Beer is Effective in Relieving Hay Fever Symptoms

Runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy nose, and post-nasal drip - all of these symptoms make up hay fever or allergic rinitis. As many as 30% of the American population suffers from hay fever.

A runny nose and sneezing may not seem like a big deal to some people, but individuals who suffer with hay fever know how miserable these symptoms can be every spring and/or fall. In fact, sometimes when hay fever is not controlled, ear infections and sinus infections develop. Hay fever also tends to make asthma worse.

A doctor, especially an allergist, is qualified to diagnose hay fever. Usually allergy tests are performed on the individual experiencing hay fever symptoms in order to determine what the patient is allergic to.

Small deposits of substances such as pet dander or grass pollens are put onto the patient's back with a small scratch. After the patient has sat with the allergens on his or her back for fifteen minutes, each tested allergen is compared to the appearance of the histamine (baseline) reaction the patient had. With this information, an allergist is able to tell patients what they are allergic to.

Doctors typically prescribe allergy medications in the form of pills, nasal sprays, and/or eye drops in order to relieve allergy symptoms. Allergy pills commonly prescribed include Allegra and Zyrtec. Nasal sprays a doctor may prescribe for allergy symptoms may include Rhinocort, Nasacort, or Nasanex.

Other individuals may only need to take an over-the-counter anti-histamine such as Claritin or Benadryl.

New research is showing alternative treatments to typical medication regimens. Specifically, Sapporo Beverages Company Ltd. And Sapporo Breweries Ltd. have shown that beer may be effective in reducing hay fever symptoms. Sapporo conducted a clinical study of 20 individuals. Each participant suffered from allergic rinitis. Participants were given Sapporo beer, which contains a natural anti-histamine, hop flavonol glycoside.

According to Sapporo, 55% of participants reported reduction in runny nose symptoms and 60% reported reduced sneezing.