The article that follows was printed in the "Today's Therapist" magazine and was written by Dr Martin Schiele, a Biomedical Research Scientist by profession.
Dr Schiele recommends using products that have been developed using only natural ingredients of the highest quality. The natural products do not include any STEROIDS, HORMONES, CORTISONES, PEROXIDES, ALCOHOL, PARABENS and ANTIBIOTICS
Hay fever and irritated sinuses -
A Closer look by Dr Martin Schiele
For many millions of people the simple act of opening a window, never mind going outside, in late spring and summer can provoke sniffles and sneezes and they would probably blame it all on airborne pollen or dust. But an allergist or immunologist would disagree. It’s not the pollen or dust that causes the sneezing, they have found. It’s their body’s reaction and the chemicals it releases, in other words an overactive immune system that prompts their sneezing.
Hay fever, one of the most common allergies, is triggered by pollens. In Britain, about 90% of sufferers are allergic to grass pollen and about 25% are allergic to birch pollen. Garden flowers rarely cause allergy because their pollen is too heavy to be carried by the air alone, it has to be transported by insects.
Allergic Rhinitis (Hay fever)
Is the medical term for the nasal symptoms caused by allergies to airborne particles. These harmless substances trigger the allergic reactions. Membranes lining the nose, throat, sinuses and eyes become inflamed, increasing mucus production.
Hay fever and rhinitis are more likely to occur in atopic individuals (those with a family history of asthma, eczema, and hay fever). For unknown reasons, their immune system over-reacts to proteins in airborne pollens and dust, and produces Immunoglobilin E(IgE) antibodies which stimulate an excessive release of histamine.
This normally helps to protect the body from infection by dilating blood vessels so they are more permeable to white blood cells which fight invading organisms. The result is inflammation with swelling and possible pain.
Once inflamed, the mucus lining of the nose, throat and sinuses becomes increasingly sensitive. It then takes fewer allergens to trigger an attack and non-seasonal irritants, such as perfume, environmental chemicals, dust or smoke can exacerbate symptoms.
Swollen mucus membranes may lead to blocked sinuses, sinusitis and headaches. If the symptoms persist all year round perennial allergies the most likely culprits are animal fur, household dust mites or mould, although food intolerance can contribute as well. Allergies often ease with age.
What Causes it?
When bacteria, viruses or other substances enter the body, the immune system tries to destroy those that might cause illness but ignores harmless particles such as pollen. In allergic individuals the immune system cannot tell the difference between threatening and benign material; as a result, innocuous particles trigger the release of naturally occurring substances. In a non-allergic, unaffected person, antibodies present in the blood stream destroy their particular allergens (antigens). However, in an allergic, affected person this reaction causes some cell damage and there is a release of substances such as histamine, which cause the reaction and other inflammatory compounds (bradykinin) in the area where the irritant entered the body, the nose, throat or eyes. No one knows why the immune system overreacts in this way, but some researchers think that poor nutrition and air pollution may weaken the system.
Symptoms and Indications.
- Runny nose with a clear discharge.
- Swollen nasal passages.
- Irritated throat.
- Sneezing.
- Red, itchy or puffy eyes, sometimes surrounded by dark circles.
- Fatigue.
Symptoms usually develop rapidly within a few minutes; and depend on the nature of the allergy. Common symptoms also include nettle rash (urticaria) and further skin reactions (eczema), wheezing and breathing difficulties, headaches, stomach pains, sickness and diarrhoea. Medical advice should be sought.
Prevention
Try and stay indoors and keep windows closed, especially mid-morning and early evening when the pollen count is highest. Vacuum regularly and dust surfaces with a damp cloth. If possible, remove carpets from your home and, for furnishings use loose covers that can be washed. Encase mattresses and pillows in allergy-proof covers and wash bedding weekly in very hot water. Keep pets out of rooms. Splash your face with cold water to flush away pollen and dust. Shower and wash your hair to remove pollen each evening. Cover your bed during the day. Clean damp areas to prevent the growth of mould. Keep a symptom diary to identify possible allergic triggers including foods. Practice stress management techniques. Strengthen your immune system with multi-vitamin and multi-mineral supplements.
Conventional Treatments.
Antihistamine tablets, eye drops, nasal inhalers and sprays maybe prescribed to reduce inflammation. Decongestant sprays and drops are effective but may damage nasal membranes if overused. Sodium chromoglycate eyedrops, ointments, inhalers and nasal sprays inhibit allergies and anti-inflammatory corticosteroids can ease severe cases. Immunotherapy is a specialist treatment that involves injecting increasing amounts of an allergen under the skin monthly for two years or more. However, decongestants, antihistamines and allergy shots can react with one another. These approaches treat only the symptoms of allergies, not the cause, which is a confused immune system. Decongestants can cause insomnia and raise blood pressure. Antihistamines may cause drowsiness. Both may lose effectiveness after a while. They also interfere with and according to some experts weaken the immune system. Allergy shots don’t work for everyone, and when they do, they often involve years of treatment.
Sinusitis
The sinus cavities produce lubricating mucous which helps to keep the respiratory system free of debris. When the sinuses become inflamed or blocked and the flow of mucus is prevented, a number of uncomfortable and sometimes painful symptoms can result. For example: trouble breathing through the nose, yellowish green discharge, postnasal drip (excessive mucous at the back of the throat), tenderness above the sinus, a feeling of fullness in the face, etc.
Sinusitis can be a complication of the upper respiratory infection, such as cold or flu. The lining of the sinuses can also be irritated and inflamed by air pollution or allergies (pollen, dust, etc,).
Recommended alternative treatments
On first attack a practitioner may recommend a 48 hour detoxifying fast, followed by raw food, cleansing diet to help the body rid itself of toxins. It is advisable to avoid wheat, dairy products and food additives. Supplements should include the following key substances: vitamin C with bio-flavonoids, vitamin B complex – especially vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), flavonoid – quercetin, nettle leaf, omega 3-6-9 and 7 fatty acids. It is also recommended to take probiotica which includes acidophilus.
For treating the affected nose, throat and eye symptoms and particularly the causes, a topical treatment is required. It is important that this treatment fulfils a number of essential functions:
1.The nose passages and the membranes / tissue has to be effectively cleaned and the accumulated pollen, pollutants and other offending debris have to be loosened and cleaned out.
2.The inflammation and swelling and the distress of the mucosa in the upper respiratory system has to be calmed, reduced and normalised.
3.A protective lining / barrier has to be put onto the mucosa / tissue of the nasal passages and into the upper respiratory system.
For further free information on the treatment of hayfever, the therapeutic agents commonly in use and their possible side effects read more in the consultation room...