Public health authorities cite allergies as the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S. Over 50 million Americans experience allergies yearly, and they are one of the most common children’s health issues in the U.S.

Allergies can present as ailments within the body, including skin rashes such as eczema or psoriasis, asthma, and hay fever. Symptoms such as runny nose, sinus congestion, itching or watery eyes, IBS-like symptoms, ear and sinus infections, brain fog and even migraines can all be attributed to allergies.

Allergic reactions are a natural response of the body’s innate and acquired immune systems, and usually become stronger with each subsequent exposure. Different classes of antibodies are activated in an immune reaction: IgE, known for their anaphylactic or inflammatory potential (aka “true allergies”), and IgG and IgA in milder reactions (aka “sensitivities”).

These can be tested through different methods such as the skin prick test for IgE, or blood tests that measure IgE, IgG and IgA antibodies.

Most doctors specializing in allergy and immunology will only test for IgE antibodies. It’s possible these tests reveal no “allergies,” yet the patient still shows symptoms. In this scenario, consider testing IgG, IgA and for food sensitivities as these can be a culprit for the symptoms not explained by the IgE results.

To treat allergies, identify substances your body overreacts to and minimize exposure as best as possible. Common sources include: pollen, trees, grasses, dander, dust mites, mold, pharmaceutical drugs and medicines, chemical irritants, and foods we consume daily.

Conventional treatments include OTC and Rx medications to reduce the inflammatory response via anti-histamine and steroid suppressive mechanisms. Allergists may recommend the use of allergy shots. It often requires 2+ shots each week and can take 3 to 5 years to become effective.

The key to managing seasonal allergies is to address the inflammatory response at least a month before the onset of symptoms. Some natural treatment recommendations include:

• Good hygiene practices at home, such as: HEPA air purifier(s), washing bed linens in hot water weekly, keeping pets out of bedrooms
• Saline nasal rinse with Neti pot 1-2x/day
• Nasal adjustments*
• Vitamins & Supplements containing natural anti- inflammatories such as Vitamin C, Omega-3s, Quercetin and Magnesium
• Herbal tea or standardized capsules of anti-histamine plants such as Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)

*See a licensed physician for this treatment option.

This article was not intended to substitute for medical advice. Always seek a healthcare professional before starting or stopping drug, nutrient, or diet therapies.