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Control Seasonal Allergies
by Sachet, Moderator @ http://www.BeyondMass.com
(For more information on Sachet and her writings at BeyondMass.com, please click on the above banner.)
It's baffling to think that over a 100 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies.
The Marist Institute for Public Opinion recently did a poll on the Top Ten Allergy Triggers. The results from that survey.
Pollen 27%
Drugs and Medications 19%
House dust and dust mites 17%
Mold 15%
Chemical fumes and gases 12%
Indoor air pollution 12%
Perfumes 12%
Animals 11%
Foods 10%
Stinging insects 10%
There is hope as there are a few preventive measures you can take to cut allergies from completely getting the best of you. And it's important you do, since respiratory allergies increase your risk of eventually developing asthma, which incidentally.. is now an official epidemic.
When your immune system is functioning properly, it's truly quite fascinating. It can be described as having disciplined little soldiers ready and waiting to identify and declare biological warfare on foreign  invaders. The immune system can also identify cells that become infected internally with viruses, as well as many cells that are on their way to becoming tumors. Allergies occur in our bodies as the result of a hypersensitive responses from the immune system to relatively harmless environmental antigens.
Lymphocytes, which are white blood cells, are a fundamental component of the immune system.
There are two types of lymphocytes, B-lymphocytes (B-cells) and T-lymphocytes (T-cells) which go everywhere in your body to help guard it against foreign substances such as viruses, invading bacteria and toxins. They move among and travel through the walls of blood vessels, through tissues of the body and move between the various lymph nodes and lymph channels.
Lymphocytes are responsible for checking the makeup of every particle or cell they find. When the lymphocyte encounters a cell with surface marker molecules they identify as a 'threatening' foreign invader, they immediately begin battling against it. The biochemical process behind these countermeasures is astounding. People who have a higher level of serum lgE (antibody protein) and an increased number of high affinity lgE/Fc-receptors (docking sites of lgE) will have a higher incidence of Histamines and other inflammatory (cytotoxic) substances in the body releasing from mast cells and basophils which result in the typical allergic responses.
So basically, the 'foreign invaders' cause the production of antibodies that are called antigens. After a B-cell identifies an antigen, it will make its way back to a lymph node, change into a plasma cell and produce antibodies specifically engineered to fight that particular threat.
Or, if you have overactive T-Cells (helper cells and cytotoxic 'killer' cells) that go into killer mode to assist the lgE antibodies in the affected tissue, they cause more damage to surrounding tissue occurs than the original toxin antigen caused. An over activated killer T-Cell generally kills normal body cells during these reactions and cause basophil and mast cell rupturing.
As amazing as the immune system is, as you can see, it sometimes makes a mistake by misidentifying an innocuous substance as harmful and then attacks the substance more vigorously than is required. The problems these attacks cause range from mildly inconvenient, such as sneezing, wheezing, coughing and itching.. to the total failure of the organism the immune system supposed to be protecting. Interestingly enough, some people don't always suffer from the 'typical' allergy symptoms during peak allergy seasons. They may feel fatigued and depressed, yet don't associate it with allergies. Basically, your body reacts to pollen as an infection and uses all it's energy to fight it. Hopefully researchers will eventually be able to provide a preventative measure.. a drug which will inhibit the rupturing of mast cells and basophils, thus will stop Histamines from being released.
It's important to see a physician if any of the following apply since upper respiratory allergies can increase your risk of developing asthma
You have persistent postnasal drip or sinus pain.
Your eyes are constantly itchy or have discharge.
Constant headaches.
Mucus coughed up is yellow, green, brown, gray, bloody, or is in small plugs or strings.
You struggle to catch your breath by coughing or wheezing, especially after exercising or at night.
Antihistamines or other over the counter meds don't control your symptoms.
Your allergies bring on sinus infections or nasal congestion.
You'll most likely be sent to an allergist who will probably suggest one of three prescribed techniques commonly  offered to help allergy sufferers. Avoidance, Medication, Immunotherapy or a combination of them.
An example of avoidance would be if you're allergic to a specific tree's pollen, you should limit your time outside when the tree is blooming. Many allergens, once identified, can simply be avoided. Pet allergies can be handled sometimes by keeping the pet bathed or keep it outside. Allergies to molds can be brought on when cutting grass, harvesting crops, walking through meadows or raking leaves. But, unfortunately, many allergens such as dust, mold and pollen are next to impossible to avoid.
They can, however be managed by using medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, cromolyn sodium, corticosteroids and in the case of anaphylaxis, epinephrine and keeping your inside living environment free from dust. Immunotherapy is expensive and time consuming but, it may be the only hope a person has for leading a normal life. It consists of a series of injections. The offending allergen is injected, beginning with a very weak dilution and gradually building in strength to a maintenance dose that may be continued over time. The injections help the immune system to produce fewer IgE antibodies, while it also stimulates the production of a blocking antibody called IgG. This works to varying degrees with many allergies, but there's always exceptions to the rule, so not all can be treated this way.
If your parents suffer from allergies, chances are that you inherited them through genetics. But, just for the record.. even if you're born with the genetic capability to become allergic, you are not automatically allergic to specific allergens.
There is also some belief that babies, who are not breastfed, are more predisposed to developing allergies.
Most allergic symptoms are nearly always triggered by a protein. For instance, dust mite waste contains a protein that is an allergen. The reason you want to decrease the number of dust mites in your house is because throughout its life, a single dust mite may produce as much as 200 times its body weight in waste.
Allergies are not only bothersome, but many have been linked to a variety of common and serious chronic respiratory illnesses such as sinusitis and asthma.
So what can we do about it? Proper management and household products such as air purifiers, vacuum cleaners and cleaning products that decrease the amount of allergens in the air are the key.
Useful tips
Dust mites can be controlled with air purifiers and specialized vacuum cleaners that remove them from your environment. Most dust mites will die when they're exposed to low humidity levels or extreme temperatures. But, they leave their waste behind, which will continue to cause allergic reactions. In a warm, humid house, dust mites easily survive year round.
Disinfectant sprays can reduce or eliminate airborne pollens of certain trees, grasses and weeds, house dust that include dust mite particles, mold spores, and cat and dog dander which are inhaled into the nose and lungs.
Air purifiers can reduce the presence of pollen during the three hay fever {or ragweed pollen} seasons which are; February to May, late spring and summer, and fall.
Invest in special vacuum cleaner bags. You can minimize allergen leakage from your vacuum cleaner by replacing your standard vacuum bag with a high filtration multi-layer bag and by adding a vacuum exhaust filter. A high filtration vacuum bag will help to contain allergen particles and the exhaust filter will prevent allergen particles from blowing back into the air during vacuuming.
Inspect your vacuum cleaner often for poor connections of hosing and wands, through the dust collecting bag, around the closing seam of the unit and through the exhaust.
Change and wash your clothes after coming in from outside. Pollen can be tracked into your home on pets, clothes and your hair.
Use air conditioners specifically designed to assist removing allergens.
Allergen formula cleaning solutions should be used wherever molds grow in damp and dark places.. such as bathrooms, kitchens, garages and trash cans.
Wear a filter mask when cleaning, cutting the grass and working outside.
Clean rooms thoroughly once a week.
Vacuum! Vacuum! Vacuum! Vacuum upholstery and carpets regularly.
Encase box springs and mattress in a zippered dust-proof or allergen-proof cover.
Buy synthetic {example; Dacron} mattress pads and pillows. Avoid feather comforters and pillows.
Wash curtains, sheets, blankets, and other bedclothes frequently in water that is at least 130*F as lower temperatures won't kill dust mites.
Air filters can either be added to a furnace or a room unit. Electrostatic and high-efficiency particulate absorption {HEPA} filters can effectively remove allergens from the air. Warning; check filters often as if they're functioning improperly electrostatic filters could emit ozone which may be harmful to your lungs should you suffer from asthma.
Replace your furnace and air conditioner filters monthly while they're in use.
Dehumidifiers help reduce humidity.. house mites need high humidity to stay alive. Warning; If you don't clean the unit frequently with a weak bleach solution {1 cup bleach in 1 gallon water} mold will grow. Low humidity may reduce dust mite levels, however there's a chance it could cause nose and lung irritations.
Avoid stuffed toys, only collect washable toys not made of fabric and store toys in a chest. If you can't live without them, wash them in 130*F water and if they can't withstand the stress of the washing machine, stick them in the freezer for a few days wrapped in a plastic bag.
Keep all animals with fur or feathers out of the bedroom. Bathe them frequently.
Make smokers smoke outside. Candles and air fresheners can irritate your airways and make your allergies or asthma worse.
Wash woodwork, stovetop, countertops, flat surfaces and floors thoroughly to remove all traces of dust.
Creating a dust free environment can't be stressed enough. In case you're not aware, dust is a combination of particle and may contain molds, fibers, dander from dogs, cats and other animals, as well as tiny dust mites.
A word about nutrition (naturally). A nutritious diet can influence immune reactiveness profoundly and can alleviate allergy symptoms and can also cut down on the number of asthma attacks. Since a depressed immune system can encourage the development of allergies, what you need to do is to strengthen your immune system and it will address the underlying problem of allergies.
Take a multi vitamin with a meal so you get maximum absorption of nutrients and increase your vitamin C and vitamin E intake. The herbs Nettle and Licorice Root have been shown to improve symptoms in hay fever sufferers, however I can't give a proper opinion since I haven't looked into it closer.
Cashews, artichokes, black eyed peas, spinach, sunflower seeds, halibut, tofu, pinto beans and navy beans are rich in magnesium, which some studies have shown that people with asthma are magnesium deficient.
Apples contain healthy components and antioxidants that increase lung function.
Cold water fish such as salmon, sardines, lake trout, tuna, Atlantic sturgeon, mackerel, herring and anchovies are all rich sources of omega3 essential fatty acids, which are natural anti inflammatory agents and boosts your immune system. Eat them at least three times a week. Flaxseed oil, cod and haddock are other good natural sources.
Yogurt's live active cultures {they are NOT found in frozen yogurt} restores the balance between good and bad bacteria in your gastrointestinal track.
Much of the immune system resides in the gastrointestinal track, so eat plenty of high fiber foods to keep your colon working. Low fiber foods produce a lazy colon which makes it more susceptible to diseases and cancer. Peristalsis {contractions of the colon} is only produced by consuming high fiber foods which make the colon work. Good fiber sources are; nuts, seeds and whole grains.
Rich colored fruits and veggies such as blueberries, spinach, strawberries, bell peppers, sweet potatoes, broccoli and tomatoes, etc., contain antioxidants and help to prevent allergies.
Foods to avoid during allergy season
Milk and cheese. Milk protein is an immune system irritant.
Omega6 fatty acids that are found in corn and sunflower oils, processed foods such as mayo and salad dressings. Naturally, you need some of these acids for health reasons, but they can cause more inflammation than it's worth during allergy season.
Saturated fats from both animal and plant sources spark the release of inflammatory chemicals.
Avoid all products that contain partially hydrogenated oil {trans fats}. Countries where people consume the highest amount of products containing trans fats, have the highest rates of allergy and asthma sufferers.
It takes persistence, but allergy symptoms can certainly be less horrid if you take the proper precautionary measures to help yourself.
* Article by Sachet, Moderator @ http://www.BeyondMass.com .
* Back to This Issue's Frontpage
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