Allergy medicine
Allergy medicine is a standalone area of medical science that researches and treats different allergic diseases. The specialist who works in allergy medicine is called an allergist. Millions of Americans suffer from allergies. Many people are afflicted with some allergy to all sorts of things, such as environmental allergens, odors, fumes, food, and cigarette smoke are a few of the factors. Allergies, despite not being diseases, can severely affect your health for weeks.
Allergy is a Greek term that means “other work.” The term allergy describes a response by the body that is not necessarily harmful but results in immune responses and reactions that cause symptoms and disease in a predisposed person, causing inconvenience or a great deal of misery. It occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to normally harmless substances.
An allergy is a common immune reaction that irritates the body through itching. Allergy is a common disorder that virtually affects more than 50% of the world’s population in one way or another. By allergy, the immune system reacts against a substance that it is not supposed to react against, and the reaction is often exaggerated. Allergy often leads to the formation of certain chronic diseases.
The allergy may be caused by weather, dust, food, pollution, animals, flowers, plants, etc.; the list is relatively unending. Objects containing substances that commonly cause allergies are domestic dust, animal hair, household chemicals, chlorine, microorganisms, pollen, nuts, citrus fruits, and seafood. Also, bacteria and parasites can cause inappropriate immune solid reactions.
Having a healthy environment keeps you away from allergies. The environment, which is filled with dust, is the dominant factor for allergy. By keeping the home surroundings clean, we can prevent the allergy as it is one of the essential things we can do to be away from it.
Allergy medicine products are over-the-counter, and prescription drugs do not cure the condition. An allergic reaction results from a hypersensitive immune system—genetic and environmental factors cause such an abnormal reaction to relatively harmless situations. Therefore, medications prescribed by your doctor only help manage the symptoms. Over-the-counter and prescription Allergy medicines are available in different forms. It includes tablets, capsules, liquid solutions, nasal sprays, eye drops, inhalers, skin creams, and injections.
Groups of medicines for allergy
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are the most popular over-the-counter allergy medicines. They prevent the release of histamines in the sinuses. This chemical compound is released when you inhale an allergen or irritant. Histamines cling to receptors in the blood vessels, causing them to swell. This leads to swollen eyes, itchy and watery eyes, and a runny nose. Antihistamines are prescribed for long-term use. They are available as over-the-counter and prescription drugs.
Decongestants
This is another group of over-the-counter allergy medicines. An allergic reaction typically produces a large amount of mucus in the sinus cavities. This causes stuffiness and a heavy head. Decongestants shrink the blood vessels and loosen and clear the sinus cavities. They are prescribed for use for a few days only. An antihistamine combined with a decongestant is an effective allergic rhinitis treatment. Decongestants are not recommended for pregnant women and people with high blood pressure. They should be used in limited quantities as prolonged use causes further damage to blood vessels.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids block symptom-causing chemicals during an allergic reaction. They relieve nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and allergic conjunctivitis. Topical creams containing corticosteroids are used as a skin allergy treatment. Most corticosteroids need a prescription.
Bronchodilators
Bronchodilators are used to relieve asthma symptoms. During an asthma attack, a person experiences difficulty in breathing. This drug relaxes and widens the bronchi. It clears the lungs of mucus buildup and relieves chest tightness. Bronchodilators are prescription medications.
Anti-leukotrienes / Leukotrienes
Leukotrienes are allergy medicines used to treat symptoms of asthma and nasal allergies. They prevent the activation of white blood cells.
Mast Cell Stabilizers
Mast Cell stabilizers are prescription Allergy medicines. It reduces inflammation in the bronchial tubes. In the form of eye drops, mast cell stabilizers are used to treat allergic conjunctivitis. In the form of nasal sprays, it is used to relieve nasal congestion; in the form of inhalers, it is used to treat asthma symptoms.
Severe allergies might not subside with over-the-counter medications; they need a more substantial dose prescribed by a doctor. There are other precautions to follow when using OTC drugs. Medications should be used in controlled amounts. Some Allergy medicines cause drowsiness. Hence, it would be best to be cautious about driving or operating heavy machinery after taking a dose. Due to the side effects of OTC drugs, most people seek natural allergy remedies.
Natural remedies for allergy – Most popular allergy medicines
As allergies can happen through allopathic medications, many prefer natural remedies for allergies as they act as adrenal support and review the best vitamins, minerals, and herbs for fighting allergies. Natural remedies for allergy relief can be a powerful method of strengthening the immune system as it has the power to minimize allergy symptoms and obtain relief. It has also proven to be quick, reliable, and very effective.
There are many natural remedies for allergies, and they are available without a prescription. However, it is important to use precautions and consult a medical doctor before taking an alternative medicine for allergy. Some allergy symptoms are coughing, sneezing, wheezing, runny nose, and alternative medicine for allergies. Natural remedies for allergies can prevent these.
Listed below are the most popular and effective natural remedies for allergies
Home remedies for allergy – most common allergy medicine
While there are many over-the-counter Allergy medicines, many home remedies for allergies effectively provide relief. Listed below are home remedies for allergy
Nasal Irrigation
- Using a nasal spray or Neti pot to help flush out the nasal passages will help tremendously in cleaning out any pollen particles caught in the hairs inside your nose, causing continual irritation to your body.
Local Honey
- Over time, ingesting a daily spoonful of locally sourced honey can help reduce allergy symptoms. Using local honey is vital because it is made from the same flowers and pollen you are allergic to, and over time, it can help your body realize it is not a threat. Honey is also one of the best home remedies for allergies.
Exercise
- Regular exercise and physical activity can help alleviate allergic reactions, including respiratory allergies, although it isn’t entirely clear why. In moderation, exercise is not harmful to people who have allergies and, of course, offers many health benefits.
Garlic
- Garlic is a natural anti-inflammatory because it contains a compound called diallyl disulfide, which fights the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. It’s also a well-known immune booster. Regarding allergies, some naturopaths tout garlic as one of the best natural allergy medicines because it contains the antioxidant quercetin. Quercetin can inhibit the release of histamines.
Rosemary
- Rosemary not only tastes good on your steak but also contains rosmarinic acid, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Some small studies have found that rosemary is an effective home remedy for allergy that help relieve asthmatic symptoms. One study discovered that rosmarinic acid could also suppress allergic immunoglobulin. If you try taking a rosmarinic acid supplement, experts advise it with meals to avoid an upset stomach.
Acupuncture for allergy – an ancient Chinese natural allergy medicine
Acupuncture is a method of treatment in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that involves inserting very thin needles into the body at specific points believed to be linked by a network of lines of energy called meridians. The meridians serve as a way on which the Qi (pronounced “Chee”), or the vital life energy, circulates.
When acupuncture for allergy is used, several meridians in the front of the body can be attacked, including the lungs, colon, stomach, and spleen. These meridians are believed to circulate defensive qi, an immunity-related energy. A backup or lack of defensive qi causes typical allergic symptoms such as swelling, cracking, runny nose, sneezing, allergic eczema, and conjunctivitis. The idea is that stimulating these points will restore defensive qi and alleviate symptoms.
There are several scientific theories about how acupuncture for allergies works. It is argued that the practice acts directly on nerve fibers, affecting messages to the brain or the autonomic nervous system and transmitting specific signals in the body, including the immune system.
Another hypothesis is that acupuncture for allergy influences certain activities of cells, in particular through the transport, breakdown, and elimination of “bioactive mediators.” These effects, along with suppressing an overactive immune system, are believed to reduce inflammatory conditions such as allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, in which the inside of the nose becomes inflamed and swollen after inhaling an allergen.
Acupuncture has become a well-respected alternative treatment for several medical conditions and helps relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life for those with allergies. Acupuncture is also one of the best natural allergy medicines.
Herbs for allergy – popular natural allergy medicine
Plenty of medicines on the market can block the body’s release of histamine and also treat seasonal allergy symptoms. Still, many also cause a host of side effects, including drowsiness. The good news is that there are also natural remedies for allergy-like herbs for allergy that can help you deal with allergies without the side effects. Listed below are herbs for allergy
- This is one of the best herbs for allergy. Albizia soothes skin like a calming inner balm. This tangy bark provided positive results in test cases for asthma, allergic conjunctivitis, eczema, hives, hay fever, and sinusitis. Research reveals albizia works by reducing allergy-induced antibodies. Like a peacemaker, it stops the body from attacking itself. It does what pharmaceutical medicines do but with long-term results and no side effects. Albizia increases anti-inflammatory cortisol, reduces mast cells, lowers histamines, and tames t-lymphocytes. In plain language, albizia is like a chill pill to an angry allergy.
- This is a Native American herb for allergy that’s pacified a plethora of allergies over centuries. It protects the coverings of the respiratory and digestive tracts with its antimicrobial, antibiotic, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. This applies to all allergies, including hay fever, sinusitis, and digestive disturbances such as diarrhea due to food allergies.
- Perilla Frutescens is a natural remedy for allergies from Asia called Shisho in Japanese cooking. For centuries, eastern herbalists have prized this potent leaf for its anti-allergy effects on asthma, eczema, and dermatitis. Perilla is gaining international demand as recent research confirms its decisive anti-inflammatory actions.
Homeopathic remedies for allergy – #1 in the category of allergy medicine
Homeopathic remedies for allergies are a natural system of medicine that supports the body’s intrinsic healing capacity on a subtle level. It is inexpensive, and when prescribed according to individual needs by a qualified homeopath, it can be highly effective.
Homeopathic allergy remedies are based on the paradoxical theory that “like cures like.” A large dose of a substance that causes particular symptoms (such as insomnia, restlessness, and irritability) can relieve those symptoms in a significantly diluted amount.
Listed below are common homeopathic medicines for allergies. Find the one that describes your dominant symptoms, and take a low-potency dosage two to three times a day for two weeks. If you notice that you’re feeling better, continue taking it through the allergy season or until you are symptom-free. If not, work with a qualified homeopath to find the proper remedy.
- This homeopathic allergy relief is used when nasal mucus irritates your nose or upper lip; your eyes are watery, but the discharge is bland and non-irritating; you feel worse in a warm room and better in the open air.
- Symptoms of this homeopathic medicine for allergy include stuffiness and copious watery nasal discharge that burns the lips; a burning sensation in the eyes, nose, and/or throat (often right-sided); sneezing upon waking, often with a tickle in the nose; anxiety and restlessness; symptoms are better from warmth (hot drinks, warm baths).
- Symptoms for this homeopathic allergy medicine are centered in the eyes: profuse tearing that is acrid and burning in nature; bland, non-irritating nasal discharge. Respiratory symptoms (runny nose, cough) are worse on rising in the morning; symptoms are better in the open air and the dark.
- This homeopathic remedy for allergy is used when you have a watery or egg-white-like nasal discharge, paroxysms of sneezing, chapped lips and cracks at the corners of the mouth, dark circles under the eyes, and headaches.
- Symptoms for this homeopathic allergy medicine include an itchy nose, violent, debilitating sneezing, and runny eyes that worsen in cold outdoor air and from flower pollen; symptoms are better from warm drinks and warm rooms.
Conclusion on allergy medicine
Natural remedies for allergies are popular and effective. Many allergic diseases can be treated using different forms of allergy medicine. However, some severe allergic conditions may cause death (Quincke’s edema, aka Angioedema). That’s why even natural remedies for allergies should be used under the supervision of a physician.
For evaluation and natural allergy treatment, contact the Philadelphia Holistic Clinic and schedule your first appointment with Dr. Tsan. You will undergo a complete assessment at the clinic, including traditional diagnostic and popular holistic techniques: iridology, pulse diagnostic, tongue diagnostic, etc.
