Hay Fever
Description
Hay fever is a form of allergic rhinitis, in which the nose membranes react to wind-borne inhaled substances or the ingestion of allergenic foods. This reaction involves the release of histamine, causing local dilation of blood vessels, with increased capillary pressure and permeability.
There is no cure for hay fever. Treatment is directed against the symptoms. This includes identifying and avoiding the specific allergen if possible, use of medications such as antihistamines for the specific symptoms and desensitization shots.
Causes
There are many predisposing factors of hay fever, some of which are:
Acute, caused by seasonal pollen
Spring -- tree pollen
Summer -- grass and weed pollen
Fall -- weed pollen
Chronic
Pet dander
Fibers
Feathers
Dust
Mold
Fungal spores
Signs & Symptoms
Anorexia
Constant, thin, watery discharge from the nose
Coughing
Depression
Feeling of exhaustion
Frontal headache
Insomnia
Irritability
Itching of the nose and roof of mouth
Itchy watery eyes
Lacrimation
Sneezing
Wheezing
Nutritional Supplements
Structure & Function:
Immune System Support &
Antioxidants
---------------------------------
General Supplements
---------------------------------
| Adult | Child/Adolescent | |
| Bioflavonoid | 500 - 1,000 mg | 200 - 500 mg |
| Calcium | 500 - 2,000 mg | 100 - 1,000 mg |
| Quercetin* | ||
| Selenium* | ||
| Vitamin C | 1,000 - 6,000 mg | 500 - 3,000 mg |
| Vitamin E | 200 - 400 IU | 100 - 200 IU |
| Zinc | 20 - 50 mg | 10 - 30 mg |
* Please refer to the respective topic for specific nutrient amounts.
Calcium is recommended in the form of: Pantothenate.
Discussion:-
A specific bioflavonoid is quercetin and an additional antioxidant often used in concert with these others is selenium (i.e. vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and quercetin).
Note: All amounts are in addition to those supplements having a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Due to individual needs, one must always be aware of a possible undetermined effect when taking nutritional supplements. If any disturbances from the use of a particular supplement should occur, stop its use immediately and seek the care of a qualified health care professional.
Dietary Considerations
Hay fever can be a symptom of a food allergy. The most common allergenic foods are: fruit juices, nuts, chocolate and milk. According to one author, more than 140 foods have been implicated as causing food allergies. The Elimination Diet should be used to identify the offending substance or substances. The allergen can then be excluded from the diet.
Homeopathic Remedy
| 1. Nux vomica | - 30C |
| 2.*Ambrosia artemisiaefolia | - 30C |
| 3.*Sabadilla tinct. | - 30C |
Advanced , by symptom:
| 1. Allium sativum | - burning nasal discharge. |
| 2. Arsenicum iodatum | - constant desire to sneeze. |
| 3. Euphrasia officinalis | - mainly affects the eyes. |
| 4. Sabadilla tinct. | - sore throat, painful swallow. |
Treatment Schedule
Doses cited are to be administered on a 3X daily schedule, unless otherwise indicated. Dose usually continued for 2 weeks. Liquid preparations usually use 8-10 drops per dose. Solid preps are usually 3 pellets per dose. Children use 1/2 dose.
Legend
X = 1 to 10 dilution - weak (triturition)
C = 1 to 100 dilution - weak (potency)
M = 1 to 1 million dilution (very strong)
X or C underlined means it is most useful potency
Asterisk (*) = Primary remedy. Means most necessary remedy. There may be more than one remedy - if so, use all of them.
References
Boericke, D.E., 1988. Homeopathic Materia Medica.
Coulter, C.R., 1986. Portraits of Homeopathic Medicines.
Kent, J.T., 1989. Repertory of the Homeopathic Materia Medica.
Koehler, G., 1989. Handbook of Homeopathy.
Shingale, J.N., 1992. Bedside Prescriber.
Smith, Trevor, 1989. Homeopathic Medicine.
Ullman, Dana, 1991. The One Minute (or so) Healer.
Tissue Salts
| Ferr. Phos. | severe acute atack, with congesttion, inflammation, headache; |
| Kali Mur. | advanced stage, white phlegm; |
| Kali Phos. | hay-asthma with cough and respiratory distress; |
| Nat. Mur. | copious discharges, sneezing; |
Herbal Approaches
----------
Herbs
-----------
Ephedra
Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Nettle leaves
Note: The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially in combination with prescription drugs. This Herbal information is for educational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
Discussion:
Ephedra is the classic herbal remedy.
Licorice Root acts as an expectorant.
Nettle relieves symptoms for some people.
Ayurvedic medicine offers a promising treatment: Tylophora indica.
References:
Gopalakrishnan, C et al., Effect of tylophorine, a major alkaloid of Tylophora indica, on immunopathological and inflammatory reactions. Indian J. Med. Res. 1980, 71:940-948.
Aromatherapy - Essential Oils
| Basil Essence, | Cajeput Essence, |
| Chamomile Essence, | Eucalyptus Essence, |
| Juniper Essence, | Tea Tree Essence. |
Related Health Conditions
Allergy
Cough
Depression
Headache
Itching
References
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Anonymous: Other Treatments Used by Practitioners of Alternative Allergy. Clinical and Experimental Allergy, October, 1992;22(3):34-35.
Berkow, R. 1977. The Merck Manual. Merck Sharp and Dohme Research Laboratories Pub., Rahway, New Jersey. 2165 pp.
Bland, Jeffrey. Medical Applications of Clinical Nutrition. New Canaan, Conn.: Keats, 1983.
Borres MP et al., How many teenagers think they have allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and what they do about it. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol, 1997 Jan, 78:1, 29-34.
Bungy GA et al., Razi's report about seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) from the 10th century AD. Int Arch Allergy Immunol, 1996 Jul, 110:3, 219-24.
Chasroff, I.J. & J.W. Ellis. 1983. Family Medical Guide, William Morrow and Company Inc., Pub. 594 pp.
Corren J: Allergic rhinitis and asthma: how important is the link? J Allergy Clin Immunol, 1997 Feb, 99:2, S781-6.
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Desrosiers M et al., Treatment with hot, humid air reduces the nasal response to allergen challenge. J Allergy Clin Immunol, 1997 Jan, 99:1 Pt 1, 77-86.
Fell WR et al., Quality of life analysis of patients undergoing immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis. Ear Nose Throat J, 1997 Aug, 76:8, 528-32, 534-6.
Fireman P: Otitis media and eustachian tube dysfunction: connection to allergic rhinitis. J Allergy Clin Immunol, 1997 Feb, 99:2, S787-97.
Fireman P: Otitis media and its relation to allergic rhinitis. Allergy Asthma Proc, 1997 May-Jun, 18:3, 135-43.
Guyton, A.C. 1976. Textbook Of Medical Physiology 5th ed. Saunders Pub Co., Philadelphia. 1194 pp.
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Heinerman, John. 1982. Herbal Dynamics. Root of Life, Inc.: Publ.
Higham J et al., Asthma and thunderstorms: description of an epidemic in general practice in Britain using data from a doctors' deputising service in the UK. J Epidemiol Community Health, 1997 Jun, 51:3, 233-8.
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Margolis, S. 1984. Food allergies - Nutritional Management: The Johns Hopkins Handbook. M. Walser, A.L. Imbembo, S. Margolis and G.A. Elfert, eds. W.B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia.
Mittman, P. Randomized double-blind study of freeze-dried Urtica diocia in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Planta Med. 1990, 56:447.
Passali D & Bellussi L: Monitoring methods for local nasal immunotherapy. Allergy, 1997, 52:33 Suppl, 22-5.
Peebles RS & Hartert TV: In vivo diagnostic procedures: skin testing, nasal provocation, and bronchial provocation. Methods, 1997 Sep, 13:1, 14-24.
Petersdorf, R.G. & R.D. Adams. 1983. Harrison's Principles Of Internal Medicine. 10th ed. McGraw Hill Pub Co., New York. 2212 pp.
Schäfer T & Ring J: Epidemiology of allergic diseases. Allergy, 1997, 52:38 Suppl, 14-22; discussion 35-6.
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Sprung, C.L., G. Pons, et al. The Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Postgrad Med., 74. 1983.
Van Deusen MA et al., Inhibition of the sodium, potassium adenosine triphosphatase enzyme in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of subjects with allergic rhinitis. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol, 1997 Mar, 78:3, 259-64.
Walji, Hasnain, 1993. Asthma and Hayfever - Combining Orthodox & Complementary Approaches. Hodder Headline Plc.London.
Walji, H. 1992. Vitamin Guide: Essential Nutrients for Healthy Living. Rockport, MA: Element, Inc.
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