown that hay fever can severely affect the quality of life, disturb sleep patterns, impair daytime concentration and work performance.
What is pollen allergy?
Pollen once released from trees, weeds and grasses, ride on air currents with a mission to disperse and fertilize other plants. However, they rarely reach their targets. On the way they get into human noses and throats, triggering allergic reactions.
Pollen is one of the most pervasive things that can cause an allergy and cannot be avoided. Many allergy causing foods, drugs, or animals can be largely avoided but insects and household dust are inescapable. However, short of staying indoors, there is no foolproof method of evading windborne pollen. Nonetheless, ways have been established that help ease the symptoms of hay fever. Moreover, scientists are working to find better approaches to allergy treatment.
Research has helped provide a better understanding of the causes of allergy, improve the methods for diagnosing and treating allergic reactions and thereby eventually preventing them. The common signs and symptoms of pollen allergy are:
Sneezing, the most common, may be accompanied by a runny or clogged nose Itching eyes, nose, and throat Allergic shiners (dark circles under the eyes caused by restricted blood flow near the sinuses) The “allergic salute” (in a child, persistent upward rubbing of the nose that causes a crease mark on the nose) Watering eyes Conjunctivitis (is inflammation of the membrane that lines the eyelids, causing red-rimmed eyes)
In a pollen-sensitive person, as soon as the allergy-causing pollen lands on the mucous membranes of the nose, a chain reaction occurs that leads the mast cells in these tissues to release histamine. This potent chemical dilates the small blood vessels in the nose; causing the fluids to escape through the expanded vessel walls, which in turn results in swelling of the nasal passages as well as nasal congestion. On the other hand, histamine also causes itching, irritation, and excess mucus production. Similarly, other chemicals like prostaglandins and leukotrienes also contribute to allergic symptoms.
Some people with pollen allergy also develop asthma, a serious respiratory condition, which can eventually become chronic. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath due to a narrowing of the bronchial passages and excess mucus production.
About Hay Fever
In the various seasons (spring, summer, and fall) during the year, pollen grains are dispersed from trees, weeds, and grasses. These pollen grains travel on air currents to fertilize other plants. Inhaling pollen, in some people, can trigger seasonal allergic rhinitis which is also called pollen allergy or hay fever. In this condition the mucous membranes in the nasal passages inflame, which causes swelling, sneezing, itching, irritation and a runny nose.
Allergy seasons are :
May – July/August – Grass pollen: Feb – June – Tree pollen (depending on whether allergic to early or late flowering trees) August – September – Nettle/weed pollen
Hay fever symptoms can continue all the year round and may also occur from indoor allergens like house dust mites, pets and possibly indoor moulds.
Hay fever is actually an attempt by the body to rid itself of allergens but the immune system overreacts and releases chemicals which cause inflammation, causing:
Itchy, watery, red eyes Frequent sneezing Constantly dripping nose
Sufferers, when afflicted with this condition, have to struggle to breathe through their nose. Symptoms are often quite bad in young people and tails off in later years as the body adapts. Studies have shown that hay fever can severely affect the quality of life, disturb sleep patterns, impair daytime concentration and work performance.
What is pollen allergy?
Pollen once released from trees, weeds and grasses, ride on air currents with a mission to disperse and fertilize other plants. However, they rarely reach their targets. On the way they get into human noses and throats, triggering allergic reactions.
Pollen is one of the most pervasive things that can cause an allergy and cannot be avoided. Many allergy causing foods, drugs, or animals can be largely avoided but insects and household dust are inescapable. However, short of staying indoors, there is no foolproof method of evading windborne pollen. Nonetheless, ways have been established that help ease the symptoms of hay fever. Moreover, scientists are working to find better approaches to allergy treatment.
Research has helped provide a better understanding of the causes of allergy, improve the methods for diagnosing and treating allergic reactions and thereby eventually preventing them. The common signs and symptoms of pollen allergy are:
Sneezing, the most common, may be accompanied by a runny or clogged nose Itching eyes, nose, and throat Allergic shiners (dark circles under the eyes caused by restricted blood flow near the sinuses) The “allergic salute” (in a child, persistent upward rubbing of the nose that causes a crease mark on the nose) Watering eyes Conjunctivitis (is inflammation of the membrane that lines the eyelids, causing red-rimmed eyes)
In a pollen-sensitive person, as soon as the allergy-causing pollen lands on the mucous membranes of the nose, a chain reaction occurs that leads the mast cells in these tissues to release histamine. This potent chemical dilates the small blood vessels in the nose; causing the fluids to escape through the expanded vessel walls, which in turn results in swelling of the nasal passages as well as nasal congestion. On the other hand, histamine also causes itching, irritation, and excess mucus production. Similarly, other chemicals like prostaglandins and leukotrienes also contribute to allergic symptoms.
Some people with pollen allergy also develop asthma, a serious respiratory condition, which can eventually become chronic. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath due to a narrowing of the bronchial passages and excess mucus production.
Natural Remedies for Hayfever and Allergic Rhinitis
Melanie Simcock asked:
Evenings are getting lighter – leaves on the trees are unfurling – the promise of summer is in the air!
Most of us look forward to the arrival of the warmer weather but for some unlucky people the season brings misery in the form of hay fever and seasonal allergic rhinitis often caused by pollens from trees and grass.
Proteins in the pollens irritate the delicate membranes of the nose and eyes causing inflammation. Symptoms include red, itchy, watery eyes and runny or congested nose.
Not all hay fever sufferers react to the same pollen therefore the timing of symptoms should be noted. Generally tree pollen is present from February to May with the peak time being in April. Grass pollens are prevalent in June and July and weed pollens (eg nettle) will be worse in July and August. Hay fever that begins in late summer and continues into the autumn may be a mould allergy. It is possible to have allergy testing to pinpoint which plant pollens you are sensitive to – consult your GP or nutritional therapist.
So what can be done to alleviate the symptoms? As always being forewarned is forearmed: some simple preparations now can reduce the severity of attacks later in the season.
If you are lucky enough to be able to buy honey produced locally, take a teaspoon every day. It has been suggested that ingestion of tiny molecules of pollen in local honey is believed to help build resistance to pollens when they appear in full force later in the season.
Amongst various natural remedies butterbur is a herb that has undergone scientific trials showing a substantial health benefit for relieving hay fever.
Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) has been shown to relax blood vessels and various smooth muscles in the body. It contains chemicals that are also known to reduce inflammation, as demonstrated in human studies. Some studies have also shown that butterbur extract performed as well as a common antihistamine drug taken by hay fever sufferers, but without causing drowsiness.
Bioflavanoids are plant compounds that have shown anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory activity. Along with Vitamin C, these supplements can help prevent the formation of histamine – the chemical that causes the common reactions of streaming, itchy eyes and runny nose. Foods rich in the bioflavanoid quercitin include onions, garlic, green tea, red wine and dark chocolate (70%+ cocoa solids). Vitamin C is found in broccoli, green peppers, citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, cabbage and cauliflower.
Plant sterols (phytosterols) are fats found naturally in plant foods. Phytosterols are highly versatile substances that have been shown to be useful in the management of several conditions include immune disorders. Phytosterols inhibit the release of prostaglandins (hormone-like substances) thus reducing the production of histamine and its attendant symptoms such as itchy eyes and sneezing. Plant sterols are present in all plant foods with soy and whole grains, particularly whole oats, being rich sources.
Omega 3 fatty acids found in flaxseeds and cold water fish such as salmon and mackerel, can affect chemical pathways in the body to help ease allergy symptoms and reduce inflammation.
Vitamin E taken during the pollen season alongside other anti-allergy treatments has been shown to reduce the severity of hay fever symptoms by 23%. Good sources of dietary Vitamin E include cold pressed wheatgerm and sunflower oils, hazelnuts, sweet potato, avocado and spinach.
A strong immune system is essential to help fight off allergic symptoms. The Vitamins A, C, D, E and minerals zinc and selenium are all antioxidant supplements that can help immune function.
Vitamin A is found in calves liver, egg yolk, watercress, squash and oily fish such as mackerel and herring. Likewise, top sources of Vitamin D include mackerel, herring, sardines, as well as eggs and cheddar cheese.
Zinc can be obtained from pumpkin seeds, wholemeal bread and red meats. Eating just four to five brazil nuts daily can provide your recommended intake of selenium but other sources include fresh tuna, sunflower seeds, wholemeal bread and cashew nuts.
There are other measures to help ward off the worst effects of pollen:
• A thin layer of petroleum jelly around and just inside the nostrils can trap minute pollen particles and prevent them from being inhaled and starting an allergic reaction.
• Steam inhalations help to reduce the “blocked nose” feeling.
• Most national weather forecasts now include a pollen count so take note and keep windows and doors shut to reduce the chances of pollens invading your house!
If you are taking any medication, always check with your GP or health practitioner before taking any herbal or vitamin supplements.
Evenings are getting lighter – leaves on the trees are unfurling – the promise of summer is in the air!
Most of us look forward to the arrival of the warmer weather but for some unlucky people the season brings misery in the form of hay fever and seasonal allergic rhinitis often caused by pollens from trees and grass.
Proteins in the pollens irritate the delicate membranes of the nose and eyes causing inflammation. Symptoms include red, itchy, watery eyes and runny or congested nose.
Not all hay fever sufferers react to the same pollen therefore the timing of symptoms should be noted. Generally tree pollen is present from February to May with the peak time being in April. Grass pollens are prevalent in June and July and weed pollens (eg nettle) will be worse in July and August. Hay fever that begins in late summer and continues into the autumn may be a mould allergy. It is possible to have allergy testing to pinpoint which plant pollens you are sensitive to – consult your GP or nutritional therapist.
So what can be done to alleviate the symptoms? As always being forewarned is forearmed: some simple preparations now can reduce the severity of attacks later in the season.
If you are lucky enough to be able to buy honey produced locally, take a teaspoon every day. It has been suggested that ingestion of tiny molecules of pollen in local honey is believed to help build resistance to pollens when they appear in full force later in the season.
Amongst various natural remedies butterbur is a herb that has undergone scientific trials showing a substantial health benefit for relieving hay fever.
Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) has been shown to relax blood vessels and various smooth muscles in the body. It contains chemicals that are also known to reduce inflammation, as demonstrated in human studies. Some studies have also shown that butterbur extract performed as well as a common antihistamine drug taken by hay fever sufferers, but without causing drowsiness.
Bioflavanoids are plant compounds that have shown anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory activity. Along with Vitamin C, these supplements can help prevent the formation of histamine – the chemical that causes the common reactions of streaming, itchy eyes and runny nose. Foods rich in the bioflavanoid quercitin include onions, garlic, green tea, red wine and dark chocolate (70%+ cocoa solids). Vitamin C is found in broccoli, green peppers, citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, cabbage and cauliflower.
Plant sterols (phytosterols) are fats found naturally in plant foods. Phytosterols are highly versatile substances that have been shown to be useful in the management of several conditions include immune disorders. Phytosterols inhibit the release of prostaglandins (hormone-like substances) thus reducing the production of histamine and its attendant symptoms such as itchy eyes and sneezing. Plant sterols are present in all plant foods with soy and whole grains, particularly whole oats, being rich sources.
Omega 3 fatty acids found in flaxseeds and cold water fish such as salmon and mackerel, can affect chemical pathways in the body to help ease allergy symptoms and reduce inflammation.
Vitamin E taken during the pollen season alongside other anti-allergy treatments has been shown to reduce the severity of hay fever symptoms by 23%. Good sources of dietary Vitamin E include cold pressed wheatgerm and sunflower oils, hazelnuts, sweet potato, avocado and spinach.
A strong immune system is essential to help fight off allergic symptoms. The Vitamins A, C, D, E and minerals zinc and selenium are all antioxidant supplements that can help immune function.
Vitamin A is found in calves liver, egg yolk, watercress, squash and oily fish such as mackerel and herring. Likewise, top sources of Vitamin D include mackerel, herring, sardines, as well as eggs and cheddar cheese.
Zinc can be obtained from pumpkin seeds, wholemeal bread and red meats. Eating just four to five brazil nuts daily can provide your recommended intake of selenium but other sources include fresh tuna, sunflower seeds, wholemeal bread and cashew nuts.
There are other measures to help ward off the worst effects of pollen:
• A thin layer of petroleum jelly around and just inside the nostrils can trap minute pollen particles and prevent them from being inhaled and starting an allergic reaction.
• Steam inhalations help to reduce the “blocked nose” feeling.
• Most national weather forecasts now include a pollen count so take note and keep windows and doors shut to reduce the chances of pollens invading your house!
If you are taking any medication, always check with your GP or health practitioner before taking any herbal or vitamin supplements.
