Summer and fall are seasons where people usually experience allergy symptoms These are times of the year where environmental allergens are present. In particular, there are pollens and molds in the spring and molds in the fall.

Hay fever is one way to describe an allergy that occurs during a particular time of the year, or seasonally. For example, this allergy is a reaction to pollens carried in the air. Pollens of trees, grasses and flowering weeds are the most common allergens.

Allergies that occur year-round, or perennially, may be due to animal dander, feathers, dust, dust mites, or mold. Cat, dog, horse and cow danders are most common; occasionally the culprits are mice, and pet rodents, including hamsters, guinea pigs, or gerbils. Many foods contain pollens and may also contribute to allergies.

Allergies and hay fever are the result of our immune system’s reaction to a substance that is identified as foreign. As a result, our body mounts an effort to isolate and remove the substance. Such a process results in inflammation. The mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and throat are readily exposed to the environment allowing them to be the primarily affected locations.

The irritation of the mucous membranes causes nasal congestion, sneezing, clear nasal discharge, itchy nose, watery itchy eyes and headache. The ears often feel congested and may hurt. The mucus membranes become hypersensitive and are more likely to react to new allergens. For instance, a child may get hay fever reactions from animal dander and a few years later start to react to seasonal pollens due to a loss of the protective function of mucus membranes due to the original dander allergy.

Hay fever rarely occurs in children younger than five years old and commonly affects teens and young adults. Hay fever is often seen in children with an allergic history or a family history of allergy, asthma or eczema, called the atopic triad. These children need to have immune system support and stabilization of the allergic response to reduce the heightened susceptibility of the immune system and respiratory system to allergens.

Different theories have developed regarding seasonal allergies. One theory considers why the allergens get through the mucous membranes in the first place. The belief is that the mucous membranes are more permeable than they should normally be, allowing particles to cross that otherwise would not, inciting an inflammatory response.

An alternate proposition is that the immune system of some individuals is on high alert due to the persistent presence of other potential allergens or sensitivities such as certain foods or other environmental factors. Thus, when pollens arise in the summer, they may just be inciting a flare-up of a low-grade chronic process.

Yet, both of the preceding situations may not be present. However, the inflammatory ability of the immune system may be heightened by increased amounts of chemical messengers involved in inflammation. These messengers are made from essential fats, those that our body cannot make and need to come from the diet. There are two types of essential fatty acids, omega 3 and omega 6. In general, omega 3 fats lead to anti-inflammatory messengers. Omega 6 leads to inflammatory messengers. Hydrogenated fats, saturated fats and over-heated/oxidized fats, such as fried food, also increase the production of inflammatory messengers as well. We get an over abundance of omega 6 in our diet and very little omega 3. Omega 3 fats are not as shelf stable and are usually removed during processing of fats and oils. In some plants, the ability to make omega 3 fats is being genetically engineered out.

In other areas of the diet, excessive sugar consumption tends to have a congestive effect on the mucous membranes, potentiating allergic reactions. Avoiding sugars, sweets, corn syrup, large amounts of fruit juices (small amounts diluted with 50% is okay) and other processed sugar is an important aspect of decreasing mucus congestion.

However, dark berries, red grapes, plums and buckwheat contain bioflavonoids that decrease the inflammatory response. Eating 3-4 servings of these foods daily is beneficial for decreasing inflammation.

Identifying and eliminating food sensitivities is another dietary aspect to allergy treatment. Wheat is a member of the grass family and is a source of dietary pollens. Dairy intolerance may predispose a child to hay fever. Other food sensitivities exist and may be uncovered through an allergy elimination diet.

Keeping the house, particularly the bedroom well vacuumed and dry will minimize allergen exposure. Note that for about an hour after vacuuming allergens may “stirred up” into the air. Use non-allergenic pillows, avoiding feather or foam which can harbor molds and dust mites. Consider using an air purifier or dehumidifier. Change furnace filters regularly to increase their filtering capacity.

Some botanical remedies are successfully used for allergy symptoms including Butterbur, Cat’s claw, Eyebright, and Nettle leaf. Each of these herbs have been the subject of medical studies in patients with seasonal allergies.

Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties and has been demonstrated in clinical studies to decrease symptoms at high doses.

Acupuncture is the therapeutic insertion of fine needles just under the skin and has an excellent therapeutic effect for allergy sufferers. Although older children are good acupuncture patients, younger children are often afraid of needles and respond well to acupressure techniques.

In summary, dietary and environmental factors are at the foundation of holistic treatment of allergies. Botanical and nutritional medicine and acupuncture provide the next tier of therapy which can be addressed with your physician who specializes in naturopathic medicine.