Treating
Children’s Seasonal Allergies Naturally
By: Dr. Robin Russell
easonal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis, are an overre- action to substances that you breathe, causing an inflammatory response that affects the lining/mucus membranes of the nasal passages, sinuses, throat, eyes, Eustachian tubes and middle ear.
S How Common are Seasonal Allergies?
According to the most recent US data (collected in 2012), sea- sonal allergies were reported in 9 percent of the pediatric popula- tion, and 7.5 percent of adults.
Outdoor seasonal allergies typically develop in children older
than two years of age with the average onset occurring between four and six years of age. Indoor allergies can develop in children younger than two years of age. Seasonal allergies, on average, are diagnosed in children between eight and eleven years old. Hav- ing a personal or family history of other allergies (food), asthma, or eczema, increases the risk of developing seasonal allergies.
How Seasonal Allergies Affect Your Body In susceptible people, the immune system overreacts to sub- stances (allergens) that would not normally affect other people. Once the body recognizes the allergens as foreign, the immune system produces antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) that are specific for the allergen. Every time thereafter that the body is ex- posed to the allergen, the body makes IgE, which ultimately results in the release of inflammatory chemical mediators such as hista- mine, leukotrienes, prostaglandins, and cytokines. These inflamma- tory mediators then cause inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the nasal passages, sinuses, throat, eyes, Eustachian tubes, and middle ear, ultimately leading to typical allergy symptoms.
Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
While seasonal allergy symptoms can vary from person to per- son, typical symptoms include sneezing, itching (of nose, eyes, ears, and throat), runny nose, postnasal drip, sore throat, nasal conges- tion, headache, ear pain, watery eyes, red eyes, “allergic shiners,” and fatigue.
30 Natural Nutmeg - April 2015 Allergy Causes
1. Seasonal (highest pollen and mold counts are at night and early morning) a. Winter: None b. Spring: Grass pollen, tree pollen c. Summer: Ragweed, grass pollen, molds growing on leaves d. Fall: Ragweed, molds growing on leaves
2. Perennial/ Year Round a. Pet dander (cats, dogs, furry animals and birds) b. Dust mites c. Cockroaches d. Molds growing on wallpaper, house plants, carpeting, and upholstery
e. Feathers in pillows and down comforters (secondary to dust mite infestation)
Allergies can Lead to Illness Allergies can happen alone, but oftentimes will present in
people who also have asthma (20%), and/ or eczema. When left untreated, allergy symptoms may lead to sinus infections, ear infec- tions, chronic fatigue, mouth breathing, and sleep disturbance.
Diagnosis Seasonal Allergies can be diagnosed by several methods.
The two most common are a skin test, and a blood test called RAST Testing, which measures levels of IgE and potential allergens.
Treatments 1. Environmental control measures: a. Air purifier in the bedroom b. HEPA air filters on the furnace c. Vacuuming the bedroom often (and removal of carpeting) d. Dusting the bedroom often
e. Laundering bed linens often, using the hottest water and dryer cycle possible
f. Keeping windows and doors closed when the pollen count is high
g. Using dust-mite proof mattress and pillow covers
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