Archive for March, 2010

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Natural Alternatives to Allergy Drugs: Stinging Nettle

Tuesday, March 30th, 2010

Natural Alternatives to Allergy Drugs: Stinging Nettle

This plant has been used by naturopathic doctors in the United States over several decades for the treatment of allergies. A randomized, double-blind study at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine tested the benefit of freezedried nettles for the treatment of hay fever. In the study, 58 percent of participants given stinging nettle had a reduction in sneezing and itching.

DOSAGE

Take 300 mg three times daily.

SAFETY

No adverse effects are known for the aboveground parts of stinging nettle, the part of the plant used in the mentioned study.

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Natural Alternatives to Allergy Drugs: Thymus Extract

Sunday, March 28th, 2010

Natural Alternatives to Allergy Drugs: Thymus Extract

The thymus gland produces thymic hormones, which help to regulate immunity. Thymus extracts are used as nutritional support for those with allergies. Thymus extract has been shown in one study to be effective in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.

DOSAGE

Take 750 mg of crude thymus polypeptide fraction or 120 mg of pure thymus polypeptides (thymomodulin) daily, or as directed on the label.

SAFETY

No adverse effects have been reported.

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Natural Alternatives to Allergy Drugs: Tinospora Cordifolia

Friday, March 26th, 2010

Natural Alternatives to Allergy Drugs: Tinospora Cordifolia

An extract of this plant has been shown to significantly decrease sneezing and nasal itching, discharge, and obstruction. A randomized, double-blind placebocontrolled trial published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology involved 75 people with allergic rhinitis. They were given Tinospora cordifolia or a placebo for eight weeks. Those given Tinospora cordifolia had a significant decrease in all symptoms of allergic rhinitis. This included a 100 percent decrease in sneezing in 83 percent of participants, a 69 percent decrease in nasal discharge, a 61 percent decrease in nasal obstruction, and a 71 percent decrease in nasal pruritus (itching). Those given placebo had little improvement in the same symptoms that were monitored. (more…)

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Natural Alternatives to Allergy Drugs: Butterbur

Wednesday, March 24th, 2010

Natural Alternatives to Allergy Drugs: Butterbur

This plant extract is commonly used in Europe for the treatment of hay fever. A prospective, randomized, double-blind study compared butterbur to fexofenadine (Allegra) and placebo in 330 participants with allergies (allergic rhinitis). The butterbur group took one tablet (8 mg of the active ingredient petasine) three times daily. Both fexofenadine (Allegra) and butterbur were superior to placebo in relieving symptoms. Another study found butterbur extract to be effective in relieving nasal symptoms associated with allergies. It was also shown after five days of use to significantly reduce the allergenic substance histamine. In addition, a randomized, double-blind, parallel group comparison found butterbur to be as effective as cetirizine (Zyrtec) in treating seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever).

DOSAGE

For allergic rhinitis, use a standardized extract containing 8 to 16 mg of petasine taken three to four times daily. Also, a whole butterbur root extract at a dose of 50 mg twice daily has been studied and can be used as well.

SAFETY

Butterbur is well tolerated. It can cause digestive upset, headache, fatigue, and itchy eyes.

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Natural Alternatives to Allergy Drugs: Diet and Lifestyle Changes

Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010

Natural Alternatives to Allergy Drugs: Diet and Lifestyle Changes

Drink plenty of water to remain hydrated. Herbal teas such as ginger and peppermint are great to keep the sinuses clear. Avoid or reduce foods that commonly increase nasal congestion, such as cow

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Allergy Drugs: Nasal Mast Cell Stabilizers

Sunday, March 21st, 2010

Allergy Drugs: Nasal Mast Cell Stabilizers

Cromolyn nasal spray (Nasalcrom)

HOW DO THESE DRUGS WORK?

These medications stabilize mast cell membranes, which prevents the release of inflammatory and allergy-producing substances known as histamines and leukotrienes.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

These drugs prevent allergy symptoms, although they can take up to four weeks to be fully effective.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS

- Bad taste in the mouth
- Cough, dry throat
- Headache
- Nosebleeds or runny nose
- Sneezing
- Stinging, burning, or irritation inside the nose

MAJOR CAUTIONS

- Difficulty breathing

KNOWN DRUG INTERACTIONS

None known.

FOOD OR SUPPLEMENT INTERACTIONS

None known.

NUTRIENT DEPLETION/IMBALANCE

None known.

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History. Phenylephrine and Pseudoephedrine

Wednesday, March 17th, 2010

History. Phenylephrine and Pseudoephedrine

Phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine are both decongestants. Historically, pseudoephedrine has been the more commonly used decongestant in many nonprescription cold and allergy medications. However, pseudoephedrine is also a key ingredient in making methamphetamine, a highly addictive illegal stimulant. Federal law now requires all nonprescription medications containing pseudoephedrine to be unavailable over the counter and kept behind the counter in the pharmacy. To purchase pseudoephedrine, one must show some form of government-issued identification and sign a logbook. Most products have been or are being reformulated with phenylephrine.

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Allergy Drugs: Nasal Decongestants

Sunday, March 14th, 2010

Allergy Drugs: Nasal Decongestants

Oxymetazoline (Afrin)
Phenylephrine nasal (4-Way Fast Acting, Afrin Children

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The Sinus Fungal Infection

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

The Sinus Fungal Infection

The Mayo Clinic has conducted studies demonstrating an association between sinus fungal infection and chronic sinusitis. Nasal steroidal sprays destroy the good flora of the nasal cavity, which predisposes one to a fungal infection of the sinus. One such study looked at the ability to test for sinus fungal infections in 54 patients who had a history of chronic sinusitis. Researchers found that with one of the testing methods, 100 percent of participants tested positive for fungus, while with another testing method, 76 percent showed signs of fungus.

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Allergy Drugs: Nasal Corticosteroids

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

Allergy Drugs: Nasal Corticosteroids

Triamcinolone nasal inhalation (Nasacort HFA)
Mometasone nasal spray (Nasonex)
Fluticasone nasal inhalation (Flonase)
Beclomethasone nasal inhalation (Beconase AQ)
Triamcinolone nasal spray (Nasacort AQ)
Budesonide nasal inhaler (Rhinocort Aqua)
Flunisolide nasal inhalation (Nasarel)

HOW DO THESE DRUGS WORK?

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) (more…)

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