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Hay Fever
Hay Fever SymptomsAllergic rhinitis is characterized by the following symptoms, although individual symptoms may vary considerably:* Coughing Symptoms will be worse during seasons when allergens are most active in the environment. Testing should be done to ascertain the exact allergens for each patient. Knowing the substances that cause irritation is the first step in controlling symptoms. Hay Fever MechanismThe irritant causes a chemical reaction in the sensitized patient. Science knows that allergies come from a problem in the immune system. This problem is not a weakness or deficiency, but in fact, an over active immune response. Exposure to the irritant causes the patients body to produce an over abundance of antibodies, as if the body were under attack from some viral or bacterial infectant. These antibodies cause the body to release chemicals called HISTAMINES which work to fight off the invader with mucus production and other bodily reactions.Psychosomatic Hay Fever LinkThere is strong evidence that allergic rhinitis is in fact a psychosomatic condition. There is no doubt that symptoms are REAL and experienced in the physical body. There is no doubt that certain substances do illicit these overactive immune responses in the physical body. However, the mind can come into play in 2 fascinating aspects during the allergic reaction. First, the subconscious mind can control the autonomic system and influence the body’s sensitivity to certain substances. It is not the allergic reaction that is in doubt, but the cause of the actual reaction. If the mind chooses to sensitize the body to an allergen, then an allergic reaction will surely follow. The second possible mind/body interaction is the power of suggestion and association. In this case the allergic reaction occurs and the mind perceives a connection to some substance or condition. Therefore, in the future, whenever the body is subjected to this condition or substance, the mind will initiate symptoms through the power of psychological suggestion. This is an example of a self induced nocebo reaction, as well as a perceived trigger mechanism for the allergic reaction to occur. In essence, the patient believes exposure will cause a reaction and so it does…Recommendation on Hay FeverI have suffered from allergies a few times in my life. I am not surprised by this, since I am susceptible to psychogenic pain syndromes. I am not allergic to anything specific per se and have been tested to prove it. However, I have still suffered allergic reactions, including rhinitis and skin sensitivity several times in my life. I am a firm believer that these physical reactions were caused through some psychological process. I still get a red itchy spot on my skin when I am particularly mad on some occasions. It lasts for a few hours and disappears on its own…I have witnessed hyper-allergic individuals who are extremely sensitive to a variety of allergens. Life is very difficult for these patients and they are extremely limited in what the can do. I have also witnessed some of these same individuals undergo hypnosis and then face exposure to their allergens. In every case, no reaction was suffered and the patient was video taped to prove this to them after the session was over. With evidence like this, it is easy to see the connection between the mind and the body when it comes to allergic sensitivity. I recommend learning more how knowledge therapy can cure your allergic disposition in the same manner it can cure your back pain.
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