Desensitize your allergies

Desensitize your allergies

by Dr. Paul Stallone — 

Prescription medication can cause numerous side effects, as well as create dependency.

Those who suffer severely from allergies may not believe natural remedies can be as effective as prescription medication. Symptoms can be excruciating, but even if they are debilitating, harsh treatment is not always necessary. Relying on a prescription medication can be overkill for most allergy sufferers.

Prescription medication can cause numerous side effects, as well as create dependency. This course of treatment masks symptoms and, in some cases, can make matters worse.

Aside from the heavy-hitter prescriptions, others might reach for over-the-counter (OTC) medications thinking they are safer; however, this may not be the case. For example, diphenhydramine is a common antihistamine typically found in Benadryl®. Individuals who take it for extended periods of time may experience side effects, such as heart palpitations, low blood pressure, chest tightness and abnormal heartbeat.

Adverse reactions from long-term use of Benadryl are not restricted to physical symptoms, as the drug may affect mental cognition, especially in the elderly. Anxiety, depression, agitation, moodiness, confusion and an inability to focus or concentrate have been reported. Some have even reported hallucinations.

The root of the problem for allergy sufferers is that the immune system over-responds to a harmless antigen (particles of pet dander, pollen, dust, etc.) and unleashes an assault to try to rid the body of this so-called invader. While the immune system is trying to do its job, it is the one actually causing the problem.

Prescription and OTC medications do little or nothing to address the root cause of allergies, as they attempt to treat only the symptom. The solution is the immune system itself, not the symptom. A safe and effective treatment is to desensitize the immune system so that when it detects an antigen, it does not mount an attack.

This program is safe, even for small children, yet strong enough for the most severe sufferer. Desensitizing programs have been in place for decades and have evolved from allergy shots administered in a doctor’s office to sublingual drops the patient uses at home. Desensitizing the immune system works exceptionally well for patients, even though it may take a few months for full results and relief.

Now is the time to start preparing for this year’s allergy season. All it takes is one office visit to a physician to get started on a desensitizing program. During the initial visit, the doctor may rule out other underlying conditions that could be contributing to allergy symptoms. Certain dysfunctions within the body, such as digestive issues or adrenal fatigue, can be connected with allergies. Certain foods can also be a contributing factor in some people sensitive to airborne antigens. When these foods are identified and eliminated, symptoms can improve greatly.

Many people are unaware that allergy symptoms are a warning signal from the body. Masking this alert can be detrimental to one’s health. With persistent problems like allergies, a knowledgeable physician should be consulted. Needless suffering can usually be corrected in a short amount of time.

Paul Stallone, N.M.D., founded the Arizona Integrative Medical Center, located in Scottsdale, Ariz. He combines natural, alternative and conventional treatments to best fit each patient’s needs. drstallone.com or 480-214-3922.

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 34, Number 1, February/March 2015.