Hay fever is a common allergic reaction. It brings sneezing, itchy eyes, a running nose, and other allergic symptoms. It happens when pollen and other allergens irritate the membranes of the nose and eyes. Antihistamines can aid in symptom relief. Plants emit pollen, a tiny powder that aids in fertilizing other plants. When a person with hay fever inhales pollen, histamines are released as a result of the immune system’s reaction. However, you can speak with your doctor for effective treatments.
What are hay fever symptoms?
Sneezing and nasal congestion are two major signs of allergic rhinitis. They may interfere with your nap and make it challenging to wake up before dawn.
- Runny noses and red, puffy, itchy eyes can also take place in case of hay fever.
- Symptoms of allergies also include hives (urticaria), itching lips, face, and tongue, and swelling.
- Allergic erythema is the term for the red palate (roof of the mouth). This unusual symptom can occur in those who have a severe allergic reaction. It typically occurs when grass pollen is to blame.
- Huskiness, a hoarse voice, or both during the day and at night. This is known as Recurrent laryngeal obstruction. It makes breathing through the nose challenging at night and results in a hoarse voice.
You might need to clear your throat frequently during the day if the back of your neck feels dry. It is because your nose does not perform well in moistening the back of your throat. The signs typically get worse at night. Hay fever treatment can help ease these symptoms.
- Exercise or exertion can exacerbate symptoms, especially in warm weather or when your environment is very warm or dry.
- Strong emotions such as stress, enthusiasm, and rage can often make symptoms worse.
In most cases, hay fever symptoms can be severe and involve throat constriction and breathing difficulties that may be brought on by asthma. Anaphylaxis can happen to people who have allergic rhinitis. It is an allergic reaction that could be fatal, also known as anaphylactic shock. In such cases, Adrenaline-infused medical care is urgently necessary (epinephrine).
What foods can help with hay fever?
Certain foods can bring relief to your symptoms. These include vitamin C foods, vitamin E foods, and zinc-rich food sources. Some scientific studies show that these extracts of these foods provide some protection against the pollen you breathe outdoors, which is responsible for your symptoms.
Vitamin C-rich foods
Eating vitamin C-rich fruit and vegetables may reduce the effects of pollen on your body. Vitamin C may have an anti-histamine effect, providing relief to your symptoms. However, it is not clear whether dietary vitamin C plays a role in reducing the symptoms of hay fever because there are many factors involved. It is also not clear exactly how much vitamin C you need to eat for this effect to occur.
Vitamin E-rich foods
Eating more vitamin E-rich food sources such as nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils may reduce allergic rhinitis symptoms by reducing inflammation. Moreover, vitamin E’s anti-inflammatory properties may help to reduce the symptoms. You can take Vitamin E from foods such as nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils.
Zinc-rich food sources
Eating zinc-rich foods such as lean meat or seafood halibut may reduce allergic rhinitis symptoms by reducing inflammation. Zinc is a mineral that your body needs in small amounts. You can get this mineral from foods such as lean meat, seafood, and dairy products.
Taking these preventive measures and eating supportive foods can support your hay fever remedy.
Garlic
Garlic is a natural antihistamine. It can help to reduce inflammation. Adding garlic to your diet may help to improve your symptoms.
Quercetin
Quercetin is a flavonoid that has antihistamine and antioxidant properties. You can find it in high levels in onions, apples, tea, and red wine.
Omega 3
Omega 3 fatty acids can help to reduce the production of histamines. Therefore, they may also relieve your symptoms and help with hay fever remedy. Foods rich in omega-3 include fish, such as salmon, tuna, and canola oil.
Probiotics
Probiotics are good bacteria that help to maintain healthy gut flora. It may help to reduce the severity of allergies and your symptoms.
What foods should you avoid if you have hay fever?
You should try to avoid certain foods if you have allergic rhinitis. They can worsen your symptoms. These include-
Alcohol
Alcoholic drinks such as beer, wine, and cider contain histamine. They can increase the severity of allergic reactions. However, if you do not want to give up alcohol completely, it is best to limit yourself to two units per day.
Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
MSG is a flavour enhancer that can cause hay fever-like reactions in sensitive people. Anyone with allergies to pollen and other similar substances, such as mold spores, should avoid them. Adjusting your food habits can lend you a hand in treatment.
Milk
Milk is an allergenic food. It may cause your body to produce more IgE antibodies that trigger allergies. It is best to avoid milk and dairy products if you suffer from allergies. However, if you cannot do without them, you must limit yourself to one portion per day.
Wheat
Wheat is a common food allergen that can cause various allergic symptoms, including hay fever. If you do not want to give up wheat completely, it will be best to limit yourself to eating no more than two servings per day.
In addition, other frequent food triggers of allergic rhinitis are-
- Nuts
- Soy
- Shellfish
- Eggs
These are some food habits you need to adjust. However, contact your doctor to know more about hay fever remedy and its other aspects.
