Alternative Therapies in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergies
With alternative medicine becoming more popular, people with allergies need to be careful that the treatment they choose has been proven to be successful. Unfortunately, many techniques are unproven and controversial, and yet very expensive. Dr. Daniel More, a board-certified allergist, discusses various alternative treatment options in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies. These articles are a "must read" for anyone wanting to take a natural approach to the treatment of their allergies, before they undergo costly and unproven procedures.
Controversial and Unproven Tests in the Diagnosis of Allergies
Non-traditional physicians have used numerous methods over the years in an attempt to diagnose allergies. These tests may claim to identify “toxins” in the body, or foods that are causing someone to be “sick” or “tired”. Before spending large sums of money on useless tests, find out which allergy tests are worth having, and which are a waste of your money.
Non-traditional physicians have used numerous methods over the years in an attempt to diagnose allergies. These tests may claim to identify “toxins” in the body, or foods that are causing someone to be “sick” or “tired”. Before spending large sums of money on useless tests, find out which allergy tests are worth having, and which are a waste of your money.
Overview of Alternative Treatments for Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma
Nearly half of the population is either currently using or has used complementary-alternative medicine (CAM) treatments for medical problems. The most common forms of CAM include acupuncture, homeopathic remedies, herbal medicines and yoga. Is there scientific evidence to support the use of these costly therapies? Daniel More, MD, a board-certified allergist, reviews the evidence on CAM.
Nearly half of the population is either currently using or has used complementary-alternative medicine (CAM) treatments for medical problems. The most common forms of CAM include acupuncture, homeopathic remedies, herbal medicines and yoga. Is there scientific evidence to support the use of these costly therapies? Daniel More, MD, a board-certified allergist, reviews the evidence on CAM.
Sublingual Immunotherapy
Allergy drops, or sublingual immunotherapy, has been used for years with great success in Europe. This form of allergy treatment in being studied for use in the United States, yet has not yet been approved by the FDA. Learn more about how sublingual immunotherapy works, how it compares with traditional allergy shots and some of the hurdles it must overcome before being routinely in the U.S.
Allergy drops, or sublingual immunotherapy, has been used for years with great success in Europe. This form of allergy treatment in being studied for use in the United States, yet has not yet been approved by the FDA. Learn more about how sublingual immunotherapy works, how it compares with traditional allergy shots and some of the hurdles it must overcome before being routinely in the U.S.
Is There a Link Between Pollen Allergy and Herbal Supplements?
Find out how having pollen allergies may cause allergic reactions to certain popular herbal remedies.
Find out how having pollen allergies may cause allergic reactions to certain popular herbal remedies.
Drug Interactions with Herbal Supplements and Vitamins
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects, reduce the effectiveness of your medicine or possibly increase the action of a particular medicine. Our Drug Interactions Report can help you determine if the drugs you are taking have any adverse interactions with each other, with over the counter drugs or with your favorite herbals and vitamins.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects, reduce the effectiveness of your medicine or possibly increase the action of a particular medicine. Our Drug Interactions Report can help you determine if the drugs you are taking have any adverse interactions with each other, with over the counter drugs or with your favorite herbals and vitamins.
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome
Do you experience a variety of symptoms with exposure to odors, smells, pollutants and cigarette smoke? Do doctors tell you that they can't find anything wrong? If so, you may have the multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome. Learn about the controversy surrounding this disease, what the most common causes are, and various methods that are used to diagnose and treat this debilitating disease.
Do you experience a variety of symptoms with exposure to odors, smells, pollutants and cigarette smoke? Do doctors tell you that they can't find anything wrong? If so, you may have the multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome. Learn about the controversy surrounding this disease, what the most common causes are, and various methods that are used to diagnose and treat this debilitating disease.
Risks of Herbal Medicine for the Allergy Patient
Many people think that if something is labeled as "natural", it must be safe. Yet herbal supplements, while natural, may not be safe for everyone. These supplements have not been through rigorous safety tests, and many can interact with prescription medications. Learn more about herbal supplements in the treatment of allergic diseases.
Many people think that if something is labeled as "natural", it must be safe. Yet herbal supplements, while natural, may not be safe for everyone. These supplements have not been through rigorous safety tests, and many can interact with prescription medications. Learn more about herbal supplements in the treatment of allergic diseases.
Herbal Treatment for Seasonal Allergies
Butterbur, a common herbal supplement available over-the-counter at many nutrition stores, may provide some benefit for patients suffering from seasonal allergies. However, be forewarned: Dietary supplements are considered by the FDA to be foods, not drugs, and therefore are not held to the same safety standards as prescription medications.
Butterbur, a common herbal supplement available over-the-counter at many nutrition stores, may provide some benefit for patients suffering from seasonal allergies. However, be forewarned: Dietary supplements are considered by the FDA to be foods, not drugs, and therefore are not held to the same safety standards as prescription medications.
Natural Remedies for Asthma
This article on natural remedies for asthma suggests how dietary habits, breathing techniques, weight loss and biofeedback may help in the treatment of asthma. Consult your physician before starting any regimen of alternative medicine, weight loss or diet plans.
This article on natural remedies for asthma suggests how dietary habits, breathing techniques, weight loss and biofeedback may help in the treatment of asthma. Consult your physician before starting any regimen of alternative medicine, weight loss or diet plans.
Nasal Saline Irrigation
Nasal saline irrigation has been shown to be a beneficial therapy in the treatment and prevention of sinus infections and allergic rhinitis. This all-natural therapy involves rinsing the nasal passages with a salt-water solution, helping to rid the nose of allergens and mucus. This may reduce the need for antibiotics in those people prone to sinus infections.
Nasal saline irrigation has been shown to be a beneficial therapy in the treatment and prevention of sinus infections and allergic rhinitis. This all-natural therapy involves rinsing the nasal passages with a salt-water solution, helping to rid the nose of allergens and mucus. This may reduce the need for antibiotics in those people prone to sinus infections.
Glucosamine and Shellfish Allergy
Glucosamine is a common dietary supplement used in the treatment of arthritis. Because it is made from the shells of shrimp, crab and lobster, it is not recommended for people with shellfish allergy. Find out more about the possible link between glucosamine and shellfish allergy, and why it may be possible for people with shellfish allergy to take this supplement.
Glucosamine is a common dietary supplement used in the treatment of arthritis. Because it is made from the shells of shrimp, crab and lobster, it is not recommended for people with shellfish allergy. Find out more about the possible link between glucosamine and shellfish allergy, and why it may be possible for people with shellfish allergy to take this supplement.