Spring Back Into Health: Hay Fever

​Hay fever is the common name for a condition called allergic rhinitis, which means an allergy that affects the nose. Most people associate hay fever with spring, when airborne pollens from grasses are at their peak. However, hay fever can occur at any time of the year.
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Your nose acts as a filter. The tiny hairs and mucus that line the nasal passages trap dust, pollens and other microscopic particles. A person with hay fever is allergic to some of the particles that get trapped in the nose, such as pollen. 

An allergic reaction means the immune system treats a harmless substance as if it is dangerous, and launches an ‘attack’. The nasal passages become inflamed and more mucus is produced.

If it’s not possible to avoid your allergy triggers, supplements and other over the counter natural options can be helpful. Available options include nasal sprays, tablets and eye drops. Read labels carefully and take all supplements as directed.

​Sinus Tablets include ingredients such as Silica and Purple Pasque Flower that are traditionally used in homeopathic medicine to help relieve the symptoms of sinusitis and sinus pain.

​Magnesium is an important mineral for improving immune function, and repairing the sinus passage that has been damaged. The mineral is excellent for reducing the nasal congestion by removing the excess mucus from the sinus passages and accelerate the healing process.
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Magnesium aids in fighting bacterial, viral and fungal infection and also lowers the chances of chronic sinusitis.  Food sources for magnesium include pumpkin seed, black beans, sesame seed, squash seed, watermelon seeds, peanuts, wheat germ, oyster, broccoli, whole grain cereal, tofu and soy milk etc.

Determine what it is that you are allergic to

• The first step in controlling hay fever is to find out what you are allergic to. Maybe you know, from years of hay fever symptoms, that it’s tree or grass pollen in the spring, or ragweed in the fall.

Pay attention to the pollen counts in your area

• There’s now a nationwide network that collects and broadcasts pollen and mold counts—important information for people affected by these common allergens. Counts may be described as “absent,” “low,” “moderate,” “high,” or “very high,” and often are provided in weather forecasts. http://www.weatherzone.com.au/pollen-index/

Stay indoors on bad pollen/mold days

• When pollen counts are high, people with severe hay fever symptoms should stay indoors—especially between 5 and 10 in the morning, when pollens are most prevalent. If possible, use an air conditioner, and keep the filters clean to avoid blowing allergens around. Avoid contact with pets that have been outdoors—they can carry pollen inside.

Shower after you go outdoors

• If you have hay fever triggered by outdoor allergens, it’s important to shower and wash your hair after spending time outside when the pollen count is high—especially before going to bed. Showering helps remove pollen from your skin and hair and can help prevent a nighttime allergy attack.

Avoid smoke and other irritants

• Smoking—as well as secondhand smoke and smoky environments—insect sprays, fresh paint, and other households chemicals can worsen symptoms of hay fever for many people. If you have allergies, it may be helpful to avoid exposure to these pollutants.

“Allergy Proof” your home

• There are many ways to limit allergens inside the house. Keep windows closed when pollen/mold counts are high. Prevent mold in the kitchen, bathrooms and household plants. Remove some or all carpets and unnecessary furnishings like throw pillows. Use synthetic pillows and encase mattresses in allergy-free covers. Wash clothing often. Keep pets out of bedrooms.

Most air purifiers aren’t helpful

• Studies show that air-purifying units have little effect on allergens. Small air cleaners cannot remove dust and pollen, and some types—called electrostatic precipitators—can pollute indoor air with ozone, aggravating allergy symptoms. The best type is the HEPA (high-efficiency particulate arresting) filter.

Check your car’s air conditions

• The AC system in your vehicle can help reduce your exposure to allergens, but it can also expose you to airborne spores within the unit that can trigger allergy symptoms. To minimize this problem, open the windows part way for 10 minutes after turning on the AC, don’t direct the vents toward your face, or look into having the unit specially treated.

Get help with outdoor tasks

• If you have hay fever, yard clean-up chores—like raking leaves in the fall, planting in the spring, mowing in the summer or pruning trees and shrubs—can trigger allergy symptoms. Consider asking for help from a family member, friend or neighbour—or hiring the kid next door!