As many as 25% of Americans experience a runny nose, itchy eyes, or asthma due to seasonal allergies. There are some simple mainstream and alternative approaches that can alleviate symptoms in allergy sufferers.
An allergy is a type of response that occurs when the immune system is reacting to things in the environment that are not in and of themselves a threat. For example, the danger in a person with a severe allergy to peanuts does not come from the peanut itself, but instead solely from the immune system’s extreme response. Similarly, pollens, dander, dust mites, and other common allergens do not actually cause the symptoms of seasonal allergies, but trigger immune reactions that cause common symptoms.
The mainstream medical approach to seasonal allergies includes anti-histamines and other drugs that block the immune system’s ability to release natural chemicals that cause allergic symptoms. These work for many, but not all allergy sufferers. Another mainstream medical approach is immunotherapy – injections of small amounts of allergens that are designed to decrease your body’s sensitivity to identified allergens.
Another approach that helps many allergy sufferers reduce their symptoms and need for medication is identification and avoidance of non-seasonal allergens that a person’s immune system is reacting to. This approach reduces a person’s total allergy burden and frequently reduces seasonal allergy symptoms.
Common non-seasonal allergens include dust mites and dander. Simple steps that can have dramatic effects include: have pets sleep in another room, use dust mite covers on bedding, frequently vacuum with an effective HEPA vacuum, and use indoor HEPA air-purifiers.
Another common non-seasonal allergen is mold. While HEPA vacuums and air filters can be helpful, the most effective approach is addressing the cause; identify damp places in the home and remedy them with a dehumidifier and, when necessary, minor renovations.
Another common non-seasonal allergen is mold. While HEPA vacuums and air filters can be helpful, the most effective approach is addressing the cause; identify damp places in the home and remedy them with a dehumidifier and, when necessary, minor renovations.
Lastly, many chronic seasonal allergy sufferers see marked improvement when they identify foods they regularly consume that contribute to their reactions. Offending foods can be identified through strict dietary avoidance (usually for several weeks) with controlled reintroduction to monitor changes in symptoms. The hard part is knowing which foods to avoid. Some specialty lab tests can be very helpful in this process, but many people end up reacting to one or more of the following foods: dairy, eggs, gluten containing grains, soy, or yeasts.
Lastly, many chronic seasonal allergy sufferers see marked improvement when they identify foods they regularly consume that contribute to their reactions. Offending foods can be identified through strict dietary avoidance (usually for several weeks) with controlled reintroduction to monitor changes in symptoms. The hard part is knowing which foods to avoid. Some specialty lab tests can be very helpful in this process, but many people end up reacting to one or more of the following foods: dairy, eggs, gluten containing grains, soy, or yeasts.
There are a couple important things to remember:
- if you have a serious anaphylactic allergy, always avoid that allergen, and
- if experimenting with dietary avoidance, make sure the diet still has adequate options, calories, and nutrients – especially for children – because eating should always be fun and healthy.