I suffer from hay fever and have come to dread this time of year. Any suggestions for making life a.k.a. allergic rhinitis, is a reaction of the eyes, nose and throat to irritating particles in the air. Symptoms include sneezing, itchy and runny eyes and a tickly dry throat. There are two types of allergic rhinitis: seasonal, which is present throughout the year.
Airborne irritants, or allergens, are foreign proteins from plants, animals or chemicals. They include pollen from trees and grasses, house-mite dust, hair, fur, mould and some foods.
There are several steps you should take to ensure some control of the condition. Aim to keep healthy, eat a well-balanced diet, take moderate exercise and ensure you take adequate rest. If your eyes are affected, try not to rub them and avoid wearing contact lenses. Wear wrap-around sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes from airborne irritants.
If you know what is causing the problem, try to avoid it. If grasses in the summer make it worse, for example, avoid being around cut grass. Shower and wash your hair on return from the countryside. Keep your windows closed and stay indoors in the evenings. If pets tend to trigger attacks, avoid them or keep them outdoors. Dust mites are found in carpets, bedding and upholstery: rid your house of these dust magnets, especially if you have perennial rhinitis. Avoid chemical irritants such as paints, varnishes and aspirin.
The next step is to visit your GP, who will be able to recommend the best medication for your needs.
Alternative remedy:
Herbal medicine has many remedies for hay fever, serving both to relieve the symptoms and to help to resolve the condition at a deeper level, by helping to modify the body's immune response.
Nettles are a favourite for hay fever. As they contain histamine, the chemical responsible for the allergic response, they may work by building up the body's immunity naturally, enabling the hay-fever sufferer to handle the attack of histamine during the dreaded hay-fever season.
I often combine nettles with elderflowers, again coming into blossom at this time. An elderflower infusion should be used by sufferers prophylactically, to strengthen the upper respiratory tract.
Eyebright, as its name implies, helps with itching, weepy eyes and is known for its astringent and anti-inflammatory action. It can also be used diluted as an eyewash. Goldenrod is excellent for the mucous membranes of the nasal and bronchial passages, relieving inflammation of the airways. It has a soothing effect on tissues traumatised by sneezing and coughing.
Ephedra is an excellent herb for allergic conditions of the respiratory tract, but it is available only on prescription in the Republic. Goldenseal is also very useful as a tonifying and astringent remedy for inflamed tissues. Both of these herbs should be taken only for a limited time and, preferably, under the supervision of a trained herbalist.
Helen McCormack, medical herbalist
The Irish Association of Medical Herbalists can be contacted on 061-924268
patientquery@irish-times.ie