Allergic Rhinitis (Hay fever)
Allergic Rhinitis can be a fancy name for hay fever. Rhinitis itself is defined as inflamed nasal tissues. The allergic reaction causes a variety of symptoms usually related to the mucous membranes of the nose throat, sinuses and lungs. Some of the more obvious symptoms are nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy runny nose, red irritated eyes, wheezing, headache, coughing and others. Itching of the nose, eyes and throat can also be symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
This tends to be considered a seasonal allergy, where people react to a variety of airborne particles. Initially it was thought by the medical community that hay fever was primarily a pollen allergy, however in recent years all the causative allergens are being lumped together with only vague descriptive separations such as indoor and outdoor allergens.
There is a huge variety of allergens that can cause allergic rhinitis. Some of the most common are pollen from trees, flowers and grasses, molds, houseplants, air pollution, animal dander, dust mites, fumes from paint, gasoline, and perfumes, and cigarette smoke.
Air Purifiers: Air Ionizers
Feb 15, 2007
Air ionizers, also called, ionic air purifiers, work by ionizing or neutralizing air particulates. When switched on, voltage runs through a series of built-in needles, creating electrons, that when discharged into the air, they attach to air molecules and form ions. Continue reading…
Sinus Rinse (Nasal Irrigation)
Feb 15, 2007
Sinus rinses, or “nasal irrigation”, is an inexpensive way to treat sinusitis. It is safe and can be performed daily as needed and is proven to be effective. Nasal irrigation uses warm saline solution to rinse the nasal passages, clear out dried mucus, allow the sinuses to drain freely, and speed up healing of inflamed tissues. Continue reading…
Clarinex etc. (Desloratadine)
Feb 15, 2007
Clarinex (Desloratadine) is one of the newest nonsedating antihistamines that provide 24-hour relief from allergy symptoms caused by seasonal allergens (ragweed, grass, and tree pollens) and year-round allergens (dust mite, animal dander, and mold spores). Continue reading…
Singulair (Montelukast)
Feb 15, 2007
Singulair is a prescription medicine approved for control of asthma and seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever). It can safely be used by adults and children as young as 2 years old for treatment of outdoor allergies, and for children as young as 6 months old for treatment of indoor allergies. Continue reading…
Astelin (Azelastine)
Feb 15, 2007
Astelin (Azelastine) is a steroid-free anihistamine nasal spray that provides relief for sneezing, sniffling, congestion, itchy, runny nose, and postnasal drip due to seasonal allergens. Azelastine is designed to be used twice a day with each dosage providing 12-hour relief. Continue reading…
Benadryl etc. (Diphenhydramine)
Feb 15, 2007
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that has a sedative effect used in treating allergic reactions. It works by blocking the effect of histamine at h1 receptor sites and reduce the muscle contractions, thus reducing the onset of allergic symptoms. Continue reading…
Air Purifiers (HEPA Filters)
Feb 15, 2007
HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters are capable of removing 99.97% of particulates as small as 0.3 microns. The specifications have become an industry standard in most critical medical and hi-tech applications. Continue reading…
Immunotherapy: Injections (Allergy Shots)
Feb 15, 2007
Allergies cannot be cured by medicines. Allergy medications only offer relief from the symptoms. To cure allergies, or reduce the symptoms, the patient must undergo desensitization through allergy shots. This process is called immunotherapy. Continue reading…
Flonase etc. (Fluticasone)
Feb 15, 2007
Flonase nasal spray which contains fluticasone is effective at easing inflammation in the nose and lungs. It is prescribed for respiratory allergy symptoms such as runny nose, stuffiness, sneezing, nasal itching, sniffling, and congestion. Continue reading…
Allegra (Fexofenadine)
Feb 15, 2007
Allegra (Fexofenadine) is a second generation, minimally sedating antihistamine that produced fewer side effects than the first generation antihistamines (diphenhydramine and brompheniramine). They are less sedating and are not known to cause dizziness or impairment of the cognitive function. Continue reading…
