With more than 60 million Americans affected, allergens are an important health issue. We are seeing a new wave of allergens that are effecting more people. Compared to 1990, pollen season occurs 20 days earlier and stays around on average 8 days longer according to a 2021 study. Not only is the season longer, but the symptoms are more severe. Plants, grasses and trees are spraying 21% more pollen than they did 30 years ago. So what gives?

The cause is our ever changing climate. As temperatures go up and the CO2 in the environment increases, plants produce more pollen. The severity depends on where you live and the plant species that proliferate there according to William Anderegg, associate professor of biology at the University of Utah and the lead author of that 2021 study. His study found that Texas and the Midwest have taken the brunt of these increasing pollen hot spots. This new wave of allergens is nothing to sneeze about (sorry.. I had to say it!) Climate change is not in the future…but is here with every breath you take.

If the current trends continue, ragweed and grass pollen concentrations will significantly rise over the next 40 years, says research analyst Hannah Jaffee of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). One spokesperson from the AAFA, Neeta Ogden MD, states that allergy symptoms usually improve as we get older because our immune systems become less reactive with age. But climate change is robbing us of this natural protection. Unfortunately, some older adults are actually developing allergies for the first time in their lives. While others are suffering longer and more intense seasons. In many areas, high pollen counts can start in early March and go through late October (even through Halloween!). Microparticles of pollen can continue to linger into the winter season. Treating allergens can also keep you healthier when it comes to warding off viruses. That’s because if you have allergies, your airways are more reactive to viral illnesses. So suppressing flare-ups may improve your overall immunity keeping your defenses up to fight off colds and flu.

Here are some things you can do to help reduce your sneezing, coughing congested symptoms.

• Start treatment early: It’s easier to prevent your immune system from getting overwhelmed and overly aroused than it is to calm it down. So for the fall ragweed season, start treatment in August. The dates differ depending on what part of the country you live in. Consider starting with a nasal steroid spray. Over-the-counter nasal sprays include fluticasone (Flonase), triamcinolone (Nasacort) or budesonide (Rhinocort). These nasal sprays reduce nasal swelling and mucous production but can take a week to work so start early. Which one to choose? Some people find Flonase irritating because it contains alcohol so you can start with Nasacort. Anti-histamine nasal sprays are also available that treat itchy, runny nose symptoms and sneezing. These include prescription azelastine (Astelin, Astepro) and olopatadine (Patanase).
• Oral antihistamines are also effective. Most over-the-counter medications work well. They include loratadine (Claritin), fexofenadine (Allegra) which are both non-drowsy formulas. Cetirizine (Zyrtec) or levocetirizine (Xyzal) are sedating so they should be taken at night. Natural products that have antihistamine effects include Quercetin, Stinging Nettles and Vitamin C. Still suffering? Consider allergy shots or immunotherapy.
• Mask up if you are outdoors on high allergen days. Check the pollen counts daily on apps such as pollen.com, weatherbug.com and weather.com. These resources show counts and ratings for the day. If high, then try to shift outdoor activities indoors. Or you can avoid outside activities when pollen release is at its peak especially on windy and warm days. Those are 5-10AM and after 4 PM to dusk.
• Avoid indoor allergens too. The sheer load of allergens can make symptoms worse. Common indoor allergens include pollen, dust mites, dander and mold. Zip up box springs and mattresses with dust mite covers. Vacuum carpets frequently, and keep windows closed while setting up a HEPA air purifier if you are allergic to your pet. Make sure to get roof leaks fixed and keep the indoor humidity to 40% to reduce mold in your home.

Being aware of your allergens is the first step toward taking preventative measures. Speak to your practitioner or see an allergist for testing if you are unsure.

References: Migala, J. Allergies: The next wave. AARP Bulletin April 2022.

Extreme Allergies and Climate Change. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. aafa.org

 

The use of antidepressants is nothing new. One in 4 women (over age 40)  and 1 in 10 Americans take prescription antidepressants. The use of these drugs continue to skyrocket. We live in a medical model that treats symptoms instead of identifying the cause of the symptoms. And why not if you only have 10-15 minutes with a patient that barely gives you enough time to have a real discussion. 

This is why this article and many more studies are looking at the fact that an imbalance in neurotransmitters doesn’t just happen over night. There may be reasons such as infections and other sources of inflammation that may start this process of imbalance that eventually leads to fatigue, insomnia, loss of interest in things that once were pleasurable, irritability and change in appetite. These symptoms really do sound like an illness or a dis-ease. 

The most common causes of inflammation are obesity (fat cells produce inflammatory chemicals), trans fats, unhealthy diets, allergies, lack of sleep as well as emotional trauma that raises inflammatory chemicals such as cytokines and C-reactive protein. No wonder this condition is a global epidemic!

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one type of mood disorder that is being researched. They are looking at pre and post exposure to war zones and why some soldiers are effected and others are not. Researchers have uncovered measurable differences in brain structure and function that appear to predict vulnerability to the disorder and have seen changes in the brain and the immune system that reinforce one another. 

Perhaps those with a tendency towards inflammation (elevated inflammatory markers) have a higher risk of PTSD and depression if experiencing a physical (after a vaccine inoculation, viral infection or surgery) or emotional trauma (raised in an abusive environment, witnissing a fellow comrade get killed in battle)  in which the immune system is involved.

There is a growing body of research connecting inflammation and psychiatric illnesses…especially depression. Researchers are hoping not only to treat but prevent PTSD as well as other forms of depression with dietary interventions, drugs based on curcumin (derived from turmeric) and certain immune stimulating vaccines.

Will we some day actually be able to cure depression?  The research looks promising…

Reference: Velasquez-Manoff, M. Before The Trauma. Scientific American Mind. July/Aug 2015, pp. 56-63. 

 

New Research Discovers That Depression Is An Allergic Reaction To Inflammation: “”

The month of May means being outside in the warm beautiful weather. It also has its health problems with symptoms of fatigue, sore throat and cough. These can be symptoms of allergies or upper respiratory infections.  How can you tell the difference? 

Many of my patients will have certain antidotes they use to treat the first signs of a cold. If they’ve tried these and find no relief, then it’s time to question if something else is the cause. Is it really a cold, or is it allergies? Allergies can develop even if you’ve never had them before. 

Allergy symptoms can include sneezing, watery eyes, nasal congestion, post nasal drip and cough. But not always…

Respiratory infections such as a cold (viral) can also include sneezing, nasal congestion, sore throat, cough and fatigue. The difference is usually fever and/or body aches. Fever is not a symptom of allergies. Viruses usually last anywhere from 3-14 days and the treatment involves treating your symptoms (Not antibiotics).

Allergies on the other hand, can last for months if it’s seasonal or throughout the year if you are constantly exposed to the allergen such as dust, fragrances or your pets. Unfortunately if you have asthma, both colds or allergies can trigger symptoms.  

Things you can do:

1. Nasal rinses help both allergies and colds. Use 1/4 tsp of sea salt and 1 pinch of baking soda in 1 cup of warm filtered or spring water. Rinse your nose using a Nettie Pot or just cup your hand and scoop out some of this water and sniff in your nose gently. Spit out water that goes to the back of the throat and repeat until what you are spitting out is clear. Then gently blow your nose. I recommend doing this 2-3X/day.

2. If you have been around someone with a cold or have recently traveled on an airplane in the past 3 days before developing symptoms, then most likely you have a cold. You can gargle with salt water (same recipe as above) if you have a sore throat. Drink lots of fluids, add Vitamin C, and avoid sugars, alcohol and caffeine. Try to have soups, and foods with garlic, onions, turmeric, chilies or garlic. These have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that enhance your immune system. Light exercise is fine but you shouldn’t feel exhausted after your work-out. Rest is important. 

3. Try to identify your allergen and avoid it. If you suspect it’s something outside, then close your windows at night and run an air filter in your bedroom with the door closed. You can run the air filter throughout the day in your bedroom to keep that room as cleared of allergens as possible. Also, no pets in your bedroom (sorry). 

4. Allergy symptoms are best treated with supplements or medication that works as an anti-histamine. Some suggestions are Quercetin, Stinging Nettles and Vitamin C. There are many over-the-counter antihistamines you can try that are non-sedating such as Claritin, Zyrtec or Allegra. Benadryl can be used at night since it can cause drowsiness and help with sleep.

If you are still frustrated with symptoms and nothing is working, (or your symptoms worsen) see your doctor or practitioner to rule out a bacterial infection that would need other treatments. 

Have a safe and happy summer!