CONGESTION, RUNNY NOSE & MORE

ALLERGIES

About 26 million Americans suffer from chronic seasonal
allergies, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.

The number of people with milder symptoms is estimated to be much higher at 40 million. Millions of dollars are spent on medications and doctors' bills as people search for relief from their symptoms. Plants that bloom in the spring and fall cause the most suffering, as do dust mites, animal dander and molds.

What are the symptoms of allergies?

Allergies are the body's hypersensitivity to substances in the environment. The immune system has an excessive response to substances that are generally harmless in most people.

Allergic reactions may cause nasal congestion, sneezing, itching, and even severe hives and shortness of breath. People often find it difficult to differentiate between a cold and allergies, but there are differences. A cold is caused by a virus and allergies are reactions to allergens such as ragweed, pollen, or pet dander.

How do I treat my allergy symptoms?

In more severe cases, an allergist can conduct tests and provide treatment plans such as shots, or immunotherapy. However many people are able to limit their allergy symptoms by avoiding exposure to the things that cause allergic reactions and by taking over-the-counter medications.

Antihistamines work well on a runny nose but do not reduce the swelling of the nasal mucosa, which is the main reason for nasal congestion. Nasal decongestants, such as Neo-Synephrine, are helpful in treating nasal congestion associated with allergies.

Source: http://www.familyresource.com/health/allergies
Source: http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2002/302_itch.html