Aug
1
Cetirizine
August 1, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Generic Name
Cetirizine (seh-TERE-ih-zene)
Brand Name Zyrtec
The information in this profile also applies to the following drugs:
Generic Ingredient: Azelastine
Generic Ingredient: Fexofenadine 91 Allegra
Generic Ingredient: Levocetirizine 91 Xyzal
Type of Drug Antihistamine.
Prescribed For
Azelastine: runny nose, sneezing, nasal itching, and post-nasal drip. Cetirizine: stuffy and runny nose, itchy eyes, and scratchy throat caused by seasonal and year-round allergy, and for other symptoms of allergy such as rash, itching, and hives; also prescribed for chronic itching and for asthma. Fexofenadine: sneezing, stuffy and runny nose; scratchy throat and mouth; and itchy, watery, and red eyes caused by seasonal allergies. Levocetirizine: stuffy and runny nose, itchy eyes, and scratchy throat caused by seasonal and year-round allergy, and for other symptoms of allergy such as rash, itching, and hives; also prescribed for chronic itching.
General Information
Antihistamines generally work by blocking the release of histamine (a chemical released by body tissue during an allergic reaction) from the cell at the H, histamine receptor site, drying up secretions of the nose, throat, and eyes. Cetirizine causes less sedation than older antihistamines and appears to be just as effective. Levocetirizine is the active portion of the cetirizine molecule and is as effective as cetirizine with a similar side effect profile.
Cautions and Warnings
Do not take cetirizine if you are allergic or sensitive to any of its ingredients.
People with kidney disease should receive reduced dosages of cetirizine and levocetirizine. Do not take these drugs if kidney disease is severe. Children with kidney disease should not receive levocetirizine.
Possible Side Effects
✓ Common: headache, drowsiness, fatigue, dry mouth, bitter taste in the mouth, dizziness, runny nose, and sore throat.
✓ Less common: nosebleeds, stuffy nose, sneezing, cough, nausea, upset stomach, changes in bowel habits, nervousness, and fever (children).
♦ Rare: fainting and weight gain. Contact your doctor if you experience any side effect not listed above.
Drug Interactions
• Cimetidine may increase the level of azelastine in the blood.
• Cetirizine is less likely than other antihistamines to interact with drugs.
• Ritonavir increases the amount of levocetirizine and slows its breakdown in the body. This may result in increased levocetirizine side effects.
Food Interactions
• Ceterizine and levocetirizine may be taken without regard to food or meals.
Usual Dose
Azelastine Nasal Spray
Adult and Child (age 12 and over): 1-2 sprays in each nostril twice a day.
Child (age 5-11): 1 spray in each nostril twice a day.
Cetirizine
Adult and Child (age 6 and over): 5-10 mg once a day depending on symptoms. Reduce dosage in people with kidney disease. Child (age 1-5): 2.5-5 mg a day.
Child (age 6 months-1 year): 2.5 mg a day.
Fexofenadine
Adult (age 12 and over): 60 mg twice a day or 180 mg once a day. People with kidney disease should take 60 mg a day.
Child (age 6-11): 30 mg twice a day.
Levocetirizine
Adult and Child (age 12 and over): 5 mg every evening.
Child (age 6-11): 2.5 mg (1h tablet) every evening. Dosage for children should not exceed 2.5 mg a day. Child (under age 6): not recommended.
Overdosage
Drug overdose is likely to cause severe side effects. Overdose victims should be Oven ipecac syrup—available at any pharmacy—to make them vomit and be taken to a hospital emergency room. ALWAYS bring the prescription bottle or container.
Special Information
Use extra caution while doing anything that requires concentration, such as driving a car or operating hazardous machinery.
Report sore throat, unusual bleeding, bruising, tiredness, weakness, or any other unusual side effect to your doctor. Do not combine these drugs with alcohol or other nervous system depressants. Do not put azelastine nasal solution into your eyes.
If you forget to take a dose of cetirizine, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you forgot and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Special Populations
Pregnancy/Breast-feeding: Oral antihistamines are generally considered safe for use during pregnancy. But do not take any antihistamine without your doctor’s knowledge if you are or might become pregnant—especially during the last 3 months of pregnancy, because newborns may have severe reactions to antihistamines.
Small amounts of antihistamine pass into breast milk. Nursing mothers who must take cetirizine should use infant formula.
Seniors: Antihistamines are more likely to cause dizziness, sleepiness, and confusion in seniors. Dosage reduction may be recommended depending on kidney function.
Jul
15
Disorders of the Prostate.
July 15, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Disorders of the Prostate
There can be very few disorders associated with any one par-
ticular organ that occur as commonly as prostate problems when to use albuterol for wheezing . If you think about it, all men are at risk, which
accounts for about 50 per cent of the population tavist for sinusitis . In turn, it is estimated by experts in the field that around half of
all men over the age of 50 have symptoms that can be blamed on the prostate prednisone thrombosis .
In total, that accounts for a very large proportion of the overall population antidepresent lexapro .
THE MAIN DISORDERS
The main disorders that can affect the prostate are infections and tumours - the majority of which are benign rather than
malignant caverta 50mg .
There are three main things that can go wrong with the pros tale gland oysters viagra . These are:
• Prostatitis allegra directions .
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) lamictal uses for tourettes .
• Prostate cancer discount viagra online .
PROSTATITIS
Prostatitis is an umbrella term covering several disorders buy diflucan sample . In this condition, the prostate gland becomes inflamed due to
infection claimed metformin for pecos . It is extremely common, particularly between the ages of 30 and 50, and it is estimated that as many as one in
three men suffers from prostatitis at some time buy ciprofloxacin no prescription . It can be present for many years without producing any symptoms, and
then suddenly flare up for no apparent reason viagra approved for . It may be acute or chronic proscar adverse effects .
Post-mortem studies have shown that one in five men under the age of 40 has had chronic prostatitis at some time, while
as many as three out of five men over the age of40 have had this condition actress levitra commercial . This suggests that chronic inflammation of
the prostate gland may occur without producing any symptoms clonidine illustrated . Chronic non-bacterial prostatitis is most common between the
ages of 30 and 50 how thyroxine works .
Acute or chronic?
An acute disorder comes on suddenly novo olanzapine . It may or may not be severe, but is usually of short duration more effective protonix or prilosec . A chronic condition,
on the other hand, is one that persists for a long time (sometimes in spite of treatment) buy imitrex from canada .
What causes it?
Prostatitis is often caused by a bacterial infection that has spread from the intestines glipizide and alcohol . These find their way into the
urinary system, either through the urethra or through the bloodstream or lymphatic fluids buy alesse .
Sometimes there is a link with the organisms that cause a sexually-transmitted disease, such as gonorrhoea or chlamydia stopping flomax after cateract surgury .
Sometimes, too, the fungus that causes thrush (Candida) is responsible omeprazole colon cancer .
What you can do about it
Prostatitis - both chronic and acute - is usually treated by a prolonged course of the appropriate antibiotic zyrtec renova levitra tramadol . Treatment
can be difficult, particularly of chronic prostatitis, and infection may persist in the prostate, in spite of treatment wellbutrin mortality .
When this happens, the condition may tend to recur zyprexa break .
AN ENLARGED PROSTATE
An enlarged prostate is also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or as benign prostatic hypertrophy allegra and drinking wine .
The prostate gland enlarges naturally as a man gets older, particularly after the age of 50 ultram and cod . This happens because of an
increase in the number of cells present in the prostate gland weining off nexium . As the number of cells increases, so the prostate gland
gets correspondingly bigger prozac ssri viagra for women . This process is known as hyperplasia soma diamond bar ca .
The part of the prostate that causes the problem is the central part, close to the urethra comparable to altace .
It most commonly causes symptoms after the age of 50 or so, and according to a recent survey conducted by Professor
William Garraway in Scotland (Lancet, 1991), one in three men over the age of 50 is reckoned to experience symptoms fee lowest no price tramadol . It
becomes increasingly common with advancing age atenolol without prescription . By the age of 60, for example, around 60 per cent of men have clinical
symptoms, by the age of 70, around 70 per cent have symptoms; and so on penicillin v k .
A lot of men never consult their doctor about the symptoms of an enlarged prostate because they are too embarrassed to do
so bupropion prescriptions . Instead, they suffer in silence and put up with an ever-worsening condition levitrabuy levitra .
The symptoms develop slowly over the years cymbalta forum reviews . The result of this is that many men assume that they are just an inevitable
part of the ageing process, and do not seek medical advice or treatment until much later synthroid drug interaction .
Some men are lucky enough never to get any symptoms saliva levels of estradiol pmol l . In the great majority of men, however, because the prostate gland is
wrapped round the urethra - the tube through which urine passes when a man urinates - an enlarged prostate causes the
urethra to become compressed last minute cipro . The resulting symptoms, which are a combination of urinary outflow obstruction, are known
as prostatism par phamaceutical fluoxetine cap 40mg .
What causes it?
The cause of prostate enlargement is not altogether clear drug allergies motrin . What is clear, however, is that an enlarged prostate is a male
hormone dependent disorder in that its growth is stimulated by androgens and, in particular, by testosterone no prescription claritin . What is not
clear, though, is why it should suddenly enlarge at the age of 50 or more, when testosterone levels tend to fall omeprazole in uk .
The fact that the cause of an enlarged prostate is not certain and is, in any case, beyond our control, means that,
unfortunately, there is no clear advice that can be given on how best to avoid prostate enlargement us patent viagra . The good thing about
this, though, is that there is no need to reproach yourself if you suffer from prostate enlargement -no cause for such
thoughts
or whatever topamax dosage epileptic .
What you can do about it
Drug treatment - such as alpha-blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors - is recommended for many sufferers,
particularly Iftheir condition is not too severe side effects coreg renal . Many doctors, however, feel that surgery is the only solution to an
enlarged prostate, especially in severe cases kts lithium battery . As a result and as the Department of Health knows only too well, the
annual cost of hospital care and surgery for an enlarged prostate is extremely high canine stop prednisone suddenly .
There are, however, other solutions remeron 15 mg tablet tev . An enlarged prostate will often respond well to alternative treatments (see Chapter
9) lexapro stomach digestive . It is important to realise this because waiting lists for surgery can be very long, and in any case surgery can
result in complications liquid cabergoline .
PROSTATE CANCER
According to the Cancer Research Campaign, prostate cancer accounts for some 8,000 deaths in the UK each year, and for at
least 149,000 deaths each year throughout the world abilify vs risperda . It is the second most common fatal cancer in men after lung cancer lasix surgery far sighted .
It kills some four times as many men as cervical cancer kills women, and yet this statistic - unlike those concerning
cervical cancer - is hardly ever mentioned, and certainly never hits the headlines in quite the same way viagra onlin . Many people,
including a lot of men, often know much more about cervical cancer in women than prostate cancer in men cheap tadalis sx .
The symptoms of benign prostate enlargement are similar to those of prostate cancer, which is just one very good reason
for not sweeping them under the carpet and for taking them to the doctor generic for zoloft . It is possible for an enlarged prostate to be
malignant, but it is much more likely to be benign how to injecting endep . You should always keep things in perspective and never fear the
worst synthroid overdose .
Prostate cancer usually occurs over the age of 55, though it can in some cases occur much earlier merck requip . According to the
Cancer Research Campaign, some 14,0(X) new cases are diagnosed each year, and one in every eleven men will probably
develop signs of prostate cancer at some point in their lives sebum production hormonal disorder ketoconazole . That makes it almost as common as breast cancer III women,
yet it doesn’t get quite the same press coverage, and it doesn’t cause quite the same alarm generic drug for micardis . Men are significantly less
aware of the potential problem they carry around in their bodies than women are of the possibility of breast cancer, the
fear of which is all too real for many women throughout their lives nexium for gall bladder disease .
But if’ men knew more about the signs of prostate cancer revealed during post-mortem examinations, they might not be so
complacent boniva intravenous side effects . These reveal an alarmingly high incidence of prostate cancer cialis usage for recreational sex . Among men aged between 50 and 60 years can you give decongestants with zyrtec . 10-30
per cent show evidence ofcancer when the prostate is examined under the microscope ibuprofen chemical ingredients . In men aged between 70 and 80, the
figure is still more astonishing: as many as 50-70 per cent show the same signs zoloft pregnancy test .
In most cases, prostate cancer is what is known as a ’silent’ disease can macrobid prevent conception . That is to say that it never causes significant
problems and is often never even diagnosed effexor xr cap . The chances are that a mail who has prostate cancer will probably never even
know he has it benefits of finasteride . and is unlikely to die of it - he will die of something else first can males take spironolactone .
The Royal College of Surgeons completed a study of 55W prostate cases in 1995 compendium of pharmaceuticals and specialties fosamax . One of the most striking messages to
emerge from this is that if you have prostate cancer and live longenough, it will kill you, but you are unlikely to live
long enough for this to happen viagra 125 mg .
A report from the Office of Health Economics, also in 1995, would seem to support this view merck zocor india . It quotes a study showing
that 70 per cent of men over the age of 80 have prostate cancer, but that only 0 casodex cancer .5 per cent die from it aciphex safety .
What causes it?
Like a great many cancers, cancer of the prostate is known to run in families kids allergies and claritin d . If a close relative has had cancer of the
prostate, a man’s risk of developing the disease seems to be a lot higher than that of a man who does not have any family
history of the disease topamax birth control pills .
Another factor that seems to be involved is diet cialis tadalafil 4 pack overnight . The typical UK diet, which is usually low in green vegetables, fruit
and pulses and high in fats - may well be a contributing factor testosterone 1-3 reps .
What you can do about it
Prostate cancer may be treated in a number of ways, depending on how early the cancer has been discovered and on how far
it has spread augmentin package insert . If it has spread beyond the prostate gland, treatment will probably be aimed at controlling the condition
rather than attempting to cure it soma and excedrin interactions .
Treatment may be done in several ways zithromax dosage chlamydia . These are:
• The surgical removal of the prostate, which is known as prostatectomy (see Chapter 7) cephalexin and high blood pressure .
• Radiotherapy accutane bas de dose .
If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, patients may benefit from reducing their level of the male hormone
testosterone serious side effect prednisone ecotrin . This can be done by:
• Surgical removal of the testes (orchidectomy) ketoconazole tablet pharmacological data .
• The administration of hormonal drugs weight gain and norvasc .
• Radiotherapy, which shrinks the prostate gland or relieves the pain of secondary bone cancer, if it exists adhd strattera .
CONSULTING YOUR DOCTOR
The main thing to bear in mind is that when you suspect that there is something wrong - and no matter what that is - you
should always consult your doctor prednisone eye drops side effects .
Although at least one in three men over the age of 50 experiences at least one - and maybe more - of the uncomfortable
symptoms of an enlarged prostate (Lancet, 1991), some of which can be very unpleasant as well as having a dramatic effect
on their lives, only six out of ten of them will actually go to their doctor proscar side effect . They may be embarrassed to talk about
anything concerning their urinary habits; they may be frightened of being accused of wasting their doctor’s time; or they
may think that their symptoms are nothing more than an inevitable part of the normal ageing process and therefore don’t
warrant a visit to the doctor period clomid .
They may also be frightened of being ill addisons dog prednisone . A lot of men, while making a tremendous fuss every time they have a cold, are
actually reluctant to visit the doctor, particularly if they fear that they have something badly, or dangerously, wrong
with their health paxil suit canada .
You should never be too frightened to see the doctor should teenagers use seroquel . He won’t invent a serious problem where there isn’t one, and if
there is one he may well be able to do something about it what is phenytoin used for .
What your doctor will do
The doctor will want to know all your symptoms, and it is always worth making a list of these before you go to the
surgery so as not to forget to mention anything switching from lexapro to zoloft . If you’re embarrassed by talking about your symptoms, you might even
hand your list to your doctor and ask him to read it zetia 10 mg . Make a note of any questions you want to ask -there’s nothing worse
than visiting the doctor and then remembering later that you’ve forgotten to ask the one thing that you really wanted to
know alternative treatment to paxil .
The doctor will take a general medical history, with particular reference to any serious familial diseases such as
diabetes, heart disease or haemophilia, and any drugs you are taking viagra 50 side effects . He will also want to know any important changes in
your health that you have noticed recently, such as general fatigue or lower back pain, which may not seem to you to be
at all relevant but which may be important to the doctor in his search for a diagnosis spironolactone doses for acne .
And then, of course, the doctor will also want to know all about your current symptoms missed prozac dose . He will want to know, in
particular, anything relating to your urinary habits glipizide use in pregnancy . How high/strong is your flow of urine’? Do you have any
difficulties urinating - either starting or stopping’? Do you experience any pain on urinating? How often do You Urinate?
Do you have to getup at night to empty your bladder’? Are your symptoms having a major effect on your life, and if so in
what way’! And since when have you been experiencing these symptoms?
You may feel more comfortable seeing a male doctor than a woman vitamin b6 mixed with lexapro . If that is so, this should not cause any problem levocetirizine desloratadine chewable disintegrating . Most
practices have doctors of both sexes and you can generally choose whether to see a man or a woman composition of casodex . Your doctor will not
he unsympathetic to your expressing a preference of this sort metoprolol cause lupus symptoms .
Don’t be embarrassed to talk to your doctor about your urinary habits anemia risperdal . Remember, he’s heard it all before free fluconazole . He’s not
embarrassed and there is no need for you to be either metformin hcl for children .
Injury
In spite of the fact that the prostate gland is so well hidden, tucked away as it is inside a man’s body, it can
nevertheless be injured by a blow between the buttocks atenolol messageboard side effects . It can also be irritated by any sort of over-firm, continuous
pressure lithium for anhedonia . A long-distance lorry driver, for example, can suffer from this as a result 01′ having a badly sprung seat indications for keflex .
Enlarged prostate and cancer of the prostate
The early symptoms of an enlarged prostate and cancer of the prostate are so similar as to be practically
indistinguishable diaes medication glyburide . But they are quite different disorders, and an enlarged prostate, otherwise known as benign prostatic
hyperplasia, does not become cancerous glucophage met formin and health problems .
Some people think that benign enlargement must be some kind of pre-cancerous condition, and that this is why surgeons are
in such a hurry to remove it get propecia online pharmacy . But this is not true finasteride riesgos testimonios . Benign enlargement tends to occur in the inner part of the prostate
-the bit that actually encircles the urethra - and works its way gradually outwards viagra forums . Cancer of the prostate, on the other
hand keyword pravachol boards . starts in the outer part of the gland, which explains why it can be felt during a rectal examination digoxin calcium and stone heart . There is
absolutely no evidence that benign enlargement can turn cancerous citalopram with levocarb interaction
Jul
14
PROSTATITIS: TREATMENT FOR THE FOUR STAGES OF CANCER.
July 14, 2009 | Leave a Comment
TREATMENT FOR THE FOUR STAGES
OF CANCER
Stage A Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer here is usually a surprise to the doctors and to the patient since there were no symptoms or any way it could be detected phenergan 10 mg . Usually it is found during an operation for Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy, BPH toxicity of digoxin .
The pathologist would make the find and report to the physician indicating the amount of cancerous tissue found and if possible the type and seriousness of the cancer nuclear stress test dipyridamole .
Here there are two distinct types of cancer adalat norvasc . One is fairly non-aggressive case study erythromycin for gastric atony . In eighty-five percent of these cases of stage A cancer, the patient is totally relieved of his small “starting” cancer zyrtec commercial bob . He is cured and never bothered by any return of prostatic cancer again information on flomax .
However in the other fifteen percent of the cases, the cancer is a vigorous type and must be treated with all possible haste k2 lithium 3.0 mountain bikes . Some patients in this group will have a rapid development of the cancer and succumb to the disease in a short time mebeverine hydrochloride . Treatment here should be as vigorous as with stage B cancer does warfarin reduce immune system .
Stage B Prostate Cancer
This stage of cancer development is the type that is found by digital examination ramipril and altace . This is the usual way to discover it, since there are no outward physical symptoms, hurts or even twinges mechanism omeprazole . The cancer is still silent gabapentin sodium channel .
This is why it’s so vital for every man over forty years of age to have a rectal digital examination at least once a year ciprofloxacin hcl api . Three minutes isn’t too much to give up for saving Your life tamoxifen eighty .
Stage B cancer shows up as a hard nodule or lump or ridge that the urologist will confirm aggrenox vs plavix . Most experts in the field say that at this stage the cancer is curable pariet and zantac interactions . Catching it at this early stage is the one life-saving factor purchase altace cheap online .
Once the cancer has been diagnosed, its extent is then determined by the various examinations such as a PSA test, bone X-rays, bone scans and a PAP test will symbalta interact with luvox .
Often at this point the nearby lymph nodes will be removed to be sure that the cancer has not spread into them prograf nephrotic syndrome . If the cancer is confined to the prostate, the most used treatment is the complete removal of the prostate gland geodon dose .
Stage C Prostate Cancer
In stage C almost the entire prostate has been invaded by and taken over by the cancerous cells actonel bad side effects . Again cancer in this stage does not produce any notice to the victim that anything is wrong lyme disease doxycycline dosage strength . Cancer is still silent here, so again, every man must appreciate the value and the life-saving importance of a digital examination at least once a year lipitor and lou gehrig’s disease .
The digital examination is the only way that this cancer can be detected, with the exception of a PSA test casodex starts working . Many urologists do not give PSA tests except when cancer is already expected online order cipro hydrocodone . It seems reasonable that the PSA test should be given all men over the age of forty as a secondary cancer screening test depakote bowel incontinence .
The stage C cancer is still treatable because it has not spread to other parts of the body bactrim rash side effects . Early detection again is the key here to living cheap chloromycetin .
The lymph nodes should be examined by a CAT scan to be sure the cancer hasn’t spread hydrochlorothiazide fluid retention 50-100 mg . With a negative report, the usual course is radiation or hormonal treatment celebrex weight gain . When this is done, the patient’s cure is possible, but there is a chance that some of the cancer cells have escaped into the lymph nodes or other areas of the body albuterol for nebulizer . A cure for stage C prostate cancer is not as good as with stages A and B when to hold digoxin .
Stage D Prostate Cancer
When the cancer has spread widely beyond the confines of the prostate capsule, it is called a stage D cancer methotrexate lung damage . Again, this cancer may not have any symptoms the unsuspecting man can feel soon after it spreads into other areas duration of ultram in urine . If the cancer has spread into the bones there may be severe pain fatal reaction with cialis . If so, this will cause the patient to seek help from his physician mutliple sclerosis and lamotrigine .
Generally stage D prostate cancer is not curable but it can be supressed warfarin sodium side effects . If it has spread only to the lymph nodes around the prostate, there is a chance that with vigorous treatment the cancer can be contained and the patient have a longer survival requip tab .
Urologists differ on what treatment to give a patient at this point premarin cream urethra bleeding . Some say if the cancer has spread into bones and lungs and other parts of the body, it is probably incurable, therefore radical surgery is not called for and hormonal treatment should be used abilify bed wetting .
A few urologists say with minor spreading of the cancer a radical prostatectomy (removal of all of the prostate) and a bilateral orchiectomy (removal of both testicles) is the proper course 24 volt caulk gun lithium ion . The testicles are removed because at least ninety percent of all prostate cancers are encouraged to grow with the presence of the male hormone levaquin taking while dring alcohol .
The androgens helps the cancers to grow compazine suppositories . By removing them from the body the cancer growth may be slowed or stopped prozac and hair loss shop qoclick . Here there is no agreement among urologists about this type of operation since it is used basically to make the patient feel better avelox antibiodics being recalled .
A new drug out is said to do much the same thing that the removal of the testicles does fosinopril sodiun . It is administered by injection once a month and lowers the levels of the testosterone is compazine safe for pregnant women . When this happens doctors say that the tumor can shrink, relieving some of the pain and other symptoms bristol university caffeine alertness .
“Zoladex offers patients a safe and effective alternative to the traditional therapies in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer,” according to Mark E drug interactions claritin . Soloway, urologist and chief of urologic oncology at the University of Tennessee ibuprofen and mouth sores .
Nothing was said about the side effects, but with sufficient use to shrink the testicles, there would also probably be sterilization and impotency as well goat needs penicillin .
Many scientists believe that prostate tumors, like others, may manufacture their own growth hormone cutting open a lithium battery . A new drug called Suramin is now being used to try to suppress and eliminate that growth hormone prednisone maintainance in asthma . More testing is being done effexor xr causing depression . A group of thirty men at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland underwent a test with the drug naprosyn information . All had prostate cancer, and many of those in the program reported a dramatic decrease in pain from the cancer lithium exposure .
Cancer of the prostate is on average an older man’s disease geodone or lamictal . Yet most doctors and urologists will not do radical surgery on a man over seventy years of age, unless there are special circumstances claritin reaction . The feeling by most urologists is that cancer in older men grows slowly clomiphene citrate success rates . A seventy-year old man probably will live just as long with or without the surgery for cancer zoloft add . As with any medical procedure there are always exceptions to this general rule acyclovir and azt combination side effects . Some radiation therapy is used after prostate surgery to destroy a few cancer cells that might have been missed prednisolone substitute . However chemotherapy is usually not of much value to the stage D prostate patient amoxicillin uti .
Usually when the cancer has spread beyond the prostate and is in an active stage in several other areas, no prostate surgery is done, since it wouldn’t cure the problem, and could cause other dangers to the patient reaction to forgetting depakote er dose .
With the stage D patient, the most the physician can do is lessen his pain and do treatments that will make the patient feel better both physically and psychologically daily caffeine intake .
RADIATION TREATMENT
We mentioned briefly radiation therapy as a treatment for cancer of the prostate abbott pharmaceuticals cholene fenofibrate . This is simply the use of radiation aimed at a specific part of the body where the cancer cells are in an effort to kill them cheap 250mg flagyl .
Radiation therapy has developed greatly since it was first used in the early 1920’s does ibuprofen make your body acid . Now radiation therapy is often used in combination with other types of treatments labetalol dosing error .
The traditional method is the use of an external radiation beam aimed at the prostate from outside the body metformin and hair breaking . Sometimes this beam touches the rectum and bladder causing distressing side effects norethindrone price . Some radiation treatments of this type require the patient to come to the doctor’s office every day for seven weeks cyclobenzapr arimedex lexapro .
A new development in the last few years in radiation is the use of what is called “seed implantation buy celexa no prescription .” Here small pelletized radiation charged “seeds” are implanted directly in the cancerous tissue fluoxetine 20 mg pliva . This can be done on an outpatient basis and usually requires only one trip diabetes caused by prednisone usage .
It takes about an hour and utilizes a local or general anesthesia taking vermox wait to get pregnant . The urologist, using ultrasound as a guide, projects the patient’s prostate on a video screen, locates the tumor and then implants the radiation seeds precisely throughout the prostate to kill the cancerous tumors norvasc get 10 ff today . A radiation oncologist is a member of this surgical team zoloft problems heart and .
The tiny radiation seeds are inserted through the skin directly into the prostate viagra professional canada . There is no incision ivermectin pyrantel wormshield .
One of the advantages with implantation is that the use of radiation seeds mean there is little or no damage to healthy tissue silagra silagra silagra cumwithuscom . The radiation affects only the cancer in the prostate, eliminating any side effects on the rectum or bladder buy biaxin online without prescription .
These tiny seeds radiate into the prostate for seventeen to thirty-five days azithromycin antibiotics . After that time they become used up and “inert” amoxicillin directions . During these days of radiation, the cancer tumor is destroyed, it shrinks and the dead tissue is gradually absorbed and passed off by the body estradiol levels perimenopause .
Radiation seeds are most effective against the early stages of prostate cancer, A and B bupropion and reboxetine . Since cancer in this gland has no early warning signs, men need to be sure they are examined digitally once a year, or with blood tests can acyclovir cause fatigue . If there is any question by the physician, the patient should consult a urologist for further tests such as ultrasound pediatric coumadin therapy education . Early detection is the key to surviving prostate cancer effects of celebrex on the heart .
One side effect of radiation either internal or externally applied, is fatigue myth of soma server files . Even with this problem, many men are still able to go about their jobs and their non-physical work while being given radiation treatments side affects of asprin . From time to time a patient given external radiation will have a skin reaction where the radiation passed through actose avandia .
These reactions can be reduced if the patient avoids using strong soaps, heat lamps, and hot water bottles as well as cologne lithium cr2 batteries . If the skin becomes flaky, itchy or red, cornstarch can be used as a powder that will Booth the patient diovan mg drug .
CRYOSURGERY
One new treatment for cancer of the prostate is cryosurgery relafen 750mg . This involves inserting a probe into the prostate which is positioned directly in the center of a small tumor uses of finasteride . Liquid hydrogen with its extremely cold temperature is then injected through the probe into the cancer, freezing it and destroying the tissue and cancer cells at the same time ampicillin structure .
Cryosurgery is another technique to treat the prostate but most urologists are not equipped to use it renal colic treated with ketorolac .
LASER SURGERY
A continuing study on laser surgery on the prostate was started in 1989 at the University of California at San Diego by Dr simvastatin ear problems . Israel Barken as a viable alternative to radical prostatectorny caffeine herbs health diet fitness . This could be done on patients who arc not candidates for open surgery valtrex forum .
It is done in conjunction with a TURP when cancer is found imitrex statdose . With the laser, remnants of cancer tissue near the prostate capsule can be destroyed by laser-coagulation resistance to ivermectin . This is possible since the laser is effective in killing the cancer cells five to six milimeters into the tissue casodex drug .
So far the results have been about the same as from external beam radiation and radioative implants tamoxifen nolvadex . Dr lupus depakote . Barken says the use of the laser has seven big advantages to the cancer of the prostate patient is loratadine a prescription drug .
• Laser surgery involves little or no pain allegra tablet identification .
• Laser surgery can be done without anethesia or with only a local anesthetic cytoxan treatment multiple myeloma .
• Laser surgery involves no bleeding cheap altace .
• Laser surgery takes little time to complete allergy medicine side effects zyrtec claritin .
• Laser surgery can be repeated many times without any ill effects, and it can be done in easy stages keflex 250 mg cap dosage weight .
• Many laser surgeries can be done in a doctor’s office prednisone and medic alert bracelets .
• Many laser surgeries can be done on an out patient basis at the hospital caffeine treatments .
HORMONE TREATMENTS
The male hormone, produced mainly in the testes, helps the growth of prostate cancer genox tamoxifen genox . One of the radical surgeries removes both testicles to eliminate the male hormone in a man’s system hydrochlorothiazide high blood pressure .
If the patient can’t stand such an operation physically or psychologically, the same result can be obtained by the use of female hormones abilify dissolving . ethinyl estradiol powder credt card . fluconazole cats . estrogen although norvasc . This often is a small pill called DES and the dosage is three milligrams a day ranitidine in uk .
As with the testicle removal, DES will reduce most men’s libido and prevent them from having an erection how long should take zyrtec . A man’s breasts may also enlarge oral diflucan yeast infections . There may also be a slower growth of beard and some small changes in a man’s bodily shape buy sildenafil citrate online .
To many men, these small changes may be worth while if the treatment will help to control or even stop the growth of the cancer, and mean they have another one or two or ten years of life what is tetracycline use for .
CHEMOTHERAPY
Chemotherapy is thought ot’by the general public as a cancer only type of treatment complaints about boniva . Actually, any chemical used as a treatment, even an aspirin, is chemotherapy coumadin record .
With cancer, chemotherapy is a method of killing cancer cells lithium in hyponatremia . Unfortunately while killing the bad cells, it also kills and harms a lot of good cells ibuprofen and kidney failure .
While chemotherapy is a major treatment for some kinds of cancer, it is not as effective in prostate cancer diltiazem and feline dose . However there are new drugs and new combinations of drugs being developed all the time, and in the future some chemotherapy might work miracles plavix generic .
For now, chemothrapy for prostate cancer is rarely used absorption of erythromycin with food . The benefits would not off set the side effects which include hair loss, chronic fatigue, nausea and a general feeling of sickness and depression ivermectin online .
IMMUNOTHERAPY
With this treatment, the physician attempts to build up a patient’s natural defenses against all diseases, including cancer do testosterone cause hair growth . The immune system is a complicated mechanism and science is learning more about it all the time lithium evanescence lyrics .
Immunotherapy is now being combined with some kinds of chemotherapy to treat the more advanced stages of some cancers find cheap clomid online . One of the elements now being used is Interferon, which comes to light now and again as a breakthrough in treatments caffeine and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome . Then it settles back into a low profile, until it is thrust up again evanescence lithium amy lee . It may yet be developed into a potent cancer fighter does zyrtec raise bloob pressure .
QUACKERY INCORPORATED
Every few years desperate patients try everything suggested by urologists and oncologists and nothing stops their cancer carvedilol 25 mg apotex usa . Suddenly they hear about a new miracle cure for cancer and take off for Mexico or Italy or Spain to get this new wonder drug abilify product launch uk .
One such hot item in recent memory was Laetrile made from the pits of apricots ibuprofen hypertension . For two or three years there were glowing testimonials how it had cured or put into remission cancers of all types zimulti no prescription .
The product was never approved for sale in the United States and smuggling it across the Mexican border became big business buy propecia in the uk . Clinics sprang up quickly in border towns on the Mexican side where men of questionable qualifications and ethics prescribed and distributed Laetrile to thousands who came to the clinics viagra find search 76k cialis pages . They all hoped that Laetrile would cure them drug class for zithromax . It didn’t cipla fluconazole .
The National Cancer Institute said quickly that Laetrile was useless, that it was a toxic cyanide laden product that could cure nothing and could cause harm altace chat .
New “miracle cures” will pop up every few years as long as there are cancer patients who can’t be cured risk for risperdal .25 .
Most of these quackery medications do no harm — of themselves viagra news edinburgh tid cfm moo . The big problem and tragedy, is that they take the cancer patient away from legitimate medical care and put him in the hands of the unscrupulous or the self-healer, and the victim does not get the care that may have some chance to stop or slow or even cure the cancer is allegra available otc .
PROSTATE CANCER, THE OUTLOOK
Somewhere near 100,000 men in this country will develop prostate cancer this year what is fluoxetine for . Of that number about 28,000 will die from the disease sildenafil cheated . Prostate cancer is the third leading cause of men’s cancer death in the United States terbutaline side effects attorneys .
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
•if you’re over 50 years of age, insist on a digital rectal examination of your prostate yearly get ultram prescription .
• Also get a PSA test at the same time even if you have to pay the $50 extra for it to be done order atorvastatin online . It could reveal cancer in your prostate that the finger didn’t find symptons of effexor xr .
• Recognize the early signs of an enlarged prostate phentermine xenical meridia . If these symptoms come on suddenly, say over a three to six month period, see your physician at once canine allergies claritin . It might be cancer of a virulent and aggressive kind, and not just BPH allegra devita merit .
• Remember that the best way to whip cancer of the prostate is to catch it early citalopram name brand . Don’t forget about it zoloft zoloft . Every time your wife has a mammogram, remember that you should have your prostate examined makita lithium ion sander .
Jul
3
Allergy: Butterbur (Petasites hybridus)
July 3, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Butterbur (Petasites hybridus)
Another interesting allergy treatment involves the herb butter-bur. This botanical medicine has been used to treat symptoms of migraine headaches, asthma, and allergy. It has anti-inflammatory activity and blocks the formation of compounds called leukotrienes (pronounced lew-co-TRY-eens). These rascals cause all sorts of mischief in the nose, including itching, sneezing, swelling, and congestion. In some respects, leukotrienes may be even more of a problem than histamine. Leukotrienes contribute to the inflammatory cascade that underlies both allergy and asthma. The prescription asthma and allergy drug Singulair (montelukast) also works by inhibiting leukotriene formation.
Swiss researchers compared butterbur with the antihistamine cetirizine (Zyrtec) in a randomized, double-blind study. They found that both products were equally effective at controlling symptoms, but butterbur was significantly less sedating than Zyrtec. 43
Q. I have suffered from chronic sinusitis, which in turn led to bronchitis and frequently into pneumonia. My physician put me on Allegra and then switched me to Clarinex.
I continued to have sinusitis and pneumonia annually for 5 years, so my doctor sent me to an allergist. He diagnosed several allergies and added a prescription for Nasacort to the Clarinex.
Two years ago, having suffered through another bout of sinusitis and pneumonia, I saw an integrative alternative medicine physician. He took me off Clarinex and prescribed butterbur, stinging nettles, and quercitin instead. I’ve taken this combination for 2 years and it has reduced the frequency of the sinusitis.
I read that I should take butterbur only 6 weeks a year. Now I am concerned about the danger of liver damage.
A. Pharmacologist David Kroll, PhD, offered this clarification on butterbur. “I wanted to follow up on a
reader who wrote to your newspaper column regarding the potential liver toxicity of butterbur (Petasites hybridus), an herb that’s become popular due to positive efficacy trials in migraine prevention and allergic rhinitis. While the herb is potentially toxic to the liver, it shouldn’t be a problem with high-quality products like Petadolex. I do-fear that some less honorable companies may latch onto this herb and not take such care with the high-tech extraction process that is necessary to reduce the risk. That might lead to some major liver injury cases.”
There is one fly in the ointment, however. Concerns have been raised about potential liver toxicity associated with compounds in butterbur. If the herbal preparation is not manufactured under very stringent quality-control conditions, there could be problems. As a result, we suggest that people use butterbur only temporarily (say, for 6 weeks during hay fever season) and that they monitor their liver enzyme activity with medical supervision. One product that should be safe is Petadolex. The German manufacturer is Weber and Weber, and it is available in the United States.
Jul
3
Nondrug Allergies Treatment
July 3, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Nondrug Approaches for Allergies
Even if you created a perfect living environment by eliminating carpets and rugs, minimizing stuffed furniture, banning your pets to the outdoors, and filtering your air, you could never truly eliminate allergens from your personal space. And every time you go outside, you are vulnerable to whatever is in the air. So, what can you do to minimize your reaction to pollen and all the other nasties flowing through your nose every time you breathe?
Nose Cleaning with Neti
Americans have a hard time imagining that you can clean your internal environment. But the Ayurvedic tradition of India encourages nasal washing with what’s known as a neti pot. This porcelain container looks a little like Aladdin’s lamp. It allows saltwater to be poured into one nostril and exit out the other. This washing process is supposed to clear the nasal passages of dust, pollen, and other allergens.
You can find neti pots at some health-food stores or by calling the Himalayan Institute at 800-822-4547. Visit their Web site at www.netipot.org to get an idea of what we are talking about. A ceramic pot costs $18 to $20.
For years I was troubled with allergies. But I have discovered the following natural approach. I use a ned pot to wash my sinuses with salt water Sinus and ear infections are now a thing of the distant past. Many people are grossed out at even the suggestion of pouring something into their noses, but the sensation is really very pleasant if done properly (with lukewarm filtered water and mild saline solution).
I also vacuum my bedding daily to get rid of dust mites.
Vitamin C
We are the first to acknowledge that vitamin C studies are squishy. There just have not been large, well-conducted clinical trials to test the effectiveness of ascorbic acid (vitamin Q against allergic disorders. The allergists will rightfully say that without decent data they cannot recommend this vitamin.
Nevertheless, some research suggests that this nutrient might help reduce allergy symptoms through a kind of antihistamine action.”,” There is also the possibility that vitamin C modulates immune-system reactivity and has anti-inflammatory effects.37 The benefits, if they exist, appear fairly short-lived. That’s why the general recommendation is to take 500 milligrams of ascorbic acid three or four times a day. 38
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)
The very name of this herb is enough to scare many folks away. If you were to come into contact with stinging nettle, which grows widely throughout Europe and North America, you would have even more misgivings. Touching the tiny hairs on this plant can cause an impressive rash that can itch and sting for up to 12 hours.
It is ironic that these hairs contain a witches’ brew of ir-*** Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)
This herb is well known in Europe, where it is used primarily to relieve allergy symptoms and improve urinary flow in cases of benign prostate enlargement. The dose that has been used for treating nasal symptoms is 300 milligrams of freeze-dried Urtica dioica per day.
Side effects: This herb is usually well tolerated. Mild digestive upset has been reported, especially if it is taken on an empty stomach. Some people may experience an allergic. rash and should discontinue use immediately if this occurs. Downside: Large, well-controlled trials are lacking. Better research is needed before we can give this herb a ringing endorsement.
Cast: Approximately $5 to $10 for a month’s supply
ritating chemicals, including histamine and formic acid (also found in ant stings), yet the herb may be helpful in controlling allergy symptoms. When the leaves and other parts of the aboveground plant are extracted and swallowed, they may offer some fascinating pharmacological benefitS.39′
In Europe, where Urtica dioica is quite popular, physicians have been prescribing it to treat allergies for a long time. One double-blind trial noted that 58 percent of the study participants had good relief of SyMptoMS.41 Almost half of the patients said that stinging nettle was just as effective, if not more so, than their standard allergy medicine. Why something that contains histamine might actually help to relieve allergic symptoms is somewhat mysterious. Investigators suspect that it may help to modulate the immune response. 41
O. 1 feel like I am caught between a rock and a hard place. My allergies are awful, but most antihistamines and decongestants warn that they’re not to be used by men like me. I have an enlarged prostate, so Benadryl and Sudafed are off limits. Is there anything natural that would help my allergies and not aggravate my prostate problem?
A. Most over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medicines contain either an antihistamine or a decongestant that can make urination more difficult for a man with an enlarged prostate. An herbal remedy that might substitute is stinging nettle (Urtica dioica).
According to European research, extracts of this herb can do double duty to relieve allergy symptoms and help improve urine flow in men with benign prostate enlargement. Side effects are uncommon.
Now that the value of saw palmetto has been called into question for treating benign prostate enlargement (BPH) ‘42 some men may want to consider stinging nettle instead. Urtica dioica has been used to treat BPH in Europe for decades. There are good reasons why this herb might be effective. For one thing, stinging nettle root affects sex hormone–binding globulin and its ability to interact with hormones like testosterone. Another key player in prostate problems, epidermal growth factor, is inhibited by 53 percent by stinging nettle lectins. In addition, this herbal extract has anti-inflammatory activity that interferes with an enzyme (Na/K-ATPase) that is necessary for prostate cell growth.
Most important, human studies have shown that nettle root extract improves urine flow and decreases the amount of urine left in the bladder after voiding. Many men with an enlarged prostate report that the herb reduces the number of times they have to get up at night to go to the bathroom.
I read a letter in your column about a man with allergies. Because of an enlarged prostate, he couldn’t take the usual over-the-counter antihistamines.
You suggested the herb “stinging nettle’ as a substitute that might relieve allergy symptoms and improve the flow of urine. My husband looked these stinging nettles up and began taking them. He has improved 100 percent in both his allergy condition and his prostate symptom of frequent urination. In addition, his PSA number has come down!
The urologist said, “Yes, I’ve heard of it and it helps some but not others.” We are so glad you mentioned this herbal medicine, and we have shared the information with others.
Jul
3
Allergy: Air Filters and Dehumidification
July 3, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Air Filters and Dehumidification
It is impossible to eliminate all the airborne allergens that trigger symptoms, but you can reduce the amount of dust floating around your rooms. Forget the old-fashioned fiberglass filters that only capture large particles. That is like trying to catch mosquitoes with a fishnet. We are not big fans of ozone-type air “purifiers” either. The fine folks at Consumer Reports warn that many small room-size ionizing air cleaners (or “electrostatic precipitators”) can generate ozone.25 As far as we’re concerned, ozone is the last thing someone with allergies or asthma needs, since it can be irritating and decrease lung function.
Our first choice in air-cleaning technology is the HEPA
**** Aprilaire Whole-House Air Cleaner
This high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA)-type filter is highly efficient, uses no electricity, lasts 1 to 2 years, and captures most pollen, mold spores, and large dust particles. The box that holds the filter needs to be installed next to your furnace by a heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) professional.
An alternative to the HEPA-type air filter is the Aprilaire Model 5000 Electronic Air Cleaner. Consumer Reports consistently gives this system its highest score.26
Downside: The Aprilaire HEPA-type filter needs to be changed every year or two. Initial installation requires a professional. The electronic alternative is pricey.
Cost: Initial installation of the HEPA filter box is done by your HVAC expert. Should cost less than $200. A packet of two filters is $50 to $60. The Aprilaire Model 5000 Electronic Air Cleaner is roughly $600. Installation can run an additional $200.
(high-efficiency particulate air) filter. These devices are made of densely packed fibers that look like thick paper. The filters are pleated or folded and look like a mini-accordion. That way they maximize the air’s contact with the filter. Industrial-strength HEPA filters are used in computer clean rooms, pharmaceutical manufacturing plants, and hospitals, where it is essential to trap very small dust particles.
To install a whole-house HEPA filter you will need professional help. Ask a heating and air-conditioning (HVAC) expert whether they can retrofit such a system for your home. We think the Aprilaire Media Air Cleaner (formerly Space-Gard) is the place to start (800-334-6011 or on the Web at www. aprilaire.com). This HEPA-type filter achieves 99 percent efficiency for particles bigger than five microns and 95 percent efficiency for the smallest one-micron-sized particles. (Pollen and mold spores usually range from 10 to 100 microns.) The longer you use the filter, the more efficient it becomes, at least to a point. It should be changed every one to two years.
If you cannot afford either a HEPA filter or an electronic air cleaner, consider the less efficient, do-it-yourself 4-inch American Air Filter for around $40 or the 1-inch 3M Filtrete for about $25. These should fit into your existing air return system in place of the old-fashioned filter you may be using.
We find it astonishing that there hasn’t been more clinical research on home air filtration. Pharmaceutical companies have spent hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars testing drugs to relieve symptoms. Only a pittance has been devoted to air quality in the home and its relationship to symptom relief.
One review of the available research concluded that “Among patients with allergies and asthma, use of air filters is associated with fewer symptoms. A small study showed that a HEPA air cleaner could reduce the amount of cat allergen levels in the house, but it did not demonstrate improvement in nasal symptom scores.28 Another tiny study showed that a HEPA filter could reduce dog allergens in the air. 29
A pilot study in two daycare centers demonstrated that when a HEPA filter was combined with a dehumidification system, airborne fungal spores were substantially diminished .30 Most people do not realize how serious dampness and humidity are for the home environment. Wherever there is moisture, mold has a marvelous opportunity to multiply. Mold spores can be highly allergenic.
The solution is to get rid of the source of the moisture and keep dampness under control by dehumidifying. The drier your home castle, the less likely it is that there will be mold, mildew, and dust mites. These latter nasty little critters live in mattresses, bedding, carpets, and furniture. Mite poop is also highly allergenic and is responsible for many people’s discomfort. Dry air makes it harder for mites to flourish.
By the way, we used to encourage folks with allergies or asthma to encase their mattresses and pillows with allergen-impermeable bed covers. The goal was to separate the allergy sufferer from the mite poop. Sadly, well-conducted clinical trials have established conclusively that this effort is ineffective.
Jul
3
Allergy: Diagnosis and FAQs
July 3, 2009 | Leave a Comment
ALLERGIES
• Install an Aprilaire HEPA-type air filter ****
• Use a high-quality vacuum cleaner (Miele) ****
• Rinse your nasal passages with saltwater
•Try vitamin C
• Experiment with the herbs stinging nettle and butterbur
*Take quercetin and bromelain
•Try NasalCrom (cromolyn) spray to prevent allergy symptoms
• Look for loratadine, an over-the-counter antihistamine
• Ask your doctor about a steroid nasal spray *****
• Consider pseudoephedrine for symptomatic relief
Breathing is basic. Most of the time we take it for granted. But if your nose is congested and your sinuses are stopped up, you are miserable. For one thing, your head feels as if it’s full of cotton. Studies have found that people suffering from allergies frequently experience sleep difficulties, fatigue, poor concentration, drowsiness, irritability, delayed reaction times, memory problems, and cognitive impairment.19 When you are in the middle of an allergy attack it is hard to drive safely even if you are not sneezing. Making decisions or operating other kinds of machinery can also be problematic.
Paradoxically, although antihistamines are the mainstay of allergy treatment, they can also cause drowsiness, delayed reaction times, sedation, and cognitive impairment. Even the so-called second-generation nonsedating antihistamines that are so heavily advertised to consumers may not be as benign as drug companies would have you believe. 20 When given in doses that are adequate to relieve symptoms, some of these nonsedating antihistamines may also make people drowsy and impair performance.
Research has shown that driving skills are affected with both the older and the newer antihistamines.” A massive study conducted for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration discovered that driving while drowsy—no matter what the cause—increased the risk of a crash or near crash by four to six times. 23
Physicians often think of allergies as more of a nuisance than a life-threatening condition. But we now realize that impairment poses huge risks if people are driving. And allergy symptoms don’t just occur in the spring and fall, when pollen is in the air. Nowadays many folks are congested all year long. At last count, 50 million people are sensitive to things like dust mites, cat dander, cockroaches, mold spores, and pollens from oak, elm, and maple trees as well as ragweed and rye, blue,and Bermuda grasses.24 Symptoms include nasal stuffiness, runny nose, itching, sneezing, and coughing. Chronic sinusitis, which may develop as a consequence of allergies, affects more than 30 million people. And asthma, which can be life threatening, often has an allergic and inflammatory component.
What is so scary about these statistics is that they keep going up. No one knows why, but it appears that more people are suffering than ever before.
Conclusions
Allergies don’t get the respect they deserve. When you complain about your congestion, most friends and family members will barely sympathize. But allergies can slow you down and make you dangerous behind the wheel. Finding the right treatment to ease your symptoms without causing worse problems is a challenge. Combining several options, including environmental control, may be the most effective solution for solving this common problem.
• Use a HEPA-type air filter and a dehumidifier to remove allergens from the air you breathe and make the environment inhospitable for the three Ms of allergy—mold, mildew, and mites.
• Get a high-quality vacuum cleaner that won’t spew dust and dirt back into the air. Miele models rank high on our list.
• Wash your nasal passages with saline. A neti pot will help.
• Consider an herbal approach such as stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) or butterbur (Petasites hybridus). Men with prostate enlargement may find nettles especially helpful since some OTC allergy medicines may make this condition worse.
• The natural products quercetin and bromelain may help stabilize mast cells and prevent histamine release.
• Cromolyn (NasalCrom) is an OTC remedy that also stabilizes mast cells. It should be used preventively before exposure to allergens occurs. Cromolyn does not cause drowsiness.
• Oral antihistamines can control symptoms, but they may also make you dangerous on the highways. Even nonsedating products may interfere with driving ability. Generic loratadine (Claritin) is now available without a prescription.
• Among prescription allergy medicines, steroid nasal sprays offer the most effective symptom relief with a minimum of side effects. The cost is significant, since they are available only by prescription. One generic variety (flunisolide) is less expensive than brand-name products like Flonase and Rhinocort AQ.
• Pseudoephedrine can be surprisingly effective at controlling allergy symptoms. Beware of side effects such as insomnia, nervousness, high blood pressure, and irregular heart rhythms.