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what is it?
Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose causing sneezing, itching, runny nose, watering eyes and nasal congestion. It usually develops before the age of 30 and women are more prone to develop it than men.
what causes it?
Hayfever is an allergy to airborne pollen that tends to run in families. Other family members may have eczema and asthma. Sufferers are affected most on days when the pollen count is high. Tree pollens are the chief culprits in spring, grass in summer and weeds in summer and autumn.
Exposure to pollen causes the body to produce a type of antibody called immunoglobulin (IgE) that triggers the release of inflammatory chemicals such as histamine.
how complementary therapies may help
Each therapy has been coded from 1 to 5 depending on the amount of scientific evidence there is for its effectiveness. The higher the number the stronger the evidence, so 5 = definitely, 4 = probably, 3 = possibly, 2 = opinion, and 1 = rumour. (There is more detail about these in the 'does it work?' section of 'before you start'.)
Having said this, the codes aren't meant to be cast in stone or to put you off trying a particular therapy or therapies if you feel they might be helpful to you.
Go to therapies for a full description of each individual treatment, plus information on how to find practitioners.
homeopathy
(code 4)
Homeopaths see hayfever as an inborn weakness and will prescribe constitutional treatment tailored to you as an individual. A homeopathic practitioner may also prescribe specific remedies for symptoms such as allium cepa, for burning, runny eyes and nose; euphrasia (eyebright), for easing sore, watering eyes; and sabadilla, for itchy, stuffy or runny nose, red eyes and sneezing.
Homeopathic dosages of the particular pollens to which an individual is sensitive may also be used. Several trials of the homeopathic remedy galphimia glauca have found it to be as effective as conventional treatments for easing sore, runny nose and eyes.
herbal medicine
(code 3)
Herbal practitioners view hayfever as part of a wider constitutional sensitivity that runs across generations of the same family. Treatments may include echinacea to strengthen the immune system, infusions of chamomile for use locally to alleviate inflammation or drunk as a tea to unblock a stuffy nose. Euphrasia (eyebright) might be recommended to reduce mucus and sneezing. Research suggests that stinging nettle can also improve symptoms.
hypnotherapy
(code 3)
A hypnotherapist may teach you exercises designed to ease congestion and make breathing easier.
acupuncture
(code 2)
Hayfever is considered to indicate a weakness of lung and kidney chi (the body's vital energy). Treatment is aimed at rebalancing the flow of chi by stimulating points on the kidney and urinary bladder meridians. It may also include points on the lung and large intestine meridians to help ease sneezing and strengthen the lungs.
aromatherapy
(code 2)
The therapist may suggest steam inhalations of essential oils such as melissa, chamomile, lavender or eucalyptus to help clear the nasal passages, ease breathing and lift the spirits.
nutritional therapy
(code 2)
Nutritional practitioners see hayfever as a sign the body's immune system is weakened as a result of poor diet, possible food allergy, pollution and stress. Treatment may involve an exclusion diet designed to eliminate any potential allergens, advice on avoiding allergens and the prescription of supplements such as magnesium and vitamin C.
» help and info
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(July 2002)
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