Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Allergic Rhinitis, commonly referred to as Hayfever results in inflammation and irritation of the nasal mucosal linings caused by an allergic reaction, leading to nasal discharge or blocked nose.

Hayfever occurs when an allergen (e.g. grass pollens, dust mites, animal hair) is inhaled by an individual with high circulating IgE antibodies. These antibodies bind to mast cells and basophils, triggering the release of inflammatory mediators such as histamine.

Seasonal allergic rhinitis occurs in response to seasonal allergens such as tree, grass and weed pollens. Onset is abrupt, usually in spring. Symptoms may be mild to severe.

Perennial allergic rhinitis occurs in response to perennial allergens such as animal fur, dust mite or foods. Symptoms can resemble a constant cold. Symptoms tend to be more low-grade and chronic and may be associated with food intolerances. They also are often seasonal with symptoms worsening around spring and at the change of other seasons.

Causes of Hayfever & Allergies

Poor gut function and microbiome imbalance (often a factor from birth)
High circulating IgE antibodies
Inability to effectively process histamines (Compromised DAO enzyme gene)
SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)
Overexposure or repeated exposure to allergenic substances
Exposure to chemical and toxic irritants including glyphosates
Smoking or prolonged exposure to second-hand smoke

Signs and symptoms of Hayfever & Allergies

Sneezing
Increased mucous production causing blocked or runny nose
Watery, itchy, puffy eyes
Swelling and inflammation of nasal passages
May have dark shadows, puffiness or a crease under the eyes in perennial rhinitis
May be associated with asthma and/or eczema

Conditions associated with Hayfever & Allergies

Asthma
Sinus infections
Nasal polyps
Chronic otitis media (glue ear)

Differential diagnosis

Viral, bacterial or fungal infection
Sinusitis (may be allergic, infectious or autoimmune)
Rhinitis medicamentosa: caused by prolonged use of topical decongestants
Vasomotor rhinitis: triggered by non-allergenic factors (e.g. fumes, chemical irritants)
Deviated septum

Investigations & Testing

IgG/IgA food sensitivity testing
Skin prick testing: may be done to identify airborne or food allergies
RAST allergy testing: may be done to identify food allergies
Advanced Stool Testing
Histamine intolerance and related blood chemistry markers

TREATMENT STRATEGY FOR HAYFEVER & ALLERGIES

Address underlying gut and microbiome issues
Improve digestion
Investigate SIBO
Assess and address histamine processing ability and DAO enzyme function
Minimise exposure to allergens and irritants
Control of environmental allergens
Removal of any food allergens
Minimise exposure to environmental irritants
Tone and soothe mucous membranes
Reduce inflammation / histamine response /mucous formation
Balance immune system / reduce TH2 dominance and cytokine production

Diet plan guidelines for Hayfever & Allergies

Identify and eliminate any food allergens
Reducing gluten and casein may be beneficial to reduce immune load
Emphasise vitamin C and quercetin-rich foods e.g. berries, cherries, citrus, apples, onions, parsley, black and green tea : natural anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine action
Include garlic, onion and horseradish: decongestant action
Emphasise anti-inflammatory foods in general: in cold-water oily fish, berries, nuts and seeds, turmeric, ginger, green tea, olive oil
Emphasise antioxidant-rich foods to support immune function: berries, green tea, turmeric, fruits and vegetables

Hayfever & Allergy supplements

Vitamin C – anti-inflammatory, anti-histamine, immune support
Quercetin – anti-inflammatory, anti-histamine
Bromelain – between meals: anti-inflammatory
N-acetyl cysteine – mucous membrane support

Herbal treatment for Hayfever and Allergies

Tone and soothe mucous membranes: goldenseal, plantain, goldenrod, sage, marshmallow, mullein
Reduce mucous formation: goldenrod, eyebright, elder flower
Reduce histamine release and stabilise mast cells: rosehips, bilberry, turmeric
Support immune system / reduce TH2 dominance: echinacea, astragalus, albizzia, baical skullcap

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE TREATMENT FOR HAYFEVER & ALLERGIES

Allergies / Hayfever are caused by many different factors. The above considerations will help support someone suffering from allergic symptoms such as a chronic runny nose (rhinitis), itchy skin and eyes, blocked sinus, watery eyes etc. It is important to investigate the cause of the irritant and improve the way the body is able to process the allergens. A major contributing factor is a compromised gut microbiome. A functional medicine approach will analyse root causes and address biochemical pathways and effectively heal, repair and improve the ways the body processes allergens.

At our Perth clinic of Advanced Functional Medicine we have experience working with allergies, chronic sinus trouble and histamine processing issues. M

If you are suffering from allergies, chronic sinus issues or histamine issues we would love to hear from you, how did you treat your allergies, please write a comment below.

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Hayfever & Allergies