Staying Immune
The immune system works tirelessly, continuously on alert for precancerous cells, infections, and inflammation regulation. It also has to ensure tolerance to the body’s own cells and tissues, as well as to environmental and food antigens.
Immune tolerance refers to the immune system’s ability to suppress responses against specific antigens, which is crucial for maintaining the body’s balance and preventing autoimmune and allergic reactions. However, during seasonal allergies, tolerance is lost towards typically harmless environmental antigens, like grass or birch pollen.
What’s in a Name?
Allergic rhinitis is an inflammatory response of the mucosal membranes in the nasal passages caused by the immune system, leading to symptoms such as congestion, a runny nose, frequent sneezing, and itchy eyes and nose. Commonly referred to as hay fever, allergic rhinitis frequently occurs alongside asthma and conjunctivitis, and can arise from both seasonal and perennial allergies.
Seasonal allergens are environmental particles that provoke allergic rhinitis in sensitive individuals upon inhalation, with symptoms fluctuating with the seasons. Typical seasonal allergens include pollen from grass, trees (like birch), ragweed, and mold.
Perennial allergens, on the other hand, are not season-dependent and can trigger allergic rhinitis throughout the year for sensitive people. Common sources include pet dander, house dust mites, and cockroaches, which are less likely than seasonal allergies to cause eye symptoms.
Feeling Sensitive
Allergic rhinitis is a hypersensitivity reaction, wherein the immune system excessively reacts against an antigen, mistaking it for a threat. This condition is classified as a type I hypersensitivity reaction, involving the release of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies when an antigen is detected.
Symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis can manifest rapidly after exposure to pollen antigens. Type I hypersensitivity reactions occur within 24 hours of antigen contact.
3 Phases of Type I Hypersensitivity Reaction
1. IgE sensitization occurs with repeated exposure to an antigen in genetically predisposed individuals.
2. The antigen is presented, challenging the immune system.
3. The immune response triggers symptoms.
Under the Microscope
When the immune system identifies a pollen antigen, IgE binds to receptors on mast cells and basophils. This process leads to the degranulation of these cells, releasing histamine, leukotrienes, prostaglandins, and other inflammatory mediators into the area.
These substances lack an actual enemy to combat in the nasal passages, leading to local tissue irritation. This inflammation results in classic seasonal allergy symptoms: nasal and ear congestion, runny nose, postnasal drip, sneezing, and itchiness in the palate, nose, eyes, and ears.
Contributing Factors
Several factors contribute to seasonal allergic rhinitis, including genetic, epigenetic, socio-economic, and environmental influences.
The hygiene hypothesis posits that insufficient microbial and antigen exposure in early life may impair immune function, increasing the risk for allergic diseases. Notably, consistent pollen exposure in infancy can heighten the likelihood of developing allergic rhinitis.
Geographic distribution plays a role as well; for instance, residents of Kingston, Ontario, have a notably high sensitization rate to Bermuda grass.
Furthermore, climate change and air pollution have been recognized as aggravators of allergic rhinitis.
Interestingly, consuming milk appears to offer some protective effect against the development of hay fever.
Treatment Options
If over-the-counter allergy medications are ineffective, seeking professional help may be beneficial.
Allergists can provide skin prick testing and other evaluations to ascertain the activity of IgE in response to relevant allergens. Treatment options may include intranasal, oral, or ocular antihistamines or corticosteroids, either individually or in combination.
For patients with ongoing symptoms, allergen immunotherapy, commonly known as “allergy shots,” may be appropriate. This involves the administration of small allergen doses into the skin or under the tongue to induce an allergic response, with the aim of building tolerance over time.
Acupuncturists can offer tailored acupuncture treatments for individuals with seasonal allergies, which may help reduce nasal inflammation, alleviate symptoms, and enhance overall quality of life. Research suggests that acupuncture is both safe and effective for treating seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis.
Naturopaths provide a comprehensive approach to testing and treatment. Since IgE-mediated seasonal allergies can trigger cross-reactions with food, they may conduct IgE-based food sensitivity tests to assess for pollen-food allergy syndrome.
Treatments are customized to optimize immune system function and may include nutrients, herbs, homeopathic remedies, acupuncture, and lifestyle changes.
Lifestyle Strategies
– Wear a hat, glasses, and nasal filters when outside.
– Shower after returning home from work or outdoor activities.
– Use a neti pot with distilled water and salt to irrigate nasal passages.
– Keep windows closed.
– Wash curtains, carpets, and bedding regularly.
– Mop floors regularly.
– Employ HEPA air filters.
– Eliminate mold.
Supplements for Seasonal Allergies
The following supplements may lessen symptom severity:
– Quercetin
– Green tea
– Propolis
– Bee pollen
– Probiotics
– Butterbur
– Vitamin C
