Allergic Rhinitis and Sinusitis: Nutritional Considerations

Dietary adjustments may play a role in prevention and, to some extent, in treatment of allergic rhinitis and sinusitis–and they have no problematic side effects. In research studies, the following factors have shown promise in reducing the risk of allergic rhinitis and sinusitis:

• Breast–feeding and avoidance of early introduction of potentially allergenic foods in a child’s diet: In an Italian study, new mothers were advised to breast–feed their infants and to avoid introducing commonly allergic foods (including whole cow’s milk, eggs, fish, nuts, and cocoa) during the first year of life. Mothers who did breast–feed were also asked to limit dairy products and avoid eggs in their own diets, as well as to avoid exposure to other sources of allergens (e.g., smoking) as much as possible. These interventions greatly reduced allergic symptoms, including allergic rhinitis, in their children.
  
• Dietary fatty acids and antioxidants: These can influence the production of allergic chemicals, including histamine and leukotrienes, and may thereby play a role in the treatment (and possibly the prevention) of allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. The use of an omega–3 fatty acid supplement, paired with a multiple vitamin–mineral formula containing selenium, was shown to decrease the number of episodes of sinusitis in children.
• Reducing dietary saturated fat and cholesterol: Some evidence suggests that children who eat less saturated fat and cholesterol have less risk of developing rhinitis. For example, consumption of butter and cholesterol, both high sources of saturated fat and cholesterol, has been associated with greater frequency of allergic rhinitis in children.
  
• Vitamin supplementation: Limited evidence also suggests that blood levels of vitamins C and E are lower in children with chronic sinusitis. The intake of citrus fruit or kiwi fruit, both high in vitamin C, has been associated with a lower frequency of rhinitis in children.
  
  Vitamin E has immune effects that might improve rhinitis symptoms, and vitamin E intake from foods was shown to be protective against hay fever in adults. People with hay fever taking vitamin E supplements during pollen season experienced fewer symptoms than those of placebo takers. Additional studies are needed to determine if food or supplemental sources of vitamins C and E benefit sufferers of allergic rhinitis.
  
• Butterbur: A botanical treatment called butterbur (Petasites hybridus) significantly reduces the production of allergic chemicals (histamine and leukotrienes) in sufferers of allergic rhinitis. Benefits have been shown to be similar to those of a prescription antihistamine medication, without causing side effects, such as sleepiness.