Seasonal Allergies Ditch Your OTCs for Natural Relief

Warmer weather is approaching, and with it comes a new growing season for trees and grass; flowers start to bloom, and pollen hits the air. Although the warmth is a welcome change, the shift from spring to summer brings misery to an estimated 50 million Americans who suffer from seasonal allergies.

Allergies are on the rise, affecting as many as 30 percent of adults and 40 percent of children. Several theories have been postulated to explain the rising prevalence, from changes in our diet (increasing consumption of junk food) and the way food is grown (GMOs and pesticides) to exposure to chemicals in the environment and our ultra-hygienic way of living.

Although researchers continue to explore the underlying cause of allergies, we can explain what is happening in the body of those afflicted. Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts or reacts inappropriately upon exposure to an otherwise harmless substance the allergen. For those with seasonal allergies, the triggering substances are trees, grass, or flower pollen. The immune system recognizes these substances as foreign and responds by producing antibodies, which trigger the release of inflammatory chemicals, including histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins. Histamine is responsible for the notorious allergy symptoms of itchy eyes, a runny nose, and sneezing; leukotrienes cause excess mucus production, and prostaglandins trigger inflammation.

Allergies and colds share some common symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, congestion, and sinus pain and pressure. So how do you tell the difference? A cold usually lasts seven to 10 days, whereas allergy symptoms persist much longer? weeks to months. Sneezing associated with allergies often occurs in rapid and multiple sequences; those with a cold are more likely to experience sporadic sneezing. Mucus secretions are clear or runny with allergies, but often yellow or greenish with a cold. In addition, allergies often cause itchy eyes, nose, and mouth or throat.

Having an allergy skin test is the quickest and most accurate way to determine your specific allergy triggers. Knowing your triggers is important so that you can take steps to avoid them. An allergy skin test is an easy procedure: The skin is lightly pricked with an allergen (such as grass or flower pollen) and after 20 minutes the doctor checks for an allergic reaction, such as redness and swelling.

Medical Management

There are several over-the-counter and prescription medications that can help manage allergy symptoms. Antihistamines are used to treat itching, runny nose, and sneezing. Older antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) are effective, but they cause substantial drowsiness and need to be taken several times throughout the day (about every six hours). Newer products such as cetirizine (Zyrtec) and loratadine (Claritin) cause less drowsiness and are taken once daily; however, they may still cause side effects such as dry eyes, mouth, and nose. Antihistamine eye drops, such as Visine, are commonly used to relieve the notorious red allergy eyes but they really just mask the problem and can also cause dry eyes and irritation.

Decongestants relieve sinus congestion, or that feeling of fullness and pressure. Examples include pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine. These products are effective, but their side effects can be troublesome and include insomnia, racing heart, increased blood pressure, and irritability. Those with high blood pressure, glaucoma, or prostate enlargement should avoid these products. Nasal sprays containing decongestants work quickly and are less likely to cause racing heart or high blood pressure, but these products can cause rebound congestion if used for longer than three days. And don’t forget a probiotic for a healthy gut.

Natural Relief

Considering all of the side effects associated with allergy medications, it is not surprising that natural methods for dealing with seasonal allergies have become very popular. There are several dietary, lifestyle, and supplemental strategies that can greatly help manage allergy symptoms and even help to prevent them from occurring.

For congestion: Nasal irrigation with a neti pot or nasal wash can help clear pollen and mucus from your nasal passages, relieve congestion, and improve breathing. Make a salt-water solution by mixing 1 teaspoon of canning or pickling salt with 16 ounces (2 cups) of purified lukewarm water. Adhering to this ratio makes sure any parasites floating in the water are dead. Lean forward over a sink and slowly pour the solution into one nostril and let it run out the other nostril. This can be repeated a few times daily. You can also add a few drops of essential oils (such as eucalyptol) to the nasal wash to enhance the effects.

For sneezing and runny nose: Try a supplement that contains butterbur. This herb helps reduce inflammation and has antihistamine effects. Some research has found it to be just as effective as commonly used antihistamine drugs.

For red eyes: Try Similasan Allergy Eye Relief. This homeopathic remedy contains 100-percent natural ingredients that work to activate the body’s own healing ability and helps relieve the burning, itching, and redness associated with allergies. It does not contain any harsh chemicals or vasoconstrictor drugs.

For a dry hacking cough: Try a teaspoon of dark honey. Honey contains various nutrients that help to calm a cough and soothe a sore throat.

Finding relief from seasonal allergies may involve a variety of lifestyle, supplemental, and medical approaches. For more advice, consult with your healthcare practitioner.

The post Seasonal Allergies Ditch Your OTCs for Natural Relief appeared first on Alternative Medicine Magazine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find more information about holistic medicine?

Holistic medicine is an approach to health care that focuses on treating the whole person rather than just focusing on one part of the body. Holistic medicine is a holistic approach to health care that considers all aspects, including the spiritual, emotional and mental well-being of the patient.

The goal of holistic medicine is to treat the whole person instead of treating individual symptoms. Holistic medicine isn’t about curing a disease. It is all about healing.

Holistic medicine includes preventive measures such as exercise and nutrition and treatments for chronic conditions such as arthritis and diabetes.

There are many types of holistic medicine.

Acupuncture
Aromatherapy
Ayurveda
Chiropractic medicine
Homeopathy
Herbalism
Naturopathy
Nutrition
Osteopathic medicine
Vedic medicine
Yoga

What does holistic refer to?

Holistic refers to being whole-based. Holistic refers to looking at the whole picture, not just one part. This can be difficult because we have become accustomed to seeing things in their entirety.

We often think of grey as black and white. There are many shades of grey.

Try to look at everything from different perspectives when you work on a project. Consider it from every side.

You should try to see it all as one. Is there a way for its elements to interact?

You should also ask yourself why the problem is occurring. Also, consider the impact of any changes that you make.

Is holistic medicine safe?

Holistic medicine is safe because it does not contain harmful drugs. It is a natural treatment for people who have been using it for centuries.

Many illnesses have been treated with them, including arthritis, chronic pain and asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes (heart disease), obesity, depression anxiety, stress, insomnia, infertility, and sexual dysfunction.

Millions of people suffer from various illnesses use holistic medicines. They include homeopathy. acupuncture. chiropractic care. herbal treatments. massage therapy. Yoga, meditation. biofeedback. Nutrition, counseling. Physical fitness. exercise. These therapies address the whole person, not just the symptoms.

What does a holistic medicine doctor do?

Holistic medicine doctors are those who treat patients holistically. They might use traditional techniques such as herbs or acupuncture, but they also integrate them into western medicine.

They seek to treat an illness and not just symptoms. The patient should feel better after treatment.

The doctor should not only treat the disease, but also prevent it from happening again.

“Holistic” is a term that refers all aspects of a person’s life.

What treatments are not included in holistic medicine?

Holistic medicine treats the whole person, not the symptoms. It promotes health and prevents disease.

Holistic medicine is a natural alternative to drugs and surgery.

Holistic medicine includes lifestyle changes such as exercise, diet, meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, massage, and bodywork techniques.

Holistic medicine is often called integrative medicine because it integrates all aspects of a patient’s physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual needs into one comprehensive care plan.

Holistic medicine emphasizes prevention and early detection of disease and encourages healthy lifestyles.

Holistic doctors believe in the possibility of multiple causes. Holistic doctors look at the whole picture, which includes genetic factors, environmental influences and lifestyle choices.

Holistic practitioners place more emphasis on the mind, emotions and spirit than the body.

Holistic doctors work closely with patients to find the best solution for them.

What are the Five Alternative Medical Systems (Alternatives)?

Ayurveda is a system of alternative medicine that includes acupuncture, Ayurveda homeopathy, energy-healing, and aromatherapy.

Acupuncture uses fine needles placed in specific points of the body to stimulate qi flow throughout the body.

Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient system for health care that balances the three major humors, water, fire, and air. It can be used to help with diet, exercise, herbs, massage, and meditation.

Homeopathic Medicine takes its name from the Greek words homoios, similar, and pathos, meaning disease. Homeopaths believe that every disease has natural causes. However, symptoms are not the only thing that can be caused. They prescribe small doses of substances to treat symptoms similar to those that are experienced when a person is ill.

Energy Healing can also be known by the names Reiki, EFT Rolfing and Therapeutic Touch. This therapy draws on the belief that we are each connected to a universal life force called Ki. Feeling well is possible when the Ki flows freely through you. Energy healers work with touch and intention to restore harmony and balance between our mental, spiritual, and physical selves.

Aromatherapy uses essential oils extracted from plants for therapeutic purposes. Aromatherapists believe certain scents can influence mood and behavior. The most common essential oil used in aromatherapy is lavender.

Statistics

These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)

External Links

How To

How to Deal with My Girlfriend Who Trusts Alternative Medicine

The internet offers guidance for those caring for a loved one with a mental illness. But there is little information out there to help when it comes to dealing with someone who believes in alternative medicine.

It seems like there is a big divide between the two. Both those who have doubts about traditional medicine and those who see the benefits.

What happens if you meet someone who believes in alternative treatment for mental health problems?

Perhaps you feel confused or frustrated, because you don’t know how to react. What can you say to your spouse when he tells him he prefers to see an Acupuncturist over his doctor? Or when she suggests that she would rather eat gluten-free food than take antidepressants?

It is important to ask questions. Asking them early on could save a lot of heartaches later on.

So how can you ask difficult questions of him without offending? What if your client says he doesn’t believe in doctors? Tell him that he should not trust anyone.

Or what if he says she thinks antidepressants do not work? You can correct her.

This is where the conversation becomes tricky. You may upset her even further if you point out that she’s wrong.

Another option is to suggest that she consults a psychiatrist. This could cause more problems than it solves. This could cause her to be upset at you. Then again, she may think you’re trying to control her life.

So, what can you do now?

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