Hayfever and Antihistamines: Managing Hayfever the Smart Way

Summer is brilliant. Unless you have hayfever, in which case it can involve a lot of coughing, itchy eyes, and a sneezing nightmare.

Hayfever, or allergic rhinitis, is an inflammatory reaction to pollen that affects people globally. For many people, antihistamines are the first port of call. They work well. But if you're taking them daily through peak pollen season, it's worth understanding how they work, what the side effects are, and whether there's anything else you can do alongside them.

What Are Antihistamines and How Do They Work?

Antihistamines block histamine, a chemical released during allergic reactions. Histamine tells your immune system to ramp up its defences, causing blood vessels to expand and triggering the familiar symptoms: sneezing, itching, watery eyes, swelling.

When pollen is the trigger, your body mistakes it for a threat. Antihistamines interrupt that, which is why they can bring relief within an hour or two.

Types of Antihistamines: First-Gen vs Second-Gen

• First-generation antihistamines include diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and hydroxyzine (Atarax). They cross the blood-brain barrier, often making you drowsy.
• Second-generation antihistamines are newer meds like cetirizine, loratadine, and fexofenadine. They cross the blood-brain barrier to a minimal extent, so they’re less likely to cause sleepiness.

Can nutrition help with hay fever symptoms?

Certain foods have anti-inflammatory properties that may help to lessen the severity of these symptoms. While the impact of dietary changes can vary, consider incorporating these foods to make the most of your summer season with fewer disruptions.

Top foods to consider including in your diet:

Fatty fish: Salmon, mackerel, and sardines are high in omega-3- 3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and lessen the severity of hay fever symptoms. Research shows that omega 3s, particularly EPA and DHA, help to produce anti-inflammatory compounds that can manage conditions like hay fever.

Citrus fruits: Rich in vitamin C, citrus fruits are known for their antioxidant properties source here, which can help to lower histamine levels in the body, alleviating hayfever symptoms. Oranges, grapefruit, and lemons are excellent choices.

Garlic: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, garlic contains quercetin, a flavonoid that helps to reduce histamine release, potentially easing allergic reactions. Research suggests that incorporating quercetin-rich foods like garlic into your diet may complement traditional treatments and help prevent or ease hay fever.

Onions: Also contain quercetin, an antioxidant with antihistamine properties. Including more onions in your diet may help reduce the severity of hay fever symptoms.

Local Honey: Often contains traces of pollen from the surrounding area. Although it may sound counterintuitive, consuming this pollen during the off-season could help your immune system adjust to high pollen counts later. Although the evidence is limited, some research suggests that eating honey can help reduce allergy symptoms.

Probiotic-Rich Foods: To support gut health and immune function, include foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and miso, rich in beneficial bacteria. Research suggests that incorporating probiotics into your diet may help ease allergy symptoms.

Incorporating some of the above foods into your diet may provide additional support alongside traditional treatments for hay fever. Whilst dietary changes may be beneficial, consult a healthcare professional before making any drastic changes to your diet. Read more here

Key takeaways

• Antihistamines are commonly used during hay fever season, with newer options generally designed to be better for daytime use than older formulations.
• Some people also choose to focus on factors like nutrition and overall lifestyle habits alongside their usual hayfever management approach.
• Hayfever can affect people differently, so finding an approach that works for you may involve a mix of strategies and seek professional guidance where needed.