It can happen every year, just like clockwork. Spring arrives, various plants bloom, the pollen count goes up, and seasonal allergies set in. Perhaps a new four-legged friend has been added to the household, bringing with it allergies to pet dander and fur. The potential for an allergic reaction is also lurking in the food we eat, particularly peanut sensitivities.

In fact, allergies are so common that it is estimated that one in five Americans have some sort of allergic or asthmatic reaction. Furthermore, more than half of Americans have tested positive for some type of allergen, and allergies are the fifth most common chronic condition. Children are particularly susceptible to allergic reactions. If one parent has allergies, there is a 33 percent chance that the child will have them as well. This rises to 70 percent if both parents have allergies.

With allergies being so pervasive, there is a constant search for new treatments. Allergies are most often treated with medication, as a pill, inhaler, or nasal spray. However, there is concern, particularly for children, about dangerous side effects.

What Are the Causes and Symptoms of Allergies?

The causes for allergies are quite variable. They can include allergies to plant pollens, pet fur or dander (dry skin that flakes off the animal), and certain foods. This is why it is very important for patients to undergo thorough allergy testing in order to track down the source. This will consist of exposure to various potential allergens in small amounts. If the patient experiences a reaction, that is the likely cause of allergies.

Symptoms can also vary. They can range from itchy and watery eyes, to sneezing or wheezing, to skin reactions in the form of blisters or hives. In some cases, allergic symptoms can appear to be something else entirely, such as digestive or dermatologic issues. It is very important to talk to your doctor about any medical problems you may be having, even if they do not seem to be allergic reactions.

How Can Chiropractic Adjustments Treat Allergies?

Allergies occur when the body’s natural immune system goes into overdrive in response to a particular trigger, or allergen, and releases histamines to fight off the foreign body. The body’s immune system is actually tied to the nervous system. When the spine is in proper alignment, the vertebrae do not pinch or impede the nerves. This means that the body’s immune system is less likely to go into overdrive and overproduce histamines.

An article in the March 2003 issue of the Journal of Vertebral Sublaxation Research discussed the results of 17 patients with either Crohn’s disease or allergies who received chiropractic adjustments to properly align their spines. Twelve of the patients reported that their symptoms had stabilized, and nine reported that their symptoms had been alleviated.

Chiropractic care provides a safe, effective, alternative treatment for allergies, with little risk of side effects. This can allow people to enjoy the great outdoors, play with their pets, and eat their favorite foods without the risk of an allergic reaction.

Contact Horst Chiropractic to schedule an appointment.