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Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever) Treatment Options

The following is simply a list of options. This protocol is for educational purposes only. Patients are advised to initiate treatment only under the guidance of a qualified physician. Treatment choices should be tailored to each unique individual.
  • Inhalant Allergy Desensitization: The American Academy of Environmental Medicine (316-684-5500) recommends the use of oral drops as a safe and effective alternative to weekly shots for desensitization (Allergy 1994;49:309-313) (Clin Exp Allergy 1994;24:53-59) (Ann Allergy 1990;63:27-31) (Allergy 1986;41:271-279) (Clin Allergy 1986;16:483-491).
  • Eliminate food allergens: 90% of allergic kids have a marked improvement in symptoms within one week of eliminating food allergies (Ann Allergy 1977;39:8) (Ann Allergy 1980;44:273).
  • Diet: Eliminate sugar and dairy. No sodas! Markedly reduce starchy carbohydrates. Decrease bread, rice, pasta, and white potatoes. (Respiratory and Critical Care Med 1994;149:59-64) (Allergy 1981;36:257).
  • Avoid food additives: eat only organically grown, fresh foods. Eliminate sulfites, hydrazine, and tartrazine (yellow dye number 5)! (Clin Allergy 1977;7:407).
  • Nasal Lavage: Physically remove pollen from the nose, eyes, & sinuses by dipping the face 2-3 times a day into a solution of filtered water (with salt added). Wash hands frequently. Consider using The Advanced Hygiene System.
  • Eliminate mold: Consider an ozonator and/or HEPA filter for the bedroom (J Allergy Clin Immunol 1995;95:955-61).
  • Avoid Chlorine: Get a filter for shower and drinking water. Swimmers need to find a pool without chlorine (e.g. Haywood County Fitness Center) or give up swimming.
  • Reduce Dust Mites: If allergic, treat the home with a non-toxic Boron solution (1-800-545-9960x1x3). Eliminate feather pillows, down comforters, and stuffed toys. Use plastic covers on pillows and mattress. Wash curtains. (Lancet Dec 24,1994;344:1733-36).
  • Avoid cigarette smoke and other air pollutants (J of Resp Diseases Mar 1995;16(3):253-66).
  • Vitamin C: up to bowel tolerance, usually 3-10 grams daily. 2000 mg daily of Vit C inhibits the histamine response by 40% (J Am Diet Assoc 1992;92:988-989) (Ann Allergy 1994;73:89-96) (J Am Coll Nutr 1992;11:172-176).
  • Bioflavonoids: such as Quercitin 250-500 mg twice daily inhibits the histamine response (Biochem Pharm 1981;31:3597-3600) (Biochem Pharm 1984;33:3333-38).
  • Stinging Nettles (Urtica dioica): 300-900 mg daily. 57% effective for alleviating symptoms of allergic rhinitis (Planta Medica 1990;56(1):44-47).
  • NAC (N-acetyl-cysteine): 500 mg twice daily on an empty stomach (Acad Sci 1963;106:298-310) (Chest May 1995;107(5):1437-41).
  • Thymus extract (Thymuril): 2 tabs twice daily. The thymus gland is the master gland of the immune system. Supplementation with thymus gland extract normalizes the ratio of T4/T8 cells (Curr Ther Res 42:1011-7, 1987) (Min Med 1987;78:1675-81).
  • Magnesium: 250-1000 mg per day. High doses may cause loose stools (Am J Med 1994;96:63-76).
  • Vitamin B-12: 1000 mcg deep SQ daily for up to 30 days, taper according to symptoms. Works best for children. Sublingual drops (under the tongue) of B-12 may also work (J Allergy 1951;2:183-185).
  • Vitamin B-6: to avoid toxicity, use the activated form of B6 called P5P (pyridoxyl-5-phosphate), 20-50 mg twice daily (takes about 3 months to see full effect Ann Allergy 1975;35:93-97). Theophylline depletes B6 (Pharmacol 1994;49:392-97).
  • Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids: Cod liver oil (emulsified) or Flax oil, one Tbsp once or twice daily (Br J Dermatol 1994;130:757-64) (Nutrition 1992;8:215-217).
  • Vitamin E: 400 IU daily to provide antioxidant protection for the EFAs (essential fatty acids) (Am J Clin Nutr 1993;58:525-532).
  • Hydrochloric acid? – The childhood incidence of hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid) is 80%with combined asthma/allergic rhinitis (Q J Med Jan 1931: 1881). Look for “Betaine HCL” and supplement at meals if gastric acid is low.
  • Homeopathic preparations containing a minute quantity of the allergen along with water and alcohol, after cycles of dilution and succussion (Medical Tribune Jan 25,1995;11).
  • Mercury and Lead Detoxification:
Removal of toxic metals may be one of the most important keys to restoring proper immune function. Amazingly, allergies were never reported before the Industrial Revolution (Mynind N., History of Allergy. In: Essential Allergy – An Illustrated Text for Students and Specialists. Boston: Blackwell Scientific Publications, 1986:1-9). The theory is that massive coal burning polluted the environment with mercury and other toxins, which confuse and weaken the immune system, inducing allergies.

According to the World Health Organization, our largest exposure to mercury today is from our dental amalgam fillings, which contain 50% mercury. Please do not allow any dentist to place additional mercury-amalgam fillings in your teeth (see http://www.bioprobe.com or call The Foundation for Toxic-Free Dentistry @ 1-800-331-2303).

Consider testing yourself for levels of toxic metals. Blood tests are virtually useless for chronic toxicity. Hair analysis can give some useful clues. The gold standard is to measure urine levels of toxic metals after a chelation challenge, which pulls toxic metals out of your body and into your urine, thus giving a good estimate of your total body burden (Annals Int Med 1999;130:7-13).