Home Remedies for Spring Allergies

The spring is undoubtedly a happy time of year and most of us consider it as the light at the end of the tunnel – in this case winter being represented by the tunnel. This is the time when the sun comes back out and the plants and flowers start growing again and the birds start singing, and it is the precursor to summer only without the searing heat that can make summer sometimes unbearable. For many of us, if we were going to draw our idyllic scene, it would probably be set in the spring.

However that said spring is not without its downsides and there are some problems associated with the new growth and all the plants and flowers popping up. Namely this can aggravate allergies and will result in wonton pollen which can trigger allergies in many of us. It would be the perfect time of year... if only it weren't making our lives a waking nightmare and causing all of our sinuses to become blocked and our eyes to stream.

If you are someone who suffers from spring time allergies then you are probably all too familiar with this dilemma/contradiction and you are probably very aware of the problems that are caused by spring – and you will probably be overjoyed to know of the various solutions to the problem. There are many ways to control and limit the effects of spring allergies and any of these can help us to stop sneezing, wheezing and crying and to start properly enjoying the summer. The only problem is that the main medications used for treating these problems – antihistamines – can have some unwanted side effects including drowsiness. This is why many will turn to natural solutions and home remedies – and the great news is that these remedies are free too. Here we will look then at how to combat hay fever with things you can buy around the home or buy cheaply at your local supermarket so that you can enjoy what is clearly meant to be the happiest season of the year.

Understanding Spring Allergies

The reason spring allergies occur is that the pollen triggers an immune response in the body when it enters the blood stream, eyes and sinuses. This occurs because the body mistakes the pollen for a toxin and thus it tries to 'flush it out' of the system via the production of histamine.

The best way to prevent this then is with prevention – stopping the pollen from getting into your system in the first place. However failing this you can tackle the problem topically and acutely by addressing the symptoms of swelling and tearing. Here we will look at some ways to do both... We will start with some ways to address the problem in the short term.

Treatments for Hay Fever Symptoms

Hot Compress

A hot compress can help to reduce swelling and it is also very soothing on itchy or sore eyes. The best thing to use is a flannel dipped into the sink – but make sure that the water is not too hot so that it burns. Meanwhile holding a hot compress on your head can help to ease headaches and can also break up and dissolve mucus in the sinuses.

Inhalation

You can also inhale other substances in order to break up any mucus that is blocking the sinuses. In particular hot steam will be effective in this capacity as will vapoRub or eucalyptus.

Herbal Teas

Many claim that herbal teas can help them to combat the symptoms of hay fever as can camomile tea.

Petroleum Jelly

Adding some petroleum jelly around the nostrils on the inside is thought to help reduce nasal congestion and irritation – presumably by preventing dry itchy skin, by helping to break up mucus, and by collecting pollen and particles as they enter the nostrils.

Hot Shower

If you are struggling with the problem still after coming in from the outdoors then a hot shower can help you dramatically in several ways. First of all this will help you to clear your sinuses again via the heat and through the inhalation of hot steam. At the same time having a hot shower can help to ensure that you remove all of the pollen and particles associated with your allergy which can otherwise get stuck on your skin or in your hair and continue to aggravate you.

Prevention

There are several ways to prevent the allergies from setting in in the first place. Of course the most obvious and easy way to do this is to avoid going outside entirely. Obviously this isn't always practical however so here are some other ways to prevent yourself from breathing in pollen – and even in doors there are precautions you should take to stop it getting inside.

Shut Windows and Doors

The first and most obvious precaution to take is to shut the windows and doors. This is important as otherwise the pollen will come in with the outside air. However you may of course want the windows or doors open if it's too hot indoors or if you want to be able to get in and out easily. If this is the case then you will need to come up with alternative solutions – for instance use air conditioning to ensure that you maintain a good temperature inside even with the windows closed. Air conditioners or air cleaners will also help by filtering pollen out of the air.

Monitor Your Garden

You should make sure to be watchful of what you have in your garden to avoid exacerbating your allergies. For instance if you are allergic to heather then don't grow a heather plant right outside your window obviously. Likewise trimming your bushes and plants and mowing your lawn can also help a lot.

Don't Dry Your Clothes Outside

Avoiding drying your clothes outside is important if you are struggling indoors with hay fever as drying them outside will mean they're exposed and can collect pollen and other particles and you then inadvertently bring those in when you come indoors. You should also make sure to wash any clothes that you wore outside when you get home for the same reasons.

Cover Up

Using a face scarf and pulling it up over your mouth and nose can be a good way to protect yourself from pollen as it can act as a filter and thereby clean your air as you breath it.

Clean

Just as pollen can collect in your clothes it can also collect around your home as people and pets come in and out and as it gets in through the windows. Give your home a major overhaul by vacuuming, dusting and wiping down every surface and washing the carpets and you might notice your symptoms subside.

Diet

Surprisingly changing your diet can affect your susceptibility to seasonal allergies – by consuming more antioxidants (vitamin C, omega-3-fatty acid and a range of other nutrients) it is possible to help reduce the regularity and severity of hay fever attacks.

Progesterone Allergy

Allergies exist when our immune system mistakes a harmless substance for a toxin or pathogen. For instance when we get hay fever, it's because our immune system is treating the pollen as though it were a bacterial infection and thus increasing the production of histamines to the point where we get swelling, muscle contraction and itching. There are countless allergies as well as intolerances (in which a food simply contains something that our body is sensitive to) and identifying them can often shed light on unexplained symptoms and thus change our lives for the better.

The problem is identifying these allergies when we consume so much and come into contact with so many other substances – and at the same time scientists are constantly discovering new allergies any of which might explain any symptoms. And to make matters more difficult recent research is now suggesting that we may even be able to become allergic to our own hormones and if you are a woman who has experienced itching and skin problems in conjunction with pregnancy or your menstrual cycle then it's possible you could be suffering from a progesterone allergy. Read on for more information.

What Is Progesterone?

Progesterone, also referred to as P4, is a steroid hormone that plays a role in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and embryogenesis (the formation of embryos). This hormone is produced in the ovaries (and in the corpus luteum after ovulation) and in the adrenal glands and placenta during pregnancy. It is also stored in fat tissue (adipose tissue). During pregnancy amounts of progesterone increase and this is first of all from the corpus luteum (which is saved when there is a presence of human chorionic gonadotropins from the conceptus), and then after week 8 from the placenta. Cholesterol is used as the substrate and it then enters the maternal circulation and fetal circulation. Progesterone is also found in milk products, and after consuming milk there is more bioavailable progesterone. Progesterone can also be consumed in pill form in order to prevent miscarriage and to encourage fertility.

Roles of Progesterone in Pregnancy

During pregnancy extra progesterone is produced for several reasons and is mostly effective in conjunction with estrogen.

• Firstly it causes the endometrium to develop and secrete fluid.

• It also maintains the functions of the placenta and fights off unwanted cells around the womb.

• It keeps the endometrium thickened.

• It stops the uterus from making sudden movements.

• It prevents lactation (so that it occurs only after birth).

• It strengths the mucus plug that covers the cervix thereby preventing infection.

• Strengthens the pelvic muscles.

• Stops contractions in the uterus.

Once the pregnancy ends, the levels of progesterone drop off and this is what gives the body its cue to begin contractions and start child birth.

Negative Effects

There are unfortunately some negative side effects of progesterone and these can include constipation, heart burn, running nose, higher chance of kidney infection, poor eyesight, headaches, anemia, bloating, fatigue, vomiting, vaginal dryness, breast pain, nervousness, excessive urination, irritability and depression among others – though these are significantly more likely when consuming progesterone as a supplement.

Allergy

Another unfortunate potential side effect from progesterone is allergy. This is also known as 'autoimmune progesterone dermatitis' in its most recognized form. Here the allergy is actually an allergy to the combination of hormones caused in pregnancy and the menstrual cycle. Until recently researchers had written off the possibility that someone could be allergic to their own hormones as it was believed the molecules were too small to be identified by the autoimmune system. However more recent studies have demonstrated that the combination of the estrogen and progesterone makes the molecules large enough to be mistaken for toxins.

The main symptoms are a generalized rash and this tends to occur in the perimenstrual period or after the use of progesterone supplementation. This rash might appear as urticarial papules, deep lesions, eczema eruption often with burning or pain.

Interestingly however it is not universally agreed that autoimmune progesterone dermatitis is in fact caused by allergy to the progesterone – and it has been proposed that it could instead be a result of leukocytes having progesterone receptors (leukocytes regulate allergic responses) meaning that the progesterone could simply increase other immune responses.

Treatment

Progesterone allergy is something that has been discovered relatively recently and so research is still being done into potential cures. One obvious solution where the problem is linked in to the menstrual cycle is to use contraceptive methods in order to control ovulation and thereby suppress progesterone. Likewise in pregnancy it is advisable not to use progesterone supplementation where possible. Conjugated estrogens have also been used with some success, as has prophylactic treatment with the androgen danazol. Of course you should also limit your consumption of milk which increases the amount of bioavailable progesterone in the body. The product 'Singulair' may be useful as it can reduce the action of leukocytes – note though that this may have effects on the mood, and you should consult with your doctor before starting any medication.

In conclusion, if you are suffering from a rash that seems to tie in with your menstrual cycles, pregnancy or the use of progesterone supplementation then you may be suffering from a progesterone allergy or intolerance. If possible, then try to reduce your intake of progesterone and consider going on the pill – but make sure to consult with your doctor before you make any major changes to your diet or medication.

What Is Hay Fever and How Can I Treat It?

Let's start by saying what hay fever isn't – it isn't caused by hay, and it doesn't produce a fever. It's a form of allergic rhinitis, a collection of symptoms that occur when you are exposed to substances you are allergic to (allergens), and they provoke in your body an allergic reaction. In particular, the term hay fever refers to allergic rhinitis caused by outdoor triggers, most commonly plant pollen. Literally millions of people suffer from seasonal hay fever; it affects 20% of the population at some point in their lives.

What are the symptoms of hay fever?

The most common symptoms of hay fever are similar to having a mild cold. They include sneezing, coughing, a runny nose and nasal congestion, itchy or watery eyes, increased sinus pressure, impaired abilities to smell and taste, and occasionally swollen, blue-tinted skin under the eyes. These symptoms differ from colds in that hay fever is not accompanied by a fever (colds often are), the symptoms appear immediately after exposure to the allergens (colds appear 1-3 days after exposure to the virus), and they last as long as the exposure continues (colds go away in 5-7 days).

What causes allergic rhinitis / hay fever?

Hay fever tends to be seasonal, an allergic reaction to tree pollen (commonly released during the Spring), grass pollen (released from the end of Spring to the start of Summer), and weed pollen (released from Spring through late Autumn). For most people, this pollen does no harm. But if your immune system is sensitive to it, when inhaled this pollen causes production of the antibody immunoglobulin E (IgE), which triggers the production of histamine. This causes the symptoms discussed earlier, and an increase in mucus production. The severity of the symptoms varies; some experience mild sneezing and congestion, while others may experience headaches, hives, or rashes. If the individual suffers from other allergic conditions, such as asthma, exposure to the pollen that causes hay fever may also trigger an asthma attack.

Common sense treatments for hay fever

You can't avoid all sources of pollen during "hay fever season," but you can limit your exposure:

• Avoid the outdoors. Spend more time indoors, especially in the mornings and on warm, dry, windy days, when pollen counts are the highest.

• Wear a hat when outdoors, and wash your hair often. Your hair is like a magnet to pollen, so avoid transferring it to your pillow by washing your hair before you go to bed.

• Wash your linen and clothes more often. And when you do, don't hang them on a line outdoors to dry. This just allows the newly-clean clothes to pick up pollen in the air.

• Wear large glasses or sunglasses. They can help when you're outdoors to keep pollen from being blown into your eyes.

• Use a saltwater nasal spray. Mix a teaspoon of table salt with eight ounces of water. Using this twice a day to wash allergens out of your nasal passages and keep them moist.

Medical treatments for hay fever

There is no "cure" for hay fever, but most people can take advantage of the following treatments to reduce the discomfort of their symptoms:

• Antihistamine sprays or tablets. Many of these are available without a prescription. They stop the release of histamine, and can usually relieve many of your symptoms.

• Anti-inflammatory nasal drops or sprays. These medications can reduce inflammation in the lining of the nose.

• Eye Drops. Solutions containing cromoglycate can reduce itching and swelling in the eyes, and are commonly used in conjunction with other medications.

• Oral corticosteroids. If your symptoms are severe, your doctor may prescribe these medications.

• Desensitization treatment (immunotherapy). If your symptoms are severe and not relieved by other treatments, a series of anti-allergy shots may be prescribed. In this treatment, increasing amounts of the allergen are introduced, until a tolerance develops.

How Does Climate Change Affect Me – Hay Fever Edition

Just now out in the garden my ultra-liberal neighbor... ACHOO! ... sorry…was going on and on about climate change and about …ACHOO! ... how we had to do something about global warming before it began to actually affect us. I told her to…ACHOO! ... buzz off because I had to go to the store to buy some antihistamines for my hay fever because I'd run out. Usually I don't have to take them this late in September, but for some reason this year, I do.

OK, that's not literally true. I don't personally suffer from hay fever, although I do have a few ultra-liberal neighbors who are concerned about climate change. And they do go on and on about how global warming will affect us – but someday, not right here and now, in the present. However, I've just seen a report about how it's already affecting many of us who are sensitive to pollen and other plant allergens.

Thanks to climate change, hay fever season will be six weeks longer this year. It's like Groundhog Day, but instead of six more weeks of winter, we get six more weeks of sneezing, watery eyes, and coughing.

More summer, more pollen…more pollen, more hay fever

The report in question comes from Britain, and its Health Protection Agency (HPA), which analyzes risks to the public caused by such things as killer heat waves, infectious diseases, and food poisoning. They issued a stern warning to Britons, suggesting that the longer summer caused (ostensibly) by global warming was going to constitute a far greater threat to chronic hay fever sufferers this year than in previous years.

This is not an empty concern, because one in five Britons suffer from hay fever, which can become potentially life threatening if the hay fever victims also suffer from asthma. Professor Roy Kennedy, a contributor to the report, said, "It is not trivial. Hay fever and asthma significantly reduce quality of life and have a significant economic impact on society."

England is not the only country concerned about this year's long summer. Reports from Canada, Australia, and the United States echo the same findings. In Canada, the season in which ragweed (a significant cause of hay fever) flowers and spreads it pollen in the air has increased by 27 days. Allergy specialists at the Rutgers Center of Environmental Prediction have issued similar warnings to New Jersey residents because of an alarming increase in ragweed pollen and airborne mold spores. In other words, it's really a global problem.

How can you protect yourself if you suffer from hay fever?

For the 30% of Americans who are sensitive to plant and mold allergens and thus don't greet this news of a longer "hay fever season" with joy, the question arises, "What can we do to avoid spending the next six weeks in misery?" The answer is the same in this longer season as it was in previous shorter ones – limit your exposure. Spend more time indoors and less time outdoors, especially during the mornings, when the most pollen is in the air. When you're outdoors, wear a hat to keep pollen out of your hair (which acts as a kind of magnet to attract it), and wash both your hair and your clothes more often. When you wash your clothes and your bed linen, put them in the dryer rather than hang them outside on a line, where they'll just pick up more new pollen. And, of course, stock up on the medications (antihistamines, anti-inflammatories, nasal drops, etc.) that you normally use to suppress the symptoms of hay fever. Most important, if you or members of your family suffer from asthma, take note of this longer season and have the proper medications on hand if someone suffers from an attack.

A longer hay fever season is not quite as horrific a result of worldwide climate change as, say, the icecaps melting and the level of the oceans rising so much that they flood our coastal cities. But it is an indication that the impact of global warming – if it is as inevitable as scientists have predicted it to be – will not just affect us at some time in some unspecified future. It's affecting us today, here and now.