Spring has well and truly sprung here in the beautiful South West of WA. In fact, we noticed it the most last weekend when my kids and I ventured out for a mountain bike ride through the bush. So many lovely wildflowers and pollens in the air - there was many a sneeze or two amongst us.
Also known as allergic rhinitis or pollinosis, hayfever is an allergic reaction triggered by allergens such as dust, pollen, mites, grasses, moulds, animal fur/hair and/or air pollution. The condition tends to occur seasonally with outdoor allergens starting early spring and lasting well into autumn. It is estimated that hayfever and allergies affect over 3 million Australians, of varying degrees of severity.
Hay fever occurs when allergens become trapped in the fine hairs and mucous membranes of the nasal passages, mouth, throat and lungs. The immune system reacts by stimulating the release of the antibody Immunoglobin E (IgE), which is designed to fight and eliminate the allergens. Histamine is then released from the IgE to flush the allergens out of the airways, which produces a list of symptoms described below.
Symptoms of Hay fever
Common symptoms of Hay fever include:
- Coughing
- Headaches
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Itching of nose, mouth, eyes, throat, ear and skin
- Impaired smell
- Wheezing
- Red and watery eyes
- Stuffy and runny nose
- Fatigue
- Sleeping problems.
The therapeutic aromas of essential oils may relieve hayfever attacks. They are best heated in an oil burner, inhaled on a hanky or over a steaming bucket of hot water. Popular essential oils for hayfever include:
- Eucalyptus
- Tee Tree oil
- Roman chamomile
- Lemon
- Lavender
- Geranium
- Rosemary
- Peppermint
Massage is an ideal therapy to compliment more conventional hay fever treatments by utilising reflexology, acupressure and lymphatic drainage techniques. Massage of the head, face, neck and shoulders and thoracic region with essential oils can be effective way to soothe and relax the body, promoting good drainage and circulation and releasing stress and tension, thus easing the symptoms of hay fever. In particular, targeted massage therapy treatments may help to ease hay fever associated congestion, headaches and sinus pain.
Be well, and change the way your body feels.
Nicola
For more information on hay fever and allergies see Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy
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