How Can You Know Which Allergy Medicine Is Best?


The answer to this question is not a simple one. First, it will be helpful to explore the main type of medicine used to treat allergies, which is an antihistamine. An antihistamine is a drug that blocks a receptor for histamine. Histamine is a chemical in your body that over-reacts to certain triggers, or allergens, such as pollen, mold, dust mites or pet dander and produces allergy symptoms. These symptoms can include sneezing, nasal stuffiness, sniffling, and itching. So, antihistamines help relieve or prevent those symptoms.

Let's look closer at the different choices you have for allergy medication:
First-generation antihistamines. These are the original medicines developed to treat allergy symptoms and are available over the counter. These medications are generally effective, but have some bothersome side effects, especially drowsiness, which makes it difficult to take them on a regular basis. Examples are Benadryl and Chlortrimeton.
Second-generation antihistmines. These medicines don't cause the same level of drowsiness as their predecessors, though some of them can still cause mild sedation in some people. However, they are all highly effective and can be taken on a regular basis with very few side effects. They also come in long-lasting versions, so you only need to take them once a day. Examples are Allegra, Zyrtec, and Claritin. Claritin has been sold over the counter for a couple of years, and also has a number of generic versions (loratidine).
Leukotriene modifiers.Singulair falls into this category and it is used for both allergies and asthma. It blocks leukotrienes, another body chemical that is involved in the allergic response.
Homeopathic medicines. This is an alternative treatment for allergies, whereby you take tiny amounts of allergens by mouth to slowly de-sensitize you over time to allergens (it's also known as sublingual immunotherapy).
So, which of these treatments are best for you?

Since the arrival of the second-generation, non-sedating antihistamines a decade or more ago, the first-generation drugs have fallen out of favor. Why take something that causes such bothersome side effects when you can take something just as effective that doesn't? Probably the main reason why anyone would take one of them now is the fact that you can buy them without a doctor's prescription and that they don't usually cost as much.

The jury is still out on whether homeopathic medicines are actually effective, though some people swear by them. They are definitely not proven through reliable research, however.

So, that leaves the second-generation antihistamines as the most common choice for treating allergies today. But among those, which is best? There are studies proving the effectiveness of one over the other in regards to various criteria, including length of action, quickness of action and level of relief. However, most of these studies were sponsored by the drug companies that make the medicines, so you have to look at those results with some caution and skepticism.
As an allergy sufferer who has tried all 3 of the second generation antihistmines, as well as most of the over the counter first-generation variety, I have to say I think it depends on the person. When I first saw an allergist as a young adult (prior to the existence of the newer allergy medicines), he prescribed a low dose of Benadryl twice daily. I took it regularly and never had any significant degree of sedation. When I take it these days, though, I do, so go figure.

On my second round of being treated by an allergist a decade later, I started trying the different second-generation drugs. Neither Claritin or Zyrtec were particularly helpful to me in relieving/preventing my allergy symptoms. It's not that they didn't work at all; they did, just not that well.

When I started taking Allegra, though, I got the best relief of my life. However, other people swear by Zyrtec or Claritin, so your experience may vary too.

My advice? Talk with your doctor about your particular set of symptoms, and then be willing to go through a trial and error period. Try one medicine for a few months, and if it isn't controlling your symptoms, ask if you can try a different one for a while.

Of course, the best way to prevent allergy symptoms is to avoid your triggers, but that's not always an easy task. Another option is to take allergy shots, which slowly de-sensitize you to your allergens over a period of months or years.

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Posted by LiTTle PiG NaRak Wednesday, December 16, 2009 1 comments

Does An Effective Natural Allergy Treatment Really Exist?




Where To Begin With Allergy Relief
Traditionally, an allergy test is a good place to start as it can identify what allergy treatment would be most effective. You'll then want to consider removal of anything within your control like specific foods or pets that cause your flare ups.
This is obvious of course, but with the large number of allergens beyond your control the better question is "How to reduce allergy reactions effectively and safely?"
In North American prescription medications are traditional now and we have a highly developed health system specializing in many areas, the best in the world in many respects. But there are some aspects of healing that some Doctors know very little about. (like an effective natural allergy treatment for instance)
Consider This
There are hundreds of allergens that cause reactions ranging from a red swollen allergy reaction to psoriasis and other bothersome allergies. How effective can a prescription pill be when it's laser focused on one thing like anti-histamines? It's a well known fact that prescription medications cause side effects and that's why so many people are seeking a natural allergy treatment as a holistic approach.
Over the last three decades there has been a lot of research around a specific group of nutrients called Xanthones typically found in wood, that have proven to be a powerful allergy treatment.
Xanthones are a special class of antioxidant that has a basic molecular structure classified as a double bonded carbon. Any biologist will recognize the significance of the double bonded molecule in a flash, but if you're not a biologist then I should explain that a little further.
A Brief Explanation of Xanthones
Let me go a little deeper first then I'll back up to how a double bonded molecule relates to an effective allergy treatment. Xanthones have a skeleton structure (the double bond) and side chains. Each side chain in a xanthone can address a specific problem area in your body much like a key fits a lock, and as an allergy treatment this has significant meaning.
Because of the 43 variations of the basic Xanthone, it can deliver its allergy treatment more effectively. If a specific allergy demands a variety of solutions, the sheer number of xanthone variations are able to solve the puzzle. In other words, the varitey of xanthone molecules are anywhere from 20 times to 30 times more effective than individual antioxidants and nutrients.
A Powerful Allergy Treatment
To put this in perspective, there are a growing number of Doctors aware of the Xanthone allergy treatment, recommending this first and resorting to prescriptions only if the condition persists.
Remember the healing power of Aloe Vera? It has one xanthone in it. When Aloe Vera first arrived on the health scene in the late 70's it quickly became a household name and dozens of companies jumped on the Aloe Vera band wagon. These days you can walk into any health food store and choose between eight or ten different brands of Aloe Vera.
In 2002 a powerhouse botanical was found to have over 40 XANTHONES! The amazing thing is, this allergy treatment is in a single, wonderful tasting fruit!
Mangosteen and Xanthones
The fruit I'm describing is called Mangosteen. (no relation to Mango) With the proper dosage it's an effective allergy treatment for a majority of allergies. There has been hundreds of hours of detailed research done on the Mangosteen fruit because of its anti-histamine properties.
There are centuries of folk lore passed down through generations, and scores of scientific papers on Mangosteen dating back to the late 1800's. Why it only just went commercial in the last few years is a mystery, but thankfully it was discovered by a savvy group who have gone to great lengths to deliver a quality product with consistent nutritional value.
How To Capture All The Nutrients
The majority of Xanthones in Mangosteen are in the rind, which is rather bitter tasting by itself. Traditional treatments over the centuries were made by grinding and processing the rind (for topical applications) or making tea from it.
To suit our discerning tastes these days, they puree the whole Mangosteen with a few other fruits for flavor. This is a patented process only available from one company.

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Relief From Spring Allergies

Allergy Relief




Although spring allergies are common and can make your kids miserable, fortunately there are many medications to help control your child's symptoms. Even younger infants and children can now take allergy medicines to help prevent and control their allergies.

Commonly used allergy medications include antihistamines, such as:

  • Claritin, which is now over-the-counter and available in many generic versions of loratadine, including Alavert, Dimetapp ND, and store brands from Rite-Aid and Wal-mart. It is available as a syrup for children over age 2 years and a tablet or disintegrating tablet for children over age 6.
  • Zyrtec, available as a syrup for children over age 6 months, a chewable tablet, and a regular tablet for older kids.
  • Allegra, until recently, was available only as a pill, which limited its use for younger children. Allegra is now available as an oral suspension and so there is now another option for treating young kids with allergies, even if they can't swallow pills.
  • Clarinex is now available as a syrup for children over age 6 months, a disintegrating RediTab for children over age 6 years, and a tablet for kids over age 12.
Reviewing these medications, you can see that you now have two different options to treat younger infants with seasonal allergies, as both Zyrtec and Clarinex are FDA approved for children over age 6 months.

In addition to antihistamines, Singulair is a medication that can be used treat seasonal allergies in children over age 6 months. It is also FDA approved to treat asthma in children over age 12 months. It is available as an oral granule packet that can be sprinkled on your child's food or a chewable tablet, which makes it easy to give younger children.

And don't forget steroid nasal sprays. Although younger children especially don't like them, they can be quite effective at controlling your child's allergy symptoms.

Commonly used steroid nasal sprays include:

  • Nasonex, which can be used in children 2 years of age and older
  • Flonase, which can be used in children 4 years of age and older
  • Rhinocort Aqua, which can be used in children 6 years of age and older
  • Nasacort AQ, which can be used in children 6 years of age and older
Astelin is another type of nasal spray that can be used for children 5 years of age and older. It is not a steroid though. Instead, it is an antihistamine nasal spray and may be a good alternative to steroids for some children.

OTC Allergy Medicines

In addition to loratadine, there are many other over-the-counter allergy medicines available that you can give your child. Many, including Benadryl, Triaminic Cold & Allergy, and Dimetapp Cold & Allergy, can make your child sleepy and likely shouldn't be used on a regular or daily basis. A non-sedating, once a day, allergy medication would be a better choice for your child's daily allergy symptoms.

NasalCrom is another over-the-counter allergy medicine that can help to control and prevent your child's allergy symptoms. Unlike most other OTC allergy medicines, NasalCrom is a nasal spray, which has another downside in that it must be used 3-4 times a day.

Uncontrollable Allergy Symptoms

If your child's allergy symptoms don't get under good control with some combination of these allergy medicines, it may be time for some allergy testing or a trip to a Pediatric Allergist.

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Posted by LiTTle PiG NaRak Monday, November 9, 2009 0 comments

Natural Allergy Relief for Children and Adults

Allergy Relief from an Allergy Remedy that's as Natural as the Air You Breathe

by Laura Pickford RamirezIf your child suffers from constant sneezing and sniffing, then you're probably looking for an allergy remedy, if not a cure. Childhood allergies can crop up any time. A child can suddenly become allergic to a substance that caused no reaction in the past. Prescription drugs, toxins in your environment and chemicals in your food can cause severe allergic reactions. This is why it's important to understand how allergies work and have a natural allergy relief remedy on hand to treat them.


My eldest son, Dakotah, suffers from allergies. Every morning, he awakens and sneezes fifteen to twenty times in succession. He has to carry tissue with him everywhere because he suffers from constant post-nasal drip. While his allergies don't stop him from playing sports, they are a hindrance. It's a struggle to do your best when you're feeling miserable. Allergy relief should be a priority for the parent of every allergy sufferer.

Like most concerned moms, I took my son to the pediatrician to see if she knew how my son could get allergy relief. The physician prescribed Claritin®.

When I asked her if it had any side effects, she shook her head, but I found out later that giving Claritin to a child under twelve can damage the liver. Although I had the prescription filled, I doled it out only when my son needed emergency allergy relief. As a doctor friend pointed out, "Your child doesn't suffer from allergies because he's deficient in Claritin. Maybe you should find a natural allergy remedy -- a means of boosting his immune system, so he's less likely to react to certain allergens."

Since this comment made perfect sense to me, that's exactly what I did. I read books on naturopathy, I researched herbology and looked into holistic medicine. I tried a series of things that provided temporary allergy relief, but did not prevent my son from experiencing the reactions or the headaches. Recently, I came found two allergy relief products that have actually worked and that I would like to share with you, so you can help relieve your children's suffering (and yours, if you have allergies).

I tested one product on my son. I had a friend test the other on her daughter. Let's talk about the product I had my friend test first. It is called AllergiClear for Natural Allergy Relief and is an herbal, homeopathic product. According to my friend the relief her daughter has experienced has been nothing short of miraculous. Some of the things she liked best about it is that it stopped her daughter's dependence on antihistamines and seemed to improve her overall resistance to disease (before using the product, in addition to having allergies, she was always getting sick), in addition to eradicating her symptoms. Since it is an all-natural product, there are no side effects. The price for this is $36.95 and it is worth every penny. Since this time, I've recommended this product to other friends who had very positive outcomes. This product is also very effective for adults.

Note: Many children who have allergies also have problems with eczema. For those who do, < href="http://allergy-reliefs.blogspot.com/">ClearSkin-E will clear it up in no time.

One other thing concerned parents may want to consider is beefing up your child's immunity with vitamins that will counteract a tendency to catch every cold or flu virus that goes around. In my family, we use Kiddie Boost which I highly recommend. It will cut down on missed school days (and missed work days for you) and your children will be healthier and happier to boot.

Another take on allergy relief:

The product I tried on my son is an allergy relief product that has completely eliminated his allergies. Not only did his symptoms subside within two days of taking the product, it also happened at the height of the allergy season in Nevada. (September is when the wild Nevada sage blooms and the saying goes, "If you're not allergic to it yet, you will be.")

The allergy relief product I've been giving my son is called Oxygen Elements Plus It is an all natural supplement that contains a propriety blend of ionic trace elements, fruit acids, rice vinegar, hydrogen sulfate, purified water, amino acids and minerals. The key factor in the proprietary blend is a mix of deuterium and sulfur. Deteurium is a non-reactive isotope of hydrogen that splits apart the hydrogen and oxygen molecules in water and delivers pure oxygen to the cells. Since this blend delivers oxygen straight to the cells, it is also delivering other nutrients directly to the cells.

Many people don't understand that anaerobic pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungus and cancer cells cannot live in the presence of oxygen. As a nurse who works in the medical research field put it, "It's so simple. I don't know why I never thought of it before. When we're working with cell cultures in the lab, if we want the cells to mutate, we turn down the oxygen. To stop them, we turn it up." This is why oxygenating your cells is so important to allergy relief. Unfortunately, the oxygen levels in our environment have greatly diminished due to the destruction of the rain forests and pollution of the oceans. In prehistoric times, the oxygen content of the atmosphere was 45-50%. Today, the oxygen levels in our atmosphere are down to about 21%.

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Relief for Allergies. On the Go Part II


Cleaner Crisis: Most vacuums don't pick up tiny allergens. They stir them up instead. Get a vacuum with a HEPA filter. It makes all the difference.

Duct Season: Before turning on heat the first time, get ducts cleaned. Otherwise, you'll get blasted with mold and other allergens.

Moldy Oldies: Mold grows on old bread -- but also on cheese, mushrooms, dried fruits, soy sauce, sour cream, and hot dogs. Got a mold allergy?

Cleaning Crisis: House cleaning is a good thing, but cleaning agents can cause serious airway irritations. Good ventilation is key.

Humidity. Too Much or Too Little: Mold and dust mites thrive in moist environments. Keep the humidity in your house between 40% and 20% to control allergens and still breathe comfortably.

Awake With Allergies: Stuffy nose, postnasal drip -- these allergy symptoms can wreak havoc on sleep. Could allergies be causing your insomnia?

Got You Covered: Your air vents push allergens into every room. Cover bedroom vents with cheesecloth -- and replace when soiled.

In Hot Water: Check your water heater. Wash sheets and pillowcases in hot water -- at least 130 degrees -- to kill dust mites.

Got Ragweed Allergy? Then you're likely sensitive to bananas, cucumbers, melons, zucchini, sunflower seeds, and chamomile tea.

Your "Om" Home: Stressed? Try meditation. Stress makes allergy symptoms worse -- and meditation is a fast-acting stress reliever.

Misery Mystery: If seasonal allergies are triggering sinus infections, it's time for allergy treatment. See an allergist.

Stuffed Up? Could it be a sinus infection? Facial pain -- and thick nasal discharge for over 7 days -- are a few symptoms.

Shower Spa: Stuffed up? Take a hot shower. A steamy bathroom helps to open and thin the mucus in your sinuses.

Dry, Itchy Skin? Eczema is common in people with allergies. Cold compresses can help relieve itching. Be sure to use lotions to keep skin moist.

Rip It Up: Carpets and throw rugs collect dust, mites, and mold. Rip up wall-to-wall carpeting. Make sure small rugs are washable.

Sweet Heat: Warm compresses on a child's face can help soothe sinus pressure and pain.

Wrap It Up: In fall, indoor allergens are our biggest pests. To control bedroom dust mites, wrap your pillows, mattress, and box springs in special allergen-proof covers.

Time to Winterize: Fixing leaks around windows and doors helps cut heating bills. It also keeps allergens outside.

Keep It Closed: Keep windows closed, even if temperatures are milder. You'll keep outdoor allergens where they should be -- outdoors.

Arid Home Air: Your home heating system dries indoor air, which can lead to sinus infections. A humidifier bumps humidity to 50%.

Tricked by Treats: Food allergies can cause a serious reaction. If your child is allergic to nuts or other foods, check candy carefully.

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Posted by LiTTle PiG NaRak Wednesday, November 4, 2009 0 comments

Relief for Allergies. On the Go Part I


Try these simple tips to control allergens that may lurk in your home.

Shower Power: Pollen sticks to everything. Shower, wash hair, and change clothing if you've been outdoors during heavy pollen times.

Sleep's Secrets: Sleep relieves stress and helps your body heal when fighting allergy symptoms.

Fixer Upper: Updating your house? Hardwood floors are a great amenity -- and perfect for allergy-prone families.

TLC for the AC: Don't take your air conditioner for granted. Change the filter every month or so. Clean air ducts at least once a year.

Hibernation Season: When pollen count or pollution levels are high, hibernate. Try indoor exercise -- stretching, yoga and weight training.

Steam Heat: Vacuuming or steam cleaning upholstered furniture and carpets -- and doing it often -- helps control allergens.

Separate Rooms: Room air cleaners can be a breath-saver -- in the bedroom, kitchen, TV room, office, or wherever you spend lots of time.

Filter It Out: Use air conditioning during warm, humid months. You'll filter out 99% of all pollen and allergen-producing materials.

Beware the Breeze: Wash bed linens in hot water to kill dust mites. And use the dryer. Hanging clothes in the breeze brings allergens inside.

Tough Love: Many people are sensitive to animal dander and saliva. Wash pets often. Banish them from the bedroom. Send Fido outside.

Infant Insomnia: Chronic insomnia in infants has been linked to allergies to cow's milk proteins. Does your infant need an allergy test?

Toy Terrors: Children's stuffed toys can harbor dust mites. Buy ones that are washable so you can clean them regularly.

Pillow Talk: Keep dust mites out of the bedroom. Box springs, mattresses, and pillows should be enclosed in zippered allergen-proof casings.

Nightly News: Even if night temperatures are cool, keep windows closed. Air-conditioning keeps pollen and mold out.

Hobby Hazards: Could a hobby worsen your asthma? Paint fumes, wood dust, and other irritants in the air can trigger and aggravate airways.

Got a Basement? Then you've likely got mold. Install a dehumidifier, and clean it often. Stay upstairs as much as possible.

Mite Not: Want to control dust mites in bedrooms? Replace carpets with hardwood floors. Attach cheesecloth over air vents. Ban fuzzy blankets.

Deal With Dry Air: A little moisture in the air makes breathing easier for most. Turn on the humidifier if your house is dry.

Inside Job: Don't hang clothes out to dry -- you'll bring in loads of pollen and mold. The clothes dryer is your friend.

Food or Mold Allergy? Runny nose, itchy eyes, rash, and wheezing are mold allergy symptoms. Mold grows in basements,but also on food like cheese.

Get Bold With Mold: Banish mold from your bathrooms. Clean with mold-killing products. Use exhaust fans to vent steam. Wash shower curtains.


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Relief for Allergies at Home

Your home is your castle -- except when you’re allergic to it. A recent nationwide survey found that over half of all Americans test positive for at least some allergens, and many of these are indoor allergies such as dust, mold, and pet dander.



How can you allergy-proof your home to make it a refuge, not a source of sneezes? Take a tour of your house from room to room, find out where the allergens are lurking, and get relief from indoor allergies.
Allergies in the Bedroom

“This is the most allergen-prone room in your house, because the most common indoor allergen is dust mites,” says James Sublett, MD, an allergist in Louisville, Ky.

The single most important thing you can do for dust mite allergies is to put hypoallergenic casings on your beds, mattresses, box springs, and especially the pillows. “They’re right in your face all the time, so they particularly need allergy casings,” says Sublett.

You can also reduce the presence of dust mites in your beds by using only washable bedding. Many people may pile their beds with fancy quilts, throw pillows, and wool blankets that aren’t washed regularly.

“If you move them around at night when you’re getting ready for bed, you stir up the particulate found in these linens,” says Sublett.

This applies to stuffed animals in children’s bedrooms as well. Instead of piling stacks and stacks of cuddly toys on the bed, limit the furry friends to one or two favorites that are washable. (Take a look at the label -- many stuffed animals are marked “surface clean only.”) Your child’s linens and stuffed animals should be washed in hot water at least once a week.

Remove carpets from the bedroom (and elsewhere in the house as well if you can). A smooth-surfaced floor reduces the dust mite particles that accumulate in carpets.

Keep pets out of the bedroom and most certainly off your bed. “Even if you’re not actually allergic to the pet dander, they can bring allergens into the bedroom and onto the bed on their fur,” notes Sublett.

The bedroom is also a good place for a HEPA air filter to clean bedroom air. (This is not an “air purifier,” which is a different product and does nothing for allergies).
Allergies in the Living Room, Family Room and Playroom

These rooms may not have quite the allergy-aggravating potential that the bedroom does, but similar rules apply:

* Keep carpeted surfaces to a minimum.
* Choose smooth-surfaced furniture, like leather, vinyl, and ultrasuede over heavily upholstered pieces.
* Limit soft and plush toys, and wash them regularly.
* In rooms with carpeting, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter.

Vacuums with HEPA filters “reduce the amount of particles thrown up in the air when you’re vacuuming,” says Sublett.

Also, it’s a good idea to wear an allergy face mask when you’re vacuuming.” He recommends a mask rated at least N95 by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, which filters extremely small particles.

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