Alternative Treatments for Allergies or Hay Fever

Alternative Treatments for Allergies or Hay Fever

Photo by Mcfarlandmo

 

 

The term 'Allergies' means different things to different people.  Many of us celebrate spring after a long cold winter, but for one who suffers allergies to substances that trees or plants produce in the spring, it isn't so pleasant.  For others, it may be fall that brings on the watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose and other unpleasant symptoms of allergies.  There are others who must avoid certain foods such as peanuts, corn, eggs, dairy....and the list goes on and on.  Due to the fact that the topic of allergies is so vast, we are going to focus on seasonal allergies or hay fever in this article.

 

The Immune System

 

Photo by Jeanne Kelly

 

The immune system is a very intricate system that is very powerful and in healthy individuals it is extremely effective.  The medical explanation of allergies concludes that the immune system has somehow malfunctioned and begins to produce antibodies against harmless substances resulting in the unpleasant symptoms of allergies.  The missing link in the medical model of understanding is....they don't know why this happens.  They blame the body as if it were not smart enough to determine the difference between friend and foe.  I see the body as highly intelligent and if illness or symptoms arise there is good reason.  Before we jump into the 'whys' of allergies let's look at the physiology of what is happening.

 

The mucous membranes that line your respiratory tract contain immune cells called mast cells.   When a molecule of pollen, pet dander, mold or another potential allergen enters into the nasal passage and latches on to the mucous membrane those mast cells begin to release histamines and other chemicals. 

Histamines trigger several mechanisms that are meant to rid the body of the foreign substance.  Allergy sufferers are painfully aware of these mechanisms:  Sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, itching.  It is generally called Hay Fever, or the medical term - allergic rhinitis. 

Rather than see this cascade of events as 'the immune system gone wrong.'  I see it as an amazing manifestation of what the body can do to protect us.  The sneezing, runny nose and other symptoms are triggered as the body is trying to rid itself as something potentially harmful.  Well, maybe allergy sufferers might not share my same fascination with the beauty of this particular set of symptoms.  In any case it is an amazing manifestation of just how miraculous the body is and how it so intelligently functions to keep us healthy.  Why do some of us experience allergies while others do not?

 

The over-burdened body

Our bodies are exposed to hundreds of chemicals on any given day.  This is a heavy burden that our modern bodies must handle.  Throughout history people lived in the natural world, today we live in a predominantly un-natural world.  That statement may seem odd, we still live on earth which is the natural world but our connection to it is entirely different.

Let's go through a typical day in the life of a normal modern human being:

Wake up at 6 am and get in the shower, we use body wash, shaving gel, shampoo, conditioner, hair spray, hair gel, lotion all of which contain a cocktail of harsh chemicals that are absorbed directly through the skin.

Breakfast, many of us overlook the fact that what we put in our bodies on a daily basis can increase the level of inflammation in our bodies causing an even greater stress on our delicate systems.  Even those who feel they eat a healthy breakfast may be unknowingly consuming foods or chemicals that contribute to their suffering.

We go from house, to car, to work.  We are living indoors most of the time and relying on recycled air, dirty filters and air ducts.  Do you see where I am going here?  The toxic burden on our modern bodies is immense.  Rather than do the medical 'blame the body' game, I say our bodies are absolutely amazing at handling the toxic burden we throw at them every single day! 

There is obviously a genetic tendency toward allergies, not everyone experiences allergies.  Some people suffer from allergies from a young age while many others develop allergies in their teens,  or twenties.  The intensity of your allergies generally depends on how well your body is able to handle the toxic burden you place on it every day.  There comes a point where the body can no longer handle the influx of incoming pollutants, chemicals and toxins and it becomes overburdened, as we tip the scales beyond the body's ability to cope normally we begin to experience symptoms.  Those symptoms mainly depend upon our genetic weaknesses.

Do you realize that there are over 3000 chemicals that may be added to the food you eat?   Your body is tasked with figuring out how to detoxify and get rid of all of these chemicals on a regular basis...that is a HUGE job!

If you thought that seemed like an insurmountable task, consider the fact that there are over 70,000 chemicals in use today for everything from cleaning, cosmetics, pesticides, added to our water.....and the list goes on and on.  All of the exposure to processed food-like substances, chemicals at every turn our bodies are going to have chronic low-grade inflammation that is going to manifest itself in a host of ways.  Is it any wonder our bodies begin to react to substances that aren't truly harmful?

Typical Causes of Allergic Rhinitis

Seasonal allergic rhinitis is triggered by pollen and mold spores. Sources include:

• Ragweed -- the most common seasonal allergen (fall)
• Grass pollen, in late spring and summer
• Tree pollen, in spring
• Fungus, mold growing on dead leaves, common in summer and fall

Year-round allergic rhinitis may be triggered by:

• Pet dander
• Dust and household mites
• Cockroaches
• Molds growing on wall paper, house plants, carpeting, and upholstery

Source: Allergic rhinitis | University of Maryland Medical Center http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/allergic-rhinitis#ixzz30fdYK89Z
University of Maryland Medical Center

 

Allergy Testing

Conventional medicine has specific tests to identify what you may be allergic to. 

Tests include:

Scratch test for IgE antibody response

Radioallergosorbent test or RAST

Blood tests that measure IgE

ELISA tests are more accurate in detecting all sensitivities as they will measure both IgE and IgG antibodies.

ALCAT is another test that measures the response of the white blood cells to a whole panel of allergens.  This is the most comprehensive form of allergen testing.

 

Conventional Treatments

Treatments for allergic rhinitis include antihistamine medications such as clemastine (Tavist™) and nasal corticosteroids like fluticasone (Flonase™). While these drugs can offer significant relief from allergy symptoms, clemastine may cause undesirable side effects including dry mouth, drowsiness, and anemia, and fluticasone can cause serious allergic reactions.

Risks according to the package insert of Flonase:

Intranasal corticosteroids may cause a reduction in growth velocity when administered

to pediatric patients.

Chickenpox and measles, for example, can have a more

serious or even fatal course in susceptible children or adults using corticosteroids.

Rare instances of wheezing, nasal septum perforation,

cataracts, glaucoma, and increased intraocular pressure have been reported following the

intranasal application of corticosteroids, including fluticasone propionate.

Pregnancy Category C. Subcutaneous studies in the

mouse and rat  4 times, respectively, the maximum recommended daily intranasal dose in adults on a mcg/m2 basis),

revealed fetal toxicity characteristic of potent corticosteroid compounds, including embryonic

growth retardation, omphalocele, cleft palate, and retarded cranial ossification.

In the rabbit, fetal weight reduction and cleft palate were observed at a subcutaneous dose of 4

mcg/kg (less than the maximum recommended daily intranasal dose in adults on a mcg/m2

basis).

Alternative Treatments

Photo by Kurt Yoder

 

Nasal irrigation with saline solution -In 2013, an Italian study published in the International Archives of Allergy and Immunology found that nasal flushing was a mild and effective way to treat seasonal allergies in children, and markedly reduced their use of antihistamines.

Nutrition and Dietary Supplements

Click the link below for an excellent article on foods that help reduce the symptoms of nasal allergies:

http://nutritionfacts.org/questions/best-foods-to-decrease-nasal-allergies/
 

Dr. Christophers Dietary Recommendations include:

A plant-based diet is the ideal diet for those suffering with allergies.  Avoid allergenic foods as well including dairy, eggs, refined wheat products.  The diet should include plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.   Eating a clean diet of whole foods is key.

Consumption of fruits and vegetables  - Studies have shown a reduction in symptoms with the consumption of fruits and vegetables in relation to allergic rhinitis.  http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/22/5/772.short

Avoid Processed foods-  If the label contains something  you can't pronounce...don't eat it! 

It is important to avoid all processed foods.  Make sure your diet consists largely of fruits, vegetables, brown rice, lentils, beans.....healthy whole foods.

Remove dairy products - A report published by the American Academy of Allergy and Immunology 

Committee on Adverse Reactions to Food, the allergies of up to 30% of children tested resolved after milk was removed from their diet.

The well-known Dr. Benjamin Spock said:  

"Cow's milk is not recommended for a child when he is sick or when he is well, for that matter.  Dairy products may cause more mucus complications and cause more discomfort with upper respiratory infections."

Dr. Michael Klapper explains the physiological details of how milk increases mucus production: 

"When the protein of another animal is introduced into one's immune system, an allergic/immune response is created in many places in the body.  A common reaction to such an assault by a foreign protein in our immune system is an outpouring of mucus from the nasal and throat membranes.  The resulting mucus flow can create the chronic runny noses, persistent sore throats, hoarseness, bronchitis,  and recurrent ear infections that plague so many children, and their parents."

"In reality, cow's milk, especially processed cow's milk, has been linked to a variety of health
problems, including: mucous production...and allergies."

 Townsend Medical Letter, May, 1995, Julie Klotter, MD

"Dairy products may play a major role in the development of allergies, asthma, sleep difficulties, and migraine headaches."

 Israel Journal of Medical Sciences 1983; 19(9):806-809

Drink water - Many children are given fruit juice, soda, milk and other beverages but they are rarely offered water.  Unfortunately, after developing a taste for sweet drinks many children refuse to drink water and this can lead to chronic dehydration and aggravates asthma and allergies.

Supplements that may lessen Symptoms

• Probiotics -- A study in Clinical & Experimental Allergy concluded, "Changes in antigen-induced production of cytokines were observed in patients treated with probiotics.  These data show that probiotic supplementation modulates immune responses in allergic Rhintiis and may have the potential to alleviate the severity of symptoms."1  

 

• Flavonoids including Quercitin -- 1000 mg./day  An article written in Allergology International states, "Flavonoids, ubiquitously present in vegetables, fruits and teas possess anti-allergenic activities.  Flavonoids inhibit histamine release, synthesis of IL-4 and IL-3 and CD40 ligand expression by basophils."  Consumption of a wide variety of fruits and vegetables is critical in those who suffer from allergic rhinitis.  Additional supplementation of flavonoids may also be beneficial.2 

 

• Spirulina -- Preliminary test tube and animal studies suggest that spirulina, a type of blue-green algae, may help protect against harmful allergic reactions. Spirulina stops the release of histamine, which contribute to symptoms of allergic rhinitis. But researchers don’t know whether it would work in people.

 

Herbs

The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, can trigger side effects and can interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, you should take herbs only under the supervision of a health care practitioner.

• Butterbur (Petasites hybridus, 500 mg per day) --A study published in the British Medical Journal in 2002 concluded that Butterbur was as effective as Cetirizene in treating allergic rhinitis.  Patients in this study were given 1 tablet of butterbur 4 times per day. 

Another study published in Clinical and Experimental Allergy compared Butterbur to the allergy drug Fexofenadine.  Researchers in this study also concluded that Butterbur was just as effective in reducing symptoms of seasonal allergies.3,4  

 

• Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica, 600 mg per day) -- An article published in Phytotherapy Research details the mechanistic understanding of the constituents of stinging nettle and how they contribute to the inhibition of pro-inflammatory pathways related to allergic rhinitis. 5 

 

• Tinospora cordifolia (300 mg three times daily) -- A study randomized double-blind placebo controleld study published in Ethnopharmacology found that tinospora cardifolia significantly decreased all symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Nasal smear cytology and leukocyte count correlated with clinical findings.  Tinospora is contraindicated for those with diabetes, Crohn's disease, and auto-immune diseases.6

 

• Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus, 160 mg two times per day) -- A study published in Phytotherapy Research found that Astragalus Compared to placebo, HMC significantly decreased the intensity of rhinorrhea.  Researchers state that they saw a significant improvement in many aspects of the patients symptoms.7   

Homeopathy

It is important to understand that in order for a homeopathic remedy to be effective it must be prescribed VERY specifically to the individual, taking into account the 'whole person'. Meaning the homeopath evaluates for your constitutional type including not only the physical symptoms but emotional, mental and psychological aspects of the illness as well.   An experienced homeopath assesses all of these factors when determining the most appropriate treatment for you but if you would like to try a lower dose, over the counter remedy, these remedies are commonly used for allergic rhinitis.

• Nux vomica -- for stuffiness with nasal discharge, watery nasal discharge, restless hay fever, burning mucus that blocks the nose at night, frequent sneezing,  dry, ticklish, and scraping nasal sensations; an appropriate person for this remedy is irritable and impatient, careful, zealous, very particular individuals.
• Arsenicum album -- Headaches, burning pains, intense chilliness, anxious or hypersensitive nerves, restlessness, anxiousness, and weariness dominate this remedy’s applications. Arsenicum has a strong effect on mucus membranes, Arsenicum relieves allergies, hay fever and severe colds or flu with sneezing, coughing and watery, burning secretions. Its coughs hack, wheeze, dry up at night, loosen during the day with frothy, salty, burning mucus, copious, burning nasal discharge, violent sneezing. 
• Allium cepa --Burning watery eyes,  frequent sneezing,  copious  irritating nasal discharge and tearing eyes; this person tends to feel thirsty.  Symptoms are better in the open air.
• Euphrasia -- feeling of dryness, inflammation and stinging in their eyes. In such cases, the eyes water profusely almost always and the water has a pungent smell,  bland nasal discharge, with stinging, hot reddened cheeks,  irritating tears; a suitable person for this remedy has worse nasal symptoms when lying down.

References:

1.     Ivory, K., Chambers, S. J., Pin, C., Prieto, E., Arqués, J. L. and Nicoletti, C. (2008), Oral delivery of Lactobacillus casei Shirota modifies allergen-induced immune responses in allergic rhinitis. Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 38: 1282–1289. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2008.03025.x

2.     http://ai.jsaweb.jp/fulltext/056020113/056020113_index.html

3.     BMJ 2002; 324 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj.324.7330.144 (Published 19 January 2002)

 

4.     Lee, D. K. C., Gray, R. D., Robb, F. M., Fujihara, S. and Lipworth, B. J. (2004), A placebo-controlled evaluation of butterbur and fexofenadine on objective and subjective outcomes in perennial allergic rhinitis. Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 34: 646–649. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2004.1903.x

5.     Roschek, B., Fink, R. C., McMichael, M. and Alberte, R. S. (2009), Nettle extract (Urtica dioica) affects key receptors and enzymes associated with allergic rhinitis. Phytother. Res., 23: 920–926. doi: 10.1002/ptr.2763

6.     http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S037887410400474X

7.     Matkovic, Z., Zivkovic, V., Korica, M., Plavec, D., Pecanic, S. and Tudoric, N. (2010), Efficacy and safety of Astragalus membranaceus in the treatment of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Phytother. Res., 24: 175–181. doi: 10.1002/ptr.2877