October 2003
Fall Means Allergies
With the onset of cooler weather comes another less pleasant condition for many. Allergies are common in 2 out of every 10 adults. Most of the time the symptoms are uncomfortable but not life threatening. What can be dangerous however is the way we choose to treat allergies.
Since allergies are the result of over-active immune systems, they produce watery eyes, redness of the eyes, itching, stuffy noses, and sometimes lung congestion. There are many over the counter remedies for allergy symptoms available. Before buying or taking any of these one should carefully read the labels and warnings. So many of these treatments include drugs that interact harmfully with blood pressure and diabetic medicines. A seemingly harmless pill or syrup can, when combined with hypertensive drugs, drastically increase heart rate and blood pressure. Diabetics can get false blood sugar readings from several common medicines. The best course of action is to clear any over the counter drug or herb with your doctor if you take any type of prescription medication. You can save yourself some unnecessary discomfort by so doing.
Before cruising the local drug department for chemical remedies why not try some old fashioned tried but true methods of dealing with allergy discomforts? For watery, itchy eyes, a saline solution or salt bath is often soothing. Mix a little table salt in warm water and bathe your eyes once or twice a day. This same solution is soothing as a gargle for sore scratchy throats. Another remedy my Great -Grandmother gave me for sore throat and coughs as a child was hot tea with honey. If you make this green tea and honey you are getting a good antioxidant that will help boost your immune system and just might help those symptoms go away faster. For stuffy, congested heads, boil some salt water, drape your head with a heavy towel and lean over your pot of water (don’t touch the towel to the burner) , breath in the steam. This will not only open those clogged airways but will offer comfort for the dry and painful membranes.
Considering the risk involved by mixing chemicals and prescription medicines, it seems that a wise choice would be to apply home remedy first. You might find quick relief in your own kitchen and save yourself some money at the same time. For persistent symptoms however you should always consult your personal physician.