This class of allergy medications reduces substances that promote allergy reactions such as a runny nose and swelling.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
Decreased runny nose and nasal congestion.
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
- Burning, dryness, or irritation inside the nose
- Headache
- Nosebleed
- Unpleasant taste
- Throat irritation
MAJOR CAUTIONS
- Blurred vision or other vision change
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Nausea, vomiting
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Stomach pain
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- White patches or sores in the mouth or nose (fungal infection) Read the rest of this entry »
This drug blocks the effect of the cholinergic nerves. This causes the muscles to relax and the lung bronchi to dilate for improved breathing. It also relieves a runny nose.
These medications block the action or production of inflammatory compounds known as leukotrienes. These compounds are normally released during infection or an allergic response.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
They reduce allergy symptoms and are safer than steroids for long-term use by those with asthma caused by allergies.
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
- Cough
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Heartburn
- Hoarseness or sore throat
- Indigestion or stomach upset
- Muscle aches or cramps
- Nausea
- Runny nose
- Unusual dreams
Antihistamines work by preventing histamine from binding to histamine receptors. This prevents the release of chemicals in cells that cause allergy symptoms.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
This class of allergy medications is effective in reducing the symptoms of sneezing, itchiness, and a runny nose.
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach upset
- Vision changes
- Irritability
- Dry mouth
- Dry eyes
- Dry nose
- Unusual restlessness or nervousness in children
Allergy Drugs and Their Natural Alternatives. What Are Allergies?
Allergies are a very common health problem in the United States; approximately one out of five people is affected by hay fever.With this condition sufferers react to substances in the environment such as grass or tree pollens. This is usually seasonal. Some people react year-round to things such as dust mites, pet dander, or mold. Common symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, congested sinus, watery and/or itchy eyes, and sinus pressure and pain. Allergies can also cause sinus headaches, fatigue, inability to focus, itchy mouth and throat, sore throat, sleep problems, asthma, eczema, and a variety of other health problems. Read the rest of this entry »
Like her mother, aunts, and sister, Lisa, 42, had been afflicted with adultonset acne. Her face was constantly broken out with acne, including the cystic form. For years she had cycled on and off antibiotics with temporary benefits. We put her on a diet that limited simple sugars as well as glutencontaining foods. This gave her mild improvement. She was also prescribed a high daily dose of vitamin A. Since her husband had had a vasectomy, the vitamin A therapy was deemed to be safe as far as the potential for birth defects. Read the rest of this entry »
Acne Drugs and Their Natural Alternatives. Vitamin A
Large doses of vitamin A have been found to be effective for the treatment of acne vulgaris. We have found it to be effective in patients who are nonresponsive to other natural treatments.
DOSAGE
Under a doctor’s supervision take 100,000 to 150,000 IU daily along with 800 IU of vitamin E for three to five months.
SAFETY
High doses of vitamin A should not be used by women of childbearing age who are not on birth control, as it can cause birth defects. Dosages higher than 5,000 IU per day should not be used by pregnant or nursing women. Read the rest of this entry »
This herb native to India is commonly used in the United States to reduce cholesterol. It has been shown to be effective for difficult-to-treat cystic acne. A study in the Journal of Dermatology involved 20 patients with cystic acne. They received either tetracycline 500 mg or tablets of guggul (equivalent to 25 mg guggulsterone), taken twice daily for three months. The reduction of inflammatory lesions in the tetracycline group was 65,2 percent as compared to 68 percent with the gugulipid group. In addition, researchers observed that the patients with oily faces responded remarkably better to gugulipid. Read the rest of this entry »
The topical application of tea tree oil is effective for the treatment of acne. Tea tree oil reduces bacteria and other microbes associated with acne vulgaris. It is available in a variety of topical creams or facial rinses. One Australian single-blind, randomized clinical trial on 124 patients found results from a 5 percent tea tree oil gel extract comparable to the effects of benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of mild to moderate acne. Although the onset of action was slower with tea tree oil, it had fewer side effects such as dryness, burning, redness, and itching.
