Mar
2
'Tis the (Allergy) Season
Mar 2012
By Maureen Williams, ND
Maybe you've started to notice a slight itching in the eyes, a little drip from the nose, or a propensity to sneeze, all leading you to wonder, could it be spring already?
Already?
In the Pacific Northwest, pollen from birch-family trees including alder starts to fill the air-and cause symptoms in those of us who are sensitive-in February. When it's really spring, in late May, grass pollen gets into the mix, and later in the summer and fall, the weeds add their contribution. Should your allergies hit in the winter, you may be allergic to dust mites, mold spores, or animal dander.
Why am I so sensitive?
Airborne allergies occur when the immune system becomes sensitized to particles in the air we breathe. Instead of fighting against truly threatening microbes, such as viruses and bacteria, an allergic person's immune system is occupied fighting non-harmful substances, producing antibodies and causing plenty of inflammation in the process.
No one knows for sure why some immune systems become sensitized to airborne particles, but, like most things, the reason probably involves a combination of nature and nurture. Allergies tend to run in families, so a genetic predisposition is presumed to play a role, but researchers have also observed that children who grow up on farms, who have multiple siblings, and who attend daycare are less likely to develop allergies and asthma than other kids. Out of these and other observations comes the so-called Hygiene Hypothesis, which suggests that a healthy degree of exposure to infectious microorganisms is needed to keep the immune system functioning properly.
Reducing reactivity
The most common treatments for allergies are antihistamines. They tend to be quite effective for treating allergy symptoms, but often have uncomfortable side effects like drowsiness and sedation.
Nature offers some alternatives that, while often not as fast in their effect, can reduce symptoms without affecting the nervous system. Freeze-dried nettles and an extract from pineapple called bromelain are commonly used to treat allergies. Bioflavonoids, compounds found in plants that have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, can also be helpful. Examples of bioflavonoids that can help allergy sufferers are proanthocyanidins from grape seed and quercetin found in onionskin and tea. Although bioflavonoids are abundant in nature, it isn't possible to eat a therapeutic amount. High quality mixed bioflavonoid combination supplements, particularly if they contain grape seed extract or quercetin, can often provide some relief to allergy sufferers.
Teaching an old immune system new tricks
The only way to cure allergies is to reprogram the immune system: immunotherapy. Historically, immunotherapy has involved serial injections (allergy shots) with miniscule but increasing amounts of allergens. These consistent exposures to tiny amounts of allergens evoke a different kind of response from the immune system and divert it from causing the kind of reaction we call allergy. Allergy shots are generally given once to twice per week for 4-6 months. A monthly maintenance program follows, and after 3-5 years, the chance of long-term cure is quite high.
The prospect of getting regular injections over a long period of time is pretty unappealing to many people with allergies. In addition, allergy shots can, in rare circumstances, cause a life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis.
Allergy drops are a recently developed alternative to allergy shots. The drops contain tiny amounts of allergen and are taken under the tongue (sublingually) on a daily schedule for months to years. Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) works somewhat differently than injection immunotherapy because it invokes the immune system in the digestive tract. This difference may be responsible for the lower risk of anaphylaxis with SLIT. In fact, there have been no reports of serious or fatal side effects associated with SLIT in the decade that it has been studied.
SLIT is generally self-administered at home. Researchers are still working to identify the most effective dosing schedule but preliminary evidence suggests that 3 times per day yields best results, and 3-5 years of treatment is needed for long-term cure.
Getting tested and treated
It is a good idea to work with a naturopathic or medical doctor if you are an allergy sufferer considering immunotherapy, especially if you use any medications for allergies or other health conditions. Many naturopathic doctors can perform skin scratch tests to identify your specific allergens and can prescribe compounded drops to address them.
Supplements for treating allergies can be found at any health food store or pharmacy where nutritional and herbal supplements are sold. Be sure to choose brands that have a reputation for quality. Many naturopathic doctors also have natural medicine dispensaries with professional grade supplements.