Beyond Allergy » Allergic Rhinitis (Hay fever)

Apple Cider Vinegar

admin — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 21:50:43 +0000

Apple cider vinegar is a known home remedy to cure numerous conditions, even allergies. It can stop the symptoms from allergies to pollen, dander, dust, animal food, and the like. When apple cider vinegar is taken as a daily tonic or at the first sign of an allergy, such as a sinus headache, stuffy nose, and watery eyes, the histamine response is completely stopped. To prepare apple cider vinegar, there are many ways. You can mix 1/8 cup in 8 oz of water and sip throughout the day. You can also drink the mixture as is. One dosage is enough to stop allergy symptoms from occurring throughout the day. If taken at the onset of symptoms, the allergies disappear after a few hours.

Air Purifiers: Electrostatic Air Filters

admin — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 21:50:03 +0000

Electrostatic filters are made to charge dust particles in the air which will attract them to the metal plates in the machine. The machines are made up of layers of polypropylene and polyurethane material that generate the electrical charge to attract dust particles. They attract particles as tiny as 0.3 microns. They are compact enough to fit over windows, air conditioner, and central furnace vents. There are two kinds of filters, permanent electrostatic filters and disposable ones. The permanent filters should be maintained properly to assure that the machine will work properly. They have to be cleaned with mild soap and water every 3-4 weeks.
The disposable filters just need to be replaced as needed, especially when it has already collected large amounts of dust.

Vacuum Cleaners (HEPA)

admin — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 21:49:26 +0000

Most allergy approved vacuum cleaners are equipped with HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) air filters that reduce the amount of airborn allergens dispersed during vacuuming. HEPA filters use activated carbon and zeolite to remove gasses, odors, chemicals, toxins and vapors. There are two basic styles, upright and canister. The upright HEPA vacuum stands on its own as a single unit, with some having an attachment hose to clean hard to reach corners. However, upright vacuums tend to leak more dusty air back into the room. HEPA canister vacuum cleaners are more effective and have a compact design that can be rolled along as you vacuum. They are more powerful because they have a separate motor.

Hot Water Laundry Wash

admin — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 21:48:47 +0000

In the past, it was necessary to wash bedding, clothing, and other fabrics in hot water to remove dust mites and other harmful allergens. But in order to kill the allergens, the water has to be as hot as 130°F, or more. However, not all people keep their water heater at a high enough level, and if the water were that hot, there is a danger of damaging the fabric causing the colors to fade. Now, there is no need for hot water washing because there are new detergent products in the market that are made specifically to remove dust mites, pet dander, pollens, mildew, and mold in all water temperatures.

Dust Mite Covers

admin — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 21:48:16 +0000

As you sleep at night, dust mites that made a home in your beddings will come out and munch on your dead skin flakes and leave allergy-causing proteins on your skin or in the air for you to inhale. Dust mite covers protect you from microscopic dust mites that can wake you up in the middle of the night with nasal congestion or itchy skin. These hypoallergenic encasings are nontoxic and chemical-free, and are usually made with organic cotton that is unbleached, undyed, and untreated.

Nasalcrom etc. (Cromolyn sodium)

admin — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 21:47:44 +0000

Nasalcrom (Cromolyn sodium) is a mast cell stabilizer medication that prevents the mast cells of the immune system from rupturing when exposed to an allergen. Stabilizing the mast cells prevents them from releasing histamine that cause allergy symptoms. Cromolyn sodium products are available as prescription oral or nasal inhalers or eyedrops and also as non-prescription nasal spray. It is most effective as a preventive medication when used as allergy therapy a few weeks before the allergy season.

Face Masks

admin — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 21:46:58 +0000

For those with nasal allergies, it is highly recommended that they wear face masks outdoors. Surgical face masks are suggested because they can be easily purchased. These masks are good even for preventing viral infections from spreading. But there are face masks composed of HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, or those with a replaceable activated carbon filter, available which are specific to protect against allergens in the air. These masks reduce exposure from dust, pollens, and cut grass. Some even shield against soot, air pollution, smoke, fragrances, diesel fumes, and other irritants in the air.

Nasonex (Mometasone nasal spray)

admin — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 21:46:12 +0000

Mometasone furoate is a synthetic (man-made) glucocorticoid steroid hormone used to treat nasal allergies. Glucocorticoid hormones in particular have anti-inflammatory properties. It is effective in controlling inflammation of the nose, stuffiness, and congestion caused by allergic rhinitis wherein the inner lining of the nose releases fluid and swells. Mometasone furoate is used as a nasal spray where the medication goes directly to the nose’s inner lining leaving very little absorbed by the body.
General usage is two sprays in each nostril daily. For use as therapy in preparation for seasonal allergies, usage should begin 2-4 weeks before the allergy season. There will be noticable improvement on symptoms within 2 days.

Homeopathy (Homeopathic Formulas)

admin — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 21:45:26 +0000

The purpose of homeopathy’s system of medicine is to provide stimulation for the body to recover its natural health and balance. Unlike with conventional allergy shots in immunotherapy, homeopathy treats the disease with very small quantities of an agent that will produce the same symptoms as the disease when given to a healthy individual. The homeopathic remedy thus stimulates the body to self restoration. A common homeopathic medicine for respiratory allergies is Allium cepa (the common onion). Onions cause teary eyes and a runny nose but it is most effective in treating allergy symptoms in small homeopathic doses.
Also for allergy sufferers who become irritable and experience chills from fluent nasal discharge during the day and congestion at night, Nux vomica (poison nut, a seed from a tree) should be their remedy.

Afrin etc. (Oxymetazoline)

admin — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 21:44:44 +0000

Afrin (Oxymetazoline) is an over-the-counter topical decongestant which is used in products such as Nasivin, Vicks Sinex and Afrin. It is recommended for the temporary relief of nasal symptoms brought about by hay fever, respiratory allergies, colds, or sinusitis. It relieves stuffiness and congestion. The formulation is made to constrict the blood vessels in the nasal tissues that will lead to drainage and decongestion. Oxymetazoline is generally available as a nasal spray. The relief from each 2-3 sprays per nostril lasts 12 hours. It should be sprayed every 10-12 hours for no longer than 3-5 days.