The modern way of life, the consumption of industrially processed food, constant exposure to stress, as well as climate changes lead to significant changes in the human immune system, which further increases the prevalence of allergies. Spring, as the most beautiful season, when nature wakes up, allergies also wake up, and people who have a problem with seasonal allergies will confirm this to us best. It is estimated that around 8% of the world’s population has a problem with allergies to various allergens.

What are allergies?

Allergies represent the reaction of our immune system to an allergen from nature. Although spring is the season that is characteristic for allergies, seasonal allergies start in late winter when the trees are blooming and last until September, when the biggest cause of allergies is a weed (ragweed). In susceptible individuals, allergens activate the production of IgE antibodies.

Mast cells are cells that represent part of our immune system and they carry histamine and other mediators of the inflammatory reaction. Under the influence of IgE antibodies, mast cells are activated and release histamine, most often in the mucous membranes of the nose, throat, sinuses, respiratory tract and eyes. Precisely, this is the main reason why the main symptoms of allergies are sneezing, nasal congestion, increased secretion from the nose, scratchy throat, dry and irritating cough, breathing difficulties (allergic asthma), redness and watery eyes (allergic conjunctivitis).

Fatigue is also one of the main symptoms, and the reason for this is the impaired quality of sleep in people who struggle with allergies. These are very common symptoms, which impair the quality of life of every person who suffers from seasonal allergies, and they last as long as the allergen is present in the environment.

It is very difficult to avoid allergens, so patients are advised to strengthen their immune system before the start of the allergy season, in order to cope with this condition as easily as possible.

What is allergic rhinitis?

One of the most common forms of seasonal allergies is allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the mucous membrane of the nose that is caused by the presence of an allergen. It can be divided into seasonal and year-round, and it can be a combination of both forms. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis are sneezing, itchy nose, increased secretion from the nose, difficulty breathing. Allergic rhinitis is often accompanied by eye symptoms of allergy such as itching, redness, burning and watery eyes. The doctor makes the diagnosis on the basis of an allergy skin test for inhalation allergens, the determination of specific antibodies in the serum, as well as on the basis of the appearance of the nasal mucosa (swollen and bluish nasal mucosa with characteristic-looking secretions).

Allergy therapy

There are three types of therapy in the treatment of allergies:
• Avoiding allergens
• Use of medicines
• Immunotherapy

We have already talked about avoiding allergens in this text, which means removing allergens from the environment that surrounds you. It is also recommended to ventilate the premises in the evening, instead of in the morning, because the concentration of pollen is much higher in the morning, as well as rinsing the nasal mucosa with a saline solution, in order to reduce the concentration of allergens in the nasal mucosa, and thus the possibility of the same allergen reaching the lower airways, and in this way we will reduce the symptoms and complications of an allergic reaction.

Pharmacological therapy of allergy

As for pharmacological therapy, people should not take this type of therapy on their own, it is necessary to first consult with a professional, doctor or pharmacist. What the therapy will be in the end depends on several factors.

The most commonly used drugs in the therapy of seasonal allergies are:
• Antihistamines, drugs that inhibit histamine (H1) receptors, thus providing symptomatic relief of atopic and allergic disorders.
• Mast cell stabilizers, drugs that prevent the release of histamine, are most often available in the form of eye drops and nasal sprays.
• Nasal corticosteroids reduce the swelling of the nasal mucosa, which results in a decrease in nasal secretions and facilitates breathing. They are used in the short term to avoid unwanted effects.
• Local corticosteroids, formulated in the form of ointments and creams, relieve redness, rash and itching on the skin, are applied in a thin layer, only to changes on the skin (small areas), for a limited number of days.
• Systemic (oral) corticosteroids are prescribed for more severe forms of allergies, when other types of therapy have failed. They can cause serious side effects, so their use is possible only under the supervision of a doctor.

Non-pharmacological treatment of allergy

In addition to pharmacological therapy, there are numerous natural preparations and supplements that can ease the symptoms of seasonal allergies, such as:

– Black cumin acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory (reduces the possibility of an inflammatory reaction). It is one of the most famous plants in the history of medicine, and its medicinal properties began to be scientifically researched only 60 years ago. Recently, a large number of studies have been published that confirm the positive effect of black cumin on a large number of diseases. Oral intake of black cumin oil in combination with other substances, such as vitamin E, has been proven to eliminate the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and hay fever.

– Wild oregano is a plant that takes the leading place in the list of natural antibiotics and antiseptics. The active substance carvacrol makes this plant a powerful antioxidant, while rosmarinic acid contributes to wild oregano acting as a natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory. It can be recommended for pollen allergies.

– Ginger, it has been proven that ginger extract shows the greatest anti-allergic potential of all plants, its use in allergic rhinitis is especially significant. There is a study that shows the better effectiveness of ginger than the drug loratadine in the treatment of allergic rhinitis, because ginger does not cause drowsiness, sedation, fatigue and dizziness (these are all side effects of loratadine-antihistamine).

– Vitamin C reduces the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and inflammation of the upper airways. In addition, vitamin C is a strong antioxidant, so it has a very significant effect in strengthening the immune system, and it is also a natural antihistamine, unlike drugs, vitamin C does not block receptors for histamine, but reduces the production of histamine. Since it belongs to the group of vitamins that dissolve in water (hydrosoluble vitamin) and our body does not produce it, it needs to be taken in daily through food or supplements.

– Calcium supplements are also important because calcium reduces the release of histamine.

– Zinc plays a key role in maintaining many biochemical and physiological processes. Adequate intake of zinc is necessary for a proper immune response, so studies have confirmed that people suffering from allergic, inflammatory diseases, including atopic dermatitis, allergic asthma, and allergic rhinosinusitis, have reduced levels of zinc. Therefore, we conclude that there is a connection between the level of zinc in the body and allergic, inflammatory diseases, so people who have a normal concentration of zinc in the body have a lower chance of getting sick from these diseases.

Black Garlic Immuno Active is a natural formula that contains 8 active ingredients. The key to fighting allergies is to boost immunity. In a completely natural and safe way, Black Garlic Immuno Active capsules prepare your body to deal with allergies, to react milder to allergens and gradually increase the body’s resistance to them.

by Master of Pharmacy Radojka Kostić