Seasonal Allergies, What is Happening This Year!!

Does it seem like everyone is talking like they’re holding their noses and itching their eyes.  Maybe it is just because I am at clinic, but this allergy season seems to be hitting people harder than usual.

Allergy Basics:

Seasonal allergies are the result of our body’s defense system mounting a response to various types of pollens. Each spring, summer and fall, plants release tiny particles called pollen into the air in order to reproduce. Pollen from plants, such as ragweed, can trigger allergy symptoms. Pollen is a protein recognized by specialized immune cells, called mast cells, in our nasal passageways.  These cells release histamine and other inflammatory factors, which are responsible for all the unpleasant symptoms we feel including, watery or itchy eyes, runny nose, general congestion and sore throat.  The congestion caused by increase mucus production can lead to headaches, nausea from post-nasal drip and brain fog.

Basic Steps to Reduce Allergy Symptoms:

Since we know that contact between pollen and your nasal passageways (or any mucus membrane), starts this whole process then the first step is to limit exposure. 

• Staying indoors during the heat of the day as the hot air rising lifts pollen and avoiding windy weather.  Also, staying clear of highly populated areas of known plants that you know trigger symptoms. 
• Damp dust the indoor surfaces
• Wash bedding weekly. 
• Taking shoes off at the front door and having a walk-off mat at all entrances also limits the amount of outdoor allergens being tracked inside.
• Limit the amount of time the pollen is in contact with the membrane can help. Washing hands and face is helpful. Rinsing the nasal passageways a couple times a day with a saline solution from a Neti pot or nasal bulb syringe will wash away these proteins stuck inside the nasal passageway.
• Here is a useful video from Banyan Botanicals on how to use a Neti Pot

According to Up-to-Date Seasonal allergies are often treated with great success through acupuncture and Naturopathic modalities such as Homeopathy, Botanical Medicine, Physical Medicine and more. It is best to seek the advice of a licensed Naturopathic Doctor as they will be able to inform you on legitimate herbal companies. Caution with purchasing herbs unless you are aware of the quality of the herb and the manufactures Quality Assurance program because the FDA does not regulate herbs currently.

If you live in Seattle and are looking for an acupuncturist call my friend Alex Flores down at The Pin Cushion on Capitol Hill. He provides community acupuncture and not only can he help you with your allergies but let him know what else you have going on he might be able to help you there too.