Hay fever is the common name for allergic rhinitis. It can trigger an immune response leading to symptoms of hay fever. It affects 1 in 5 people in Australia. Though there is no cure for hay fever, there are several things you could try to ease the symptoms naturally.
What is hay fever allergy?
Hay fever is an allergic reaction from the immune system that can occur due to common allergens. Also known as allergic rhinitis, can be triggered by seasonal allergens like pollen and grass or other common allergens like dust mites and animal hair. An allergy test can help determine what allergen triggers your symptoms and why hay fever occurs.
Hay fever symptoms
Common symptoms revolve around the nose and eyes. This include sneezing, stuffy or runny nose and watery eyes or itchy eyes. Nasal congestion is a very common symptom in allergic rhinitis. Individuals may feel an itchy throat with the need to frequently clear the throat. A blocked nose can cause the need to breathe from the mouth or snoring during sleep.
Less common symptoms of hay fever include daytime tiredness, frequent headaches, reduced sense of smell or frequent sinus infections in adults. In some it could cause sleep disturbance and poor concentration when awake.
Hay fever treatment
Treating hay fever symptoms by avoiding triggers is the first step to treatment. Followed by natural remedies and the usage of over the counter medications. Antihistamines block the effects of histamine and usually help control itching and sneezing. Decongestant and corticosteroids nasal spray and eye drops can help relieve congestion and symptoms.
Natural ways to cure hay fever
Individuals who suffer from hay fever should take preventative steps especially in hay fever season.
Vitamin C and Zinc
It can act as a natural antihistamine and antioxidant which reduces inflammation and improves allergy symptoms. Vitamin C can reduce the amount of histamine rather than blocking histamine receptors such as with antihistamine medication. A study found that a 7.5g dose was associated with a reduction of 97% of people with allergies. It is found in foods like citrus fruits, strawberries and kiwi fruits.
Zinc supports the immune system and as the immune system is what triggers an histamine response, supporting it will hopefully alleviate symptoms.
Quercetin
It is a plant which in the body acts as an antioxidant and natural anti-inflammatory. It assists with mast cell stabilisation which inhibits the release of histamine into the bloodstream which can help reduce the hay fever symptoms.
Probiotics
Some evidence suggests that good bacteria found in probiotics can help relieve hay fever symptoms by restoring a balanced immune response to pollen. This doesn’t have to be through a probiotic pill and can just be through food in our diet such yogurt and tempeh.
Rosemary
It has been found to be a beneficial remedy for the prevention of asthma and allergies due to the rosmarinic acid in rosemary. The acid suppresses the inflammatory response of allergic immunoglobulins.
Low histamine diet
Some foods can trigger allergy symptoms as they can be naturally high in histamine or trigger histamine release in the body. These foods are bananas, strawberries, spinach, tomatoes and avocados. Following a low histamine diet can help reduce inflammation caused by high histamine levels.
Nettle leaf
Nettle leaf or stinging nettle is known to inhibit the body’s production of histamine. There is nettle tea or supplements which can provide relief from sneezing, itching and congestion.
Butterbur
It is a plant native to Asia, which is used to treat various ailments. Its extract seems to have the same effectiveness as taking an antihistamine medication without causing the drowsiness.
Acupuncture
It is one of the complementary and alternative therapies to traditional medicines and is done by inserting thin needles in the body’s acupoints. Acupuncture is used to help relieve allergy symptoms by reducing the levels of immunoglobulin E in the body. It can address the imbalance in a holistic way so the body can be more resilient to these irritants.
Essential oils
There are certain essential oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus and lavender which have properties to help with hay fever symptoms. Diffusing them in the air alone can provide relief from nasal congestion and promote relaxation.
Other remedies for hay fever
Individuals can smear petroleum jelly inside the nasal passages to prevent pollen from touching the lining of your nose. Using a humidifier to help reduce allergens in the air or rinsing the nose with a saline solution can be beneficial remedies. Steam inhalation with some eucalyptus can unblock the nose.
Avoid triggers by keeping doors and windows closed during pollen season. Ensure laundry isn’t hung outdoors and avoid outdoors activity in the early morning when pollen counts are high. Using allergy proof bedding and washing them with hot water can help as well as keeping pet dander at bay (keeping pets outside).
Consult a health professional
Individuals who may have severe allergies should speak to their doctor about an allergy test and take the appropriate steps to manage their allergy symptoms.
Consult a doctor
