Seasonal Allergy Treatment

 

Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever, are becoming increasingly problematic.  People with existing seasonal allergies, on average, are noticing their allergies are worsening from year to year, and those who have never had seasonal allergies before are starting to have symptoms.

 

An allergy is an overreaction of our immune system to exposure to a normally harmless natural substance, or allergen, such as cat dander, dust or pollen.  The immune system responds to this perceived threat and creates an allergic reaction, which may consist of one, or a combination of the following symptoms:

 

• Runny, itchy eyes, nose and/or throat

• Nasal congestion

• Sore throat

• Postnasal drip

• Loss of smell or taste

• Sneezing

• Fatigue

• Brain fog

• Asthma

• General aches and pains

• Cough

• Hives

• Eczema 

 

Traditionally, seasonal allergies are managed with the use of antihistamines and decongestants which only manage or mask the symptoms.  A principle of Naturopathic Medicine is to treat the root of the disease therefore, we encourage patients to use sublingual (under the tongue) immunotherapy. This allergy treatment, also known as SLIT, helps your body build a tolerance to specific allergens by desensitizing it to the allergen.  This treatment involves administering a scientifically prescribed dose of an allergen under the tongue on a daily basis. Within a month you should notice a decrease in allergy symptoms.  With consecutive monthly use of SLIT, your allergy symptoms and the allergy itself are eliminated, as your immune system learns to tolerate these specific allergens.

 

Before commencing a SLIT regime, Dr. Hitkari, Naturopathic Physician, performs an in-house skin scratch test to determine which allergen(s) are causing you to react.  Then, she has a local pharmacy compound your immunotherapy to include only the applicable allergens.  

 

Click here to learn more about immunotherapy.