According to study, gut parasites could hold the key to increasingly common conditions such as eczema, asthma and hay fever. these parasitic worms such as hookworms, might aid the development of new treatments for allergies.

These parasites have evolved together with their human hosts for million years. Over time, these parasites have developed ways of surviving in the human gut by turning down the immune response directed against them, prolonging their survival inside the host.

This relationship seems to have become so intertwined that without gut worms or other parasites, our immune system can become unbalanced, which, in turn, could contribute to the development of asthma and other allergies.

A researcher examined the links between worms and allergic diseases in Vietnamese children and found that those with the highest level of hoowkworm infestation were the least likely to have an allergic response to house dust mites.

These findings support the hypothesis that gastrointestinal infection with either hookworm or other micro-organisms protects against allergy and add further weight to the so-called ‘hygiene hypothesis’. Hygiene hypothesis suggests that high rates of allergies and asthma in developed countries are a result of our immune systems becoming unbalanced due to improved sanitation and hygienic lifestyles that no longer expose us to the same array of bacteria, viruses or parasites.

Some universities are leading the way in the investigation of links between hookworm infestaion - or lack of it- and human illness. They are conducting some trials on the possibility that hookworm infection may alleviate symptoms of hay fever and Crohn’s disease.

If these studies show positive results, future drugs that mmic immunological effects of hookworm infection could provide promising therapeutic options for patients with allergic and other autoimmune disease.

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What is Hay Fever?

Hay fever is an allergic condition affecting the mucuos membranes of the upper respiratory tract and the eyes. It occurs when your immune system overreacts to normally harmless airborne particles, causing symptoms such as runny nose, itching of your nose, sneezing, nasa l discharge and itchy, watery eyes. It is also called pollinosis or allergic rhinitis.

Hay Fever Symptoms:

Sneezing
Runny nose
Watery eyes
Postnasal drip
Sore throat and roof of mouth
Head congestion
Ear pressure
Sleep disturbances
Nasal discharge

Hay Fever Causes

Of all the causes of allergies, pollen is one of the most widespread. Trees, weeds, and grasses produce pollen in large amounts for seed production. These pollens are dispersed by the wind, and many never reach the intended targets. Instead, they are inhaled through the nose and throat. Different plants release their pollen at different times of the year, so the timing of hay fever symptoms varies from person to person, depending on which plants provoke a response.
Virtually any type of tree or grass may cause hay fever, although plants with showy flowers usually produce a sticky pollen that is much less likely to become airborne. Among North American plants, weeds are the most prolific producers of allergenic pollen. Ragweed is the major culprit, but other plant pollens that routinely affect hay fever sufferers include sagebrush, lamb’s quarter, Russian thistle, and English plantain. Grasses include timothy grass, Kentucky bluegrass, Johnson grass, Bermuda grass, redtop grass, orchard grass, and sweet vernal grass. Trees that produce allergenic pollen include oak, ash, elm, hickory, pecan, box elder, and mountain cedar.

Natural Remedies for Hay Fever

1.) Butterbur. The herb butterbur is a shrub-like plant that grows in norhtern Asia, Europe and parts of America. Extracts made from the herb have been used in folk medicine for migraines, stomach cramps, coughs, allergies and asthma. It is being studied as a natural allergy treatment. Although how butterbur works is still not known, it is thought to work in a similar way to allergy medications by blocking the action of histamine and leukotrienes, inflammatory chemicals involved in allergic reactions.But butterbur has some side effects, these include indigestion, headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. This is not prescribed for pregnant women , children or people with kidney or liver disease.

2.)Quercetin. It is an antioxidant that belongs to a class of water-soluble plant substances called flavanoids. Although there is still isn’t enough research to conclude that it is effective for hay fever, it is thought to prevent the release of the inflammatory chemical histamine from immune cells called mast cells . Histamine i involved in allergic symptoms such as sneezing and itching.
Quercetin is found naturally in certain foods, such as apples (with the skin on), berries, red grapes, red onions, capers, and black tea.

Quercetin is also available in supplement form. A typical dose for hay fever is between 200 and 400 milligrams three times a day.

3.)Carotenoids. These are family of plant pigments, the most popular being-beta-carotene. Although no randomized controlled trials show taht carotenoids are effective treatments for hay fever, a lack of carotenoids in the diet is thought to promote inflammation in your airways.
Good sources of carotenoids include apricots, carrots, pumpkin, sweet potato, spinach, kale, butternut squash, and collard greens.

3.) Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of essential fatty acid that we must obtain through our diet. Research suggests that may they reduce the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body (prostaglandin E2 and inflammatory cytokines). There are no randomized controlled trials showing that omega-3 fatty acids are efective treatments for hay fever, there are associations.

4.)Acupuncture. It is a healing practice that originate in China over 5,000 years ago. Although it has been studied for hay fever, there are too few studies to draw any conclusions about wether it might help.

Hay Fever Treatments:

Alternative treatments for hay fever often focus on modulation of the body’s immune response. They frequently center around diet and lifestyle adjustments. A healthy diet high in fiber and whole foods, including generous amounts of vegetables, grains, nuts, and raw seeds should be maintained. Plenty of fluids should be consumed. Six to eight glasses of water daily are recommended, along with plenty of herbal teas. Raw vegetable juices are also beneficial, particularly carrot, celery, beet, cucumber, spinach, and parsley. Meat, dairy, and foods high in saturated fats may aggravate a hay fever condition, and should be limited in the diet. It is also best to avoid dairy products, wheat, eggs, citrus fruits, chocolate, peanuts, shellfish, food colorings, and preservatives, especially sulfites. These are all common food allergens that may worsen hay fever symptoms. Caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and sugar should be avoided, as well.

Anaphylaxis(against protection) is a serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death. It affects a number of different areas of the bodyat one time. It is often triggered by substances that are injected or ingested and thereby gains access into the blood stream.

Common causes of anaphylaxis include:

* Food
* Medication
* Insect stings
* Latex

Food allergy is believed to be the leading cause of anaphylaxis according to some reliable source.

Symptoms of Anaphylaxis

The symptoms of anaphylaxis usually start between three and 60 minutes after contact with the allergen. Less commonly, they can occur a few hours or even days after contact.

When you have an anaphylactic reaction, you may feel unwell or dizzy or may faint because of a sudden drop in blood pressure.

Narrowing of the airways can also occur at the same time, with or without the drop in blood pressure. This can cause breathing difficulties and wheezing.

You may also experience any of the symptoms below:

* swollen eyes, lips, genitals, hands, feet and other areas (this is called angioedema, see useful links),
* itching
* a strange metallic taste in the mouth,
* sore, red, itchy eyes,
* changes in heart rate,
* a sudden feeling of extreme anxiety or apprehension,
* itchy skin or nettle-rash (hives),
* unconsciousness due to very low blood pressure,
* abdominal cramps, vomiting or diarrhoea, or
* nausea and fever.

Anaphylaxis varies in severity. Sometimes it causes only mild itchiness and swelling, but in some people it can cause sudden death.

Anaphylaxis can lead to death if breathing becomes severely obstructed or if blood pressure becomes extremely low (known as shock).

If symptoms start soon after contact with the allergen and rapidly get worse, this indicates that the reaction is more severe.

Treatment for Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis should always be treated as a medical emergency.

Self-Treatment with epinephrine-Epinephrine is the only medicine that completely treats anaphylactic reactions. It is most effective when it is given promptly, before symptoms become severe. Neither antihistamines nor asthma inhalers (puffers) can treat anaphylaxis as effectively as epinephrine, and these medications cannot be substituted for epinephrine.

Remove the cause — The trigger for the anaphylactic reaction should be promptly removed, whenever possible. For example, if you have been stung, dislodge the stinger with the edge of a credit card or coin.

Go to the hospital — After injecting epinephrine, it is important to be evaluated in a hospital emergency department. Up to 20 percent of people with anaphylaxis have a late-phase reaction, without further exposure to the trigger, and might require additional anaphylaxis treatment. There is no good way to predict whether a late-phase reaction will occur.

Anaphylaxis Prevention

Preventing anaphylaxis is the ideal form of treatment. However, that may not always be easy since insect stings are frequently unanticipated and allergic foods are often hidden in a variety of different preparations. A consultation with an allergist is vital in helping you identify the trigger(s) and providing you with information and instruction on how to best avoid them. You will learn how to use emergency kits and how to become prepared for any reaction in the future.

For your safety, you must see an allergist when you have symptoms of anaphylaxis.