Seasonal Allergy Relief By Dr. Michelle K. Jackson, ND
Although spring weather in Central Oregon can be unpredictable, the return of springtime seasonal allergies is predictable. An allergy is a hypersensitivity immune reaction specific to a foreign substance termed an allergen. Allergens can be food, medicines, molds, grasses, dust or pollens. Here in Central Oregon, red clay dust, juniper, pine pollens, and blooming sage are common potential allergens. During an allergic reaction, a small part of the allergen enters the bloodstream, our immune system recognizes it as foreign (to the body) and the allergen triggers a hypersensitivity reaction. The reaction may include fatigue, swelling and redness, itchy watery eyes, runny noses, and maybe even difficulty breathing. Histamine is the chemical that creates the symptoms of an allergy attack. Many families have an “allergic triad” which includes allergies, eczema, and asthma that may run in one family. Patients also often ask why they have allergies now when they never had them before. Often this is because of physiological changes that happen with aging or due to lifestyle choices, such as poor diets, which negatively effect our immune response. For example, in response to stress our bodies produce the hormone cortisol, which in excess can reduce the body’s ability to cope with allergens. Stress also produces changes, which can negatively effect the protective components of the immune system in our gastrointestinal systems; this makes us more vulnerable to potential allergens from foods. This chronic low level allergic response can produce many symptoms, including becoming more reactive to other environmental allergens because the immune system is becoming overloaded. There are accurate tests to test the adrenal system and food allergies. Besides eliminating food allergies there are other ways to lessen the symptoms of seasonal allergies. Wearing a mask while doing any kind of spring-cleaning, showering before bed to rinse off allergens that may be on your skin or in your hair and using a hypoallergenic pillow can help you breathe easier at night. Using a saline nasal wash several times per day to wash out pollens that have
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collected in the sinuses or better yet using a Neti Pot several times per day can decrease sinus inflammation. Quality doctor recommended natural products are also an excellent treatment option. Depending on your symptoms, quality herbal formulas are often successful at reducing allergic symptoms. Anti-inflammatory herbs can reduce the products of a hypersensitivity reaction without the side effects of many over the counter antihistamine products. Vitamins C, E, B Vitamins, and minerals such as Calcium, Magnesium and Zinc, at doctor recommended dosages also have antihistamine properties. Essential Fatty Acids and Quercetin, a bioflavinoid, are also very effective at reducing inflammation and allergy symptoms. CoQ10, a powerful antioxidant that declines with age and disease is emerging as an excellent supplement to strengthen the immune system. Vitamin D levels should be tested, since it is an important component of our immune systems. Homeopathic medicines are great for children and adults. I have found treatments with IV vitamin that support the immune system to be very effective as well. Always consult your doctor before beginning any drug or natural medicine. If you have any questions regarding allergies or any other questions please feel free to contact my office.
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Page 4 Central Oregon Family News May 2010
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