Seasonal Allergies Are No Joke!

I was out for a walk the other morning and found myself admiring the trees and their beautiful flowers. And then I knew why I was feeling off. All those beautiful flowering trees should come with a warning, hay fever season is here! I am especially sensitive to Acacia, and one is blooming for all it is worth just outside my kitchen door.

Every year around this time I find myself holding my breath, hoping this will finally be the year where I won’t have any seasonal allergies. But alas, it has yet to happen. And I can’t believe my hay fever has started so early this year.

Instead, I wake up every morning with puffy eyes and I have a fiery, red rash on my neck and at the corner of my left eye. At night I wake myself up itching my eyes and neck…not only is this annoying but it interrupts my precious sleep. And if all this was not enough, I sometimes have brain fog and lack energy.

Some people outgrow their allergies, and some people develop new ones as they age. No one is quite sure why this is, other than your immune system is constantly changing. I first experienced hay fever in my early 20s. Then it went away for almost 20 years (fortunately) before suddenly reappearing in my 40s.

This should not be surprising given changes in your hormones, particularly estrogen, during perimenopause and menopause play a role in hay fever and allergies as well. “Fluctuating hormone levels impact your finely tuned immune system making it react differently to previously harmless allergens…The body defends itself by producing more histamine, the powerful chemical that leads to allergy symptoms.” 

Hay Fever / Seasonal Allergies

Hay fever “happens when your immune system identifies an airborne substance that is usually harmless as dangerous. It responds to that substance, or allergen, by releasing histamines and other chemicals into your bloodstream. Those chemicals produce the symptoms of an allergic reaction.”

Common symptoms of hay fever are itchy eyes and throat, runny nose, congestion, brain fog, low energy, cough, and watery or puffy eyes.

Fortunately, there are many approaches to deal with the symptoms, from more traditional medications to natural remedies to physical actions.

Medications

Over The Counter

For many people, the first step they take at the sign of allergy season is to stock up on over the counter (OTC) antihistamines like Benadryl, Allegra, and Claritin. These work by preventing histamines released by the body from binding to receptors which cause sneezing, inflammation, and redness. These seem to be safe for long term use if used per the directions.

I try to avoid these but will occasionally take one at night when my symptoms seem to be at their worst so I can get a good night of sleep. I also occasionally use allergy relief eye drops at night, again to prevent itchy eyes.

Prescription Medications

While I have never used these, commonly prescribed are nasal steroid sprays to help with breathing. “Steroids are a man-made version of hormones normally produced by the adrenal glands, which are 2 small glands above the kidneys. When sprayed into the nose, steroids reduce inflammation (swelling). This can help relieve symptoms such as sneezing and a runny or blocked nose.”

Immunotherapy

This consists of allergy shots or pills taken under the tongue to help you build up a tolerance to a certain allergen. These are usually administered by a doctor. I also have not tried this approach but may consider it for my allergy to Acacia trees.

Natural remedies

My preference is always to find a natural remedy if possible. In the case of dealing with my hay fever this is particularly true as I don’t like the side effects of the OTC medications. These side effects can include drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary issues, constipation, confusion, and even moodiness. As if the allergies themselves weren’t bad enough!

Below are some natural remedies I have tried, and which seem to help. This article goes into additional natural remedies such as essential oils and Vitamin C.

Quercetin

Often used as a natural alternative for treating allergies as it is believed to stabilize the release of histamines. While you should always check with your doctor, it appears taking up to 1000 mg a day is safe. During allergy season I take 500 – 750 mg taken in 2-3 does throughout the day.

Stinging Nettle

According to Healthline, stinging nettle may also help treat seasonal allergies. It does this by “blocking histamine receptors and stopping immune cells from releasing chemicals that trigger allergy symptoms. It seems to be useful for controlling sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. I use it as a tea.

Nasal Rinsing

Nasal rinsing consists of pouring warm salt water in one nostril and out the other. You can use a Neti Pot (my preferred method), which looks like a tiny tea pot, or a syringe or squeeze bottle.

According to this article, it works by flushing out viruses, bacteria, and allergens from the nasal passages before they can be swept down the throat and then into the gut. The article references “small studies (which) have suggested that saltwater rinses can help with seasonal or environmental allergy symptoms.”

Red Light Phototherapy

A study found that 72% of people treated with intranasal illumination at 660 nm for 4.4 minutes 3 times a day for 14 days had improved symptoms. I have not yet tried this modality but do use my full body red light on the thymus area to stimulate my immune system. You can buy these devices online.

Acupuncture

According to Healthline, “A 2015 review of 23 studies concluded that acupuncture demonstrated positive results for both seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis.” However, it seems inconclusive if it works best on its own or in combination with other treatments. I use it in conjunction with many of the other remedies I discuss here and would say from my own experience I find it helps.

Fortify Your Immune System

Make sure you are getting enough Vitamin D. Be sure to get enough sleep, stay hydrated, manage your stress, exercise, eat a wide variety of fruits & vegetables (blueberries, spinach, garlic, ginger, green tea, sweet potatoes are all good for the immune system), and limit sugar and refined carbohydrates.

This article also suggests using Reishi and astragalus as they have homeopathic ingredients which target allergy symptoms.

Additional Suggestions

I shower before bed and change my pillowcase at least 2 times per week. I also use an air purifier in my bedroom which anecdotally seems to have helped significantly.

You can also try keeping your windows closed, stay inside, and cover your mouth / nose with a mask when outside on windy days (I know you have some of those lying around). I don’t do these as I love fresh air and being outside, but they are worth mentioning. And maybe I will try wearing a mask the next time I am outside on a windy day.

Parting Thought

This year I am trying to orient myself to supporting my immune system to deal with my allergies. It seems to offer the biggest return on investment, for hay fever, avoiding Covid, and in general!

See you next week…