Want a Simple and Safe Answer to Allergy Problems?

Although allergies are a problem almost everywhere (I even know someone who has allergies to the pollen of desert plants), the San Antonio area is Allergy Central.  We have so many common allergens in our environment that some of us are suffering allergies at all times of the year.  We have one really "hot" allergy season, which is Mountain Juniper (commonly known as Cedar) coming soon to sinuses near you!.



Most allergy sufferers use the over-the-counter medications to control their symptoms.  Certainly, when the symptoms are severe this is the course of action to take; however, this is not without risks.  I am amazed when watching at the drug commercials the side effects, or toxic effects, that are listed.  Anti-depressants, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, may cause erectile dysfunction.  Seems like that would make the depression worse!

Allergy medications can cause drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, upset stomach, blurry vision, dry mouth/nose/throat, difficulty urinating, stomach problems, nasal dryness or irritation, nosebleed, throat irritation, headache, nausea, vomiting, coughing, and fungal infections!  Eek!  I am not saying that you should never take medications; I am trying to illustrate that pharmaceuticals have dangerous side effects.  If we can avoid them, we should. So, how do we avoid them?

The allergic response is an overreaction of the immune system to a foreign protein.  If your immune system considers, for instance, cedar pollen to be a potent threat (when it's not), then it launches a full-on attack on the proteins in the pollen.  In this offensive, the immune system releases, among other chemicals, histamine.  And that is a chemical that makes you feel awful!

So, the key is to desensitize your immune system to the pollen.  How do you that?  Interestingly, this is done by exposing your immune system to low levels of the pollen, much like with a vaccine but without the risks.  This can be done in one of two ways.  An Allergist/Immunologist can give you a series of allergy shots.  This normally requires repeat injections and repeat office visits to monitor progress.  This is expensive and time-consuming.

Equally effective and also FDA approved is a homeopathic allergy spray.  This has low levels of pollen in it as well as having remedies for the symptoms.  With no known side effects, this is convenient, inexpensive, and safe.  You can find these sprays in many places, including our office.

These approaches are most effective when administered before the allergic response starts.  You probably know what time of year you normally have allergies.  Come in a month or more before you expect it to begin and we can get you started on a therapy that will help you Live Healthy, Stay Active, and Fulfill Your Dreams!