Alleviating Seasonal Allergies and Sinus Infection Symptoms Naturally
I fell in love with acupuncture and herbal medicine many years ago when I found they offered relief from those annoying seasonal allergies and chronic sinus infections in ways that sinus surgery and western medications couldn’t. As a licensed acupuncturist, I am passionate about offering solutions that provide relief from allergy and sinus infection sufferers that offers a holistic approach to healing.
The relationship between allergies and sinus infections is complex and interconnected. Understanding how allergies and sinus infection symptoms are related can help individuals manage their symptoms and seek appropriate treatment.
1. Allergies and Sinus Inflammation:
Allergies, such as hay fever (allergic rhinitis), allergic asthma, or allergies to specific environmental triggers like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mold, can trigger an immune response in the body. When you are exposed to allergens, your immune system recognizes them as foreign invaders and releases chemicals, including histamines, to combat the allergen.
This immune response can lead to inflammation of the nasal passages and sinuses. The inflammation can cause various symptoms, like congestion, runny nose, sneezing and coughing.
2. Sinus Infection Symptoms:
Sinus infections, also known as sinusitis, can occur when the sinuses become inflamed and blocked. These infections can be classified into two main types:
a. Acute Sinusitis: This typically follows a viral upper respiratory infection, and symptoms may include facial pain, nasal congestion, headache, and thick nasal discharge.
b. Chronic Sinusitis: This condition involves inflammation of the sinuses that persists for an extended period, often beyond 12 weeks. It can be triggered or exacerbated by factors such as nasal polyps, deviated septum, or consistent exposure to allergies.
Ways to Alleviate Seasonal Allergies and Sinus Infection Symptoms Naturally:
Eliminate dairy
People with allergies tend to produce excessive amounts of mucus, and eating dairy adds fuel to the fire. Dairy is extremely mucus producing, so eliminating it can be life changing. Both your sinuses and mind will be clearer!
Avoid foods high in histamine
Other foods that can aggravating to people with allergies are foods that are high in histamines. These include leftovers, bone broths, red wine and other fermented foods.
Take showers at the end of the day
This removes all pollen and potential allergens from your hair and skin allowing you to sleep peacefully and keep your bed allergy free.
Invest in a quality air filter
There is no way to control all allergens that make their way into your home, but this can really help, especially if you have pets.
Eat local honey
Some people find relief from seasonal allergies by consuming locally produced honey can desensitize your immune system to the local pollen allergens over time. Stear clear if you are allergic to bees.
Probiotics
Having a balanced microbiome is essential for a healthy immune system so those with allergies and chronic sinus infections (especially with a history of taking antibiotics) should take probiotics daily
Quercetin-rich foods
Quercetin is a natural antihistamine found in certain foods, such as onions, garlic, apples, berries, and citrus fruits. Including these foods in your diet may help reduce seasonal allergy symptoms by stabilizing mast cells and reducing histamine release.
Nasal Irrigation or Netipot
Using a saline solution to rinse your nasal passages can help remove allergens and irritants, reducing congestion and improving breathing.
Facial steaming
Also helps remove allergens, congestion and improved airflow. If you are extremely congested, add a little Eucalyptus oil.
Clean up your personal care products
Use hypoallergenic and fragrance free products. Even if you aren’t aware of it everyday exposure to these irritants can be triggering your allergies.
Facial Cupping
The gentle suction of facial cupping helps stimulate lymphatic drainage in the face. This can aid in the drainage of sinuses and improve breathing.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture can help drain sinuses and reduces inflammation caused by histamine and regulate the immune system, which will help address the root cause of allergies. From a Chinese Medicine prospective, allergies can be caused by weak digestion, weak lungs or a sluggish liver.
Herbal Medicine
Stinging nettles can also help lower inflammation and histamine levels, however it will not address the root cause of allergies or sinus infections. I believe most people would benefit from a custom mix of immune boosting, digestive and mucus clearing herbs made by a trained and licensed herbalist, like myself.
Suffering from seasonal allergies or chronic sinus infection symptoms? Contact our acupuncture and wellness clinic in Beverly Hills for a holistic and functional approach to healing your sinuses!