Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, affects about 20 percent of Americans. Hay fever is an allergic condition that causes flu-like symptoms, such as sneezing, sinus pressure and nasal congestion. Recent studies reported by "BBC News" show that increased coffee consumption can help alleviate some symptoms of hay fever. Too much coffee can also be detrimental without balancing coffee consumption with increased water. Coffee can lead to dehydration, which could increase nasal congestion.
Cause
Hay fever is caused by allergens such as pollen, mold, dust mites, pet dander and cockroaches. When someone with hay fever breathes in one of these allergens, the immune system attacks the allergen with IgE antibodies. These antibodies cause mast cells to produce histamine. Histamine is the chemical in the body that causes common hay fever symptoms. Most people with hay fever have either seasonal or year-round reactions to allergens, according to MayoClinic.com.
Symptoms
Symptoms of hay fever mimic common cold symptoms. The most common symptoms of allergic rhinitis are nasal problems. These include a runny nose, sneezing, congestion and sinus pressure pain. The increased levels of histamine cause inflammation and irritation in the nasal passages, increasing mucus production and sinus congestion. Other symptoms are fatigue, eye irritation, clogged ears, scratchy throat and coughing, according to MedlinePlus.
Coffee Treatment
Coffee can be used to treat allergic rhinitis, according to "BBC News." According to the BBC report, coffee is a natural antihistamine that prohibits the mast cells from overproducing histamine, which leads to hay fever symptoms. Coffee contains high levels of caffeine, which has shown to increase the effectiveness of pain relievers by 40 percent when treating a sinus headache, according to the National Headache Foundation. Talk with your doctor before implementing any treatment, including coffee consumption.
Other Treatments
MayoClinic.com states that identifying and avoiding the triggers of hay fever is the most effective treatment. Decongestants are used to reduce nasal congestion by restricting blood flow to the nasal passages. Decongestants may increase your heart rate and make you excited. If you have a heart or liver condition, talk with your doctor before using decongestants. Antihistamines are used to reduce histamine in the body, providing relief of common hay fever symptoms.
Consideration
Caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, are diuretics, which can lead to dehydration. Dryness in the sinuses will cause inflammation and increase congestion. When using caffeine to treat hay fever, drink increased amounts of water to replace any lost water.
