When spring arrives, this is an exciting transition to warmer weather, sunnier and longer days, and budding trees. If you are one of the more than 50 million Americans suffering from allergies annually, you may not be enjoying it as much as those without allergies. Like most allergy sufferers, you likely use a variety of methods to treat your symptoms, such as medications, sprays, and creams. However, chiropractic care is a holistic alternative that is safe, all-natural, and effective at achieving allergy relief.
What Causes Allergies?
Allergies occur when your immune system perceives a foreign substance as a threat and triggers the body’s production of antibodies to fight back. Typically, these foreign substances are harmless, but the body views them as harmful. This immune response can cause your sinuses, airways, and/or skin to become inflamed, which describes having “allergies.” The body uses this immune response to try to remove the substance, which can leave you feeling miserable.
Since everyone is different, your allergies can range from mild to severe. For seasonal allergies or “hay fever,” most people do not have severe enough reactions to cause anaphylaxis.
Common Airborne Allergens
- Dust: Dust mites are found everywhere. To reduce the amount of dust in your home, it’s recommended that you regularly vacuum your floors, wash your bedding, use allergy-proof covers for your mattress and pillows, and use air purifiers.
- Mold: Mold grows in moist, dark environments and is airborne.
- Pet Dander: Dander is a common term to describe dead skin cells that are frequently being shed by indoor pets. These dead skin cells stick to carpets, clothes, furniture, walls, and other surfaces of your home.
- Pollen: Tree pollen is a common cause of spring allergies.
Common Spring Allergy Symptoms
- Coughing
- Clogged and itchy ears
- Dry, itchy skin
- Headaches
- Postnasal drip
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Watery, itchy eyes
How Can Chiropractic Care Help Spring Allergies?
When you visit a chiropractor, this holistic expert will discuss your health concerns, medical history, and then create a personalized treatment plan to help you live a healthier life. Oftentimes, a spine misalignment is the root cause of your allergies. A spine misalignment prevents proper brain to body communication, which can reduce your immune system’s ability to work properly. When your immune system is not working as it should, your body will continue to overreact to perceived allergens. As allergy sufferers know, allergies cause the body to overproduce mucus that can lead to upper respiratory infections, sinus infections, and digestive issues.
The good news is that licensed chiropractors are highly trained to perform safe, gentle chiropractic adjustments that will restore your spine back into alignment. When this takes place, your spine will be able to effectively communicate with the nervous system and improve your immune system. Your immune system will then stop overreacting to perceived allergens and can allow your body to function better at fighting off spring allergies.
We hope this week’s article was helpful, which discussed what causes allergies and how chiropractic care can help. If you or someone you know suffers from spring allergies, you have more options than just prescription and OTC allergy medications, sprays, shots, and creams. These drugs also come with side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, blurry vision, dry mouth, and nausea. Chiropractic care provides all-natural allergy relief without drugs and unpleasant side effects. Contact West Michigan Chiropractic in Portage, MI today to learn how we can help you live life to your fullest potential free from allergies.