Allergic rhinitis is inflammation inside the nose caused by an allergic reaction. Hay fever is seasonal allergic rhinitis caused by pollen, while other triggers can include house dust mites, mould and animal skin or saliva.
Symptoms may include sneezing, an itchy or blocked nose, a runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, coughing and tiredness. Symptoms can affect sleep, concentration, work and outdoor activities.
Allergic rhinitis can usually be managed using suitable medicines and by reducing exposure to triggers where possible. Treatments may include antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays and saline nasal rinses. A pharmacist, GP or allergy specialist can provide appropriate advice.
During treatment, Jamie considers the timing and pattern of symptoms, possible triggers, breathing, sleep, energy, stress, wider health and any asthma or eczema. The assessment also considers medication and other allergy treatment.
Chinese medicine uses an individual diagnosis rather than treating everybody with allergic rhinitis in the same way. Treatment is adapted according to the person's symptoms, seasonal pattern, health history and wider presentation.
Acupuncture may be considered as one part of wider care. It should not replace prescribed allergy or asthma medication, and medication should not be changed without suitable advice.
The first appointment provides time to discuss the symptoms, triggers, seasonal pattern, sleep, breathing and impact on everyday life. Jamie will ask about diagnosis, medication, asthma, eczema and other treatment.
The appointment includes an individual Chinese medicine assessment and, where appropriate, your first acupuncture treatment. No fixed outcome can be promised.
Allergic rhinitis and hay fever connect naturally with the Wellbeing and Health Pathway, considering symptoms alongside sleep, energy and wider health.
The British Acupuncture Council's allergic-rhinitis fact sheet summarises mainly older research. It reports mixed findings and generally poor-quality trials, with some studies suggesting benefit as an addition to routine care. The BAcC notes that the fact sheet has not yet been updated.
Research findings do not mean every person will respond in the same way. Decisions about acupuncture should consider established allergy treatment, the individual's preferences and health, and any other care they are receiving.
Further reading:
https://acupuncture.org.uk/fact-sheets/allergic-rhinitis/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/allergic-rhinitis/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever/
See a GP if symptoms are severe, affect sleep or everyday life, the cause is unclear, pharmacy treatment is not helping, or asthma is worsening.
Call 999 for severe breathing difficulty, swelling of the lips, mouth, throat or tongue, difficulty swallowing, fainting or other signs of a serious allergic reaction.
If allergic rhinitis or hay fever is affecting everyday life, a first appointment gives us time to discuss whether acupuncture may be a suitable part of your wider care.