Question:
I have been experiencing severe sinus problems
for the last few years, and after several
physicians telling me there is nothing wrong, I
had allergy tests done. I now know (and am
suprised to learn)that my sinus condition is due
to severe allergies to dust mites, molds,
grasses and trees. Claritin, Entex, and the
prescription sprays have been useless,
for the most part.
An ENT told me the traditional allergy shots are
the most common treatment approach. I
understand that these shots are 1/week for at
least one year, and then 2/month for a few
years. I would like to avoid this significant
of a time committment (to go to the Dr.'s office
that often).
She informed me that there is also a homeopathic
treatment widely used in Europe, that allows
patients to self-administer sublingual
(under-the-tongue) drops daily. Apparently, my
HMO is reluctant to cover this treatment, and
deems it "quackery." If it works, I am willing
to pay for it myself. I am interested in
hearing people's experiences with homeopathic
sublingual drops, as well as learning of other
alternatives to relieve my sinus condition.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!
Answer:
There could be other,underlying problems that are setting you
up for this allergy-that's just been my experience. I was
able to clear up a lot of problems using natural nutritional
supplements. I've just recently found a website that deals with the brand
of nutritional supplements that I use. The site also offers
a nutritional health survey-the results of which actually
tells you which supplements your body needs! It makes it easy
to figure out what supplements you need as your body changes.
The site also offers a free "email the doctor" section so you
can contact the doctor with any questions you might have.
The site is at http://www.healthmc.com
From your ibm.com I assume you are an IBM employee, as
I was. Now retired here in McAllen Tx. Over my career I went through a
period of sinus problems sometimes esclating to bronchitis. For years these
crisis outbreaks were treated for they symptoms without ever reaching to
the source.... the root..... ALLERGIES. Perhaps at the time the technology
was not where it is today, for ex. experiences and information can be
readily shared on the Internet were even doctors hang out.
My allergies are still with me, because this is a sinsitivity in my immune
system that I just have to live with, however all the symptoms, the
fatigue, redness in the eyes, discharges from eyes and nose are gone. I
assume you have been tested (Skin Prick Test by an Allergist) for the
comment you made.....
.... suprised to learn)that my sinus condition is due to severe allergies
to dust mites, molds, grasses and trees. and therefore I will also assume
that this statement is true.
I also assume you are relatively new to exploring all the possibilites to
handling Allergies, and believe me there are many. Some of it is snake oil
(my experience is that suffering people will almost buy anything with a
claim for relief, true or not)
There are many ways to treat allergies and I am attaching some links you
can explore at your leisure, if you so choose. HOWEVER... One of the time
proven methods and I content the one requireing the least investment in
dollars is to avoid the allergens and give your immune system a break.
I like the idea suggested by someone else to create a safe room. Your
bedroom where you spend a considerable amount of time. Here are some
starter ideas that are inexpensive.
1) Laundry wash all bed coverings and pillow coverings in water 140 degrees
or hotter. This kills mites.
2) Damp rag dust the entire room, if you wish with a antibacterial cleanser
but water will do fine
3) Vac the place if you have rugs, but before you do, go to Walmart or
Kmart or whereever and replace those vac bags with the newer higher
filtration bags, they have all kinds of names like bioguard etc. But all
will have written on the label high filtration for filtering allergens,
pollen and moulds. Don't buy a new vac you don't need it. Some say to get
rid of carpets (they have not only a haven for mites but also can outgass
formaldyhide and other chemicals) but for the mytes you can greatly reduce
the concentration of allergens by vac regularly with a real good filter.
You will also find in the links information on chemicals you can put on the
carpet which will kill mytes and other chemicals which will neturalizet the
enzymes in there waste)
4) Go to Kmart or Walmart, they have zippered hypoallergenic matress and
pillow cases for covering these items. You need to seal up the bed matress
and pillows. YOu can get more expensive covers if you choose but they all
do the same job.
5) If you are in a warm climate where you use the AC or if in the North
even with Heating. Don't leave that standard air filter on the climate
plant. That is to protect the machine not the people living in the place.
Get some 3M Hi Filtration Filters which remove allergins. This isn't a
HEPA. But you don't know if you need a HEPA air filter yet so why spend the
money (60-400). The 3M filters at Builders Square are about $15.
6) Keep pets out of the room, at least until you get this under control.
Once under control you can find shampoos which help reduce dander, or if
you really want that pet you can consider a HEPA to reduce the airborn
content.
7) If you keep windows open consider a window Filter, yes they make window
filters which will prefilter the air entering the house.
Most of the stuff I listed above is pretty inexpensive. And it comes backed
by my statement that it worked for me. There are also many other approaches
to get this undercontrol. However, the above is a classic.
Immunotherapy (commonly called allergy shots) is a form of
treatment to reduce your allergic reaction to
allergens. Allergens are substances to which you are allergic.
Research has shown that allergy shots can
reduce symptoms of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and allergic
asthma. Remember, not all asthma is due to
allergies. Allergy shots can be effective against grass,
weed and tree pollens, house dust mites, cat and dog
dander and insect stings. Allergy shots are less effective
against molds and are not a useful method for the
treatment of food allergy.
Immunotherapy consists of a series of injections (shots)
with a solution containing the allergens that cause
your symptoms. Treatment usually begins with a weak
solution given once or twice a week. The strength of the
solution is gradually increased with each dose. Once the
strongest dosage is reached, the injections are usually
given once a month to control your symptoms. At this point,
you have decreased your sensitivity to the
allergens and have reached your maintenance level. Allergy
shots should always be given at your health care
provider's office.
