WHAT IS HAYFEVER?

Hayfever is the commonest form of allergy in the UK affecting up to 20% of the population, which could be up to 10 million sufferers. Hayfever is an allergy to pollen. Grass pollen is the most common culprit for producing hay fever symptoms, but tree pollen, flower pollen, and fungal spores (the fungus equivalent of pollen) also produce the same symptoms in sensitive people. When the system is exposed to the allergen (pollen) the body releases large numbers of antibodies to fight the allergen. These antibodies also produce histamine which causes swelling and irritation of the mucous membranes.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Inflammation of the lining of the nose is the most common feature, because the inhaled allergens (pollens, etc) are trapped by the natural mucus and filter system of the nose. A continued exposure to these allergens alters the nasal sensitivity, so that eventually even smaller quantities of the same allergens can cause ongoing symptoms. Sneezing is a very prominent feature, accompanied by itching and watery eyes, as well as, on occasions, photophobia or intolerance of light and intense itching of the nose. In around 30% of cases it causes wheezing and breathlessness known as pollen asthma.

HOW DOES IT AFFECT CHILDREN?

Hayfever is rare in the under fives but is commonly found in teenagers. Children who have a family history of such diseases as asthma or eczema are more likely to get hayfever. Nasal obstruction often leads to poor concentration, hearing difficulties, a cough that may be worse at night and in the morning, poor appetite and disturbed sleeping patterns – a bit like having a permanent ‘head cold’. This can greatly affect children’s fun in the summer months and they can feel wiped out for weeks on end.

HOW TO TREAT HAYFEVER NATURALLY

Many people use anti-histamines to treat their hayfever but there are natural alternatives available for you to try that are effective and can help your child have a happier and healthier summer.

In my opinion homeopathy is the best form of treatment for hayfever.
Homeopathy can be used alongside or instead of conventional medicine.
Homeopathy can treat hayfever at any time of the year but for the best results it should be treated before the season starts.
Homeopathy is safe for children but it is best to see an experienced practitioner.
Vitamin C combined with bioflavonoid or quercetin is a natural anti-inflammatory and will strengthen the immune system and can reduce the reaction to pollen.
The dosage will have to be adjusted according to the child’s age so it is best to get a vitamin C that is made for children.
Herbs such as butterbur or nettle may help but always check the dosage when treating a child.

It may be best to go to your local health store and get a supplement especially for children with Hay Fever.

GENERAL ADVICE

Do
Keep windows closed at night

Try to minimise early morning outdoor activities (Pollen is at its highest from 5am until 10am)

Keep car windows closed, and use ‘re-circulated’rather than fresh air when travelling.

Limit outside activity when humidity is high or there is wind.

Take beach holidays, preferably during the height of the pollen season – here the onshore breeze during the day will keep pollens inland.

Try to avoid farms and orchards.

Don’t

Allow children to play around freshly mown lawns; this disturbs the contained pollens and moulds.

Allow children to play with fallen or raked leaves – for the same reason.

Don’t use bed linen that has been dried on an outside line – pollens and moulds may well have collected on these.

Case Study

Child A
a boy of 11 years old came to my clinic with typical hayfever symptoms of a runny nose, sore itchy red eyes and feeling tired during the summer months.
He came in May when the season had already started. I diagnosed that the allergy was to a mixture or tree and grass pollen.
I treated him homeopathically with his constitutional remedy and a remedy made of tree and grass pollen to help his body cope with the pollen.
He also took 500mg of vitamin C with bioflavonoid twice a day. His symptoms were 50% better during the summer and I advised his mother to bring him in again in February of the next year.
He returned in February and I again gave him a mixture of homeopathic tree and grass pollen and his constitutional remedy and again advised him to take Vitamin C over the summer months.
His symptoms were again reduced to the point that he only had occasional hayfever in the mornings and only in June and July.
With continued treatment over the next couple of years I expect the symptoms to completely disappear.

For further information please contact Samantha Hurst N.C.
Email: samanthahurst@naturopathy.wanadoo.co.uk or to book an appointment call 01268 741000