Spring has arrived bringing along renewal and the need to get out and enjoy nature. Spring for some people though, who suffer from allergic rhinitis, is a very difficult season, as it puts them in a constant challenge with the circulating allergens that cause them irritating symptoms.
Allergic rhinitis, also called hay fever, is an allergic reaction that causes sneezing, congestion, itchy nose and sore throat. Pollen, pet dander, mold and insects are the allergens responsible for these symptoms.
When do people get allergic rhinitis?
These symptoms can occur at any time of the year. Seasonal allergies occur in the spring, summer and early fall when trees and weeds bloom and pollen counts are higher. Perennial allergies can happen year-round. They result from irritants that are always around, such as pet dander, cockroaches and dust mites.
How is Hay Fever Treated?
Acupuncture for Allergic Rhinitis
The goal of treatment is to achieve maximum symptomatic relief with as few side effects as possible. The most practical and effective treatment is based on avoiding allergens and alleviating symptoms with drugs, such as corticosteroids, decongestants, antihistamines etc.
Acupuncture: allergic rhinitis can be treated with acupuncture as it can relieve symptoms, starting from the first session. This holistic therapy can also increase the intervals between flare-ups.
If there is a seasonal distribution of the disease, it is advisable to repeat the treatment protocol before the onset of symptoms, but with fewer acupuncture sessions.
This ancient method strengthens the body’s immune system as a whole, thus helping it to react better to allergenic stimuli.
References
- Small, P., Keith, P.K. & Kim, H. Allergic rhinitis. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol 14 (Suppl 2), 51 (2018).
- McDonald JL, Smith PK, Smith CA, Changli Xue C, Golianu B, Cripps AW; Mucosal Immunology Research Group. Effect of acupuncture on house dust mite specific IgE, substance P, and symptoms in persistent allergic rhinitis. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2016 Jun;116(6):497-505.
- Chen YD, Jin XQ, Yu MH, Fang Y, Huang LQ. Acupuncture for moderate to severe allergic rhinitis: A non-randomized controlled trial. Chin J Integr Med. 2016 Jul;22(7):518-24.
- Wen CY, Liu YF, Zhou L, Zhang HX, Tu SH.
A Systematic and Narrative Review of Acupuncture Point Application Therapies in the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma during Dog Days. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:846851.
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