Surviving Seasonal Allergies
By Susan Mosley, LAc, Dipl. C. H., RRT
Fast Facts
Between 30 and 40 million Americans have sinus allergies.
Over half of those people take one or more prescription drugs for their allergies.
Most visible pollen, like the obnoxious yellow coating of pine pollen coating your car, does not cause allergic symptoms. It is the microscopic pollens that have the worst effects.
According to pollen.com, most trees in the eastern USA release pollen even before beginning to bud!
Grass allergies strike in the late spring.
Ragweed allergies last from summer until the first frost.
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Chattanooga area residents are cursed with severe seasonal allergies since mountainous regions naturally generate lots of tree pollen, plus we have the pollen discharged from lawn grasses and ornamental flowers. To compound the problem, pollutants and other airborne contaminants are often trapped by weather inversions in the valley. In addition, highly allergenic mold spores are liberated from the ground as the weather warms up, when tilling and construction disturbs the ground, or just when you walk through vegetation. All these factors can disturb your breathing and make your life miserable.
Not only are these symptoms annoying, they can potentially be dangerous. How many times have you driven while sleepy from your medications? Or you could simply have the spectacular bad fortune of the local tractor-trailer driver who recently crashed his rig while in the midst of a sneezing fit. Seasonal allergies can also lead to recurrent ear and sinus infections, and missed workdays.
Why do we have allergies?
Allergy symptoms result from an exaggerated immune system response to any substance that is really not harmful to humans. If your natural defenses are overly sensitive, your body views pollen granules, chemicals, or foods as harmful invaders. It then does what comes naturally: cells release histamine, with dilation of capillaries in the nose, stuffiness and itching, and excess mucus production. Not a pretty picture! And, because your immune system has such a great memory, the next time you encounter the same pollen, you will have the same erroneous reaction. (Just as my husband, who has a poor sense of direction, always follows the same route to a destination, even if it is miles out of the way.)
Blame a genetic link; if both your parents have allergies, you are 70% more likely to be afflicted. You also will be more prone to allergic reactions if inadequate diet and emotional upsets stress your immune system. With repeated exposures you may become allergic to something that has never bothered you before.
What can I do?
Avoid decongestant nasal sprays: they can cause rebound vasoconstriction and airway irritation. If used too frequently, they actually make the congestion worse. So many times have I had patients tell me “I use this stuff every hour and I still can’t breathe!” These preparations also contain compounds that can trigger allergies, like benzalkonium chloride and mercury derivatives.
The worst time of day for pollen exposure is before noon, though your boss may not accept that as an excuse for sleeping in! Windy days are bad for spreading pollen; some spores can be carried from hundreds of miles away. The best time to be outside is after a heavy rain, when pollen is literally washed from the air.
Shower immediately after being outdoors to remove pollen from your clothes, skin, and hair. You should wear long sleeves and pants if you are cutting grass or doing yardwork.
Keep your home windows closed and use your air conditioner. Have your air conditioner filter changed every spring. Use the recirculate setting on your car ventilation system.
Allergy shots can be useful, but since we have SO many allergens in this area you would probably need extensive testing and multiple treatments.
Inhaled nasal steroids are another effective option. Start using them very early in the season, as they take a couple of weeks to become effective. You will need to take them continuously throughout your problem time. They won’t cause drowsiness or over-drying.
Cultivate lots of indoor leafy plants to produce oxygen and purify air in that fortress you now call home.
What can I take that is more natural, with fewer side effects?
One of my favorite remedies for sinus congestion is called Alkalol, an inexpensive liquid mucus solvent, composed of thyme, eucalyptus, menthol, and other herbs. It is available at many drugstores in the pharmacy area. Dribble the liquid into each nostril, preferably with your head upside down; allow the remedy to ‘percolate’, and drain. (Be sure to warm it up first to avoid that ‘ice cream head rush’!) You can also use a neti pot (found at health food stores) to help flush the decoction through your sinuses. Alkalol can also be instilled in the ears for blockage or infection, or used as a gargle for sore throats.
If you are intolerant of antihistamines or just wish to avoid them, you should take these three compounds together for the best effect:
Stinging nettle extract (for drying out the sinuses and decreasing mucus production);
quercitin, 1,000mg daily (a potent flavonoid, produced from the bark of the white oak tree, it stabilizes the cells that release histamine); and
Vitamin C (a natural antihistamine, treats congestion and runny nose, can be used up to 12,000 mg daily; higher doses can cause diarrhea).
Cordyseps sinensis, a fungus used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years is effective for runny nose, congestion, sneezing, asthma, and chronic obstructive lung disease.
The Chinese have had much success with an ancient remedy called jade windscreen. It is a simple formula available in pill form, consisting of 3 herbs, huang qi, bai zhu, and fang feng. This product is also recommended to reduce food allergies symptoms like bloating, gas, and upset stomach.
Other classic Chinese formulas used to stop headache and open the sinuses include wild angelica root, magnolia flower, chrysanthemum flower, and xanthium fruit (a variety of cocklebur).
To get your immune system functioning at peak levels, take:
Essential fatty acids: omega 3 (found in fish oils) and omega 6 (borage oil, evening primrose oil) when taken together have anti-inflammatory effects and help with skin problems
The B complex vitamins, commonly known as stress vitamins, especially pantothenic acid (B5), help your adrenal glands produce natural cortisone, reducing wheezing and allergic responses.
MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), is not only useful for relieving pain and inflammation, but has antiallergenic properties as good as most commonly used antihistamines! Take 1,000-2,000 mg daily.
If you follow these tips, you can enjoy the glories of spring again!
For more information call:
Susan Mosley, LAC, Dipl. C.H.
Four Seasons Wellness
6245 Vance Road, Suite B
Chattanooga TN 37421
423-596-9024
www.fourseasonswellness.com
This article was posted by susan mosley
