Fighting Seasonal Allergies

Notice yourself sneezing a lot more than usual? Do you have a runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, and sometimes-even rashes? It could be possible you are going through a form of chronic disease that affects millions of people a day…seasonal allergies. The symptoms above are a hyper sensitized response of the immune system to an unfamiliar substance in the body. There are many types of allergens that promote allergic reactions, the most common being food and environmental.

Today we will focus on environmental allergies. According to WHO (the World Health Organization) allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, affects almost ten to thirty percent of the population and those numbers are still increasing. Environmental allergies do not just need to be outside. They also include dust, dust mites, fur, and pet dander, especially in those with respiratory issues like asthma. Other common environmental allergies include pollen, fungal spores, and grasses.

Allergic rhinitis should be taken seriously. Airborne allergens have the potential to exasperate asthma symptoms and if that is the case, consult your primary care physician immediately. On the other hand, preventative measures can be taken if you know you are someone who faces sinus infections, congestion, and upper respiratory symptoms. Here are a few tips on natural remedies for allergies!

Nutrition:

• Water and Vitamin C:
  • Both water and vitamin C can act as natural anti-histamines. Anti-histamines work by blocking the effects of histamine, a substance in the body that can cause allergy symptoms.

• Vitamin A:
  • Vitamin A (along with vitamin C) are powerful antioxidants. A major factor in inflammation is free radical damage, which is also known as oxidation. Anti- oxidants are required to deal with free radicals and their damaging effects. Free radicals may also be involved in allergies. It is possible that they may contribute to their cause in the first place, and their ongoing damage.

• Andrographis:
  • If your allergy symptoms are aggravating your upper respiratory tract, another supplement to try is androphaphis. Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine states that andrographis may shorten the duration and lessen the symptoms of the common cold. Also, a review concluded that existing evidence from controlled clinical trials supports its role in the treatment of symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections.
  • This supplement, along with holy basil and Echinacea, help to:
  • Maintain healthy immune system function and response
  • Supports healthy respiratory system function
  • Encourage adaptive response to occasional everyday stress

Chiropractic care:

Sinus drainage:

As seen in the picture, inflammation can occur in the tissues surrounding the sinuses. The sinuses are hallow cavities in the skull, which are located in the cheekbones, forehead, between the eyes, and behind the nasal cavity. During acute sinusitis, fluid can block the tissues lining the sinuses and can often cause bacteria to develop. Using gentle pressure and trigger point therapy throughout the sinuses can allow fluid to move and drain and provide decrease in symptoms such as runny nose and headaches.

Massage:

This image shows various lymph nodes that are located throughout the neck and face. When lymph fluid stays stagnant in times of sinusitis, it can back up into the sinuses causing more pressure in the face. Lymph drainage can be performed through the front and back of the neck as well as through the sinus cavities in order to promote movement of fluid.

Chiropractic adjustments:

• Doctors of Chiropractic can adjust your joints beyond normal limitation in order to correct misalignment, stimulate the immune system, and restore function to affected areas. Depending on your inpidual symptoms and location of the sinus pain, this process can include targeting bones in the facial area or in the spinal column.

Not sure if these nutritional supplements or chiropractic care are right for you and your symptoms? Contact us today for more information!