I READ Roisin Armstrong's article 'Boost immunity to head off hay fever' (april 30) with great interest. As we enter another pollen season anything that increases awareness of the misery of those that suffer from allergy to pollen is to be welcomed. For too long the enormous negative impact on quality of life of this very common condition has been ignored. Unfortunately, the article demonstrates a disappointing lack of insight into the role of the immune system in the development of symptoms related to pollen allergy. The idea that immune system boosting has a role in the treatment of hay fever is misleading when one considers the exuberant, inappropriate immune reaction that actually causes the allergic symptoms.
One of the key treatments recommended by Ms armstrong - echinacea has not been adequately studied in hay fever. In fact, experts suggest that patients with allergies to some pollens may have severe side effects from echinacea due to immune system 'cross-reactivity'. Furthermore, recent concerns about allergic reactions to echinacea have prompted medicine regulatory authorities to advise its avoidance in children below the age of 12.
In addition, there is an alarming absence of evidence to suggest that the various other treatments advocated in this article are useful or cost-effective methods of relieving hay fever symptoms.
Fortunately, highly effective ways to treat hay fever are readily available and supported by international best practice guidelines. Antihistamines block the action of histamine released by cells of the immune system.
Nasal steroids dampen the complex inflammatory immune reaction in the nose. Both are excellent remedies when used properly.
In addition, exciting recent studies have demonstrated that grass pollen desensitisation, achieved by taking a daily grass pollen tablet, can abate the symptoms of hay fever in the long term. Desensitisation works by specifically reducing the immune system reaction to pollen. This treatment is available through specialist immunology centres such as the regional Immunology Service at the Belfast Trust.
There is always a role for complementary health treatments where such remedies are supported by robust evidence of efficacy and safety. However, in the case of hay fever, a qualified healthcare practitioner will be able to offer highly effective management strategies based on good clinical evidence that are proven to improve symptoms and relieve suffering.
DR NIALL CONLONMB BCh, PhD
Academic Clinical Lecturer in
Immunology Centre for Infection and Immunity
Queen's University Belfast BT7
