How to Survive Allergy Season

How to Survive Allergy Season
By Alice Daniel, Special to LifeScript
Published May 19, 2009

Ugh, that sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes and maddening post-nasal drip, drip, drip. You need allergy relief. But with aisles of products in the drugstore, how do you know which is right for you? We turned to the experts for answers. Plus, test your allergy IQ with our quiz...
Peek into any pharmacy and you'll see hundreds of products containing antihistamines or decongestants. Some combine both – and others throw in a pain reliever as well. Do you need one? Two? All? Here’s what you need to know:
Antihistimines are the first line of allergy defense.
“When you block histamine production in the body, you cut down on the misery-causing symptoms, like sneezing, itchy eyes, itchy throat, runny nose and so forth,” says Suzy Cohen, LifeScript’s pharmacist and author of Drug Muggers and The 24-Hour Pharmacist.
Over-the-Counter Antihistamines Some popular over-the-counter anti-allergy brands include Zyrtec, Claritin, Benadryl, Chlor-Trimeton and Tavist.
The first generation of antihistamines, such as Benadryl and Chlor-Trimeton, often make people drowsy or dizzy. But doctors still recommend Benadryl because it acts quickly to quell allergic reactions, Cohen says.
Claritin and Zyrtec are two second-generation antihistamines without drowsy side effects, Cohen says. Try one and if it doesn’t work, check out the other.
The drugs are “most effective when taken before exposure, so they can sit on the histamine receptor of your cell like a pit bull in a doorway,” Cohen says. They prevent allergy triggers (like dander or pollen) from getting on the receptor and sparking all the misery.
If you have allergic reactions that are episodic, such as a sneezing fit triggered by a friend's cat, take an antihistamine about half an hour before heading over to her house.
“Claritin really helps with cat allergies," says Judy Kinzy, M.D., an internist in Knoxville, Tenn. "I take it a half-hour before I visit friends with cats and I’m fine.”
DecongestantsYou know that cotton-stuffed head feeling you get when allergies kick in? Blame that on allergens too: They can cause the tissues in your nose to swell and produce more fluid and mucus.
To reduce the swelling and the pressure, try a decongestant, such as Mucinex and Sudafed.
But beware: Allergies can sometimes weaken the immune system. If what’s coming out of your nose turns yellow or green, you might have a secondary infection and you'll need to see a doctor for antibiotics, Kinzy says.
Combination MedicinesCombination medicines, such as Zyrtec-D and Tylenol Allergy and Sinus, contain an antihistamine and a decongestant to relieve multiple symptoms.
These may help if you have a sinus headache or infection, Cohen says. “The antihistamine dries you up and the decongestant opens up airways so you can beat that stuffy nose.”
But combination pills carry more side effects because they have two active ingredients, Cohen says. So be sure you need both.
“If all you have is a stuffy nose, you might only need the decongestant,” she says. “Less is more when it comes to medication.”
Skin Creams and OintmentsAllergies can also irritate the skin and cause rashes, hives, blisters and swelling. Topical creams – Cortaid is a popular brand – can help control the itching, redness and swelling.
“Try a topical steroid creams like hydrocortisone cream – it comes in .50% and 1% strengths,” Cohen says.
Many hydrocortisone creams also contain soothing ingredients such as aloe or vitamin E, which can relieve mild to moderate itching, redness and soreness associated with bug bites, contact dermatitis, diaper rash and poison ivy rashes, she says.
Home RemediesWhat if you want a more natural approach?
Some allergy sufferers swear by sinus rinses that irrigate and moisturize your nasal passages.
“Saline rinses may actually be safer than medications because there are no side effects and you don’t have to think about how the rinse will react with other medications you’re taking,” Kinzy says.
Rinses involve a saline solution poured into your nose through a teapot-like device called a neti pot, available at most health-food stores. NeilMed is one popular kit with packets of saline powder and a neti pot.
“If you have a lot of allergies, rinse daily,” she says.
You’ll also find supplements and foods that will naturally fight allergies. Among Cohen’s recommendations:
Quercetin: This strong antihistamine is found in supplements and some foods, including capers, apples, green tea, and many red-skinned fruits and wine. Follow label directions, or take 200 to 500 mg one to three times daily, Cohen says.
Bromelain: It’s found in pineapples and dietary supplements, and is “fantastic for reducing inflammation and allergies.” Mullein tea: “The herb is known to ease respiratory disorders like bronchitis, asthma, chest congestion and allergies. It helps to thin mucus,” Cohen says. You can find it in most health-food stores. Steep it in water for five minutes before drinking, about once or twice a day. Aloe vera juice: Cohen loves this juice, which has a mild antihistamine effect, “plus dozens of other wonderful healing effects on the body. It’s also very affordable.” Her recommendation? “Lily of the Desert brand because it is certified organic and it is ‘whole leaf,’ so it has all the aloe nutrients.” Drink about 2 ounces daily, straight (it’s tasteless) or mix with other brands.
German chamomile: This is a powerful anti-inflammatory and “a wonderful essential oil to use if you have allergies,” she says. Steam your face with hot water containing a few drops of the oil.
Spirulina: The algae sparks the production of your body's natural fighter cells, "such as T cells, B cells, macrophages, and anti-cancer 'natural' killer cells,” Cohen says. “If it can regulate immune function, then allergy symptoms should alleviate too.” Prescription MedicationsIf you don’t find relief from over-the-counter drugstore products, see an allergist or your physician.
The first line of prescription defense is a nasal spray. If that’s not enough, your doctor may prescribe a prescription antihistamine, such as Allegra.Steroid Nasal SpraysNasal sprays, such as Rhinocort and Nasonex, help by reducing inflammation and congestion. Although all nasal sprays have the same mechanism, every person reacts differently to each.“Steroids are still steroids,” and they can suppress immune function (like all steroids) and should be reserved for the hardest cases,” Cohen says.
Ask your doctor for recommendations. Nasal antihistamines, such as Astelin and Patonase, may also bring relief. Over-the-counter nasal sprays are good for a quick, temporary fix, Cohen says, so you can get a good night’s sleep.
But they should only be used for three days or less, or you can get addicted to them with a condition called rhinitis medicamentosa, a sort of rebound nasal congestion. Then it’s really hard to get off, she says.
Leukotriene ModifiersThe body also produces leukotriene, a chemical that causes inflammation, during an allergic reaction. Products like Singulair block the chemical and are used to treat asthma and nasal allergy symptoms.
Asthma should never be treated with over-the-counter medications. If you have any trouble breathing or you feel like an elephant is standing on your chest, see a doctor immediately.
Steroid inhalers and bronchodilators are typically prescribed for asthma and work only if used properly.
Primatene Mist, an over-the-counter bronchodilator, should not be used to treat asthma, but it is useful for allergic emergencies.
“If someone has a really bad reaction to food or a bee sting," says internist Kinzy, "Primatene can save that person’s life while waiting for an ambulance.”
ImmunotherapyRagweed in the fall, mold in the winter and flowers in the spring and early summer – allergens exist year-round and some unlucky folks find themselves sneezing every season.
If you have severe allergies that aren’t relieved by medications, you may need shots, ultimately the most effective means of treating allergies.
They work like vaccines, teaching your immune system to tolerate the allergens.
The upshot? You don't have to sneeze your way through life. Although feeling better may require a few stabs at different treatments, you will be able to shut down your body’s waterworks.Check out our Allergies Health Center.
What’s Your Allergy IQ? Maybe you suffer from seasonal allergies. Or perhaps the bed bugs really are biting. Do you know what’s making you itch? Find out with this allergy quiz.
Check out Health Bistro, where LifeScript editors let it all hang out. Share it with your friends (it’s free to sign up!), and bookmark it so you don’t miss a single juicy post!

热量限制 -- Eat Less, the only verified way to live longer

科学家的研究已经发现，热量限制可以延长包括哺乳动物在内的许多物种动物的生命周期。其原因，一种解释是它减少了氧自由基对细胞造成的损伤。利用酶聚合反应，通过抗氧化剂来控制氧化压力。研究发现，由于限制热量摄入而延长生命的现象与一种叫作SIR2基因有关。

预防流感的中药药方

今天上午，记者从国家中医药管理局了解到，国家中医药管理局最新制定了《甲型H1N1流感中医药预防方案》，给出市民预防流感的中药药方。
　　下一步，国家中医药管理局将进一步密切关注疫情情况，一旦我国发生甲型H1N1流感病例，立即组织中医专家开展相关调研和救治工作，早参与、早介入，详细了解临床表现，研究分析症候特点，完善中医诊疗方案。
　　饮食预防
　　饮食宜清淡，少食膏粱厚味之品（易化生积热），所以在日常生活中，做一些简单、美味的小药膳，对预防流感也有帮助。
　　■二白汤：葱白15g、白萝卜30g、香菜3g。加水适量，煮沸热饮。
　　■姜枣薄荷饮：薄荷3g、生姜3g、大枣3个。生姜切丝，大枣切开去核，与薄荷共装入茶杯内，冲入沸水200至300ml，加盖浸泡5至10分钟趁热饮用。
　　■桑叶菊花水：桑叶3g、菊花3g、芦根10g。沸水浸泡代茶频频饮服。
　　■薄荷梨粥：薄荷3g、带皮鸭梨1个（削皮）、大枣6枚（切开去核），加水适量，煎汤过滤。用小米或大米50g煮粥，粥熟后加入薄荷梨汤，再煮沸即可食用，平时容易“上火”的人可吃。
　　■鲜鱼腥草30至60g，蒜汁加醋凉拌。
　　■鲜败酱草30至60g，开水焯后，蒜汁加醋凉拌或蘸酱吃。
　　■鲜马齿苋30至60g，开水焯后，蒜汁加醋凉拌或蘸酱吃。
　　■赤小豆、绿豆适量熬汤服用。
　　■绿豆60g、生甘草6g（布包）、生薏米20g熬汤后去甘草包，服用。
　　■若口鼻干燥较重，可以棉签蘸香油外涂，具有润燥的功用。
　　药物预防
　　■成人
　　1．太子参10g、苏叶6g、黄芩10g、牛蒡子10g
　　适用人群：素体虚弱，易于外感的人群。
　　煎服方法：每日1服，清水煎。早晚各一次，3至5服为宜。
　　2．大青叶5g、紫草5g、生甘草5g
　　功能：解毒清热
　　适用人群：面色偏红，口咽、鼻时有干燥，喜凉，大便略干，小便黄。
　　煎服方法：每日1服，清水煎。早晚各一次，3至5服为宜。
　　3．桑叶10g、白茅根15g、金银花12g
　　功能：清热宣肺
　　适应人群：面色偏红，口咽、鼻时有干燥，喜凉，大便略干，小便黄。
　　煎服方法：每日1服，清水煎。早晚各一次，3至5服为宜。
　　4．苏叶10g、佩兰10g、陈皮10g
　　功能：健脾化湿
　　适应人群：面晦无光，常有腹胀，大便偏溏。
　　煎服方法：每日1服，清水煎。早晚各一次，3至5服为宜。
　　建议不同人群在执业医师的指导下使用，在流行期间可连服用3至5剂。
　　■儿童
　　藿香6g、苏叶6g、银花10g、生山楂10g
　　功能：清热消滞
　　适应人群：儿童易夹食夹滞者。此类儿童容易“上火”，口气酸腐，大便臭秽或干燥。
　　煎服方法：每日1服，清水煎。早晚各一次，3至5服为宜。
　　■服用中药预防感冒需要注意事项：
　　1．老人应在医师的指导下适当调整用量服用；
　　2．慢性疾病患者及孕妇慎用；
　　3．预防感冒的中药不宜长期服用，一般服用3至5天；
　　4．服用期间或服用后感觉不适者，应立即停止服药并及时咨询医师;
　　5．对上述药物有过敏史者禁用，过敏体质慎用；
　　6．不要轻信所谓的秘方、偏方和验方。
　　■其他
　　根据中医和民间传统，多用具有芳香化浊类中药，制成香囊或香薰，具有除瘴避秽的作用，如苍术、艾叶、藿香、当归、白芷、山柰等。