HOMEOPATHY & HAY FEVER

While the flowers bloom and the grass grows. Springtime can be difficult for individuals with seasonal allergies. Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, is among the most common conditions. Seasonal allergies occur when the immune system misinterprets a non-toxic environmental substances, such as pollen, animal dander, and mould. When a person with allergies comes into contact with these substances, the body identifies them as harmful. It then produces antibodies and histamine, creating uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous symptoms. 

Causes

Stress and a generally depressed immune system may contribute to the severity of allergies. An allergic response, such as hay fever, seems to have a genetic basis, as well as:

• Nutritional deficiencies

• Insufficient and limited diet variety

• A lack of childhood exposure to germs and allergens

• An excess accumulation of mucus in the body.

• Poor digestion.

Symptoms 

• Frequent sneezing

• Runny or blocked nasal 

• Red, itchy, or watery eyes

• Itchy throughout the mouth, nose, and ears

• Cough

• Wheezing and shortness of breath 

How is hay fever diagnosed?

To measure your antibodies to specific allergens, your provider may take a blood sample and send it to a lab for testing. This blood test is called an immunoglobulin E (IgE) test. It can detect all types of allergies, including food allergies.

Treatment 

Diet

The immune system depends on nutrition for development, maintenance, and optimal function. Nutritional factors, such as zinc and vitamin D, as well as pre- and probiotics, and non-forming mucous foods, can affect immune responses and help ensure the immune system is functioning properly.

The importance of zinc and Vitamin D in hay fever

In a study of 134 children with food allergies aged 1 to 36 months, zinc concentrations were significantly lower, resulting in reduced antioxidant protection. Disruption of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic mechanisms of this barrier leads to a range of unfavourable reactions, including lipid oxidation at the cell membrane. This trace element is essential for various cellular functions. It's a cofactor for a lot of enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), which plays a big role in keeping oxidative-antioxidative balance.

Furthermore, vitamin D can activate immune cells that inhibit the effects of chemicals that cause and exacerbate allergic diseases. Vitamin D can also activate immune system cells that keep chemicals out of the system, so allergic diseases don't get worse.

Examples of non-mucous-forming foods are 

• Whole grains

• Fresh vegetables

• Fish

• Spicy foods

• Cold-pressed oils

• Unsaturated fats ( olives, avocados, raw seeds, and certain nuts; not peanuts

Foods to avoid

• Alcohol

• Saturated fats

• Peanuts

• Processed foods

• Refined flours

• Dairy products

  Homeopathy 

The overactive immune system can be optimized with homeopathic medicines. By stimulating the immune system in a highly diluted form (like the trigger or allergen), they gradually desensitize it. There is a possibility that the diagnosis is an allergy or a related condition. Using homeopathy to treat patients is a unique approach. In homeopathy, hay fever is attributed to an imbalance in the body, resulting in an overreactive state. Choosing a remedy that is accurate to your symptoms may improve your hay fever symptoms.

Note: Please consult a Registered Homeopath for personalized recommendations.

Rash remedies 

Rhus Toxicodendron - The symptoms of Rhus Toxicodendron include intense burning and itching, which is exacerbated by scratching, open air, and nighttime. To relieve itching, he immerses the area in near-boiling water. There are fluid-filled blisters on the skin that are intensely inflamed. Generally, the patient is restless, irritable, and anxious.

Arsenicum album-This medicine should be considered if you have large blisters filled with yellow fluid. The eruption may be most prominent on the face.

Bryonia-Can be helpful when the rash consists mainly of fine, dry bumps, especially on the face. Typically, patients with Bryonia experience symptom worsening with movement and seek solitude.

Eye remedies

Euphrasia: An inflammatory reaction characterized by swelling, redness, burning, and acrid, sticky, irritating discharge. Watery discharge from the nose. A cough that is filled with phlegm. Symptoms are exacerbated by indoor heat and wind.

Gelsemium: Eyes are heavy and swollen, so they are better in the open air. It's more severe in the morning, with violent sneezing, nasal tingling, and a streaming, irritating discharge—a lump in the throat, like a sore throat. A dry cough and a sore chest accompany it. Feeling apathetic, listless, giddy, and trembling.

Upper respiratory remedies.

Arsenicum Album- Arsenicum album's constitutional symptoms include fearfulness, restlessness, weakness, and aggravation of symptoms at or after midnight. An overwhelming feeling of exhaustion after any exertion. Recurrent sneezing and runny nose with a thin watery discharge from the nose. It is common for the person to have breathing difficulties and chest oppression. His symptoms are generally worse when he lies down. By sitting forward, he relieves asthmatic symptoms. There is wheezing associated with asthma. Asthma is more prevalent in cold, wet weather.

Lobella - Asthma with shortness of breath and chest constriction. Cold air makes wheezing worse. Around noon, the symptoms intensified. During rapid walking, the patient breathes more easily.

Sambucus Nigra (elderberry): In children, this homeopathic medicine is beneficial for nasal blockage with a suffocating cough. In the middle of the night, the patient wakes up suddenly suffocating and having difficulty breathing.

Pulsatilla-Patients who are mild, yielding, or good-natured often benefit most from this homeopathic remedy; also those who, by their sickness, or by nature, are easily tearful and weepy. Pulsatilla is indicated when there is a persistent cough or barking cough. When breathing is laboured, a sawing sound is heard, and there is not much mucus produced. If the person sits up, tilts his head back, or leans forward, he may feel more relaxed.

All content provided is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to treat or diagnose. Readers should consult their healthcare provider for further treatment options.