Spring Allergy Tips: EP Wellness and Functional Medicine Clinic

Spring allergies are reactions by an individual’s immune system to flowering buds, blooming trees, pet dander, weeds, etc. When coming into contact with the allergen, the immune system’s reaction can inflame the skin, sinuses, airways, or digestive system. The severity of allergies varies from person to person. The spine and brain communicate with various body parts, including those that affect the immune system and how the body reacts to allergens. Chiropractic adjustments for allergy treatment can help regulate histamine and cortisol levels and offer spring allergy tips for prevention.

Spring Allergy Tips

An allergy occurs when the body’s immune system sees a substance as harmful and overreacts (inflammation). The immune system produces substances known as antibodies. A lack of communication between the spine, brain, and other parts of the body can lead to lower immunity meaning the body has a harder time reacting to stressors.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary, but the most common include:

• Itchy, red, and watery eyes
• Nasal congestion
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Itching nose
• Post-nasal drip
• Coughing

The recommended way to determine whether or not seasonal allergies are causing symptoms is to visit a primary care physician and undergo allergy testing. A physician may recommend an allergist for further evaluation to identify specific allergies.

Prevention

Reduce exposure to triggers

• Try to stay indoors on windy days.
• Wind and dry air can make allergy symptoms worse.
• Closing windows can help keep pollen from blowing inside.
• Remove clothes worn outside and shower to rinse pollen from your skin and hair.
• Wear a dust mask when lawn mowing, weed pulling, and doing other chores.
• Don’t hang laundry outside; pollen can stick to clothes, sheets, and towels.

Seasonal allergy signs and symptoms can flare up with a high pollen count. Certain steps can help reduce the exposure:

• Check local TV, radio, or the internet for pollen forecasts and levels.
• If high pollen is forecasted, take allergy medications before symptoms begin.
• Close doors and windows when pollen counts are high.
• Try to avoid outdoor activity when pollen counts are highest.

Indoor Air Quality

Various products can help remove allergens from the air in the home:

• Use air conditioning in the house and car when applicable.
• Use high-efficiency filters and follow regular maintenance schedules for heating and air conditioning.
• Keep indoor air dry with a dehumidifier.
• Use a portable HEPA filter in bedrooms.
• Vacuum all floors regularly with a cleaner that has a HEPA filter.

Chiropractic

Chiropractic treatment is highly effective in relieving allergy symptoms and even stopping allergies at their source. The treatments restore balance, so the body is ready to combat allergies. When the spine is out of alignment (which can occur from the coughing and sneezing), it impacts the nervous system, leading to various problems, including allergies and immune system malfunction. A chiropractor can relieve the stress on the nervous system by realigning the spine, taking the pressure off nerves, and allowing the immune system to function at optimal levels. And it makes it easier for the body to fight off infections while recognizing allergens as harmless.

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Food Allergies, Hypersensitivity, and Intolerances

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References

Balon, Jeffrey W, and Silvano A Mior. “Chiropractic care in asthma and allergy.” Annals of allergy, asthma & immunology: official publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology vol. 93,2 Suppl 1 (2004): S55-60. doi:10.1016/s1081-1206(10)61487-1

Bruton, Anne, et al. “Physiotherapy breathing retraining for asthma: a randomized controlled trial.” The Lancet. Respiratory medicine vol. 6,1 (2018): 19-28. doi:10.1016/S2213-2600(17)30474-5

Bruurs, Marjolein L J et al. “The effectiveness of physiotherapy in patients with asthma: a systematic review of the literature.” Respiratory medicine vol. 107,4 (2013): 483-94. doi:10.1016/j.rmed.2012.12.017

Common seasonal allergy triggers. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/seasonal-allergies. Accessed March 10, 2022.

Jaber, Raja. “Respiratory and allergic diseases: from upper respiratory tract infections to asthma.” Primary care vol. 29,2 (2002): 231-61. doi:10.1016/s0095-4543(01)00008-2

Wu, Shan Shan et al. “Rhinitis: The Osteopathic Modular Approach.” The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association vol. 120,5 (2020): 351-358. doi:10.7556/jaoa.2020.054