Spring and allergies: how to best deal with them

Spring brings countless changes: nature awakens and, with it, allergies as well. The main culprits of spring allergies are pollens, released by plants during their flowering. In this article, we will explore the main symptoms that occur in case of allergy and understand how to best manage them, also thanks to the help of Igebas, Desmodio®-BM and Allerin.

What happens in case of allergy?

In the case of spring allergies, it is specifically the inhalation of allergens. The plants that flower in spring and release pollens into the air are mainly birch, olive, and grasses (wheat, corn, rice, barley).

Once in contact with the allergen, our body will begin to produce antibodies capable of attacking certain proteins in the pollens, triggering an allergic response mediated by substances such as histamine, which cause various symptoms.

What are the most common symptoms?

• Rhinitis: characterized by continuous sneezing and runny nose
• Conjunctivitis: red and watery eyes
• Asthma: in more severe cases, it can lead to breathing difficulties

Naturally, to confirm that these are allergic symptoms, it is essential to have a consultation with an allergist who will then prescribe the most appropriate therapy.

Are there natural remedies?

In addition to what is recommended by your referring doctor, there are numerous remedies based on natural components. Below you can find some of the main ones:

1) Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton

Contained in our supplement Igebas, Perilla contains among its active components isoflavones in aglycone form, which have high anti-allergic properties. In particular, Perilla lowers the blood levels of IgE, the first antibodies produced in case of allergy, and blocks the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase, responsible for producing allergic mediators especially related to allergy forms that manifest with bronchospasm. Perilla also promotes the inhibition of histamine release, has an immunomodulatory action, and is effective in contact allergies such as dermatitis or in macrophage-mediated allergies, such as delayed hypersensitivity reactions following certain viral infections.

2) Desmodium adscendens (Sw.)D.C.

Desmodium adscendens, the main component of the supplement Desmodio®-BM, has numerous properties, including the following:

·Antiasthmatic: helps combat bronchial asthma attacks by preventing contraction of respiratory muscles, thus aiding recovery of respiratory function

·Bronchodilator: relaxes lung tissues and bronchial muscles in cases of asthma

·Liver regenerator: in cases of inflammation of toxic or infectious origin, it increases the resistance of liver cells, especially following pharmacological or chemotherapy treatment (Scientific publication DOVEPRESS AND PUBMED: Feasibility single-arm study of a medical device containing Desmodium adscendes and Lithothamnium calcareum combined with chemotherapy in head and neck cancer patients – Published 8 November 2018).

The action of Desmodium adscendens is particularly effective when combined with ovomucoids from Japanese quail egg, also present in the supplement Desmodio®-BM.

3) Ovomucoids (i.e., IgE Calm molecules)

Besides being in Desmodio®-BM, the ovomucoid from Japanese quail egg white (Coturnix Japonica)is also contained in the supplement Allerin and can inhibit the activity of the enzyme secreted by the exocrine pancreas cells: trypsin. This is a serine protease family enzyme, whose homologous enzymes can be endogenous (mast cells and neutrophils) or exogenous (allergens, drugs, foods, insect stings, etc.). The similarity with enzymes also involved in allergic responses means this component can play an important role in reducing our immune system's reaction to allergens and thus the resulting symptoms.

Allergies can therefore have different manifestations and causes; for this reason, it is important to always consult your trusted professional to identify the most suitable medicines and dietary supplements to best face this colorful season and be able to enjoy it peacefully!