control allergy symptoms Archives

Ragweed Allergy Season is Here

The calendar says fall is still a few days away, but fall seasonal allergies have already started. The cool and wet summer experienced by much of the country means a strong ragweed allergy season is on tap.

Fall Seasonal Allergens

Ragweeds, goldenrods, and molds are the most common fall seasonal allergy culprits. Fortunately, the ragweeds and goldenrods will be gone with the first few frosts. Mold can linger all winter.

Just one ragweed plant can produce one billion pollen particles and they are so small and light that the wind can carry them many miles. Goldenrods get a bad rap in the fall because they bloom at the same time as the ragweeds and the plants look similar. However, goldenrod pollen isn’t as likely to become airborne because it depends on insects for dispersal. The goldenrod pollen grains are much larger and are sticky, so they don’t get blown about the neighborhood. You can blame the goldenrods, but the ragweeds are the real problem.

Ragweeds and goldenrods can be found on the roadsides, the edges of pathways, and the perimeter of fields and forests. They will be in areas that aren’t frequently mowed. To reduce pollen exposure, drive with your windows up and avoid the areas where the ragweeds are growing.

Fight Back this Ragweed Allergy Season

If you have fall seasonal allergies, you may want to consider moving your exercise activities indoors. If the idea of running on a treadmill doesn’t excite you, then continue your jogging routine while wearing a U2SportMask to protect against pesky pollen particles. These masks are also great for:

Walking;
Biking;
ATV trail riding; and
Gardening and raking leaves

Nasal Irrigation for Ragweed Allergy Control

Nasal and sinus irrigation is making a comeback as a means of natural allergy control. As people are more interested in finding ways to control their allergies without medication, the market has responded with advanced technologies for more comfortable nasal and sinus irrigation. Read how to get Relief from Seasonal Allergy Using Nasal Irrigation to discover more about this technique.

While the bad news is that the fall ragweed allergy season is off to an early and strong start, it won’t be long lived. Most temperate areas are expecting early frosts which will kill the ragweeds and put an end to the ragweed allergy season.

Till Next Time!

Cheryl

Sinus Infection Detected on Dental X-Rays

You learn something new everyday in this business. That’s for sure. I spoke with an elderly lady last week who told me her dentist had advised her to get a dust mite proof cover for her mattress. Yes, the dentist was able to diagnose a sinus infection from her dental x-ray!

We discussed how to measure the mattress for the cover and about the different type of fabric. We decided that she would be most happy with the AllergyCare 100% Cotton. Still, during the entire conversation, I kept hearing a little voice in my head saying “Seriously, the dentist told her to do this?”

As soon as we ended our conversation I fired up the trusty Google search and looked for the connection between dust mites and dentists. I was amazed.

Dentists frequently see patients with a toothache that is not a toothache. The person has a sinus infection, usually caused by uncontrolled allergies or a recent head cold that has not been resolved. But, they think it is a tooth that hurts when it is a sinus infection that is the source of pain.

From a dental x-ray, the dentist can see the maxillary sinus. Because it runs next to the upper teeth, pain from this sinus area is frequently confused with a toothache.

So, if you have a toothache in that area, ask yourself if you have had a cold recently and if you are prone to sinus infections. If you have taken an antihistamine or decongestant and the toothache went away, then your problem is probably a sinus infection. You need to see the doctor, not a dentist.

Til Next Time!

Cheryl
The Allergy Store

How to Treat Your Allergy Symptoms Part 1

For those of us that have allergies, there are several options we have to help us deal with them. Today we are going to talk about how to treat your allergy symptoms with conventional treatments.

When we cannot adequately avoid airborne allergens, our symptoms often can be controlled with medication. Effective medications that can be prescribed by a doctor include antihistamines and topical nasal steroids either of which can be used alone or in combination.

Many over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines and decongestants are effective and available at your local Walmart, CVS, or Walgreens. Be prepared to show your ID.

How to Treat Your Allergy Symptoms with Antihistamines

As the name indicates, an antihistamine counters the effects of histamine, which is released by the mast cells in the body’s tissues and contributes to allergy symptoms. For many years, antihistamines have proven useful in relieving sneezing and itching in the nose, throat, and eyes, and in reducing nasal swelling and drainage. Antihistamines will not help with congestion. To relieve congestion, a decongestant is needed.

Many people who take antihistamine experience some distressing side effects: drowsiness and loss of alertness and coordination. In children, such reactions can be misinterpreted as behavior problems.

During the last few years, however, antihistamines that cause fewer of these side effects have become available by prescription and over the counter. These non-sedating antihistamines are as effective as other antihistamines in preventing histamine-induced symptoms but do so without causing sleepiness.

Some of these non-sedating antihistamines, however, can have serious side effects, particularly if they are taken with certain other drugs.

It is not recommended that people with glaucoma or high blood pressure take certain antihistamines. Always let your doctor know what other medications you are taking.

How to Treat Your Allergy Symptoms with Topical Nasal Sprays

A topical nasal corticosteroid may be prescribed, especially for seasonal allergies. This medication should not be confused with anabolic steroids, which are sometimes used by athletes to enlarge muscle mass and can have serious side effects.

Topical nasal corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory drugs that stop allergic reactions. In addition to other beneficial actions, they reduce the number of mast cells in the nose and reduce mucus secretion and nasal swelling.

The combination of antihistamines and nasal steroids is a very effective way to treat allergy symptoms, especially in people with moderate or severe allergic rhinitis. Although topical nasal steroids can have side effects, they are safe when used at recommended doses. Some of the newer agents are even safer than older ones.

Up Next – Treatment Options Part 2

Till next time

Cheryl
Allergy Store – Helping customers since 1989
800 771-2246