Ways to Reduce Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies are allergic reactions that occur during certain times of the year when outdoor allergens are at their highest levels. These allergies are typically triggered by airborne substances such as pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. When people with seasonal allergies come into contact with these allergens, their immune system reacts by releasing histamine and other chemicals, which cause symptoms such as:

• Sneezing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Itchy throat or ears
• Fatigue
• Coughing
• Postnasal drip

Seasonal allergies are often most prevalent during spring, summer, and fall, when plants release pollen. However, the timing and severity of symptoms can vary depending on geographical location and the specific allergens to which an individual is sensitive.

While seasonal allergies are usually not life-threatening, they can significantly impact quality of life and productivity if left untreated. Therefore, individuals with seasonal allergies need to take steps to manage their symptoms and seek appropriate treatment from healthcare professionals if needed.

Seasonal allergies can be pretty bothersome, but there are several ways besides antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal corticosteroids to alleviate symptoms and find relief:

• Stay Indoors on High Pollen Days: Check local pollen counts and try to stay indoors when they are high, typically on dry, windy days.
• Keep Windows Closed: Keep windows closed, especially when pollen counts are highest in the morning.
• Use Air Conditioning: Air conditioning in your home and car filters the air. Make sure to clean filters regularly.
• Limit Outdoor Activities: If you need to go outside, try to do so in the late afternoon, when pollen counts are lower.
• Shower After Being Outdoors: Shower and change your clothes after spending time outdoors to remove pollen from your skin and hair.
• Use Nasal Saline Rinse: Use a saline nasal rinse to flush out pollen and other allergens from your nasal passages.
• Keep Indoor Air Clean: Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to trap allergens, and regularly vacuum and dust to minimize indoor allergens.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help thin mucus and alleviate congestion.
• Avoid Irritants: Avoid cigarette smoke, strong odors, and other irritants exacerbating allergy symptoms.
• Consider Herbal Remedies: Some people find relief from allergies with herbal remedies such as butterbur, quercetin, or stinging nettle. However, talking to a healthcare professional before trying new herbal supplements is essential.

Remember, what works for one person may not work for another, so finding the best combination of remedies for your allergies may take trial and error.

Functional medicine approaches allergies holistically, seeking to identify and address the underlying factors contributing to the allergic response rather than just treating the symptoms. While functional medicine practitioners may use various tests and assessments to understand the root causes of allergies, it's important to note that these approaches may differ from traditional allergy testing conducted by allergists. Here are some tests commonly used in functional medicine for assessing allergies and related factors:

• Blood Testing: Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is the antibody primarily responsible for allergic reactions such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, food and drug allergies, and atopic reactions such as latex allergies. Upon inhalation or ingestion of the allergen, IgE contacts and activates the respiratory and gastrointestinal mast cells and causes the secretion of histamine in the body. Immunoglobulin E is usually less than 0.1% of the body's immunoglobulins.
• Food Sensitivity Testing: Food sensitivities can contribute to allergic symptoms or exacerbate existing allergies. Functional medicine practitioners may use various methods, such as blood tests measuring IgG antibodies, like Trophoscan®, to identify specific foods that may trigger immune reactions.
• Gut Health Assessment: Gut health is vital to overall health and can affect the immune system. Tests like the EnteroScan® can help identify imbalances in gut microbes and function that may be contributing to allergy symptoms.
• Nutritional Assessment: Nutrient deficiencies, such as low vitamin D levels or disturbed levels of Methylmalonic Acid, a marker of vitamin B12 deficiency, can contribute to allergy symptoms. Screening for nutrient deficiencies can help identify potential underlying factors.
• Histamine Intolerance results from an imbalance between the accumulation of histamine and the body's ability to break it down. Histamine imbalance in the body can cause various pathological conditions ranging from life-threatening allergic reactions to localized itching, runny nose, or hives.
• The MethylGenomiX® Comprehensive Panel includes the control of a series of gene polymorphisms (SNPs) of the enzymes involved in the various biochemical methylation pathways, such as the folate cycle, which can lead to the disruption of the body's normal function.

It is important to note that while functional medicine approaches may offer valuable insights into the underlying factors contributing to allergies, they should be interpreted by qualified practitioners experienced in addressing allergies and related health issues from a holistic perspective.