Allergic rhinitis, also called hay fever, is an allergic reaction where the immune system reacts to an irritant, in this case, pollen, by releasing chemicals called histamine.
Symptoms
The role of histamine is to try and get rid of what bothers us as quickly as possible by creating itchiness, tearing up, and sneezing. You can develop hay fever at any age and common symptoms are watery, itchy eyes, runny nose, congestion, sore throat, headaches and increased tiredness. Hay fever can be seasonal, where people often experience symptoms perhaps around spring or summer time, or symptoms can last throughout a larger part of the whole year.
Conventional treatment
Conventional medicine treatment would include antihistamines, decongestants, anti-inflammatories and corticosteroids. Depending on the severity of your symptoms.
Here are a few tips on what you can do to try and manage hay fever:
As hay fever is connected to the excessive production of mucus, some decongestants (breaking down mucus) can help. If you are keen on essential oils, eucalyptus and peppermint oil in the diffuser can be great for decongestion and opening up the airway. You can also use oils such as Lavender has soothing properties and lemon which is also decongesting.
Other common herbs that may help could be nettle and elderflower.
If you're stressed, overtired or face several allergens at once, your symptoms can be worse in general.
Wash your face or have a shower after spending time outside in high pollen season.
Wear glasses or sunglasses.
Use a balm under your nose and around your eyes.
Support your respiratory system through deeper breathing practices and decongestion (through herbal teas, essential oils and lymphatic facial self-massage to promote the body's excess fluid management)
Eat a varied diet with plenty of fibre to support your microbiome and digestive system and its ability to process any excess mucus
If responses are very severe, an anti-inflammatory or antihistamine diet can be useful.
Incorporate more relaxing and resting practices especially when you struggle with hayfever at night and struggle with excessive tiredness
Use a HEPA filter in the room to clear the air
Close your windows in the high pollen season
Homoeopathy can be helpful in symptomatic relief
And of course, acupuncture can be a beneficial treatment and prevention modality through seasonal treatments and symptomatic relief
Keep well, ​
