Is It Possible to Control the Tree Pollen Allergy Symptoms?

Posted by in Uncategorized on November 3, 2011

You may decide to embark on a series of tree pollen allergy treatments but in fact preventative measures work best. It is important that you understand the underlying features that trigger this sort of reaction in your body.

Normally the tree pollen allergy symptoms will appear in the spring period. The culprits include oak which comes from the genus of Quercus and Birch which comes from the genus of Betula. Pollen on the other hand can be found on many different types of trees. The person can be allergic to a series of conditions and substances. Therefore it is important to have some sort of objective analysis of the symptoms and their impact on the individual. You may actually react with u to 8 species and this will make your spring holiday a real nightmare.

    • Medication: You should always start with the non-sedating antihistamines that are available without prescription. If they are not working then you can see an allergist for further advice. They may recommend oral leukotriene antagonists. In addition you may decide to use steroid sprays which contain the active ingredient. Some clinicians have recommended drops if your eyes start to deteriorate.
    • Combinations: Although one particular form of tree pollen allergy treatments may not work, you could actually make use of combination therapies. Ensure that you consult with the doctor because you can trigger some dangerous drug interactions. Often these are worse than the original condition which you had been treating.
  • Pollens: Extensive research might enable you to isolate the exact pollens that seem to trigger a reaction in you. These are the things that you have to look at in the long run. In order to reverse the conditions you will have to check for the responsive rates. For example if you start on a new antihistamine, it should be possible to ascertain whether it is really improving your condition.

Remember that the tree pollen allergens are carried in the air. Therefore you should limit exposure. A case in point is where you close the car windows when driving in the country side. Buy some specialist vacuum cleaners in order to ensure that you can clear the atmosphere of pollen. When you are given an inhaler or emergency antihistamine, it is important that you carry it with you at all times even if you are working or traveling. The emergencies can arise at the most inconvenient time and you may end up in shock.

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Common Herb and Medical Drug Interactions

Posted by in Uncategorized on November 3, 2011

Many people who take pharmaceutical medication also want to take some herbal remedies. However, there can be difficulties with this as the chemicals in the two preparations can interact – changing the effect of the pharmaceutical drugs and the herbs. If you are taking medical drugs you need to be aware of potential interactions with herbs. Herbs can in many instances provide a safer alternative to pharmaceutical medication (especially when other measures to improve health are also undertaken). However, because of the potential for interactions it is wise to be under the supervision of a health professional as you make changes.

The following is a list of common potential interactions between medical drugs and herbs.

o Anti-hypertensive dugs – used to lower blood pressure.
Grapefruit juice may enhance the effect by reducing their metabolic breakdown. Vitamin B3, magnesium and calcium can also enhance the effect of anti-hypertensives.

o Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). NSAIDs are known to irritate the gastrointestinal linking and are linked to the development of intestinal ulcers. This means that they, for preference, need to be avoided. However, if you are taking NSAID then avoid anything else that is likely to increase the irritation of the intestinal lining. This includes all alcohol, coffee Arabica and uva-ursi.

o Corticosteroids such as prednisone and cortisone. These drugs are used for their anti-inflammatory effects and in having this effect they are immune suppressing. Using with immune stimulating herbs such as astragalus, echinacea, licorice root, alfalfa sprouts, and zinc lozenges may offset the immunosuppressive effects.

o Cyclosporine – sandimmune (an antibiotic). Grapefruit juice may cause increased cyclosporine levels and St. John’s wort may decrease levels.

o Digoxin – lanoxin (a heart drug). Some herbs are digoxin like and have the same effect as the medical drug. Taking these herbs together with digoxin is like taking an overdose. There herbs include hawthorn berry, foxglove, senticosus and Siberian ginseng. Aloe vera, taken in large doses, can irritate the intestine and cause a purgative effect. If this is severe enough – with the loss of sufficient fluid there can be a decrease in serum potassium levels and problems with the heart beat. Also avoid use with quinine, which may increase digoxin levels. (Quinine is found in tonic water.) Avoid use with the herb licorice root (this is the herb and not the candy), as its diuretic effect can result in low potassium levels and toxicity. Fibers, such as psyllium, decrease digoxin absorption, within two hours of taking medication.

o Diuretics – acetazolamide, thiazides (fluid tablets). There are many herbs that have a diuretic effect. These include artichoke, goldenseal, celery seeds, and dandelion. These herbs will increase the diuretic effect of the medical drugs.

o Hypoglycemic agents – glucotrol, glucophage, diabeta, insulin. (Used to control blood sugar levels). There are herbs that contain hyper or hypoglycemic components. These include: broom, buchu, dandelion, juniper, karela and the minerals chromium, vanadium and magnesium. Some of these improve glucose tolerance.

o Phenobarbital – ancalixir, barbital, solfoton, luminal sodium. Herbs containing thujones and vitamin B6 may lower seizure threshold. Wormwood may potentiate phenobarbital effects.

o Lithium – Butcher’s broom, buchu, dandelion and juniper may enhance the effect of lithium and cause possible toxicity.

o Phenytoin – dilantin, phenytex. Ayurvedic preparation shankapulshipi diminishes anti-epileptic effect.

o Thyroid medication – synthroid. Large quantities of horseradish may depress thyroid function. Kelp contains iodine, which may result in excess thyroid levels when taken with thyroid replacement medications.

o Warfarin, coumadin, sofarin (blood thinners). There are many herbs that act as blood thinners and these taken with the medical drugs can result in increased bleeding. Some of these herbs include cayenne, feverfew, garlic, ginger, white willow bark (aspirin), St John’s wort, alfalfa and ginkgo biloba. Taking over 1000 IU of vitamin E or the papaya enzyme papain may also result in increased bleeding.

High doses of herbs such as dong quai, quinine and devil’s claw may cause decreased blood thinning activity. High doses of vitamin C, A and K may also result in lessened anticoagulant effect.

The list above contains some of the common potential interactions between medical drugs and herbs. There are potentially many more. This does not mean that you shouldn’t use herbs if you are taking medical drugs. You should however understand the potential effects.

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Drug Interactions Can Be A Problem

Posted by in Uncategorized on November 3, 2011

Drug interactions can mean different things to many people, but most people think of the different varieties of prescription medications, the disclaimers and the label warning information. The great thing about taking only one medication is that it is much easier to monitor the effects on your body and be aware of any problems almost immediately. For those taking many medications close together, monitoring and problem solving is much harder and can cause some major problems for the patient.

Prescription drugs are notorious for having too many cross interaction tests to determine where the problem cause is and add to these confusions the different chemical makeup of each drug and you might be looking for a needle in a haystack and many possible adverse reactions. Regardless of how many tests are ordered it all depends on the individual and the medications and the reactions that might not even be mentioned on the label so the patient might not realize that the new problem is actually coming from one or more of the medications they are taking.

One way to try and combat unusual reactions to the medications you are taking is by closely communicating with your doctor making sure they are aware of every single medication you are taking. However, because some doctors are not fully versed in every drug, especially the less common drugs, they might be at a loss for what is going on. To get the full scoop on the medications you are taking and how they might have negative interactions always and frequently consult your pharmacist. They are specifically trained in specific drugs, the chemical compounds used and the many ways they can affect the body and for the most part they would probably be the best medical professional to seek advise from.

Of course, while some medications are life threatening it is important to realize that the less medications you take the better off your body will be. Medication that can help certain problems can also take a large toll on organs such as your kidneys, liver, and heart.

The importance of letting your doctor know what prescription and OTC drugs and medications you are taking regularly cannot be stressed enough. The best approach is to be proactive like doing some of your own research as well as limiting the number of medications you are taking when you can and definitely stop any medications that are producing questionable side effects until you can talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Following these simple suggestions will help you live a long and healthy life well into your future.

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