Natural Alternatives to Allergy Drugs: Quercetin
This naturally occurring flavonoid, found in foods and available as a nutritional supplement, has anti-allergy and anti-inflammatory properties. Preliminary research shows that it reduces histamine release from mast cells While we are unaware of any studies, we find it to be helpful clinically for our patients.
DOSAGE
Take 500 to 1,000 mg three times daily.
SAFETY
Rare instances of headaches and tingling of the extremities have been reported.
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’s milk and gluten.Warm sinus irrigation rinses are helpful in reducing allergen exposure and reaction.
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.
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…)
Montelukast granules (Singulair granules)
Montelukast (Singulair)
HOW DO THESE DRUGS WORK?
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
MAJOR CAUTIONS (more…)
Allergy Drugs: Antihistamines
Brompheniramine (BroveX, BroveX CT, Lodrane 12 Hour ER Tablet)
Chlorpheniramine (Aller-Chlor, Allergy, Chlo-Amine, Chlor-Trimeton, Chlor-Trimeton Allergy, Efidac 24)
Promethazine Oral (Phenergan)
Azelastine Nasal Spray (Astelin)
Fexofenadine (Allegra)
Loratadine (Alavert, Claritin)
Dexchlorpheniramine oral syrup
Desloratadine (Clarinex)
Brompheniramine Oral Suspension (BroveX Oral Suspension)
Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
Clemastine (Dayhist-1, Tavist, Tavist Allergy)
Diphenhydramine Oral (AllerMax, Banophen, Benadryl, Diphenhist, Genahist)
Dexchlorpheniramine ER
Carbinoxamine (Histex CT)
HOW DO THESE DRUGS WORK?
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
MAJOR CAUTIONS (more…)
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. (more…)