What you Need to Know about Allergies

What about you need to Know About Allergies

Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Management

Allergies are among the most common chronic conditions worldwide. Allergy symptoms range from making you miserable to putting you at risk for life-threatening reactions.  Spring means flower buds and blooming trees — and if you're one of the millions of people who have seasonal allergies, it also means sneezing, congestion, a runny nose and other bothersome symptoms. Seasonal allergies — also called hay fever and allergic rhinitis — can make you miserable.

Allergy Diagnosis

If you have allergy symptoms, an allergist / immunologist, often referred to as an allergist, can help with a diagnosis.  An allergist has advanced training and experience to properly diagnose your condition and prescribe an allergy treatment and management plan to help you feel better and live better.

Developing adult-onset allergies — from seasonal allergies to food allergies — is possible no matter how old you are.  Allergies develop when your immune system mistakenly identifies a substance such as pollen, mold, animal dander, or food as harmful.  That substance is referred to as an allergen.  When you're exposed to the allergen again, these antibodies can release a number of immune system chemicals, such as histamine, that cause allergy symptoms.

Allergic reactions begin in our immune systems.  Our immune systems protect us from invading organisms that can cause illness.  However, if you have an allergy, your immune system mistakes an otherwise harmless substance as an invader.  This substance is called an allergen.  The immune system overreacts to the allergen by producing Immunoglobulin E antibodies. These antibodies travel to cells that release histamine and other chemicals, causing the allergic reaction.

Allergy Symptoms

With the season of sniffling and sneezing in full swing, you may be surprised to discover that what you thought you knew about seasonal allergies may not be true.  You’re not alone.  An estimated 40 to 60 million people in the U.S. suffer from allergic rhinitis (aka hay fever).  Yet many have misconceptions about seasonal allergies.

One of the biggest mistakes people make about allergies is to  assume that it’s a trivial condition – it’s certainly not trivial to the people who have it.  Along with causing considerable discomfort, seasonal allergies can disrupt sleep, cause fatigue and lost of productivity.

An allergic reaction typically triggers symptoms in the nose, lungs, throat, sinuses, ears, lining of the stomach or on the skin. For some people, allergies can also trigger symptoms of asthma. In the most serious cases, a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis (an-a-fi-LAK-sis) can occur.

Common seasonal allergy symptoms include:

Congestion
Post-nasal drip
Excess mucus production
Sneezing
Runny nose
Itchy, watery eyes
Scratchy throat
Tickle/irritation in the ears
Decreased concentration and focus
Decreased decision-making
Exhaustion and sleep disorders
Mood swings
Irritability
Low blood pressure
Asthma
Hives
Eczema
Middle ear infections

Allergy Causing Culprits

A number of different allergens are responsible for allergic reactions. Every tree, flower and weed releases pollen, but not all individuals have heightened sensitivity or allergic reactions to all pollens. It’s important to pay attention and recognize what triggers your allergy symptoms. For some people, cottonwood trees and ragweed are the problems, while for others it’s grass or ragweed.

The most common include:

•    Pollen
•    Dust
•    Food
•    Insect stings
•    Animal dander
•    Mold
•    Medications
•    Latex

How to Relieve Allergy symptoms

Common allergy triggers include: Airborne allergens, such as pollen, animal dander, dust mites and mold.For allergy sufferers, the best treatment is to avoid the offending allergens altogether. This may be possible if the allergen is a specific food, like peanuts, which can be cut out of the diet, but not when the very air we breathe is loaded with allergens, such as ragweed pollen. Air purifiers, filters, humidifiers, and conditioners provide varying degrees of relief, but none is 100 percent effective. Various over-the-counter or prescription medications offer relief, too.

• Antihistamines. These medications counter the effects of histamine, the substance that makes eyes water and noses itch and causes sneezing during allergic reactions. Sleepiness was a problem with the first generation of antihistamines, but the newest drugs do not cause such a problem.
• Nasal glucocorticoids — Nasal glucocorticoids (steroids) delivered by a nasal spray are the first-line treatment for the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. These drugs have few side effects and dramatically relieve symptoms in most people. Studies have shown that nasal glucocorticoids are more effective than oral antihistamines for symptom relief 
• Nasal steroids. These anti-inflammatory sprays help decrease inflammation, swelling, and mucus production. They work well in combination with antihistamines and, in low doses for brief periods of time, are relatively free of side effects.
• Cromolyn sodium. A nasal spray, cromolyn sodium can help stop hay fever, perhaps by blocking release of histamine and other symptom-producing chemicals. It has few side effects.
• Decongestants. Available in capsule and spray form, decongestants thin nasal secretions and can reduce swelling and sinus discomfort. Intended for short-term use, they are usually used in combination with antihistamines. Long-term usage of spray decongestants can actually make symptoms worse, while decongestant pills do not have this problem.
• Immunotherapy. Immunotherapy (allergy shots) might provide relief for patients who don’t find relief with antihistamines or nasal steroids. They alter the body’s immune response to allergens, thereby helping to prevent allergic reactions
• Reduce your exposure to allergy triggers--Stay indoors on dry, windy days. The best time to go outside is after a good rain, which helps clear pollen from the air.Delegate lawn mowing, weed pulling and other gardening chores that stir up allergens.  Remove clothes you've worn outside and shower to rinse pollen from your skin and hair.Don't hang laundry outside — pollen can stick to sheets and towels.  Wear a pollen mask if you do outside chores.Take extra steps when pollen counts are high.  Check your local weather forecast for pollen forecasts and current pollen levels.  If high pollen counts are forecasted, start taking allergy medications before your symptoms start.  Close doors and windows at night or any other time when pollen counts are high.  Avoid outdoor activity in the early morning when pollen counts are highest.Keep indoor air clean.  Use the air conditioning in your house and car.  If you have forced air heating or air conditioning in your house, use high-efficiency filters and follow regular maintenance schedules.  Keep indoor air dry with a dehumidifier.  Use a portable high-efficiency particulate air filter in your bedroom.Clean floors often with a vacuum cleaner that has a filter.
• Rinse your sinuses.  Rinsing your nasal passages with saline solution (nasal irrigation) is a quick, inexpensive and effective way to relieve nasal congestion. Rinsing directly flushes out mucus and allergens from your nose.

Interested in alternative treatments? Consider these...

• A number of natural remedies have been used to treat hay fever symptoms. Treatments that may help include extracts of the shrub butterbur and spirulina (a type of dried algae). However, the benefits and safety aren't clear.
• Some people claim acupuncture can help with seasonal allergy symptoms. There's some evidence that acupuncture works, and there's little evidence of harm.
• Visit a trusted Esthetician for a lymphatic drain or pressure point massage and hot steam to alleviate congestion-steam can help combat that congestion, giving you relief when you need it most.  Inhaling steam — a natural remedy as ancient as a pot of steam boiling on an open fire — is reputed to clear congestion, improve breathing and kill off cold viruses, which are sensitive to heat. The most common cause of colds, the rhinovirus, is inactivated at temperatures above 109 degrees Fahrenheit according to laboratory studies. Steam can be incredibly helpful if you suffer from a cold, wheezing chest, sinus discomfort, and other ailments.  This is where lymphatic drainage or sinus massage comes into play.  It's basically a type of holistic therapy that gives your lymphatic system a "tune up." By manually stimulating the increased flow of lymphatic fluid, it can reinvigorate your immune system and sweep out harmful toxins.
• Use Essential Oil Therapy

How Do Essential Oils Fight Allergies?

An allergic reaction begins in the immune system. An allergen is a substance that tricks the immune system — making it think that the allergen is an invader. The immune system then overreacts to the allergen, which is really a harmless substance, and produces Immunoglobulin E antibodies. These antibodies travel to cells that release histamine and other chemicals, causing the allergic reaction.

One of the most amazing benefits of essential oils are their ability to fight inflammation and boost the immune system. Essential oils for allergies will help to detoxify the body and fight infections, bacteria, parasites, microorganisms and harmful toxins. They reduce the bodies susceptibility to outside sources and reduce the overreaction of the immune system when it is faced with a harmless intruder. Some exceptional essential oils even work to relieve respiratory conditions and increase sweat and urination — helping with the elimination of toxins.

Top 5 Essential Oils for Allergies

1. Peppermint Oil

Inhaling diffused peppermint oil can oftentimes immediately unclog the sinuses and offer relief to scratchy throats. Peppermint acts as an expectorant and provides relief for allergies, as well as colds, coughs, sinusitis, asthma and bronchitis. It has the power to discharge phlegm and reduce inflammation — a leading cause of allergic reactions.

Remedy: Diffuse five drops of peppermint essential oil at home to unclog sinuses and treat a scratchy throat. This will also help to relax the nasal muscles, enabling the body to clear out mucus and allergens like pollen. To reduce inflammation, take 1–2 drops of pure peppermint essential oil internally once a day.

It can be added to a glass of water, cup of tea or smoothie. Peppermint oil can also be applied topically to the chest, back of neck and temples. For people with sensitive skin, it is best to dilute peppermint with coconut or jojoba oil before topical application.

2. Basil Oil

Basil essential oil reduces the inflammatory response of allergens. It also supports the adrenal glands, which are involved in producing over 50 hormones that drive almost every bodily function. Essentially, basil essential oil is helping your body to react appropriately to a threat by rushing blood to your brain, heart and muscles.

Basil oil also helps to detoxify the body of bacteria and viruses, while fighting inflammation, pain and fatigue. Studies prove that basil oil shows antimicrobial activity and can kill bacteria, yeast and mold that can lead to asthma and respiratory damage.

Remedy: To fight inflammation and regulate the overreaction of the immune system when faced with an allergen, take one drop of basil oil internally by adding it to soup, salad dressing or any other dish. To support the respiratory system, dilute 2–3 drops of basil oil with equal parts coconut oil and apply topically to the chest, back of neck and temples.

3. Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil opens up the lungs and sinuses, thereby improving circulation and reducing symptoms of allergies. Studies have shown that it produces a cold sensation in the nose that helps to improve airflow.

Eucalyptus contains citronellal, which has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects; it also works as an expectorant, helping to cleanse the body of toxins and harmful microorganisms that are acting as allergens.

Remedy: To treat respiratory issues associated with allergies, diffuse five drops of eucalyptus at home or apply it topically to the chest and temples. To clear the nasal passages and relieve congestion, pour a cup of boiling water into a bowl and add 1–2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil. Then place a towel over your head and inhale deeply for 5–10 minutes.

4. Lemon Oil

Lemon oil supports lymphatic system drainage and helps with overcoming respiratory conditions. Studies have shown that lemon essential oil inhibits the growth of bacteria and boosts the immune system. When diffused at home, lemon oil can kill bacteria and eliminate allergy triggers in the air.

Adding 1–2 drops of lemon essential oil to water also helps with pH balance. Lemon water improves immune function and detoxifies the body. It stimulates the liver and flushes out toxins that can lead to inflammation and an over-reactive immune system. Lemon water also stimulates white blood cell production, which is vital for immune system function because it helps to protect the body.

Lemon essential oil can also be used to disinfect your home, without depending on alcohol or bleach. It will remove bacteria and pollutants from your kitchen, bedroom and bathroom — reducing the triggers inside of your home and keeping the air clean for you and your family. This can be especially helpful as the seasons change and allergens from outside are being brought into your house on shoes and clothes.

Remedy: Add lemon oil to your laundry detergent, mix a couple of drops with water and spray it on your couches, sheets, curtains and carpets.

5. Tea Tree Oil

This powerful oil can destroy airborne pathogens that cause allergies. Diffusing tea tree oil in the home will kill mold, bacteria and fungi. It is an antiseptic agent and it has anti-inflammatory properties. Tea tree oil can be applied to the skin to kill bacteria and microorganisms; it can also be used as a household cleaner to disinfect the home and eliminate allergens.

Remedy: Use tea tree oil on skin rashes and hives or as a household cleaner. When using tea tree topically, add 2–3 drops to a clean cotton ball and gently apply to the area of concern. For people with sensitive skin, dilute tea tree with a carrier oil first, like coconut or jojoba oil.

How to Use Essential Oils for Allergies

• Food Allergies — Take 1–2 drops of lemon or peppermint oil internally to relieve the symptoms of a food allergy. This will help to detoxify the body and eliminate the allergens through sweat or urination.
• Skin Rash & Hives — Use tea tree or basil oil topically to treat skin rashes and hives. Add 2–3 drops to a cotton ball and apply to the affected area. Layering oils over the liver area is another way to treat skin irritations because it helps the liver to flush out toxins that burden the skin. Dilute 3–4 drops of tea tree oil with coconut oil and rub it into the liver area.
• Seasonal Allergies — Disinfect your home with lemon and tea tree oil; this will eliminate triggers and cleanse the air and your furniture. Add 40 drops of lemon oil and 20 drops of tea tree oil to a 16-ounce spray bottle. Fill the bottle with pure water and a little bit of white vinegar and spray the mixture on any area in your home.
• Allergy Blend — Combine 2–3 drops of peppermint, eucalyptus and lavender oil with one teaspoon of coconut oil and massage the mixture into the temples, behind the ears and into the bottoms of the feet.

Possible Side Effects

When using these special essential oil for allergies, don’t take tea tree oil internally.  It’s best to use tea tree aromatically or topically. When using any of these oils topically, dilute with a carrier oil, especially when using on sensitive skin or one sensitive areas, like under the eyes or on the neck.

When using essential oils internally, a little goes a long way. Only consume 1–2 drops a day for one month. Then take a two-week break and start the treatment again.


In conclusion, don't panic...you are not alone and there are various ways to get relief for the pain caused by allergens.  If one way doesn't work try a combination.  There is hope for these seasons yet!