Hay Fever Season And How To Beat It

Approximately 32 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies associated with Hay Fever.  Hay fever, otherwise known as allergic rhinitis, is an allergenic response to pollen or mold.  These irritants affect the nasal passages, the eyes, and the airways.  Symptoms can vary in severity but they often include sneezing, red itchy eyes, fatigue, nervousness, watery discharge from the nose and eyes, and irritability. 

These symptoms can sometimes be similar to the common cold, however, with hay fever the illness continues on and people can feel wiped out for weeks.  Also with a cold, the nasal discharge tends to be thicker and sometimes yellowish.  With allergies, discharge is usually clear and thin. 

Hay fever seasons are actually divided into three distinctive periods depending on the types of pollen present in the atmosphere.  Tree pollens tend to appear first, followed by tress, weeds, and grass pollens which occur from late in spring and into the summer.  Finally, the third stage occurs in the Fall which is ragweed season.  Local climate can of course make these times vary, but in general the season begins from February to May and continues on into the Fall.

Suffering through these long drawn out seasons can be difficult.  Most people with extreme allergies therefore rely on the regular use of antihistamines.  There are however more natural options as well which should be tried before turning to the use of over the counter antihistamines.  Below is a list of some of the best natural remedies for hay fever.

Bromelain is a great way to reduce inflammation and reduce the symptoms associated with hay fever.  Coenzyme Q10 is also terrific especially if you are suffering from obstructed airways.  Coenzyme Q10 works to improve oxygenation and helps to boost immune system function.  Vitamin A with mixed carotenoids can be taken up to 25,000 IU daily (unless pregnant in which case doses should not exceed 10,000).  This nutrient is a powerful immune-stimulant.  Vitamin B complex likewise should be taken to help immune function. Vitamin C can also prove useful as an anti-inflammatory formula.

Alongside these supplements you probably want to avoid as much as possible the substance causing you discomforts.  Try not to exercise outside if possible, and if you really must, then try to do so after rain for the cleanest air.  A good quality air purifier can help if you allergy is to mold or home based pollutants.  If you are working in your garden during a high pollen season then wear a mask to prevent breathing in the pollen.  Shower and change your clothing after coming indoors as pollen can stick to clothes and hair.

Also avoid other irritants such as tobacco which can further irritate the eyes and lungs.  Alcohol also increases the production of mucus and will cause more problems for allergy sufferers in the long run.  Finally, keep pets either outside or inside.  These furry friends can bring in pollen from outside as it sticks to their fur. 

Taking anti-histamines may be inevitable, but it is always useful to try out some of the above remedies first in order to delay or cut back on your usage.  Some of the above suggestions may help you make it through the season without having to resort to over the counter medicines and sprays which can have a variety of challenging side effects.