What is Hayfever?
Hayfever or Allergic Rhinitis results when there is inflammation or irritation of the nasal lining caused by an allergic reaction, leading to nasal discharge or blocked nose.
Hayfever occurs when an allergen is inhaled by an individual with high circulating IgE antibodies. Allergens include grass pollens, dust mites, animal hair. These antibodies trigger the release of inflammatory mediators such as histamine.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis occurs in response to seasonal allergens such as tree, grass and weed pollens. Onset is sudden, usually in spring with resulting symptoms mild to severe.
erennial allergic rhinitis occurs all year in response to perennial allergens such as animal fur, dust mite or foods. Symptoms can resemble a constant cold. Symptoms tend to be milder and long lasting and may be associated with food intolerances.
What are the signs and symptoms of Hayfever & Allergies
• Nasal stuffiness (congestion), sneezing and runny nose.
• Itchy nose, throat and eyes.
• Headaches, sinus pain and dark circles under the eyes.
• Increased mucus in the nose and throat.
• Fatigue and malaise (general feeling of discomfort).
• Sore throat from mucus dripping down the throat (postnasal drip).
• Wheezing, coughing and trouble breathing.
What are the causes of Hayfever & Allergies
Allergies / Hayfever are caused by many different factors.
• oor gut function and microbiome imbalance
• High circulating IgE antibodies
• Inability to effectively process histamines (Compromised DAO enzyme gene)
• SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)
• Overexposure or repeated exposure to allergenic substances
• Exposure to chemical and toxic irritants including glyphosates
• Smoking or prolonged exposure to second-hand smoke
Conditions associated with Hayfever & Allergies
• Asthma
• Sinus infections
• Nasal polyps
• Chronic otitis media (glue ear)
What treatments are available for Hayfever and Alergy?
There are several allergy medications which can improve symptoms and help you live with hay fever. These treatments come in many forms, including liquids, pills, eye drops, nasal sprays and injections.
Antihistamines: Antihistamine medications are available from us your local pharmacy either over the counter or on prescription.
Antihistamines come as pills, liquids, eye drops, nasal sprays and inhalers and include:
Loratadine (Claritin®).
Cetirizine (Zirtec®).
Fexofenadine (Telfast®).
Levocetirizine (Xyzal®). Prescription only medicine
Chlorpheniramine (Piriton)
Antihistamines can cause drowsiness.
Decongestants: These medications relieve congestion in the nose and sinuses and are available as tablets or as nasal sprays. They include:
seudoephedrine (Sudafed®).
Xylometazoline hydrochloride (Otrivine)
Nasal decongestants can be addictive so use for no longer than five days due to the increased risk of rebound congestion.
Decongestants can increase blood pressure and cause headaches, trouble sleeping and mood issues.
Corticosteroid nasal sprays: Anti inflammatory corticosteroid sprays reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms of hay fever. Examples include Flixonase®, Nasacort® and Rhinocort® Side effects can be significant and include headaches, nasal irritation, nosebleeds and cough.
Leukotriene inhibitors: As the body tried to control an allergy attack it releases leukotriene, histamines and other chemicals that cause inflammation and hay fever symptoms. By blocking leukotriene we reduce the symptoms of allergy.
These include Montelukast (Singulair®). Prescription only medicine
Side effects include changes in mood, vivid dreams and skin rash when taking this medication.
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a treatment where you are given minute doses of the allergen in increasing dosage which works by helping your body learn to tolerate allergens. Every time you get a dose, the amount of the allergen increases. Over time, your immune system develops immunity to the allergen and reduces the reaction to it. You will need to be referred by your GP to an immunologist.
Hayfever & Allergy supplements
• Vitamin C (anti-inflammatory, anti-histamine, immune support)
• Quercetin (anti-inflammatory, anti-histamine)
• Bromelain (anti-inflammatory)
• N-acetyl cysteine (mucous membrane support)
LONGER TERM TREATMENT STRATEGY FOR HAYFEVER & ALLERGIES
• Address underlying gut and microbiome issues
• Improve digestion
• Investigate SIBO
• Minimise exposure to allergens and irritants
• Removal of any food allergens
• Minimise exposure to environmental irritants
Diet plan guidelines for Hayfever & Allergies
• Identify and eliminate any food allergens
• Reducing gluten (if problematic) may be beneficial to reduce immune load
• Increase vitamin C and quercetin-rich foods in your diet e.g. berries, cherries, citrus, apples, onions, parsley, black and green tea as theses have a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine action
• Include garlic, onion and horseradish for its decongestant action
• Increase anti-inflammatory foods in your diet e.g. oily fish, berries, nuts and seeds, turmeric, ginger, green tea, olive oil