Do you suffer from seasonal hayfever? Also known as allergic rhinitis, hayfever affects up to one in five Australians, and is a risk factor for the development of sinusitis.

What is seasonal hayfever (allergic rhinitis)?

The terms seasonal hayfever and seasonal allergic rhinitis are used to describe hayfever that occurs only at certain times of the year. In contrast, hayfever that occurs all year round is called perennial rhinitis or perennial hayfever.

What causes seasonal hayfever?

Many plants rely on the wind for fertilisation, and consequently release large amounts of pollen into the air to be distributed far and wide. Once airborne, these pollens are a renowned trigger for hayfever and other allergies. In Australia, some of the most common causes of pollen allergies include Paterson's Curse, Pellitory Weed (also known as Asthma Weed), Ragweed and a range of other weeds and grasses.

When does seasonal hayfever occur?

Although many people think of the springtime as hayfever season, it's also possible to experience it at other times of the year. If you’re a seasonal allergy sufferer here in Australia, the time of year you're likely to be affected can last anywhere from a couple of months to half the year or even longer, depending on which plant pollen(s) you’re allergic to. As a general rule of thumb though, allergies to tree pollens are often worse in the springtime, while allergies to pollens from grasses and weeds are often more significant in the summer. The plant life, geography and climate of your local environment may also have an impact on when you experience hay fever and its severity and duration. For example, people living in inland areas of Australia tend to be exposed to more pollen due to the surrounding farmland than people living in coastal cities. On the other hand, if you're experiencing hay fever all year round or indoors, its likely that the allergen(s) that trigger your symptoms are indoors too, in which case dust mites are a very common trigger, along with other airborne allergens (such as cockroach droppings and hair and skin cells from dogs and cats). Unfortunately, some people experience both seasonal and perennial hay fever, making it particularly difficult for them to avoid allergy triggers and manage their symptoms.

Managing seasonal hayfever

It's important to be aware that while it may seem like a frustrating but relatively minor issue, hayfever may increase your risk of developing certain other health problems, including sinusitis - especially if the inflammation and congestion in your nasal passages is severe or persistent. There are a number of things you can do to reduce your exposure to seasonal allergens and help manage your symptoms. Here are some of the most important:

• If you or your child experience frequent or severe bouts of hayfever, it's important to identify the triggers, so talk to your healthcare professional about appropriate allergy testing
• Get an app for your phone that measures the pollen in your local area and take protective measures on days that the pollen count is high or when it’s very windy
• If you must venture out on those days, wear protective sunglasses when outside
• If you’ve been exposed to pollens and are experiencing hayfever, have a shower to wash any pollen or dust off your skin and out of your hair
• Rinse your eyes with cool water a few times too, and try a saline (salt water) spray or rinse for your nose
• Avoid gardening tasks such as mowing the lawn (ask someone else to do them for you, and stay indoors with the windows closed while they do)
• Check that the plants outside your windows aren't releasing pollen into your home; if they are, swap them for a plant you’re not allergic to (again, it’s best to get someone else to do this task)

Relieve hayfever with a natural antihistamine formula

A Chinese herbal formula called Minor Bupleurum Combination (Xiao Chai Hu Tang) has been used to address the symptoms of hayfever and other mild allergies (including dermatitis, eczema, hives and food intolerance) for hundreds of years. Recent research indicates that it has antihistamine properties, helping to explain its long history of use to help relieve allergic hayfever symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, inflammation of the mucous membranes, and itchiness of the eyes, nose and throat. TIP: For optimal therapeutic effect, look for a traditional Chinese Allergy formula standardised for its levels of key herbal compounds known for their antihistamine properties, such as baicalin from the herb Baical Skullcap and gingerols from Ginger.

Herbs to relieve sinus pain and congestion

Another Chinese herbal formula has traditionally been used to relieve the pain, congestion and headaches of acute and chronic sinusitis. Called Cang Er Zi San, this Sinusitis formula contains a blend of herbs traditionally regarded as having decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties, including Xanthium (Cang Er Zi), White Angelica (Bai Zhi) and Magnolia flower (Xin Yi Hua). The Chinese herb Houttuynia (Fishwort or Yu Xing Cao) is often taken at the same time because it’s traditionally considered anti-infective, and to be of benefit when the nasal passages are inflamed, swollen or blocked.

Mr Vitamins recommends

Fusion Health, premium quality Australian-made supplements that combine the ancient wisdom of Chinese medicine and the science of modern Western herbalism, including: Find out more and shop online for Fusion Allergy and Fusion Sinusitis below:

• Fusion Allergy: With natural antihistamine properties to help relieve mild allergies, including hayfever, eczema, hives and food intolerance
• Fusion Sinusitis: Traditionally used to relieve sinus pain and nasal congestion