Allergies are symptomatic manifestations due to an abnormal and excessive reaction of the immune system. The body produces antibodies or releases substances against certain elements, perceived at that moment as harmful (allergens), which for most people are in fact harmless.
The areas most involved in these reactions are:
- airways
- nasal mucous membranes
- skin
- eyes
The most widespread allergic manifestation is rhinitis, or hay fever. Let’s find out more!
- Allergic rhinitis: the most frequent manifestation
- Symptoms and risk factors of allergic rhinitis
- Natural remedies and useful advice in the event of allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis: the most frequent manifestation
Allergic rhinitis, often referred to by the name hay fever, is an inflammation of the nasal cavity. The triggering factors of this condition are airborne molecules known as inhalant allergens:
- grass and tree pollens
- certain moulds
- dust mites
- animal hair
It is caused by an exaggerated antigen-antibody reaction, during which the immune cells release antibodies (IgE) and inflammatory substances into the nasal mucosa.
The end effect is therefore nasal congestion due to the dilation of the blood vessels, sneezing and abundant mucus secretion.
Allergic rhinitis is one of the most widespread allergic respiratory conditions1:
- Worldwide it is estimated that at least 500 million people suffer from it
- In Europe the prevalence stands at around 23% of the population, but at least 45% of cases go undiagnosed.
- In Italy the estimated prevalence is, in line with the European figure, between 16 and 25% of the population
It is very important to treat rhinitis properly, because if it becomes chronic it can represent a real risk for the development of allergic asthma, an even more serious disease for the respiratory system.
Symptoms and risk factors of allergic rhinitis
The main symptoms of allergic rhinitis are:
- increased nasal secretions
- itchy nose
- repeated sneezing
- swollen, watering eyes
- headache
- dry throat
- shortness of breath
- a sense of weakness and confusion
What sets it apart from an ordinary cold? The difference between the two is to be found in the cause that triggers them and in the duration of the symptoms.
A cold has a viral origin, occurs mostly during the winter season and lasts from three to five days.
Allergic rhinitis, on the other hand, is caused by specific allergens and its manifestations last much longer. For example, with an allergy to grass pollen you can have symptoms for two or three months, while if the problem is dust, they can last all year round!
Risk factors for the development of allergic rhinitis:
- environmental pollution
- cases of allergy in the family history
- asthma
- early exposure to household allergens (for example mites and animal dander)
- early weaning
- high blood levels of IgE immunoglobulins
- excessive hygiene standards
Natural remedies and useful advice in the event of allergic rhinitis
One aspect to keep in mind at all times is prevention, in other words “acting in advance”. Since these are hypersensitivity phenomena with excessive reactions of the immune system, as well as countering the troublesome symptom it is important to act on the immune system ahead of time, especially in the case of sensitivity to pollens.
What should you do?
- Limit contact with the allergen (e.g. do not stay outdoors too long during the flowering season, wash fabrics and surfaces frequently in the case of dust allergy, wash your hands and face thoroughly when you get home).
- Support the body with an immune-modulating action so as to limit reactivity to the allergen and at the same time optimise the normal responses to pathogens.
- Use a natural support not only in the acute phase but also in the period preceding the encounter with the allergen, which in most cases is seasonal.
To find out which plant, or allergen, you are sensitive to, you can have allergy tests carried out and then consult an allergist about the treatment to follow, so that it is as personalised as possible.
Among the natural remedies that can prove useful in the event of allergic rhinitis, there are plant extracts able to:
- support the immune system;
- act on the wellbeing of the nose and throat and promote the wellbeing of the respiratory tract;
- act on the manifestations of allergies (e.g. congestion).
For example the extracts of Scutellaria and Perilla, which are useful for supporting the immune defences of the body.
Specifically, a double-blind clinical study2 reported that supplementation with Perilla extract in patients with seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (SAR) produces, after 21 days:
- An improvement in itchy nose, watering eyes, itchy eyes and total symptoms;
- a significant reduction in the number of neutrophils and eosinophils in the nasal lavage fluid.
Perilla can therefore prove an excellent ally in the treatment of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, above all through the inhibition of the infiltration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes into the nasal tissues.
The phytocomplex of Scutellaria, on the other hand, is very well known for its marked anti-inflammatory property3. The literature reports its ability to inhibit inflammatory cytokines and other mediators of inflammation3. This type of action is able to produce a balancing and normalising effect on the inflammatory cascade, which is essential in situations of allergic reactivity.
The extracts of Blackcurrant and Elderberry, meanwhile, support the wellbeing of the nose and throat and promote the wellbeing of the respiratory tract.
A very interesting study carried out by the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of the Kyoto Red Cross Hospital4 highlights precisely the positive use of Blackcurrant on the manifestations of Japanese Cedar pollinosis, countering the worsening of symptoms.
Finally, Ginger extract too can prove a precious ally for those who suffer from allergic rhinitis. A clinical study5 published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapy has in fact suggested that Ginger extract could represent an alternative treatment for people who suffer from allergic rhinitis. It proved able to act favourably on nasal symptoms, without causing side effects such as drowsiness, tiredness, dizziness and constipation.
For a complete approach, then, Perilla, Scutellaria, Blackcurrant, Elderberry and Ginger are a perfect synergy!
In the case of seasonal allergies it is advisable to start using these extracts 1 or 2 months before the critical flowering period. In situations of chronic allergies, on the other hand, a six-month approach is preferable for the first 3 years of treatment.
We hope we have given you some additional information that will help you to assess and choose the best product based on natural extracts useful in the event of allergic manifestations.