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Hay Fever results
from an allergy to inhaled dusts - usually grass pollen.
See our Allergy Page
What to look for
Attacks, often seasonal,
of:
Hay fever is an immune
disorder characterised by an allergic response.
A hay fever attack can last
between 15 and 20 minutes and may recur several times a day during your hay fever season.
The attacks are usually not dangerous.
Causes
Hayfever sufferers have an
immune system which regards harmless allergens as harmful and dangerous. Consequently your
body wants to rid itself of this alleged ‘bad’ substance, so it floods the
bloodstream with histamine which is the chemical causing all your symptoms.
Doctors do not know why
some people's immune systems tend to overreact to pollen and other substances. It is
probable that there is a genetic cause.
Traditional Treatment
If you should experience an
attack it is highly advisable to go to the doctor who will prescribe medication to control
the symptoms. However, the best way to treat hayfever is to prevent it from occurring by
avoiding exposure to the suspect allergens.
Mild cases of hay fever can
be controlled with over-the-counter antihistamines.
Some over-the-counter nasal
sprays contain both a decongestant and an antihistamine.
Be aware that
over-the-counter nasal sprays and drops may be addictive and should be used sparingly.
Another avenue to try is
allergy shots.
Alternative/Natural
Treatments
Aromatherapy -
Inhalations
of
eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), peppermint (Mentha piperita), or hyssop
(Hyssopus officinalis) may help to ease the irritation and pain. Inhalations
of
eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), peppermint (Mentha piperita), or hyssop
(Hyssopus officinalis) may help to ease the irritation and pain.
Chinese Herbs -
Ephedra
(Ephedra sinica) is a hay fever and allergy remedy. Chinese herbalists say that it is best
used for short periods in combination with other herbs. A herbalist may combine ephedra
with
licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis. Ephedra
(Ephedra sinica) is a hay fever and allergy remedy. Chinese herbalists say that it is best
used for short periods in combination with other herbs. A herbalist may combine ephedra
with
licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis.
In some people, ephedra can
produce side effects and is best used under the supervision of a Chinese herbalist. Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is compatible with
ephedra as well.
Commonly used expectorants
include pinellia (Pinellia ternata), cynanchum (Cynanchum stautoni), and polygala
(Polygala tenuifolia). Consult a Professional for more information.
Herbal Therapies -
The
following mixture may help you - Infuse in 1 cup boiled water for 10 minutes: 2 parts elder (Sambucus nigra), 1 part ephedra (Ephedra sinica), 1
part
eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis), and 1 part goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis). The
following mixture may help you - Infuse in 1 cup boiled water for 10 minutes: 2 parts elder (Sambucus nigra), 1 part ephedra (Ephedra
sinica), 1
part
eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis), and 1 part goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis).
Be aware that ephedra may
be too stimulating for children and may give adults certain side effects - always
check before using.
You may be able to slow
down your body's mucus production with goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), garlic (Allium sativum),
yarrow
(Achillea millefolium), or agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria).
Irritated eyes could be
bathed with compresses soaked in either
eyebright
(Euphrasia officinalis) or
chamomile (Matricaria
recutita); make a tea from the leaves and dilute it by 50 percent with water or saline
solution before using to soak the compresses.
Homoeopathy -
For
watery, hot eyes, a burning nasal discharge with sneezing, and symptoms that feel worse
late at night, try
Arsenicum album.
For
watery, hot eyes, a burning nasal discharge with sneezing, and symptoms that feel worse
late at night, try
Arsenicum album.
If your eyes feel inflamed
and very watery, your nose is blocked at night but has a watery discharge during the day,
and you have a headache, consider using Euphrasia.
Pulsatilla can help if your symptoms are - thick,
yellow mucus accompanied by a loss of taste and smell and are made worse by warm rooms but
are better outdoors.
If your watery, itchy eyes
and sneezing, runny nose with a burning discharge become worse in a warm room, try Allium cepa.
You will need
professional advice for proper doses of these remedies.
Personal Care
The best way to combat the
allergens that are assaulting you is to avoid them.
Keep windows closed and the
air conditioning turned on.
Avoid mowing your lawn or
raking leaves since these activities stir up pollens. If you must do yard work yourself,
wear a filtered mask and protective glasses. Wash your face, hands, and hair and rinse
your eyes when coming in from outdoors to avoid leaving traces of pollen on your pillow.
Keep your house very clean
and wear a mask while cleaning to avoid breathing in any allergens.
Dietary Considerations
It is advised that refined
sugar and the protein in dairy products, are mucus-producing substances that are best
avoided during hay fever season.
Some researchers believe
that honey has a desensitising and anti-allergic effect that may relieve some hay fever
symptoms.
Also it is advisable to
avoid certain foods - wheat, eggs, peanut butter, dairy products, alcohol, white flour
breads, biscuits and cakes if you are allergic to them as well as any other foods known to
cause you problems (chocolate, shellfish, cheese, fish).
You may also try an
elimination diet to pin point the particular foods which are the culprits.
When to seek
further professional advice
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