Everything's pretty in spring except for how allergy sufferers feel... sneezing, runny noses, scratchy eyes and if those are your only symptoms, you're lucky! Millions of people have major sinus attacks with headache and facial pain, total nasal blockage and sinus pressure.

Too often and too quickly, seasonal allergies are confused with acute rhinitis and sinusitis. We run for medications which often complicate a problem that could have been resolved naturally and with a little patience, or prevented altogether.

What's the difference and is there actually a solution?

Rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal passages with sneezing and a runny or dry, stuffy red nose. Seasonal allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, is generally caused by outdoor allergies to things like fresh-cut grass or plant pollen.

Rhinitis can result from the release of histamines, the neurotransmitter that causes symptoms of these allergies but could also result from long-time dependence on nasal sprays. Pharmaceutical decongestants lose effectiveness over time, so we use more and more to find relief. This wears down the natural defenses in nasal tissues and thickens nasal mucus, inviting bacteria and fungus that can lead to sinusitis.

Sinusitis (referring to actual sinus infection) stems from virus, fungus or bacteria. At this time of year, sinusitis kicks up due to morning and twilight dampness in the air causing mold and mildew spores, which are attracted to mucus and can start fungal growth. We feel miserable, run to the doctor for antibiotics, but antibiotics work only on bacteria, not mold or fungus.

Tips:

Avoid foods which cause thicker mucus and slower digestion: all cow's milk products, sugary baked goods, and starchy wheat (pastas, biscuits, etc.) are known culprits. Thin mucus flows properly to eliminate bacteria and fungus, and good waste elimination makes us less prone to allergies and infections.
Guard against allergies by eating papaya, garlic, blueberries, raspberries.
Take the digestive enzymes papain and bromelain, both known for prohibiting allergies. These, plus the afore-mentioned papaya.
Strengthen your immune system against allergies with extra antioxidant vitamins A, E, C, minerals Zinc and Selenium. Antioxidants keep free radicals from reaching our cells and damaging natural immunities.
The best way to keep histamines from erupting at all is with a natural homeopathic solution.

Natural Seasonal Allergy Help:

Begin above dietary rules immediately.
Drink a glass of warm water in the morning to release toxins.
Take the Aller-Sine and antioxidants. Get congestion relief with this natural steam formula:
- Garlic - 1/2 clove or 500 mg capsule
- Eucalyptus (found in vapor rub products) Â¼ teaspoon
- Tea tree oil - 2 drops
- Pau darco (a South American herb) - 2 drops or half of one 500 mg capsule (Get these last two at natural health outlets).
Dissolve ingredients into 2 cups of boiling, steaming water. Inhale deeply for 2-3 minutes twice daily until mucus loosens and expels.

If you've had longtime sinusitis or rhinitis, it will take some time to experience lasting freedom. Be persistent. You may just avoid fall's seasonal allergies!

Weekly Healthy Advice From VÄXA