Beyond Allergy » Treatments ranking

Homeopathy (Homeopathic Formulas)

admin — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 22:26:29 +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 or taking antihistamines to relieve symptoms, 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. Homeophatic medicines commonly used to treat hives are Urtica Urens and Rhus Tox. 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.

Feingold Diet etc. (Avoiding Food Additives)

admin — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 22:25:35 +0000

The Feingold diet is based on the theory that certain foods and food additives should be eliminated from an individual’s diet to improve overall health and behavioral patterns as well as their learning abilities. Such effects of food additives can cause behavioral conditions such as ADD/ADHD, oppositional defiance disorders, as well as physical illnesses like Asthma. Specifically, the Feingold diet starts by removing foods which contain synthetic dyes, artificial flavoring and common preservatives from the diet. Foods containing salicylate (natural plant chemical that helps it resist pests and diseases) found in common herbs, fruits, and in some drugs and personal care products. Food additives, flavor enhancers, and artificial colorings in particular have a neuotoxic effect on the human nervous system. Afterwards, each food will slowly be introduced into the diet to check for any reactions.

EpiPen (Epinephrine (Adrenaline))

admin — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 22:25:01 +0000

Adrenaline (epinephrine) is a natural hormone released in times of stress, during exercise, and in response to low blood sugar. It conditions the body to be prepared for strenuous activity or life-threatening situations. When severe allergic reactions are triggered by a drug allergy, food allergy, or insect allergy, a quick injection of adrenaline with an EpiPen is the life-saving antidote. Adrenaline needs to be injected because if taken orally, it will easily be destroyed by the enzymes in the stomach. Once the adrenaline enters the body system, it will immediately reverse the effects of anaphylaxis by opening up the airways, reducing throat swelling, and maintaining blood pressure at a steady level.

Avoidance Diet

admin — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 22:24:28 +0000

Undiagnosed food allergies are believed to cause many common health complaints and diseases. The only way to identify someone’s food sensitivities is by letting them undergo an allergy avoidance diet. The patient is asked to consume a long list of hypoallergenic foods such as lamb, pears, apples, rice, most vegetables, most beans and legumes (except peanuts) and the non-gluten grains. Once the body has gotten used to the absence of the suspected food allergen, that type of food is gradually introduced back into the patient’s diet. The symptoms resulting from the test will determine which foods should be avoided.

Deltasone, Orasone etc. (Prednisone)

admin — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 22:23:54 +0000

Prednisone is a corticosteroid taken orally that works by decreasing inflammation and suppressing the activity of the immune system with similar effects like other corticosteroids. It can be used as a short-term remedy for hives but general opinion is that it shouldn’t be used chronically as steroids often can cause unwanted side effects, from minor like acne, weight gain, and swelling to major like osteoporosis, weakness, and depression. Prednisone is also used to treat asthma and other autoimmune diseases like arthritis, colitis, and bronchitis as well as allergic or inflammatory conditions.

Adapin, Sinequan (Doxepin)

admin — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 22:23:22 +0000

Doxepin is a tricyclic antidepressant used to treat depression and anxiety. Doxepin has mood enhancement properties to fight the patient’s depression. It also contains a sedative that works for those with insomnia with marked restlessness and nervousness. It is known under the trade names, Adapin and Sinequan, sold in capsule or concentrate forms to be taken orally one to three times a day, with or without food. In the concentrate form, it can be diluted and mixed into water, milk, or fruit juice before being taken, but never mix it into carbonated drinks. Doxepin can also be used to treat other conditions such as chronic pain, peptic ulcer disease, neuralgia, and some skin conditions.

Claritin etc. (Loratadine)

admin — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 22:22:53 +0000

Claritin (loratadine) is one of the most popularly prescribed antihistamines and is available over-the-counter. It prevents sneezing, runny nose, stuffiness, itching and watering of the eyes in those with allergic rhinitis. It is also used to alleviate skin allegies such as hives or urticaria by relieveing swollen, red, itchy patches of skin as well as other allergic inflammatory conditions. It is a second generation antihistamin that is minimally sedating. Its improved version is desloratadine, manufactured under the trade name, Clarinex, which is just as effective but with fewer side effects.

Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis)

admin — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 22:22:23 +0000

Aloe Vera is known to be used as an aid in treating allergic skin conditions like hives and eczema when applied topically. Because of its anti-inflammatory capacity Aloe Vera may help in reducing inflammation and easing pain. It also allegedly heals cuts, burns, skin irritations, insect bites, and other skin conditions and Aloe is traditionally used as a skin moisturizer keeping the skin agile and strong by supplying oxygen to the cells. Aloe Vera taken internally is also believed to have immunostimulatory properties in eliminating foreign bodies.

Zyrtec etc. (Cetirizine)

admin — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 22:21:43 +0000

Cetirizine, which is sold under the trade name, Zyrtec, is a non-sedating second generation antihistamine. An antihistamine prevents sneezing, wheezing, itching of the nasal passages, and itching of the eyes caused by allergic symptoms. The medication blocks the effects of histamines that cause allergic reactions. It is primarily prescribed to treat allergic rhinitis caused by indoor and seasonal allergies to substances such as dust mites, mold spores, tree, grass, and weed pollen, as well as animal dander. It is also used to treat skin allergies like hives (urticaria), angioedema, and hay fever as well as other inflammatory conditions. It is commonly prescribed in combinations with pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, a decongestant.

Atarax, Vistaril (Hydroxyzine hydrochloride)

admin — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 22:21:09 +0000

Hydroxyzine hydrochloride is a sedating antihistamine used mainly to treat anxiety disorder and tension and, in combination with some other medications, to treat anxiety resulting from physical illness. As an antihistamine, it works by preventing the effects of histamine, substances produced by the body that cause itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes, and other allergic symptoms. It also relieves itching from allergic reactions and has a sedative effect before and after general anesthesia. It is also used to treat motion sickness by reducing nausea. Hydroxyzine hydrochloride has several trade names with Atarax and Vistaril are among the most popular.