Spring Allergies: New Approaches

Spring is in the air, and soon allergy season will be in full swing for millions of Americans.

This time of year, as the days get a little longer and the weather gets a little warmer, the air fills up with pollen and other allergens as flowers bloom, and allergies return with a vengeance.

For the estimated 40 million Americans with seasonal allergies, spring kicks off months of hay-fever misery and medication.

In some cases, conventional remedies aren't enough to provide adequate relief. A recent survey found that 62 percent of allergy sufferers would also consider alternative medicines to help control their symptoms.

This month's Health Magazine looks at some alternative approaches, and contributing editor Liz Weiss fills in viewers of The Early Show.

There are several drug treatments available, both over-the-counter and by prescription, to treat allergies, including nasal steroids, antihistamines and decongestants. You should talk to your doctor to find the best treatment.

Antihistamines can be very helpful for itchy eyes and a runny nose, but may not relieve nasal congestion. Some can also cause drowsiness.

But, Weiss points out, alternative medicine is worth a try in many cases as well.

Acupuncture has been shown in some studies to reduce the number of allergy-related immune system cells, which suggests that it moderates the immune system's response to whatever you're allergic to. It's the most popular form of alternative allergy treatment.

Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years, but how it works isn't fully understood yet. The process involves placing needles in certain points in the body to stimulate the areas and dampen the immune reaction. Some people in studies on acupuncture and allergies said, after undergoing acupuncture, they needed less medication to control their symptoms and experienced fewer of them.

One theory is that acupuncture prompts the brain to release pain-relieving endorphins and chemicals that control blood flow, which helps reduce congestion.

Herbal and dietary supplements may also be used to relieve allergy symptoms, as long as you have a doctor's blessing. Butterbur is an herbal supplement extracted from a flowering shrub that was shown in a small study to provide the same kind of relief as an antihistamine.

Plant chemicals called flavonoids are also useful for some people. Flavonoids can be found naturally in foods such as apples, bananas and onions. A grape seed extract called quercetin is a flavonoid available in supplement form. They can reduce the inflammation that leads to sinus trouble. Flavonoids haven't been fully proven.

Another dietary component that might help with allergies is the Omega-3 fatty acid group found in fish and other foods. A small study showed fewer hay fever symptoms when more Omega-3 fat was consumed.

Homeopathy is the practice of taking tiny trace amounts of natural substances like pollen to relieve ailments. Often, the substance is diluted to almost nothing, so many people question whether homeopathy has any effect at all. But others claim it works, and there are some studies that show benefits for allergy relief from sneezing and a stuffy nose. Because the quantities involved are so small, it's probably not going to affect you negatively. Many agree it can't really hurt to try it.

It's critical to consult with your doctor before you embark on any alternative therapy regimen. It's also useful to consult with an allergist to get a test to determine exactly what you're allergic to and take steps to avoid contact with it as much as possible.

It's especially important to seek medical guidance if your allergies trigger asthma in you.

Each season brings different irritants. In the spring, it's tree pollen; in the summer, the culprit is mainly grass; in the fall, weeds are usually the biggest cause.

Allergy symptoms typically begin in early childhood, and often peak between the ages of 20 and 40.

The likelihood that a person will have an allergic reaction depends on a variety of factors, including the type and intensity of allergen exposure, and genetic factors. Surveys have shown that only half of sufferers consider their allergies a serious medical condition, and many sufferers don't consult with a doctor about managing their allergies. In many cases, people confuse allergies with colds.

Allergic reactions range from mild ones (like sneezing) to more serious and potentially life-threatening problems (like asthma). The most common are runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, wheezing, sore throat, nasal congestion and coughing. Skin irritations and breathing problems can also develop.

Although many of these symptoms are relatively mild, over time, they can cause fatigue, insomnia and problems with concentration and work performance. They can also increase the risk of ear infections and sinusitis.