Allergies cause the immune system to react to something that doesn’t bother most other people. Reactions can be triggered by many things, from pollen to food. Allergic rhinitis or hay fever produces symptoms in the nose, throat, skin, sinuses, lining of the stomach, or ears. Roughly 7.8% of people 18 and over in the U.S. have hay fever. Worldwide, allergic rhinitis affects between 10% and 30 % of the population. Allergies cost Americans $3.4 billion each year, with more than half of that going towards prescription medications.
What are the types of seasonal allergies?
• Intermittent allergies are those which occur seasonally based upon certain exposures. These usually occur fewer than 4 days a week for less than 28 days. In the US, they are referred to as seasonal allergies and are often triggered in the spring and fall by pollen, grasses, and weeds.
• Perennial allergies occur year round though they often are worse during the winter. These are triggered by indoor allergens such as dust, mold, and animal dander.
What are some common symptoms of allergies?
Symptoms of allergies may include sneezing, coughing, a runny or stuffy nose, and itching in the eyes, nose, mouth, and throat.
Causes and Susceptibility of Seasonal Allergies?
Allergies have been noted in writings from previous generations, however the recent rapid increase or allergy epidemic is directly related to the decrease in infectious disease as a result of modern hygiene practices. Susceptibility to allergic responses is also strongly genetic.
Is There A Way To Prevent Allergies?
The best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid triggers as much as possible.
How Should I Treat My Allergies?
Astragalus
In 2010, a pilot study evaluated a blend with astragalus as the active component for a 6 week long intervention in allergy symptoms. The results found that both objective and subjective measures favored the astragalus supplement.
Essential Oil Blends
In a 2016 study, “Fifty-four men and women aged between 20 and 60 were randomized to inhale aromatherapy oil containing essential oil from sandalwood, frankincense, and ravensara or almond oil (the placebo) for 5 minutes twice daily for 7 days.” The results found that the aromatherapy group had significantly less nasal blockage and clear breathing as compared to the control group. The blend was equal parts of the oils in a 0.2% dilution, with 1ml total applied to a cotton pad for inhalation.
Butterbur
A specific butterbur extract (Ze339) has been used in multiple clinical studies effectively for the treatment of allergies, and found to be as effective as popular pharmaceutical solutions such as Zyrtec (Schapowal, 2004). These supplements were standardized to 8mg of petasin per tablet, 3x per day.
Neti Pot
Rinsing the sinuses with a neti pot or with other devices, such as a spray, pump, or squirt bottles, may be a useful addition to other treatment for allergic rhinitis. However, people can get infections if they use neti pots or other nasal rinsing devices improperly. Most important is the source of water that is used with nasal rinsing devices. Tap water that is not filtered, treated, or processed in specific ways is not safe for use as a nasal rinse. Sterile water is safe; over-the-counter nasal rinsing products that contain sterile saline (salt water) are available.
REFERENCES
Bloom B, Cohen RA, & Freeman G. (2011). Summary health statistics for U.S. children: National Health Interview Survey, 2010. National Center for Health Statistics. 10(250).
Choi, S. Y., & Park, K. (2016). Effect of Inhalation of Aromatherapy Oil on Patients with Perennial Allergic Rhinitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016.
Gupta, R, et al. The Prevalence, Severity and Distribution of Childhood Food Allergy in the United States. Pediatrics.
Matkovic, Z., Zivkovic, V., Korica, M., Plavec, D., Pecanic, S., & Tudoric, N. (2010). Efficacy and safety of Astragalus membranaceus in the treatment of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Phytotherapy research, 24(2), 175-181.
Meltzer, EO & Bukstein DA. (2011). The economic impact of allergic rhinitis and current guidelines for treatment. Annuls of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology. 106(2 Supplement) S12-6.
Okada, H., Kuhn, C., Feillet, H., & Bach, J. F. (2010). The ‘hygiene hypothesis’ for autoimmune and allergic diseases: an update. Clinical & Experimental Immunology, 160(1), 1-9.
Pawankar, R., Canonica, G., Holgate, S., &Lockey, R. World Health Organization. White Book on Allergy 2011-2012 Executive Summary.
Butterbur Ze339 for the treatment of intermittent allergic rhinitis: dose-dependent efficacy in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study