Many people suffer from environmental allergies and get a flare-up during Spring when the air is filled with pollen. However, environmental allergens can be any substance, but the most common ones go beyond pollen and include dust, pollen, animal hair, animal dander, insect bites, grasses, moulds and fungus, cleaning products and metal in costume jewelry. 

These allergies can be hereditary, and they appear to play a role in allergies. If both parents have allergies, then the child will have a 70 percent chance of developing allergies. People who are not breastfed are also more likely to develop allergies.

What Causes Allergic Reactions?

Allergic reactions occur when your immune system comes into contact with substances and interprets them as threatening. At times of physical and emotional stress, the immune system might show a heightened response to allergens and have a more difficult time dealing with fungal and parasitic infections. The body releases histamine, which creates inflammation of the mucous membranes and can cause reactions of varying severity. 

Some of the more common, less severe symptoms are:

  • Itching
  • Increased mucous production
  • Redness
  • Swelling

Serious reactions may cause asthma attacks, severe hives and rashes and anaphylactic reactions.

Conventional Treatments For Environmental Allergies

Conventional treatment of environmental allergies is targeted at decreasing symptoms. Antihistamines are the most common treatment for moderate allergies. They inhibit the ability of mast cells to release histamine. Steroid nasal sprays also decrease nasal allergy symptoms. Long-term effects of using these sprays may include glaucoma and decreased bone density. Anaphylactic reactions cause the swelling of the air passages. They are treated with injections of norepinephrine. This hormone causes a sympathetic nervous system response, resulting in an opening of the airways.

What Are Natural Treatments For Environmental Allergies?

There are many ways of decreasing allergic reactions, these include:

Take only hypoallergenic supplements. Keep rooms free of dust and use an air purification system. Avoid feather and down bedding. Keep windows closed during times when the allergen is present in the air. Pollen is at its highest concentrations between 5 and 10 AM and lowest after it rains. Use mould-proof paint and disinfectant in the house. Exercise indoors. Do not smoke and eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke. Keep plants that remove pollutants from the air, these types include bamboo palm, Boston fern, dracaena, English ivy, ficus ali, peace lily, rubber plant and spider plant. Wear protective clothing when handling allergenic substances and wash after using them. Use calendula cream to heal skin reactions. Avoid cantaloupe if you have a ragweed allergy, as cantaloupe contains similar proteins to ragweed. Decrease stress, eat healthy and be well rested. Perform regular cleansing of the liver, kidney and intestinal tract to reduce the build up of allergens in the system.