Hay Fever

By Dr. Bhatti, M.B.B.S.D.C.H.R.C.P.S.I

Hay fever (acute seasonal allergic rhinitis) is the most common type of allergy. Symptoms include itchy red eyes also known as allergic conjunctivitis, watery discharge from the nose and eyes, sneezing, fatigue, headache and nervous irritability. Symptoms of common cold affects 30% of the population worldwide mimic post nasal drip of mucus can lead to a cough, nose bleed in severe cases. Tree and grass pollen is the cause of hay fever in spring and summer-time but perennial allergic rhinitis can be caused by some or all of the following: animal hair; dust, feathers, fungus spores and moulds, the symptoms of which can stay with you in any part of the year. Some of us are born to be allergic from birth it occurs in both males and females and anywhere in the world, hay fever is not contagious.

More than half of hay fever suffers complain of being tired, run down, irritable and find it hard to stay focused which is turn can sometimes lead to sick days and time of work. The sale of antihistamines goes considerably higher in this season.
The best defence is to avoid contact with the allergen; however this is not always possible. The use of dust mite covers on your mattress, pillows and duvet can help. Avoid cigarette smoke and using perfumed cosmetics and sprays. You can make your body better able to cope with the allergen, by removing the substances in your diet that are putting your immune system under strain. Some of the substances best avoided include: alcohol, coffee, food additives, colourings and preservatives, junk food, white flour and its products such as cakes, pastries, biscuits and buns.

Eat a well-balanced whole food diet rich in fruit and vegetables, whole grains such as brown rice and raw nuts and seeds. Foods that are rich in magnesium are thought to help prevent and reduce symptoms of hay fever. These include; bananas, kidney beans, soy beans, lima beans, almonds, whole-wheat flour, brown rice, molasses and peas. Medical needle free acupuncture and laser acupuncture can work well for allergies. We also use a combination of therapies such as mindfulness, homeopathy, CBT techniques among other therapies to help stress, anxiety and irritability.

Dr Bhatti is a medically qualified doctor who has worked in psychiatry for more than three years and was in charge of the alcoholism and addiction unit. He has also done postgraduate studies and research. He also holds a Practitioner Certificate in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with special interest in stress and stress related disorder and a diploma in child health from the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons.

Always consult your G.P. before starting any new regime or self treatment. The contents of the article are for informational purposes only and are not intended to prevent, diagnose or cure any medical conditions. We acknowledge the contribution of all authors and researchers.

Book an appointment
To meet with Dr Bhatti to discuss this condition and the therapies on offer at our clinic, call (087) 1915051 or email health@drbhatti.ie.  During your first clinic  visit, Dr. Bhatti may ask you at length about your health-conditions and lifestyle. Please consult your GP before starting new treatment.

Note: Your first consultation is  free. We have special packages tailor-made to suit you and your finances. Please ask for our special offers.