Originally published August 30 2013
Health Basics: Why do most antihistamines (prescribed and over-the-counter) eventually cause sinus infections?
by S. D. Wells
(NaturalNews) Here comes allergy season for a whole lot of folks, and when you see that yellow pollen all over everything, well, it's already in full swing. People with pollen allergies can feel it coming on, and sometimes they can barely see, think or breathe, with eyes and nose watering, head stuffed and sneezing constantly and mucus forming inside to push the pollen out. The body has a nice self defense system against these sinus invaders, but some people have really bad allergies, and they can't even work or function much at all during the full blown allergy attacks. Some of those people run to the drug store or the grocery store and grab something off the racks full of those "user-friendly" over-the-counter drugs, chock full of dyes and artificial sweeteners, manufactured and distributed by all the big name corporate brands as seen and "recommended" on television. Other people run to their doctor and get poked with an allergy shot (full of chemicals like aluminum that they're already allergic to); or that same quack scribbles out some words only a pharmacist can interpret, sending you home via the "drug" store, with a much STRONGER version of the stuff you see on shelves, that same stuff that shrinks your membranes; all so you can breath a little easier for a couple hours each day, but you don't want to know what comes next. (http://www.naturalnews.com)
When you shrink your cell membranes and shut down the mucus making "machines," your body is not pushing out toxins; in fact, it's doing just the opposite. You're locking in the allergens, and it all backs up in the sinuses, festering and, over time, becoming infected. Burying symptoms is simply asking for trouble, but that's what most people do who want the quick "fix" for their stuffed or runny nose and their pounding headache. What they end up with is some horrific sinus infection, which is very serious and often leads right to bronchitis or a bronchial infection, which can be especially dangerous for infants and the elderly. One preliminary sign that a sinus infection is coming on is when the mucus turns yellow or green. Using more antihistamines at this point exacerbates the problem, which is already very serious. There are natural solutions to this that make sense. The body does not need lab-concocted chemical combinations to heal. (http://abclocal.go.com)
Naturopathic Physicians Know the Truth
Stop feeding the problem. Stop "stopping" yourself up! You need natural decongestants like hot tea with lemon and spring water (non-fluoridated). To decongest naturally and free your whole system of the allergy, cold, bacteria, virus, fungus etc., oil of oregano and garlic often do the trick, but you have to get organic, high quality oils for the greatest health benefits. Also, you can build up your immunity to pollen allergies by consuming local raw honey. It's time to prepare for autumn. The natural news store sells high quality turmeric for immunity. The Health Ranger has in depth research on this: (http://store.naturalnews.com). That brings us to Mother Nature's remedies for your allergies to what is natural. It's just common sense. (http://www.naturopathic.org)
Top Natural Remedies for Allergies
Oil of Oregano: It is estimated that up to 80 percent of our immune system depends on friendly or probiotic bacteria. Over the counter and prescription chemicals kill your good bacteria. Guess what? Antibiotics kill your good gut flora also! Pay close attention to what you put in your body. Your body wants natural remedies.
(http://www.naturalnews.com)
Garlic: In clinical studies, quercetin, a natural compound found in garlic and onion, is observed to mimic the antihistamine effect of certain drugs.
(http://www.naturalnews.com)
Licorice Root: Check out licorice root to help clear up bronchial issues, which usually follow sinus problems: http://www.naturalnews.com.
Don't take my word for it, call a doctor who knows about nutrition!
Call a Naturopath Physician in your area and inquire about natural remedies for allergies!
(http://www.naturopathic.org) Some doctors will tell you not to take antihistamines for sinus infection. Here it is straight from a forum on line: "I usually tell my patients to NOT take antihistamines when they have sinus infections. These medications will often dry you out too much and then the mucus won't drain from the sinuses. It's a nice breeding ground for bacteria."
(http://forums.macresource.com)
Sinusitis and Non-Drug Treatment: "Sinusitis is an inflammation or infection of the sinuses, the air-filled chambers in the skull that are located around the nose. Symptoms of sinusitis include thick nasal discharge, facial pain or pressure, fever, and reduced sense of smell. Viruses are the most common cause of acute sinusitis, but bacteria are responsible for most of the serious cases." So if you get prescribed chemical medicines, or you buy the funk off the shelves that corporations are selling you, then you are adding to your own problem instead of solving it. Experts say 98 percent of sinus infections are caused by viruses, which are not helped by antibiotics. (http://umm.edu)
Use your common sense this fall to fight allergies. Saline (salt) washes or sprays are helpful for removing mucus and relieving congestion. Steam inhalation is also beneficial. Use springwater, not tap water! Non-fluoridated water: Patients with sinusitis should drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Water, which helps lubricate the mucous membranes, is the best fluid to drink. Good luck and stay healthy.
Sources for this article include:
http://abclocal.go.com
http://umm.edu
http://www.naturopathic.org/
http://www.naturalnews.com
http://science.naturalnews.com
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