Natural relief for allergy symptoms
Spring is always welcome after the long winter months. Yet, along with longer days, rainfall, tulips and warmer temperatures, comes allergies. An allergy is an immune system response to contact with a foreign substance or organism - an allergen. The response triggers a release of histamines to protect the body. The American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology reports that 35 million Americans are affected by pollen allergies (hay fever) each year.
Most seasonal allergies are caused by pollen, a reproductive particle released by trees in early spring, flowers and grasses throughout the summer, and weeds in the fall. Some plant self-pollinate and birds help by carrying pollen from plant to plant. Pollen carried by wind often ends up in human nasal passages and throats.
Ragweed is one of the most common allergens in the US. In regions like the Pacific Northwest, where ragweed isn't prevalent but constant rainfall is, mold can be the culprit. Rainfall, soil dampness, rotting wood, decaying leaves and an extended growing season, assist the persistence of mold (a fungi) throughout the year.
While allergy symptoms can include watery eyes, scratchy throats, sneezing, runny noses, stuffiness and a general feeling of discomfort, the type and severity of symptoms may vary from one year to the next depending on seasonal changes. No matter where you live, if you are effected by seasonal allergies, these scenarios may be all too familiar and uncomfortable.
The common response of allergy sufferers is to reach for over-the-counter (OTC) formulas or prescription corticosteroids for relief. Yet some medical experts say that relief can be found in some natural remedies. "Using nature-based products can be a very useful way to handle mild allergies and a useful adjunct for more significant allergies, and there are many types of treatments you can safely try", says Mary Hardy, MD, director of integrative medicine at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
The National Allergy Bureau freely reports current pollen and mold levels from certified stations across the country.
In this series, we'll take a look at some of natural, safe alternatives used to manage seasonal allergies and their symptoms, including:
Finally, in these articles you'll find useful information on health professionals, remedies and information resources.