All about allergy treatment

Prevention is better than cure… when it comes to allergies, its avoiding allergens that helps most to stay clear of allergies. In this article, we have enlisted remedies for the most common allergies with a view of introducing a wide range of allergy treatment that includes the traditional allopathic medications and alternative medical treatments.


Allopathic approach to allergy treatment

A majority of allopathic medications for allergy treatment deal with eliminating the symptoms like rash, runny nose, swelling and breathing problems. While there are a few others which work by protecting our vital systems like circulation and respiration from the allergic reactions. Following are the basic groups of medicines that allopathy offers -


Antihistamines – Antihistamines are allergy drugs that reduce the secretion of mucus, allergic rashes and itchiness. Antihistamines come in forms of tablets, syrups and nasal sprays.


Epinephrine – It is one of the most vital allergy drugs in sudden allergic reactions. Epinephrine increases the heart rate and raises the peripheral vascular resistance, hence increasing the blood pressure. It is administered in the muscles by an injection.


Corticosteroids – Corticosteroids are drugs that suppress the immune system. Once the immune system is weak, it cannot respond to allergens and there will not be any allergic reaction. Corticosteroids are administered in situations like sudden swelling of the throat that can lead to instantaneous death within 5 minutes due to suffocation.


Vaccines – Vaccines or immune complexes are used to desensitize a person’s body with small doses of the allergen he is reactive to. A person’s immune system perceives this vaccine as something alien and produces antibodies to destroy it. Eventually, levels of immune complexes in the blood are diminished and allergic reactions are reduced.


Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) allergy treatments

Apart from these traditional methods of allergy treatment, one can also opt for nontraditional medical treatment of allergies. These branches are often referred to as Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). They follow the principle of using small doses of the allergen in shots to which a person is allergic. A few of the CAM approaches are –


Homeopathic allergy treatments
Homeopathic remedies can be used as an effective allergy treatment in reducing symptoms of allergy in the acute phase. They are prepared from a wide range of natural sources like flowers, roots, leaves and their extracts. These medicines promote inner healing and encourage the body to heal itself. As the allergy treatment is dilute, it has no side effects. Asthma, a chronic allergic condition can be cured completely with early homeopathic treatment. An additional advantage with homeopathic treatment of asthma is its individualistic approach. Apart from relieving asthmatic symptoms, it also cures any other symptom associated with asthma like eczema.


Herbal allergy treatments
Contrary to views of many allopathic practitioners, herbal (ayurvedic) remedies for allergies are considered to be the origin of all medical allergy treatments. So considering herbal approach to allergy treatment as baseless and unscientific is not appropriate. For example,Chyawanprash - a homeopathic mix of herbal nutritional supplements widely known and used in India, is a multi-mineral, multi-vitamin herbal supplement that rejuvenates and stimulates the body's immune system. It has powerful anti-oxidant properties that work very well in preventing allergic colds and other symptoms of allergies.


Acupressure
Acupressure is an ancient Eastern method of natural and holistic healing. This is a well documented science applied extensively in allergy treatment. It involves the stimulation of energy flow in our body by applying pressure with thumbs, palms and elbows on specific points, which improves circulation throughout the body. For example, pressing on a point situated in the webbing between your thumb and index finger, close to the bone at the base of the index finger relieves symptoms of hay fever like sneezing and itching.


Acupuncture
Yet another Chinese method of allergy treatment, acupuncture involves pricking needles in specific points on the body. This stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals that influence the body’s internal systems and strengthens its resistance by regulating the antigen-antibody reactions. Most patients usually note immediate relief from conditions like nasal congestion, discharge, and itching and find that the symptoms don’t relapse for a long time. This way, unnecessary medication is avoided. Apart from this, acupuncture can also reduce a person's allergic responses to most common allergens.


Aromatherapy
This method of allergy treatment is based on inhaling essential oils like German and Roman chamomile, Ammi visnaga, Blue Tansy, Spike Lavender and Yarrow. These oils can be inhaled with steam or massaged on the body. Inhaled oil vapors have a soothing effect on the brain and relax the body, thereby reducing stress – a major factor in allergic reactions. Yarrow, an aromatic essential oil is widely used in the treatment of eczema. It acts as a profound diaphoretic, which promotes expulsion of the eczematic rash.


For more information on Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) treatment of allergy



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