As I write, my nose is red and dripping and itches, my throat itches all the way down my esophagus, my skin is dry and (you guessed it) itchy, and I'm having a hard time breathing. I can't think through the fog of itchy, scratchy, cough and stuffiness.
Why do people get allergies? What is the purpose? I mean, we all suffer from one form of allergen to another, but what do they do? Why do they come on within seconds? You can be fine one minute, and 20 seconds later, you are in the not-so-fun world of allergies!
Well, I decided that I would do some research to see what causes allergies, (Yes, Stacey... I am taking your advice) and to find out the best remedies.
Here is what I found out.......
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaAllergy is a disorder of the immune system often also referred to as atopy.
Mild allergies like hay fever are highly prevalent in the human population and cause symptoms such as allergic conjunctivitis, itchiness, and runny nose. Allergies can play a major role in conditions such as asthma. In some people, severe allergies to environmental or dietary allergens or to medication may result in life-threatening anaphylactic reactions and potentially death.
Okay, now that we know the actual "defination" of Allergy, lets find out how to ease them a little shall we?
Source: familydoctor.org
What medicines can I take to help relieve my symptoms?
Antihistamines help reduce the sneezing, runny nose and itchiness of allergies. They're more useful if you use them before you're exposed to allergens.
* "More useful if you use them before you are exposed to allergens?" Why in the hell would you want to take medication when you don't have symptoms? Some antihistamines can cause drowsiness and dry mouth. Others are less likely to cause these side effects, but some of these require a prescription. Ask your doctor which kind is best for you.
*Drowsiness and dry mouth??? So, I go from itchy, sneezy to dry mouth? Yeah.... That sounds like fun!!
Decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine help temporarily relieve the stuffy nose of allergies. Decongestants are found in many medicines and come as pills, nose sprays and nose drops. They are best used only for a short time. Nose sprays and drops shouldn't be used for more than 3 days because you can become dependent on them. This causes you to feel even more stopped-up when you try to quit using them.
*Hmmmm.... Getting addicted to a decongestant- Need I say more? What if your allergies stay longer then 3 days, then all of a sudden you are an addict?You can buy decongestants without a doctor's prescription. However, decongestants can raise your blood pressure, so it's a good idea to talk to your family doctor before using them, especially if you have high blood pressure.
*Great, now I not only will have allergies, be potentially addicted to my nose spray, I now have to worry about having a heart attack!!! Fabulous....Cromolyn sodium is a nasal spray that helps prevent the body's reaction to allergens. Cromolyn sodium is more helpful if you use it before you're exposed to allergens. This medicine may take 2 to 4 weeks to start working. It is available without a prescription.
*Again.... Taking or starting a medication before you have symptoms? And what is with the 2-4 weeks before it starts to work.... Like we have that long!Nasal steroid sprays reduce the reaction of the nasal tissues to inhaled allergens. This helps relieve the swelling in your nose so that you feel less stopped-up. They come in nasal sprays that your doctor may prescribe. You won't notice their benefits for up to 2 weeks after starting them.
* So you want me to spray a steriod base medication up my nose, and wait for 2 weeks before I feel the benefits? Sure, why the hell not... I have been miserable now (according to all this helpful information) for 4-8 weeks now!
Your doctor may prescribe steroid pills for a short time or give you a steroid shot if your symptoms are severe or if other medicines aren't working for you.
Eye drops. If your other medicines are not helping enough with your itchy, watery eyes, your doctor may prescribe eye drops for you.
*Finally, something that might help right away, but you don't need a prescription for it... VISINE!!!! Now, to answer my mother-in-law's question......."Yes, she is always right!!!"Researchers from Harvard University have linked increasing rates of asthma and allergies with a lack of
Vitamin D.
But......This is where she is incorrect (Sorry Stacey)
source: WebMD.com
Vitamin C was first touted for the common cold in the 1970s. But despite its widespread use, experts say there is very little proof that vitamin C actually has any effect on the common cold or allergies.
***** So, I know this post got a little long, but doing all the research and finding out that nothing freaking helps when you need them too... I have come to this conclusion.... wait for it........
ALLERGIES SUCK!!! (Bet you didn't know that huh, lol)
