Acupuncture for Hay Fever Ferntree Gully
Hay fever also called allergic rhinitis refers to the symptoms people suffer when exposed to particular pollens. 15% of the Adult population in Australia struggle with Hay fever during spring, which means itchy watery eyes, itchy throat and sneezing! With a temperate climate, Melbourne usually has a short but intense grass pollen season, peaking late in spring (October to November). In some unlucky few seasonal allergies are not so seasonal, occurring year round. Typical symptoms include;
- itchy eyes & throat
- runny nose
- sneezing
- sinus congestion or infection
- headache
- poor sleep
- loss of concentration
Hay fever can lead to inflammation of the sinuses and impaired nasal drainage. these circumstances can lead to the predisposition to developing sinusitis as a secondary infection. Sinusitis itself is the inflammation and infection of the sinuses, leading to the swelling of the sinus tissues and narrowing of the sinus spaces and the excessive production 0f mucous. The nasal discharge will often be purulent and either yellow or green.
What causes hay fever?
Hay fever is caused by an over-reaction of your own body’s immune system when confronted with allergens such as grass, pollen, animal dander, dust and fungal spores. When your body encounters the allergen, your body’s immune system fights the substance, releasing substances such as histamine that dilates blood vessels, contracts muscles and increases white blood cells, creating the symptoms of hay fever in the respiratory tract.
Acupuncture May Reduce Sinus Inflammation and the Allergic Immune Response
Acupuncture also appears to have an effect upon the immune system. It appears that in addition to acupuncture treatment resulting in improvement of hay fever and sinus symptoms, it also resulted in reductions in total IgE and dust Mite specific IgE. Acupuncture also seemingly has an effect on reducing substance P – a marker that is related to inflammation (2).
