Natural Seasonal Allergy Treatment
Phoenix is full of diverse environments. There is the beautiful desert landscape, lush green grass, and trees that bloom seemingly year round. All the dust, pollen and grass make it a nightmare for those who have seasonal allergies. This year has challenged even the toughest immune systems with record high pollen counts. Symptoms can be debilitating leaving people desperate for relief. Although powerful medications are available, they simply mask the symptoms. Effective natural allergy treatments are available and treat the cause which is often an overactive immune system.
Seasonal allergies can cause an array of symptoms that can mimic a “cold” or “flu”. Many times it is confused with a sinus infection that seems to come every year at the same time. Often times allergies can block the nasal passages and allow bacteria, virus or fungal infection develop. This potentially leads to the need for antibiotic treatment.
Symptoms of seasonal allergies:
- itchy or watery eyes
- runny nose and sneezing
- post nasal drip
- sore throat and cough
- skin rashes
- headache
- fatigue
Treatment Options:
Over the counter options include products like Zyrtec, Claritin or Benadryl. Each have value for providing immediate relief, but they often come with side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, headache and constipation. Steroids may be used as well for more severe allergies. Most recently Flonase (nasal steroid) was made available as an over the counter. This powerful anti inflammatory reduces the swelling in the nasal passages. Unfortunately long term use is associated with nose bleeds, headaches and nausea.
Effective natural allergy treatments include homeopathy, saline nasal rinses, nutrient support for the immune system like quercetin and vitamin C. All of these have excellent benefits for reducing symptoms and improving one’s health. A recent scientific study identified a connection between low levels of Vitamin D and an increased risk of allergic rhinitis. This is easily identified with a blood test and safely corrected with guidance from a physician.
Sublingual immunotherapy or “allergy drops” are a safe way to desensitize the immune system from both environmental and food allergies. Similar to the “allergy shots” it delivers a very dilute pollen/food to the immune system, however it is delivered under the tongue. Unlike the injections that are painful, time consuming and potentially dangerous, allergy drops are taken at home under the tongue. This safely delivers the allergens to specialized immune cells under the tongue vs. injecting it into the skin. This is a more natural way to deliver the allergens and therefore much safer. Symptoms are often relieved after 2 weeks to 2 months of starting therapy. Similar to traditional “allergy shots”, “allergy drops” can take a few years to provide long lasting benefits.
The difference at Desert Wellness Center is our comprehensive approach in providing effective natural allergy treatments . Initial testing of allergies is helpful to identify the cause. Nutrient deficiencies are corrected and the immune system is supported with nutrition and herbal support. In conjunction sublingual (under the tongue) allergy drops are utilized as a tool to retrain the immune system with natural treatments. Treatments are safe for children as well.
For more information call us at Desert Wellness Center: 480-361-5188.
Sublingual Immunotherapy Article and Research Links: