The Hay Fever Diet

For everyone, especially those will an illness or aliment, it seems as if the doctor will often state the importance of an appropriate diet and frequent exercise. For some things, this can be a very specific diet, such as the DASH diet for those needing to lower blood pressure and the BRAT diet for many pediatric patients. But is there a diet, or any dietary recommendations to help alleviate the symptoms of hay fever.

The Hay Fever diet-

Also derived as the Mediterranean diet because, as will be stated, the diet consists of many fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, nuts and other high antioxidant loaded foods.

Dig In

 Because hay fever is results in inflammation, it is advised to eat foods that have anti –inflammatory properties.

            Nuts- With a high amount of magnesium and vitamin E, nuts can help improve lung function, which is especially beneficial to asthmatics as well. Also because Vitamin E boosts the immune system, it can help the body fight against URIs (upper respiratory infections), and from damaging free radicals, which also cause inflammation.

             Apples, Oranges, Tomatoes, and other Vitamin C fruits- Because Vitamin C is an antioxidant, has many of the properties like Vitamin E such as protecting the body from free radicals thus reducing potential oxidizing tissue inflammation and damage.

Grapes (Red with skins)- Grapes are also filled with antioxidants, but also have resveratrol, which is the same chemical in red wine that gives it some healthy heart benefits when taken in moderation.  Resveratrol works not only for Hay Fever by reducing inflammation, but can also lower LDLs, the “bad cholesterol”.

            

            Fish- Cold-water fish, algae, and supplements, have high amounts of the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, which are believed to reduce inflammation in the body. Some of the popular fish diet options include salmon, mackerel, trout, herring, sardines, and albacore tuna. Fish oil or omega-3 supplementations are also believed to be as beneficial.

            

           Tea- Especially a hot tea with lemon or honey is usually recommended for those with hay fever first thing in the morning. Some anti-inflammatory compounds in teas, flavonoids, work along with boosting immunity as well. Tea also works by “waking up” the cilia, the tiny hairs in the nasal passageway, to sweep out the pollen and dust. This will also allow mucus to flow more naturally therefore decreasing stuffiness or the morning sneeze attacks. 

Proceed with Caution

Spicy foods work well by be easing congestion and thinning mucus, but can be harmful by irritating the throat which may cause even more excessive mucus and cough. These include; Cajun spices, Garlic, and Horseradish

Steer Clear

Margarine is made of artificial unhealthy fats, which boost inflammation. A diet high, or even containing margarine, is stated to increase the risk of having allergies and respiratory wheezing.

Is Hay Fever the same as other kinds of allergies?

The term allergies seem to be thrown around a lot. But how do you know the differences between the two and how are they related?

All allergies are technically hypersensitivity reactions in the body. As previously described in the blog entry http://hayfeverinfo.blogspot.com/2011/08/some-of-physio.html it is described that in Hay Fever, the body interprets an innocent particle, such as pollen or dust, as a harmful substance. As a result, the body recognizes the antigen at every exposure and causes an unnecessary immune reaction in order to “defeat” the invader. For nasal allergies, such as Hay Fever, the route of exposure is primarily through the respiratory tract; hence the respiratory symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing.

Food allergies, and other forms of allergies (ie drug or insect bites/stings) are also caused by the basic concept of hypersensitivity in the body. They also have varying degrees and severity depending on the body’s amount of exposure and how it interprets the threat. For example, the bee sting. The bee sting’s route of exposure is through a superficial sting, which can actually enter the blood stream. The antigen is first seen through the skin and the hypersensitivity reaction may include symptoms such as pain, swelling, and redness at the site of entry. For those with more severe allergies it can even reach the point of anaphylactic shock which is a life threatening condition where vasodilatation can cause an unsafe drop in blood pressure and airway constriction can inhibit breathing resulting in the body’s loss of oxygen.

The treatment for both of these types of allergies is through the same mechanisms usually centered around anti-inflammatory and antihistamine medications. So if you do suffer from hay fever then you may expect to take a diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for the hay fever symptoms and/or if a bee stung you it would also help in suppressing symptoms of the event.  However not all treatments work the same and this would not be sufficient for an anaphylactic emergency.

Because both of these conditions are both correlating around the body’s hypersensitivity, having one may put you at a higher risk of obtaining more allergies. For concerns feel free to contact a doctor and be aware of what allergies you may have. 

Children and Hay Fever

Hay Fever is a condition that can affect everyone, even the children. Although there are many similarities between children and adults in regards to hay fever, the differences are very important to be aware of, especially if you're a parent. 

So what's similar? 

Well, children often have similar presenting symptoms (rhinitis, sneezing, stuffy nose, sore throat etc). Another thing very important to keep in mind is the similarities of the triggers. For children, often triggers include dust, pollen, mold, pet dander and more. Therefore treatment in avoiding these triggers is the same as for an adult. (for more information on this please see previous blog entry). Pharmacological treatment is very similar as well and most of the same medications have indications for children doses on the backs of the packaging. Common medications recommended for children allergy relief include Claritin and Singulair. Keep in mind that it is important to discuss new medications for a child with a doctor and to ensure accurate dosage.

So what is different?

Many children are often predisposed to other conditions, ie asthma and eczema. Therefore hay fever symptoms may often exacerbate the symptoms of these conditions. This could be especially dangerous with asthma because inadequate oxygenation may occur.

Also, children are at a higher risk for otitis media, also known as a common ear infection. This occurs from the congestion in the sinus passageway. The reason that children have a higher risk of this is because of the passage (Eustachian tube) connects into the nasal passageway. In younger children the tube in more horizontal as opposed to the more diagonal route of an adult Eustachian tube. As a result, it is easier for it to become infected and inflamed.

Lastly, because the development of a child is crucial and much of this is done at school, it is important to address the symptoms of hay fever in a child. Not only are the symptoms bothersome, but also it can actually impede in the learning process and worsen attention. Hay fever can even decrease self-esteem with the constant concern about how their symptoms are affecting their schoolwork and it’s affect on the body.

Final Notes

Like all hay fever sufferers, it is important to address the symptoms and take care of them. With children these this need even increased. Make sure if you think your child has hay fever visit your doctor to have him/her evaluated and see what treatment is appropriate.  

Check out http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/welcome/commonproblems/hayfever.html

Allergy Capitals

Allergy Capitals

Where you live has a huge impact on those who have outdoor/seasonal allergies. Certain places are notorious for having low allergy levels where as for others, places can be known as allergy capitals.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) 40 million have hay fever/nasal allergies and 10 million have allergic asthma. Although not all of these people, and perhaps yourself, have outdoor allergies, a big chunk does.

Fall Allergy Capitals

If you happen to be one of these unfortunate souls you may wonder, am I living in the right place? Or is my residence one of the causes of my worsening symptoms.

The AAFA established the “Most Challenging Cities to Live with Fall Allergies” for 2011.

http://www.aafa.org/pdfs/Public%20LIST%20FALL_2011%20v2.pdf

 High on the list are 1. Knoxville, TN, 2. Dayton, OH, 3. McAllen, TX, 4. Jackson, MS,  and 5. Oklahoma City, OK. Other high contenders were scattered about the eastern states, south and southwest, and some west coast (mostly California).

So what do you do if you live in one of these places?

            If moving is an option and symptoms are severe, that is always a very valid choice. However this may not be ideal for everyone . The next best thing is avoidance. This could be staying indoors, using ventilation[HEPA filter]/ac instead of opening windows, using pharmacologic interventions, checking daily pollen counts (in your local paper or online). Other avoidance ideas are discussed in previous blog entries.

If you are interested in checking pollen counts online, such resources exist such as http://www.pollen.com/allergy-weather-forecast.asp . This website can be used to search different allergy triggers according to city/zip code.

http://www.pollen.com/allergy-weather-forecast.asp

So what are some of the best cities for the seasonal sufferer? This is more subject to change than the most challenging cities. According to the AAFA such “low allergy” cities include Canton, OH, Spokane, WA, Portland, OR, Springfield, MO, and Scranton, PA.

So unless your planning on moving or just trying to tough it out, no city is “free from allergies”, the best you can hope for is less. 

When to see a doctor

When to see a doctor

When starting to experience symptoms, questions generally arise about what’s causing this and what can be done to help. Or it could just be that you have had these symptoms for a while now and you just are tired of it. It seems that with a condition like hay fever you don’t necessarily need to see the doctor until you choose to. What may be some things to prompt you though?

One reason to see a doctor is if your hay fever is disrupting your quality of life. This can include a variety of things such as missing work or school, not getting enough sleep, or even just getting in the way of your favorite activities.

Another reason that you should see a doctor is for possible complications or exacerbations of other conditions commonly associated with hay fever. The most common are sinusitis, nasal polyps, asthma, and eczema.

       

     Sinusitis- an inflammation of the sinuses that is associated with infections that can either be bacterial, fungal, or viral. Symptoms are similar to that of the common cold that don’t reside or even worsen after 5-7 days. This can include loss of smell or taste, nasal congestion, headache, sore throat, nasal discharge, fever and fatigue

Sinusitis X Ray

     

    Nasal Polyps- inflammation of tissue lining the nasal passageway causing sac-like growths. Symptoms include similar feelings of a having a persistent cold (up to months or years), mouth breathing, nasal obstruction, loss of smell, runny nose.

Nasal Polyps

    Asthma- a condition where the airways of the lungs can become swollen and narrow, or bronchoconstriction. The most common symptoms are chest tightness, wheezing,  shortness of breath, and coughing. Depending on severity of symptoms, asthma can lead to an emergency situation and you must seek help immediately. 

Bronchiole- Normal vs Asthmatic

    

   Eczema- a hypersensitivity reaction on the skin resulting in itchy and/or scaly rashes.  Symptoms include skin changes resulting in blisters with oozing and crusting, ear discharge/bleeding, itchiness, skin color changes, skin redness/inflammation around blisters, and thickened or leather-like areas on the skin.

Eczema lesion on hand

On your visit…

Make sure you list your symptoms which includes ones that are old and new. Tell your doctor about lifestyle changes you had to make in order to accommodate these symptoms and what you have done to help alleviate. Make sure to include all medications (OTC, prescription, and even herbal remedies). Depending on severity and types of symptoms you may have allergy skin testing or even see a ENT (ear nose and throat) specialists. Also, make sure to write down questions you might have prior to your visit and don’t be afraid to ask.