Hay fever allergies produce some of the most persistent and irritating conditions that when continued will often cause mental stress in addition. What can appear to others to be a rather simple reaction to pollen, dust and other irritants in the environment, can assume immense proportions to those suffering severe attacks.
Many who are trying to cope with alternate running nose or dry, itchy nostrils, inflamed and itchy eyes and roof of the mouth, painful sinuses, coughing, wheezing or asthma cannot easily cope with the regular matters of daily life and work. If one symptom or two would appear at any time to demand relief it would be easier but when things get bad, ten to one all these symptoms take their turn and then we are apt to become miserable indeed.
Medication is offered by pharmaceutical products such as anti-histamine tablets, inhalants and ‘puffers’ to open the airways. These can be employed as part of a preventative programme prior to the seasons that are suspected of causing most allergies, or can be used for immediate relief in times of stress when the allergic reactions really are acute. However, as with all drugs, there are side effects and certain cautions that must be observed.
There are many who are grateful for the relief given by anti-histamines and puffers. However, the prospect of having to rely upon these remedies is not a good idea. It is pretty easy to be tempted to succumb to habitual use but it is better to find other options and seek other ways. We would be wise to investigate the value of acupuncture treatment, herbal remedies, homeopathic medicines, nutritional adjustments, the inclusion of garlic, yoghurt, oats, salads and seaweeds in our diet as well as avoiding the obvious catarrh forming foods such as breads and dairy produce.
Having experienced extreme symptoms in spite of taking anti-histamines and the puffer, I can only offer a few hints for additional possible assistance when enduring the various unpleasant symptoms of hay fever.
Frozen peas in a plastic sandwich bag and wrapped in tissue or paper towel is invaluable when gently placed over your eyes and nose when itching, sneezing or when inflammation makes breathing and comfort impossible. Not too many peas – just enough to mould to the area you wish to treat.
Inhaling peppermint oil, eucalyptus or pine brings comfort and a feeling of freer airways, but usually only gives temporary relief in between the use of the puffer.
Drinking herbal teas such as chamomile or nettle leaf tea is comforting.
Garlic sliced onto a thin piece of bread or biscuit daily is guaranteed to ease the state of your lungs after a few days rather than providing immediate relief. Thousands of people use garlic for this purpose.
When the throat itches or coughing is threatening, a teaspoon of honey is soothing.
If wheezing develops into asthmatic spasm and you wish to avoid another use of the puffer, press the fist into the solar plexus region between the ribs, beneath the sternum, until you feel with fist or fingers the muscular seat of the spasm and apply pressure for a few seconds. This can provide an effective alternative, giving you time to regulate the breath and return to a gentler breathing pattern once more.