How To Prevent and Treat Hay Fever

For many people, spring is the sneezin’ season. Other symptoms of hay fever (allergic rhinitis in the medical world) include nasal congestion and itchy and watery nose and eyes. If you only have these symptoms a couple of months, consider yourself lucky. Some people have a year-round condition called perennial rhinitis. Triggers include pollen, molds, dust mites, animal dander, and other airborne offenders.

Allergic and perennial rhinitis tends to run in families, along with asthma and atopic dermatitis (eczema). In recent decades, the prevalence of all three conditions has risen. A warmer climate with longer growing seasons is expected to increase the pollen load for hay fever sufferers.

The underlying problem is immune system hypersensitivity. The immune system detects a speck of ragweed pollen and reacts as though an army of streptococci had invaded. In response, white blood cells produce a type of antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE), which binds to mast cells, immune system cells involved in allergic reactions. Once IgE binds to mast cells, the latter release histamine and other inflammatory chemicals that cause those well-known symptoms.

Conventional treatment calls for avoiding known allergens and taking medication, such as antihistamines, to reduce symptoms. Side effects include excessive drying of the mouth, nose, and throat. The older antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and chlorpheniramine, also cause drowsiness. Newer antihistamines, such as loratadine (Claritin) and fexofenadine (Allegra), are less sedating. Intranasal steroid sprays and other medications can manage symptoms in people with persistent symptoms. Finally, immunotherapy (“allergy shots”) may be used to desensitize people to allergens (the substance that causes an allergic reaction).

Recipes To Prevent and Treat Hay Fever

Blushing Apple Smoothie
½ cup (78 g) pitted fresh cherries ½ English cucumber, peeled 1 apple, cored and peeled ½ cup (65 g) fresh raspberries 1 tablespoon (10 g) chia seeds ½ cup (120 ml) water 6 ice cubes
Preparation and use:
Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
Yield: 3 servings
How it works:
Bioflavonoids, which are found in many fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, are antioxidant, antihistamine, and inhibit histamine release. The fruits in this smoothie are rich in vitamin C, which blocks histamine release from mast cells. People with higher levels of vitamin C have lower levels of histamine. This vitamin also acts as an antioxidant and enhances immune function. Some but not all studies suggest vitamin C supplements can improve asthma and allergy.

Probiotic Salad
2 cups (340 g) sliced strawberries 1 cup (150 g) sliced red seedless grapes 1 apple, cored and sliced 1 celery stalk, sliced ¼ cup (35 g) raisins ½ cup (115 g) plain Greek yogurt ¼ cup (25 g) crushed almonds Pinch of ground cinnamon
Preparation and use:
In a large bowl, mix the fresh fruits, raisins, and celery together. Fold in the yogurt. Chill for 30 minutes. Toss with the almonds and serve with a pinch of cinnamon.
Yield: 2 servings
How it works:
People with a genetic predisposition to asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema have a different microbial ecosystem in their intestines than allergy-free people do. Yogurt contains live, health-promoting microbes (probiotics) that benefit immune health. Supplemental probiotics have been shown to reduce certain allergic symptoms in children.

Chia Breakfast Pudding
2 cups (475 ml) almond milk 5 tablespoons (59 g) chia seeds 1 banana, sliced 2 teaspoons (14 g) honey Ground cinnamon pRepaRaTion and USe: In a saucepan, heat the milk to just before boiling; do not boil. Stir in the chia seeds. Remove from the heat and let stand for about 10 minutes, stirring a few times, until the mixture begins to gel. Reheat the mixture until it is your desired warmth. Divide between two dishes and top each with ½ banana, 1 teaspoon (7 g) of honey, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Yield: 2 servings
How it works:
Chia seeds (also hemp seeds and flaxseeds) contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are anti-inflammatory. In addition to consuming more of these healthful fats, we recommend you reduce intake of foods that contain fats that increase inflammation, such as meat and processed foods. A study in pregnant Japanese women showed that eating more meat correlated with more symptoms such as watery eyes and nose. On the other hand, greater consumption of fish (a good source of omega-3 fats) correlated with less allergic rhinitis.

Antiallergy Artichokes
For the artichokes: 6 artichokes, tops sliced off, tips and stems trimmed 1 tablespoon (18 g) salt Juice of 1 lemon For the dressing: 3 tablespoons (45 ml) olive oil 1 tablespoon (10 g) minced fresh garlic 2 tablespoons (28 ml) fresh lemon juice ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper ½ teaspoon salt
Preparation and use:
To make the artichokes: In a large pot, bring 2 cups (475 ml) of water to a boil (the water depth should equal about 2 inches [5 cm]). Add the artichokes, salt, and lemon juice. Cover and lower the heat. Steam about 30 minutes, until the artichoke bottoms can be pierced. Drain and let cool. Slice in half and remove and discard the fuzzy center of each artichoke. To make the dressing: Combine all the dressing ingredients in a bowl. Brush the artichokes with the dressing. Lay face up in the broiler or face down on an outdoor or indoor noncharcoal grill and cook over medium heat, turning once, for a few minutes. Remove when browned lightly and serve. Enjoy by peeling off each petal and tearing off the flesh at the bottom with your teeth. And finally, slice into the delicious heart of the artichoke. If you like, make an extra batch of the dressing for dipping.
Yield: 6 servings
How it works:
The artichoke plant is related to milk thistle, whose seeds have antihistamine properties. A concentrated extract of milk thistle seeds was shown to be as effective as the antihistamine medication Zyrtec. Artichoke contains polyphenols (including flavonoids) that act as antioxidants and may boost immunity.

When Simple Doesn’t Work
Several studies in children and adults support the use of a special extract of a plant called butterbur (Petasites hybridus). It appears to be as effective as Zyrtec and Allegra. If you buy this supplement, make sure the product promises it’s free of compounds called pyrrolizidine alkaloids. In a study of sixty-nine patients with hay fever, 58 percent rated freeze-dried, encapsulated nettles (Urtica dioica) effective, and 48 percent said the herb was as good as or better than previously used medicines.

When to Call the Doctor
• Hay fever is making you miserable.
• You suspect you have a sinus infection. Hay fever can block the drainage ducts from the sinuses. Clues of sinus infection include worsening congestion, a feeling of fullness or pain over the cheekbone or forehead, fever, and a green or brown nasal discharge (versus the clear discharge from hay fever).
• You suspect you or your child has de - veloped a middle ear infection. The inflammation associated with hay fever can block a tube that runs between the middle ear and throat. Children are particularly at risk.