Hay Fever (Hooikoorts) Understanding Allergic Rhinitis and How Chinese Medicine Can Help

1. What is Hay Fever?

Hay fever, medically known as Allergic Rhinitis, is called “Hooikoorts” in Dutch. It is a common allergic condition affecting the nose, eyes, and respiratory tract.

Hay fever occurs when the immune system overreacts to harmless substances in the air, known as allergens. These allergens most commonly include:

• Pollen from grasses, trees, and weeds

• House dust mites

• Animal dander

• Mold spores

When these allergens enter the body through breathing, the immune system releases substances such as histamine, which causes inflammation of the nasal passages.

Common symptoms include:

• Sneezing

• Runny or blocked nose

• Itchy nose, eyes, or throat

• Watery eyes

• Fatigue and reduced concentration

Hay fever can be seasonal (especially during spring and summer pollen seasons) or perennial (present throughout the year).

2. How Common is Hay Fever in the Netherlands?

Hay fever is one of the most common allergic diseases in Europe.

In the Netherlands:

• Approximately 15–25% of the population suffer from hay fever.

• This means that more than 3 to 4 million people experience allergic rhinitis symptoms each year.

The prevalence has increased significantly over the past decades, particularly among young adults and children.

3. Why is Hay Fever Increasing in the Netherlands?

Several environmental and lifestyle factors contribute to the increasing number of hay fever cases.

Climate change

Warmer temperatures lead to:

• Earlier flowering of plants

• Longer pollen seasons

• Higher pollen concentrations in the air

Air pollution

Urban air pollution can irritate the respiratory tract and increase sensitivity to allergens.

Urban planting and vegetation

Certain trees and grasses commonly planted in cities produce large amounts of allergenic pollen.

Changes in lifestyle

Modern living conditions may influence the immune system:

• Reduced exposure to natural environments

• More indoor living

• Changes in diet and microbial exposure

These factors together contribute to the rising incidence of allergic diseases.

4. Impact of Hay Fever on Daily Life

Although hay fever is not usually life-threatening, it can significantly affect quality of life.

Many patients experience:

• Disturbed sleep

• Reduced work productivity

• Difficulty concentrating

• Fatigue and irritability

For students and professionals, hay fever can reduce learning ability, work efficiency, and overall wellbeing.

Severe symptoms may also contribute to:

• Sinus problems

• Asthma aggravation

• Chronic nasal inflammation

Therefore, effective management and prevention are important.

5. How Chinese Medicine Understands Hay Fever

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a long history of treating nasal disorders and allergic conditions.

In Chinese medicine, hay fever is often related to a weakness in the body's defensive system, which allows external environmental factors to trigger symptoms.

Several underlying patterns are commonly observed:

Lung Qi Deficiency

In TCM theory, the Lung opens into the nose and governs the body's defensive Qi at the surface.

When Lung Qi is weak, the nasal passages become more sensitive and less able to resist external allergens.

Wei Qi Instability

Wei Qi, or defensive Qi, protects the body from external influences.

If Wei Qi is unstable, environmental triggers such as pollen can easily provoke allergic reactions.

Spleen Deficiency with Dampness

The Spleen is responsible for fluid transformation in the body.

Weak digestive function may lead to accumulation of fluids and mucus, contributing to nasal congestion and discharge.

Kidney Deficiency in Chronic Cases

In long-standing or recurrent hay fever, constitutional weakness related to the Kidney system may play a role.

This can affect the body's overall resilience and immune regulation.

Chinese medicine therefore views hay fever as a condition involving both external triggers and internal imbalance.

6. Support and Prevention with Chinese Medicine

Chinese medicine aims not only to relieve symptoms but also to strengthen the body's resistance and restore balance.

Treatment may include:

Acupuncture

Acupuncture can help:

• regulate the immune response

• improve nasal function

• reduce inflammation

• support the body's defensive system

Herbal Medicine

Traditional herbal medicine may be used to:

• strengthen the body's resistance

• support respiratory and digestive functions

• reduce allergic sensitivity

Preventive Treatment

Many patients benefit from treatment before the pollen season begins, helping the body build stronger resistance to allergens.