Do you start sneezing every year when the trees begin to bloom?   Are you one of the thousands of people living in Southern Maine who suffer with seasonal allergies?

Seasonal allergies are a common occurrence with between 15 and 20 percent of the population experiencing some level of symptoms. Common symptoms of seasonal allergies include:

·        Sneezing

·        Runny Nose

·        Itchy nose, eyes, and/or throat

·        Fatigue

·        Headaches

·        Sinus congestions

·        Stuffy nose

• Hives/ skin rashes

These symptoms occur when the body mistakes pollen for a foreign invader and launches an immune attack against it. Conventional treatment consists of using antihistamines, decongestants, nasal steroids, and allergy shots.  While these methods may be successful for some, they are not always effective and are not without side effects.

One theory behind why some people are affected more by seasonal allergies than others has to do with the total load on the immune system.  Think of your immune system as a kettle.  As the kettle fills up with more and more burdens it will eventually overflow and that is when you become symptomatic.

Unless you want to move or live in a bubble, there is little that can be done to avoid the exposure to pollen during the spring, summer, and fall.  However, many of the things that fill up our kettles are modifiable.  When we identify them and reduce their additive effect on the total load it can help to take some of the burden off the body and decrease your reactivity.

Dr. Knight’s approach to seasonal allergies includes identifying and modifying stressors on the immune system that we can control in order to decrease your sensitivity to seasonal pollens.  In addition, he recommends natural substances that can help reduce the allergic response and provide relief while you work on more sustainable long-term relief.

If you are tired of reaching for the tissue box, schedule an appointment with Dr. Knight and begin to enjoy spring in Maine without a stuffy nose.