Arm yourself for spring allergy season

Spring heralds the beginning of warmer weather and the exuberant growth of plants and flowers. Lovely as this is after enduring the coldness of winter, for some spring means an onslaught of allergy symptoms. Tearing eyes, conjunctivitis, runny, stuffed and congested noses, itching and constant sneezing are common symptoms of seasonal allergies. It is a condition which occurs when inhaled allergens in the air trigger histamine release in the body. These symptoms are often referred to as allergic rhinitis.

Arm yourself for spring allergy season

If you are commonly affected by spring allergies help is available. There are a variety of natural supplements which help reduce the allergic response  – before symptoms make your life miserable. 

Allergic rhinitis may occur seasonally or for some, throughout the year (known as perennial rhinitis). 25% of perennial rhinitis is nonallergic. Seasonal rhinitis is most commonly caused by allergens from plants such as tree and grass pollens. Airborne fungi (mould) spores can sometimes be the cause depending on the region and weather conditions.

• Perennial rhinitis may be due to allergic reactions to other allergens other than pollens, such as dust mite faeces, cockroaches, animal dander or mould.

Allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated inflammation of the nasal mucosa induced by allergen inhalation. Many components of cells of the nasal cavity and inflammatory cells are involved in the process of AR.

AR begins with allergen sensitivity. When the allergen (such as pollen) enters the body, it triggers an antibody response. The antibodies attach themselves to mast cells which respond by releasing histamine and thus begins the symptoms of allergy. 

Allergen recognition.

Every year these symptoms may be worse or last longer due to the body recognising the allergen and responding (reacting) quicker as it defends itself. 

Allergic rhinitis and asthma are conditions which often coexist. It is unclear whether allergic rhinitis is a trigger for asthma or shares the same allergic process (one-airway hypothesis).

Symptoms and signs

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a condition which occurs in the eyes, nose and throat when allergens in the air trigger histamine release in the body. Common symptoms include:

• Itching – eyes, mouth, throat, nose
• Frequent sneezing
• Rhinorrhea – free discharge of thin nasal mucus fluid (runny nose)
• Sinus obstruction – causing frontal headaches. Sinusitis (infection of the sinuses) can be a complication
• Coughing and wheezing – especially if asthma is present

Diagnosing Allergic rhinitis

Diagnosing allergic rhinitis is usually based on history. Skin test can be performed to identify reactions to pollen if treatments of symptoms are not improving.

Arm yourself for spring allergy season

Choose your defence, or better still try a combination.

• Avoidance - reducing inhalation of allergens by staying inside in windy weather, wearing a mask when outside or even relocating. Checking the pollen count before venturing outside. 
• Washing clothes after being outside in hot water. Avoid outside line drying for all washing.

There are some supplements and nasal sprays which can help.

Probiotics

Probiotics can have a positive effect in the prevention and treatment of allergic disease.

There are many research articles confirming the benefits of different probiotic strains for numerous health concerns. Allergic rhinitis is one such condition which has been found to benefit from probiotic supplementation. Probiotics are live organisms which reside and maintain normal intestinal function and influence many areas of health.

Probiotics can have a positive effect in the prevention and treatment of allergic disease through various mechanisms of action depending on strain of bacteria. The strain, dosage, administration and underlying health factors influence the clinical benefit of probiotic supplementation. Probiotic strains to look for include:

• Lactobacillus paracasei (LP-33®)
• Lactobacillus casei Shirota
• A combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis
• Lactobacillus plantarum
• Lactobacillus salivarius PM-A0006
• Bifidobacterium lactis NCC2818

Quercetin

Quercetin is a naturally occurring polyphenol flavonoid rich in antioxidants. It offers anti-allergic actions which are known to inhibit histamine production and inflammatory mediators.

Garlic

Allium sativum (garlic) contains allicin and quercetin. Quercetin inhibits the release of histamines and supports immune function. Allicin, released when garlic is crushed, acts as a decongestant and helps thin mucus blocking nasal passages. Garlic is also known as a natural antimicrobial – antibacterial and antifungal against a broad range of organisms.

Albizia, Perilla and Chamomile

The herbs Albizia Lebbeck (Albizia),  Perilla frutescens (Perilla) and Matricaria recutita (German chamomile) offer  anti-allergic activity by inhibition of histamine release from mast cells.

Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a natural, nonflavonoid polyphenol found in berries, grapes and peanuts. Studies have shown it offers anti-inflammatory activity and reduction in symptoms of AR. Resveratrol is available in supplemental form.

Horseradish

Armoracia rusticana (Horseradish), commonly used as a condiment, is also a beneficial supplement in the treatment of allergies, offering antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help with asthma and bronchial catarrh. It is often found in combination with Vitamin C, garlic, fenugreek and marshmallow.

Nasal sprays and washes

Nasal sprays can help with allergy prevention.

Non-medicated nasal sprays and washes containing saline solution keep nasal passages moist and act by washing away allergens such as dust and pollen. Saline helps thin and clears excess mucus to help clear blocked nasal passages.

Saline nasal sprays containing Xylitol can help prevent the nasal passages from becoming dry. Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol found in plants and can help alleviate congestion and prevent bacteria and other pollutants from adhering to nasal tissues. It can moisturize and soothe irritated sinus and nasal passages.

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) powder creates a barrier which prevents allergens from adhering to nasal passages.

Caution

Herbal medicines can be useful for reducing allergy symptoms and preventing allergic reactions, however some people can be allergic to some of these plants. Advice should be sought from a health care provider, naturopath or herbalist.

Consider starting on an anti-allergy formula containing some of the above mentioned herbs, and/or probiotics and nasal sprays before symptoms begin if you regularly suffer from seasonal allergies. You may be able to avoid or at least reduce symptoms if you arm yourself before the spring allergy season takes hold.

References

1. Allergic Rhinitis - Immunology; Allergic Disorders - MSD Manual Professional Edition (msdmanuals.com)
2. The Efficacy and Safety of Probiotics for Allergic Rhinitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis - PMC (nih.gov)
3. Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis with Probiotics: An Alternative Approach https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3784923/
4. [Probiotics in allergic rhinitis] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21340202/
5. Quercetin with the potential effect on allergic diseases Quercetin with the potential effect on allergic diseases - PMC (nih.gov)
6. Anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects of resveratrol via inhibiting TXNIP-oxidative stress pathway in a mouse model of allergic rhinitis - PMC (nih.gov)
7. Preliminary Clinical Effect Evaluation of Resveratrol in Adults with Allergic Rhinitis - PubMed (nih.gov)
8. Resveratrol and Immune Cells: A Link to Improve Human Health - PubMed (nih.gov)
9. A Comprehensive Insight into the Phytochemical, Pharmacological Potential, and Traditional Medicinal Uses of Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35497931/
10. Ethnomedicinal, Phytochemical and Pharmacological Investigations of Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30597896/
11. Anti-allergic activity of German chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) in mast cell mediated allergy model https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21651969/
12. The Comparison of Nasaleze and Mometasone Nasal Spray to Control the Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5840963/
13. Fisher, Carole; 2009, MATERIA MEDICA OF WESTERN HERBS, Vitex Medica, New Zealand