While we all enjoy the warmer weather and return of green, spring also brings an increase in pollen from blooming trees, weeds and grasses that many of us don’t look forward to. According to WebMD, “about 35 million Americans have hay fever”- also known as seasonal allergies or allergic rhinitis. Along with important preventative steps, chiropractic care at the Cafe of Life in Longmont can help relieve the discomfort of seasonal allergies.
Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies That Can Be Relieved with Chiropractic Care
- Stuffed or runny nose
- Tearing eyes
- Dark undereye circles
- Extended or intense sneezing
- Itchy throat and roof of mouth
- Coughing from postnasal drip
- Congestion
- Ear discomfort
- Fatigue
- If you develop a fever or pain in your face or teeth, you may have a sinus infection.
You may wonder why some people suffer from hay fever while others are not affected? People who develop seasonal allergies often have a genetic predisposition, and those with asthma or eczema are also more prone to hay fever. When pollen grains enter the body of an allergic person, their immune system views the particles as harmful and overreacts by producing loads of histamine and other chemicals that cause inflammation of the sinuses, nasal passages and eyelids. The body is trying to protect itself by expelling, trapping or preventing the allergen from progressing further but this defense unfortunately leads to several uncomfortable side effects.
Prevention is the first step in treating seasonal allergies. Try to limit the time you spend outside when pollen counts are high, and remove allergen particles from your nose with a saline spray. The next most effective preventative approach is to keep your immune system in tip-top shape by eating well, exercising and receiving regular chiropractic care. Correcting spinal misalignments helps keep the nervous system functioning optimally to decrease the chance of it interpreting environmental information abnormally and starting an allergic reaction. Adjustments and other forms of chiropractic care can help relieve the discomfort of seasonal allergies, so make an appointment today at the Cafe of Life in Longmont and enjoy spring this year!