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Our immune systems evolved to protect us against foreign invaders. We are surrounded by bacteria, viruses and fungi that can make us sick, so it’s helpful to have defenders constantly on the prowl, protecting us from danger.
The trouble is that far too often our immune systems overreact. Germs aren’t the only invaders. At this time of year pollen is everywhere. For some people pollen sets off internal alarm systems that make them miserable.
Others react to mold and mildew, animal dander, dust mites or dozens of other allergens. Such substances trigger inflammatory cascades that can lead to sneezing, congestion, itching, runny noses, coughing and red eyes.
After the immune system recognizes an invader such as mold spores, it cranks out antibodies called immunoglobulin E, or IgE. These antibodies fit onto special receptors on the surface of mast cells, which then go on alert. They secrete chemicals like histamine and kinins that trigger production of many inflammatory compounds.
This kind of inflammatory response may be useful against bacterial invaders, but in the case of allergy it just results in misery. People suffering from allergies are often tired and irritable. They may have trouble sleeping, and reaction time, memory and concentration may be impaired.
Unfortunately, the antihistamines people frequently take to control their allergy symptoms may also make them dangerous behind the wheel. Cognitive tests and studies of driving ability in traffic indicate that certain antihistamines may impair driving significantly (Journal of Investigational Allergology and Clinical Immunology, vol. 16, supplement 1, 2006).
One compound that is especially notorious in this regard is diphenhydramine (DPH), found in Benadryl, some house-brand allergy pills and many nighttime pain relievers such as Tylenol PM. One study found that DPH “had a greater impact on driving than alcohol did” (Annals of Internal Medicine, March 7, 2000). Although DPH causes drowsiness, drivers could not judge their level of impairment based on how sleepy they felt.
DPH is not the only problem. One review of 16 double-blind studies evaluating driving found that many other antihistamines also interfere with drivers’ performance, although the amount of impairment is more variable with newer drugs (Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, March 2005).
What other options do allergy sufferers have? One is a preventive medication that calms mast cells down before they start causing trouble. It is available over the counter as NasalCrom nasal spray, but it must be used regularly, three or four times a day.
Steroid nasal sprays also soothe symptoms by reducing inflammation. Products such as Beconase, Flonase, Nasonex or Rhinocort are less likely to cause the serious problems linked to oral cortisone-type drugs.
A low-tech approach for allergies is nasal irrigation. Washing out nasal passages with a saline rinse (NeilMed is one such product) can be helpful. One reader says, “I have always had sinus and allergy problems, especially in the spring. A few years ago I started using saline nasal rinses, and that has changed my life!”
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I have suffered with allergies and sinus problems all my life. I take Claritin for my allergies, but when they are really acting up and my sinuses become involved, I take Pantothenic Acid, also known as Vitamin B-5. Perfectly safe, per my doctors, because the body does not store it if you don't need it.
It is water soluble and not harmful. B-5 causes mucous to thin out and drain through the nose and believe me, it does drain. The bacteria is discharged and does not stay in inflamed tissue to cause an infection. Been using this since 1993 and happy to say I've only had 2 bad allergy/sinus infections that required anti-biotics, since then.
I take 500 mg. as soon as I start feeling an onset. Take the same amount the second day if you are still having problems. Then reduce it by 100 mg. each day. Unfortunately, this wonderful remedy only works for about 50% of the population, but it is definitely worth a try. The pills can only be purchased in health food stores.
I did allergy desensitization shots for many years but for the last ten years I've been able to control my allergies-even spring and fall using two natural things. NAC-N-Acetyl Cystine taken as needed and a homeopathic remedy called Allercetin by Source Naturals.
This year I've needed little of these because I started something called Epicor. Serendipity reigns! I didn't realize it would also help with allergies. I take only one a day. Cheap preventative.
I am one of approximately 250,000 Americans with a primary immune deficiency. My diagnosis is Common Variable Immunodeficiency. In conversation via internet with quite a few others with immune deficiencies, we have noted that most if not all of us have had horrible allergy symptoms which appeared long before we were diagnosed with a PID. In many cases the usual allergy testing showed few if any allergies. The symptoms, however, were unmistakable and very hard to control.
I would urge anyone with really bad allergy symptoms to do some internet research on primary immune deficiencies in the event they may perceive a possible connection in their health issues. The testing for immune deficiencies involves primarily blood testing. I feel that if I could have this diagnosis almost anyone could have it and doctors do not look for it because it is so rare. It is not my goal to cause anyone to worry needlessly but to educate people about a little known group of diseases.
Hello,
I am a year-round allergy sufferer who has received little relief from desensitization shots or medications, either prescription or over the counter. I did receive several weeks of relief this spring from one steroid type shot given by my doctor, but am worried about possible side effects from this treatment. I wonder if anyone has been doing these shots each year and can advise on safety. I am at the point where I would seriously consider moving to the high desert if I thought I could get relief.
I've been diagnosed with allergy induced asthma, but the meds just make it worse. I've had this unproductive cough for about 6 months now, and it just won't go away. No allergy meds help, no inhaler helps. I've had breathing treatments and they helped a little bit. Narcotic cough syrup helped tremendously but I don't want to take them. They are also very expensive. I've had a sleep study done and I don't have apnea but I do snore real bad. They have no more suggestions for me, and for my LPR Laryngopharyngeal reflux, the insurance won't approve the meds I need. I drink a lot of hot tea and cider, and eat a lot of sugar free cough drops to help, but I get tired of the cough drops. If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know. Thank you & God bless...