Preparing for the Spring Allergy Season
Are Probiotics the Answer to Keeping Allergies at Bay
Mar 8, 2009
During spring time the air is filled with pollen (plant and grass pollen) and fungal spores. For the people who suffer from allergies the body's immune system mistakes the pollen and spores for something that can be harmful and unleashes a full fledged immune response.
What is Hay Fever?
Hay Fever is actually not caused by hay, neither is it a fever. It is caused by the body over reacting to pollen and spores. When the body is exposed to pollen in the air, it attacks the pollen by releasing an excessive amount of antibodies (mostly IgE) to combat the invaders. As a part of the warring process, mast cells (the body's connective tissue cells) are injured. The mast cells then release the chemical histamine which then causes the allergic reactions. Histamines are irritating to cell tissues and also cause itching and muscle spasms that can lead to tightening airways. To an allergy sufferer this means misery; itching eyes, nasal drainage, difficulty breathing and a hoarse voice.
Probiotics Modify Immune Response to Allergens
According to one study, probiotics can help keep allergies at bay. Researchers found that somehow intestinal microflora are important when it comes to allergic reactions. To find the exact role of probiotics in allergic reactions, scientist fed a group of volunteers (allergy sufferers) milk with or without Lactobacillus casei, a probiotic. The results of the study showed that the consumption of probiotics resulted in a decrease in the plasma concentration of IgE (allergic reaction causing anitbody) and an increase in IgG; a pollen specific antigen (Ivory et al. “Oral delivery of Lactobacillus casei Shirota modifies allergen-induced immune responses in allergic rhinitis.” Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2008 Abstract.)
Probiotics Do Not Help All Allergy Sufferers
In a clinical trial researchers gave hay fever sufferers the same bacteria strain as mentioned above (Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota) as a probiotic for 8 weeks. They then compared the immunological symptoms between those who were given the probiotic and those who were not. The results were mixed. Some patients showed no change in allergic reaction whilst other showed some decrease in allergic reaction (Manabu Tamura et al., “Effects of Probiotics on Allergic Rhinitis Induced by Japanese Cedar Pollen: Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial” Int. Arch Allergy Immunol. 2007; 143:75-82. Abstract.)
To Use Probiotics Or Not
The standard Hay Fever treatment has always included avoidance; staying indoors with doors and windows shut to keep allergens at bay. This is not an acceptable option to people who enjoy the outdoors. Probiotics as a hay fever deterrent has been researched and tested in young patients. The results however, have been mixed; with some studies finding benefits and while other studies find none. In general the results are promising and warrant further testing. Studies will include the efficacy of specific probiotics on specific allergens. In the mean time allergy sufferers can continue to prevent exposure to allergens by:
- Showering before bed to remove allergens from skin or hair
- Keeping track of the daily pollen count and avoiding to going out on high pollen days
- Taking anti-histamines or decongestants to help relieve symptoms
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