AVOIDING ALLERGENS
from the article "How to Avoid an Allergy Attack"
Don’t Let the High Pollen Count Bring On Seasonal Symptoms
By Leigh Leveen, Special to Lifescript
Published March 18, 2011
Avoiding Allergens
Here are 10 more things you can do to minimize your pollen exposure and reduce symptoms, according to allergist Tubiolo and UCLA’s Rachelefsky.
1. Don’t track in allergens. They can attach to your shoes. Cut down on indoor particles by parking shoes outside your door.
2. Change often. After spending time outdoors, change your clothes and put the dirty ones in the hamper.
3. Don’t wait till morning to shower. Showering when you get home erases any allergens you brought with you. This also helps keeps pollen out of your bedroom – a prime spot for allergens of all kinds.
4. Clear the air. To remove even tiny particles from the air, use air purifiers with HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters. Keep them running continuously, and change filters according to manufacturer’s instructions.
You should also use high-quality filters in your vacuum cleaner, air conditioner and furnace to keep the air in your home as allergy free as possible.
5. Shut your doors and windows. A HEPA purifier can’t keep up if you’re constantly letting in allergen-filled outdoor air. If you need fresh air, open windows in the evening when pollen counts are lower.
6. Wait to go outside. Schedule outdoor time when the pollen count is lower – cool afternoons and evenings are your best bet. Be careful on hot, windy days and after a rain, when the air may be full of allergens.
And find someone else to mow your lawn or rake leaves, both of which can stir up pollen.
7. Keep track of pollen levels. The AAAAI’s National Allergy Bureau reports on pollen and mold levels around the country. Check it (or sign up for email alerts) to learn about high-allergen days when it’s better to stay indoors.
8. Change your workout schedule. Don’t avoid exercise just because you fear an allergy attack, Tubiolo advises.
But be smart about it: Schedule hikes and other outside exercise late in the day, and check the pollen count first. During peak season, take allergy medication before any outdoor activity, Tubiolo says.
Or find activities you can do indoors, such as swimming, basketball, weightlifting or yoga.
9. Protect your lungs. Pollution, fireplace smoke, dust and tobacco smoke have an adverse effect on your respiratory tract. These irritants will likely increase your susceptibility to seasonal allergies, Rachelefsky says, so avoid them as much as possible.
10. Travel wisely. Don’t let allergies sideline your vacation.
Use a pollen tracker to find destinations with the lowest counts. For example, heading to the beach or taking an ocean cruise probably won’t result in allergy attacks.
If you take a road trip, keep the windows and vents closed and the air conditioning on so that you breathe clean, dry air. (Worried about fuel consumption? Air conditioning gobbles gas, but so does driving with the windows down. And at highway speeds, there isn’t much difference, according to the Stanford University School of Earth Sciences.)
Take Your Medicine
It’s virtually impossible to avoid all allergens – which means you need medications in your allergy arsenal, Rachelefsky says.
“The best, first line of defense for an allergy attack is over-the-counter antihistamines, or an antihistamine/decongestant combination,” he says.
Antihistamines work by blocking your immune-system’s itchy and sneezy reactions, while decongestants reduce swollen tissue in the nose and elsewhere.
“Non-sedating antihistamines, such as Claritin (loratadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine), offer relief from three of the four major symptoms of allergic rhinitis: sneezing, itching, watery eyes and runny nose,” Rachelefsky says.
Some sufferers also swear by natural remedies, such as saline nasal rinses that wash away allergens. (For more information, read How to Survive Your Allergies.)
After an allergy specialist determines exactly what your triggers are, you get a series of injections with a vaccine containing extracts of those allergens.
Eighty to 90% of patients experience dramatic improvements in their symptoms, Ellis says.
To learn more about seasonal allergies, visit our new Respiratory Health Center.
MY THOUGHTS
that's quite a list. but if i have pollen allergy, i will follow all 10. plus the meds. as i said, it can cause a huge amount discomfort. it's good to know there are ways to overcome this medical problem.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
BASIC FACTS ABOUT ALLERGIES
BASIC FACTS ABOUT YOUR ALLERGY ATTACKS
from the article "How to Avoid an Allergy Attack"
Don’t Let the High Pollen Count Bring On Seasonal Symptoms
By Leigh Leveen, Special to Lifescript
Published March 18, 2011
The weather’s warming, blooms are bursting – and you couldn’t be more miserable. Find out how to stop sniffling and sneezing this allergy season…
It starts with a runny nose, watery eyes and a tickle in the back of your throat. At its worst, you may feel as if you’ll never stop sneezing.
If this happens every year, you have seasonal allergic rhinitis – otherwise known as hay fever.
It strikes when plants release pollen, usually in spring. When you breathe it in, your immune system thinks it’s being attacked, so it releases chemicals called histamines to fight the invaders. Instead, you wind up sneezy, watery and itchy.
More than 50 million Americans have some type of allergy, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI). If you’re one of them, here’s how to stay healthy when pollen count is high:
Allergy Attack Risk Factors
The severity of allergy symptoms depends on season, weather and even your menstrual cycle. Being aware of these factors can help avoid attacks, experts say. Consider:
Time of year: Generally, pollen season lasts from February or March through October. The farther south you live, the earlier pollen – and allergy – season hits, according to the AAAAI.
In warmer places, it can be year-round.
Ragweed, the plant that causes the strongest seasonal symptoms, is most active at the end of summer – so that’s the worst time for nature hikes.
The weather: Shifts in climate can trigger allergies, says Gary Rachelefsky, M.D., professor of allergy and immunology at the Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA).
“Changes in barometric pressure – a drop in humidity and hot air – can worsen symptoms,” he says. “Even moving in and out of air-conditioned rooms can aggravate someone who is sensitive.”
Windy days can be the worst, says Vincent Tubiolo, M.D., an allergy specialist in Santa Barbara, Calif. Breezes carry pollen through the air that you breathe.
Rain washes away some pollen, and may improve things temporarily, he adds. But don’t be complacent; shortly after a rain shower, pollen count rises even higher than before.
Your time of the month: Believe it or not, allergy symptoms can be linked to your monthly cycle.
“Rising and falling hormone levels can affect allergies,” Rachelefsky says.
Over-the-counter allergy medications can help when symptoms arise, he adds. Write down when this happens, so you can predict when to avoid outside activity in the future.
Pregnant or trying to conceive? Many over-the-counter allergy relief medications are safe to take – but consult your doctor first, Rachelefsky cautions.
Other substances: If environmental allergens such as dust mites, pet dander and mold bother you, they could also worsen your seasonal pollen symptoms, says allergist Anne K. Ellis, M.D., director of the Environmental Exposure Unit at Kingston General Hospital in Ontario, Canada.
This phenomenon is called “priming.” Your body’s defenses are already lowered, so it’s harder to fight off new seasonal allergies.
Eliminating or minimizing exposure to these substances helps reduce the risk of an allergy attack. If you’re allergic to pet dander, for example, don’t let “Mr. Tinkles” sleep with you. If dust mites are a problem, clean frequently and use allergy-proof bedding.
MY THOUGHTS
rhinitis, hay fever, allergies - whatever name you attach to it - can be very uncomfortable. 2 kids in the family seem to be suffering from this and it's a cosntant challenge to keep the allergies at bay. if you or any member of your family are in the same boat, watch out for the next blog. it will discuss pointers on how to avoid allergies.
from the article "How to Avoid an Allergy Attack"
Don’t Let the High Pollen Count Bring On Seasonal Symptoms
By Leigh Leveen, Special to Lifescript
Published March 18, 2011
The weather’s warming, blooms are bursting – and you couldn’t be more miserable. Find out how to stop sniffling and sneezing this allergy season…
It starts with a runny nose, watery eyes and a tickle in the back of your throat. At its worst, you may feel as if you’ll never stop sneezing.
If this happens every year, you have seasonal allergic rhinitis – otherwise known as hay fever.
It strikes when plants release pollen, usually in spring. When you breathe it in, your immune system thinks it’s being attacked, so it releases chemicals called histamines to fight the invaders. Instead, you wind up sneezy, watery and itchy.
More than 50 million Americans have some type of allergy, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI). If you’re one of them, here’s how to stay healthy when pollen count is high:
Allergy Attack Risk Factors
The severity of allergy symptoms depends on season, weather and even your menstrual cycle. Being aware of these factors can help avoid attacks, experts say. Consider:
Time of year: Generally, pollen season lasts from February or March through October. The farther south you live, the earlier pollen – and allergy – season hits, according to the AAAAI.
In warmer places, it can be year-round.
Ragweed, the plant that causes the strongest seasonal symptoms, is most active at the end of summer – so that’s the worst time for nature hikes.
The weather: Shifts in climate can trigger allergies, says Gary Rachelefsky, M.D., professor of allergy and immunology at the Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA).
“Changes in barometric pressure – a drop in humidity and hot air – can worsen symptoms,” he says. “Even moving in and out of air-conditioned rooms can aggravate someone who is sensitive.”
Windy days can be the worst, says Vincent Tubiolo, M.D., an allergy specialist in Santa Barbara, Calif. Breezes carry pollen through the air that you breathe.
Rain washes away some pollen, and may improve things temporarily, he adds. But don’t be complacent; shortly after a rain shower, pollen count rises even higher than before.
Your time of the month: Believe it or not, allergy symptoms can be linked to your monthly cycle.
“Rising and falling hormone levels can affect allergies,” Rachelefsky says.
Over-the-counter allergy medications can help when symptoms arise, he adds. Write down when this happens, so you can predict when to avoid outside activity in the future.
Pregnant or trying to conceive? Many over-the-counter allergy relief medications are safe to take – but consult your doctor first, Rachelefsky cautions.
Other substances: If environmental allergens such as dust mites, pet dander and mold bother you, they could also worsen your seasonal pollen symptoms, says allergist Anne K. Ellis, M.D., director of the Environmental Exposure Unit at Kingston General Hospital in Ontario, Canada.
This phenomenon is called “priming.” Your body’s defenses are already lowered, so it’s harder to fight off new seasonal allergies.
Eliminating or minimizing exposure to these substances helps reduce the risk of an allergy attack. If you’re allergic to pet dander, for example, don’t let “Mr. Tinkles” sleep with you. If dust mites are a problem, clean frequently and use allergy-proof bedding.
MY THOUGHTS
rhinitis, hay fever, allergies - whatever name you attach to it - can be very uncomfortable. 2 kids in the family seem to be suffering from this and it's a cosntant challenge to keep the allergies at bay. if you or any member of your family are in the same boat, watch out for the next blog. it will discuss pointers on how to avoid allergies.
Monday, March 14, 2011
TOP 4 OVER THE COUNTER PAIN RELIEVERS
Top 4 Over the Counter Pain Relievers and Fever Reducers
By Kristina Duda, R.N., About.com Guide
Updated June 26, 2008
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
There are several types of medications available for pain relief and to reduce fevers. If you need help deciding which over the counter pain reliever or fever reducer is right for you and your symptoms, you have come to the right place. Find out what your options are and the pros and cons to each pain reliever and fever reducer.
1. Tylenol (acetaminophen)
Tylenol is considered the safest pain reliever and fever reducer available. It is available for use in children as young as 2 months old. However, it can cause liver damage if too much is taken or you have certain diseases.
2. Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen)
Advil and Motrin are both brand names for ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). In English, that means that it helps reduce swelling (and pain) but it is not a steroid. Ibuprofen is great for sore muscles, sore throats and can also be very effective at bringing down fevers.
3. Aleve (naproxen)
Aleve is the brand name for naproxen. Naproxen is another NSAID, similar to ibuprofen. Naproxen works differently than ibuprofen, but it has the same effect. Both are effective pain relievers and fever reducers.
4. Aspirin
Aspirin can be an effective pain reliever and fever reducer. It is sold under many brand names, including Bayer and Ecotrin. Aspirin not only relieves pain, fevers and swelling, it also reduces the blood's ability to clot. Many people take low doses of aspirin to prevent heart attacks and stroke.
Aspirin should never be given to a child or teenager because it may cause a potentially fatal disease known as Reye's syndrome.
MY THOUGHTS
i used to go for ibuprofen. used to work for me, too. i guess, after a while, we develop resistance towards some meds. so, i switched to mefenamic acid.
By Kristina Duda, R.N., About.com Guide
Updated June 26, 2008
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
There are several types of medications available for pain relief and to reduce fevers. If you need help deciding which over the counter pain reliever or fever reducer is right for you and your symptoms, you have come to the right place. Find out what your options are and the pros and cons to each pain reliever and fever reducer.
1. Tylenol (acetaminophen)
Tylenol is considered the safest pain reliever and fever reducer available. It is available for use in children as young as 2 months old. However, it can cause liver damage if too much is taken or you have certain diseases.
2. Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen)
Advil and Motrin are both brand names for ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). In English, that means that it helps reduce swelling (and pain) but it is not a steroid. Ibuprofen is great for sore muscles, sore throats and can also be very effective at bringing down fevers.
3. Aleve (naproxen)
Aleve is the brand name for naproxen. Naproxen is another NSAID, similar to ibuprofen. Naproxen works differently than ibuprofen, but it has the same effect. Both are effective pain relievers and fever reducers.
4. Aspirin
Aspirin can be an effective pain reliever and fever reducer. It is sold under many brand names, including Bayer and Ecotrin. Aspirin not only relieves pain, fevers and swelling, it also reduces the blood's ability to clot. Many people take low doses of aspirin to prevent heart attacks and stroke.
Aspirin should never be given to a child or teenager because it may cause a potentially fatal disease known as Reye's syndrome.
MY THOUGHTS
i used to go for ibuprofen. used to work for me, too. i guess, after a while, we develop resistance towards some meds. so, i switched to mefenamic acid.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
OVER THE COUNTER MEDS
Over the Counter Cold and Flu Medications
By Kristina Duda, R.N., About.com Guide
Updated November 28, 2010
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
With so many over-the-counter medications available to treat cold and flu symptoms, it is hard to know which ones to choose. Here, you will find just a sample of over-the-counter cold and flu medications. To decide which one is right for you, figure out what your symptoms are and which medication will provide the most relief from those symptoms.
1. Over the Counter Medications for Runny Noses, Sneezing and Itching
A few medications are available over the counter for runny noses, sneezing and itching. These are known as antihistamines. They will help dry up your runny nose and stop you from sneezing and itching so much.
2. Over the Counter Medications for Pain Relief and Fever Reduction
Several different medications are available over the counter for bringing down fevers and relieving minor aches and pains. They are sold under brand names such as Tylenol, Motrin and Aleve and also come in generic form. Be sure to find out which one is right for you and your family before taking pain relievers and fever reducers.
3. Over the Counter Medications for Congestion
Having a stuffed up head can not only be uncomfortable, but it can also lead to headaches and sinus infections. A few options are available if you are looking for an over the counter medication to get rid of your congestion. They are known as decongestants.
In the US, pseudoephedrine (PSE) is now available only behind the pharmacy counter but still without a prescription. Several drug companies, including the makers of Sudafed, have replaced PSE with a medication called phenylephrine. It is available in the cold and flu aisle.
4. Over the Counter Medications for Cough
A cough is one of those annoying symptoms that is hard to treat. You never know if you need to do something about it or what could be causing it. You may want to evaluate your cough before taking cough medication. If you decide that an over-the-counter cough medication would be right for you, a choice still must be made between one that breaks up your chest congestion (expectorant) and one that stops your cough (suppressant). It is important to be sure you are taking the right over-the-counter cough medication.
5. Over the Counter Medications for Multiple Symptoms
If you have more than one symptom you need to treat, which most people do when they get a cold or the flu, you may want to consider a medication that treats multiple symptoms. Many options are available, just make sure you are taking one that treats only the symptoms you have. Taking medication for symptoms you do not have is not only unnecessary, but it can also be dangerous.
6. Natural and Herbal Medications For Cold and Flu
Many people prefer natural or herbal treatments when it comes to their health. These can be good options, but it is important to talk with your doctor about what herbs you are taking. They can interact with other medications you may be on or be dangerous for people with certain diseases. Because herbal supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, they do not always list potential side effects or interactions with other drugs.
MY THOUGHTS
figuring this out is like habit #5- listen first before you can prescribe anything. especially if you are doing self-medication.
By Kristina Duda, R.N., About.com Guide
Updated November 28, 2010
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
With so many over-the-counter medications available to treat cold and flu symptoms, it is hard to know which ones to choose. Here, you will find just a sample of over-the-counter cold and flu medications. To decide which one is right for you, figure out what your symptoms are and which medication will provide the most relief from those symptoms.
1. Over the Counter Medications for Runny Noses, Sneezing and Itching
A few medications are available over the counter for runny noses, sneezing and itching. These are known as antihistamines. They will help dry up your runny nose and stop you from sneezing and itching so much.
2. Over the Counter Medications for Pain Relief and Fever Reduction
Several different medications are available over the counter for bringing down fevers and relieving minor aches and pains. They are sold under brand names such as Tylenol, Motrin and Aleve and also come in generic form. Be sure to find out which one is right for you and your family before taking pain relievers and fever reducers.
3. Over the Counter Medications for Congestion
Having a stuffed up head can not only be uncomfortable, but it can also lead to headaches and sinus infections. A few options are available if you are looking for an over the counter medication to get rid of your congestion. They are known as decongestants.
In the US, pseudoephedrine (PSE) is now available only behind the pharmacy counter but still without a prescription. Several drug companies, including the makers of Sudafed, have replaced PSE with a medication called phenylephrine. It is available in the cold and flu aisle.
4. Over the Counter Medications for Cough
A cough is one of those annoying symptoms that is hard to treat. You never know if you need to do something about it or what could be causing it. You may want to evaluate your cough before taking cough medication. If you decide that an over-the-counter cough medication would be right for you, a choice still must be made between one that breaks up your chest congestion (expectorant) and one that stops your cough (suppressant). It is important to be sure you are taking the right over-the-counter cough medication.
5. Over the Counter Medications for Multiple Symptoms
If you have more than one symptom you need to treat, which most people do when they get a cold or the flu, you may want to consider a medication that treats multiple symptoms. Many options are available, just make sure you are taking one that treats only the symptoms you have. Taking medication for symptoms you do not have is not only unnecessary, but it can also be dangerous.
6. Natural and Herbal Medications For Cold and Flu
Many people prefer natural or herbal treatments when it comes to their health. These can be good options, but it is important to talk with your doctor about what herbs you are taking. They can interact with other medications you may be on or be dangerous for people with certain diseases. Because herbal supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, they do not always list potential side effects or interactions with other drugs.
MY THOUGHTS
figuring this out is like habit #5- listen first before you can prescribe anything. especially if you are doing self-medication.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
4 COMMON HEALTH MISERIES
Best Treatments for 4 Common Miseries
By Naomi Barr
O, The Oprah Magazine | From the April 2008 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine
While researchers poke around genes and molecular pathways to find the next great painkiller, what you may want to know right now is which drug to take for a pounding headache—or for cramps, a back spasm, sore joints. There can be vast differences in how individuals respond to a medication, says Scott Fishman, MD, chief of the division of pain medicine at the University of California, Davis, so relief may require trial and error. Still, a few guidelines will help you feel better faster:
1. Headache
Occasional: For a garden-variety tension headache, first try acetaminophen (Tylenol), says Russell Portenoy, MD, chair of the department of pain medicine and palliative care at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City. "It's the safest of all the over-the-counter pain relievers at recommended dosages," he says. If your headache doesn't disappear, choose a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), Fishman suggests. Aspirin also works, but because it has a slightly higher risk for gastrointestinal bleeding, most doctors don't recommend it for more than a few days in a row, says Portenoy. Aspirin for heart disease prevention is taken at a lower dose.
You need something stronger: If the pain persists, talk to your doctor about a prescription-strength NSAID (Voltaren, Anaprox, Celebrex). For severe headaches, you may be prescribed drugs that contain butalbital (a barbiturate), caffeine, and either aspirin (Fiorinal) or acetaminophen (Fioricet). Migraine sufferers are often helped by triptans (like Imitrex or Zomig). If the headache becomes chronic, your best bet is to work with a doctor or pain specialist to find the right drug cocktail (this is true with any kind of ongoing pain; go to painmed.org/patient to find a specialist). Drug options include short-acting opioids (Percocet, Vicodin), antidepressants such as Effexor or Cymbalta, which double as analgesics, and antiseizure medications like gabapentin (Neurontin) or pregabalin (Lyrica), recently approved as the first drug to treat fibromyalgia.
2. Menstrual Cramps
Regular monthly discomfort: Take an over-the-counter NSAID. "Studies have shown that these are more effective than acetaminophen in reducing this kind of pain," says Portenoy.
You need something stronger: Your doctor may suggest a prescription-strength NSAID. Another option is suppressing your cycle with birth control pills, or—if the pain is bad enough—a short-acting opioid.
3. Back Pain
Flare-up: For the random spasm or ache, grab some Tylenol. "Most acute back pain is not inflammatory, so for many people, taking an analgesic like acetaminophen may be all they need," says Portenoy. When this doesn't work, then try an NSAID.
You need something stronger: When you're in agony, or the discomfort doesn't relent in several days, ask your doctor about a combination drug such as Tylenol with codeine, a prescription NSAID, or a short-acting opioid. Drugs for chronic back pain include antidepressants, antiepileptics, muscle relaxants such as cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), and long-acting opioids like OxyContin.
4. Joint Pain
Once in a while: For the occasional achy hip or shoulder, either acetaminophen or an NSAID (which may help more if there's inflammation) should do the trick, says Fishman.
You need something stronger: Treatments include prescription-level NSAIDS, muscle relaxants, short-acting opioids, and corticosteroid shots. Chronic pain patients may also be prescribed the new fibromyalgia drug Lyrica, as well as certain antidepressants.
Beyond Drugs
In addition to medication, a number of complementary treatments—including acupuncture, guided imagery, cognitive and physical therapy, massage, and hydrotherapy—can help ease pain. Mindfulness meditation in particular has proven to be incredibly effective, says Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD, author of Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness. Begin by simply focusing on your breath. Pay attention to every inhalation and exhalation through your nostrils. Picture the breath circulating all around your body, then imagine breathing specifically through the area where the pain is located. If you have a headache, for example, visualize the breath going through a hole at the top of your head; for menstrual cramps, it would flow through your pelvis. Do this for five to 20 minutes, and you should begin to notice the pressure diminish.
MY THOUGHTS
i think these miseries are too common we fail to realize there could be more to it. if it has become a misery, not a mere occassional pain, it's time to seek professional help.
By Naomi Barr
O, The Oprah Magazine | From the April 2008 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine
While researchers poke around genes and molecular pathways to find the next great painkiller, what you may want to know right now is which drug to take for a pounding headache—or for cramps, a back spasm, sore joints. There can be vast differences in how individuals respond to a medication, says Scott Fishman, MD, chief of the division of pain medicine at the University of California, Davis, so relief may require trial and error. Still, a few guidelines will help you feel better faster:
1. Headache
Occasional: For a garden-variety tension headache, first try acetaminophen (Tylenol), says Russell Portenoy, MD, chair of the department of pain medicine and palliative care at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City. "It's the safest of all the over-the-counter pain relievers at recommended dosages," he says. If your headache doesn't disappear, choose a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), Fishman suggests. Aspirin also works, but because it has a slightly higher risk for gastrointestinal bleeding, most doctors don't recommend it for more than a few days in a row, says Portenoy. Aspirin for heart disease prevention is taken at a lower dose.
You need something stronger: If the pain persists, talk to your doctor about a prescription-strength NSAID (Voltaren, Anaprox, Celebrex). For severe headaches, you may be prescribed drugs that contain butalbital (a barbiturate), caffeine, and either aspirin (Fiorinal) or acetaminophen (Fioricet). Migraine sufferers are often helped by triptans (like Imitrex or Zomig). If the headache becomes chronic, your best bet is to work with a doctor or pain specialist to find the right drug cocktail (this is true with any kind of ongoing pain; go to painmed.org/patient to find a specialist). Drug options include short-acting opioids (Percocet, Vicodin), antidepressants such as Effexor or Cymbalta, which double as analgesics, and antiseizure medications like gabapentin (Neurontin) or pregabalin (Lyrica), recently approved as the first drug to treat fibromyalgia.
2. Menstrual Cramps
Regular monthly discomfort: Take an over-the-counter NSAID. "Studies have shown that these are more effective than acetaminophen in reducing this kind of pain," says Portenoy.
You need something stronger: Your doctor may suggest a prescription-strength NSAID. Another option is suppressing your cycle with birth control pills, or—if the pain is bad enough—a short-acting opioid.
3. Back Pain
Flare-up: For the random spasm or ache, grab some Tylenol. "Most acute back pain is not inflammatory, so for many people, taking an analgesic like acetaminophen may be all they need," says Portenoy. When this doesn't work, then try an NSAID.
You need something stronger: When you're in agony, or the discomfort doesn't relent in several days, ask your doctor about a combination drug such as Tylenol with codeine, a prescription NSAID, or a short-acting opioid. Drugs for chronic back pain include antidepressants, antiepileptics, muscle relaxants such as cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), and long-acting opioids like OxyContin.
4. Joint Pain
Once in a while: For the occasional achy hip or shoulder, either acetaminophen or an NSAID (which may help more if there's inflammation) should do the trick, says Fishman.
You need something stronger: Treatments include prescription-level NSAIDS, muscle relaxants, short-acting opioids, and corticosteroid shots. Chronic pain patients may also be prescribed the new fibromyalgia drug Lyrica, as well as certain antidepressants.
Beyond Drugs
In addition to medication, a number of complementary treatments—including acupuncture, guided imagery, cognitive and physical therapy, massage, and hydrotherapy—can help ease pain. Mindfulness meditation in particular has proven to be incredibly effective, says Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD, author of Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness. Begin by simply focusing on your breath. Pay attention to every inhalation and exhalation through your nostrils. Picture the breath circulating all around your body, then imagine breathing specifically through the area where the pain is located. If you have a headache, for example, visualize the breath going through a hole at the top of your head; for menstrual cramps, it would flow through your pelvis. Do this for five to 20 minutes, and you should begin to notice the pressure diminish.
MY THOUGHTS
i think these miseries are too common we fail to realize there could be more to it. if it has become a misery, not a mere occassional pain, it's time to seek professional help.
Monday, March 7, 2011
BEFORE BUYING ANTIHISTAMINES
Before You Buy Antihistamines
By Kristina Duda, R.N., About.com Guide
Updated January 08, 2010
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
Find out everything you need to know about antihistamines. What symptoms they treat, who should take them and who should not.
Check your symptoms
Antihistamines treat:
* sneezing
* runny nose
* watery eyes
* itchiness
* scratchy throat
* Symptoms of Common Cold
* Symptoms of the Flu
Frequency and Duration for Antihistamines
There are prescription and non-prescription antihistamines. They can last anywhere from 4 to 24 hours. Over the counter antihistamines used for occasional cold symptoms usually need to be taken every 4-6 hours.
Length of Use for Antihistamines
You should not take an over the counter antihistamine for more than 7 days before talking to your doctor. If your symptoms last longer than 7 days, you may have developed something more serious.
Important things to tell your doctor
You should tell your doctor if you have any of the following before taking an antihistamine:
* asthma or chronic bronchitis
* high blood pressure
* glaucoma
* liver disease
* kidney disease or difficulty urinating
* prostate problems
* ulcers or other stomach problems
* other chronic illnesses
* pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding
* ALL medications you are taking, including herbal supplements
Common Antihistamines
Some common names for antihistamines are:
Over the counter
* Benadryl - diphenhydramine (generic)
* Claritin - loratidine (generic)
* Zyrtec - ceterizine (generic)
* Triaminic - chlorpheniramine (generic) - for children
Prescription
* Allegra - fexofenadine (generic)
MY THOUGHTS
i must be weird. i love antihistamines. especially benadryl. makes me fall asleep in a jiffy.
By Kristina Duda, R.N., About.com Guide
Updated January 08, 2010
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
Find out everything you need to know about antihistamines. What symptoms they treat, who should take them and who should not.
Check your symptoms
Antihistamines treat:
* sneezing
* runny nose
* watery eyes
* itchiness
* scratchy throat
* Symptoms of Common Cold
* Symptoms of the Flu
Frequency and Duration for Antihistamines
There are prescription and non-prescription antihistamines. They can last anywhere from 4 to 24 hours. Over the counter antihistamines used for occasional cold symptoms usually need to be taken every 4-6 hours.
Length of Use for Antihistamines
You should not take an over the counter antihistamine for more than 7 days before talking to your doctor. If your symptoms last longer than 7 days, you may have developed something more serious.
Important things to tell your doctor
You should tell your doctor if you have any of the following before taking an antihistamine:
* asthma or chronic bronchitis
* high blood pressure
* glaucoma
* liver disease
* kidney disease or difficulty urinating
* prostate problems
* ulcers or other stomach problems
* other chronic illnesses
* pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding
* ALL medications you are taking, including herbal supplements
Common Antihistamines
Some common names for antihistamines are:
Over the counter
* Benadryl - diphenhydramine (generic)
* Claritin - loratidine (generic)
* Zyrtec - ceterizine (generic)
* Triaminic - chlorpheniramine (generic) - for children
Prescription
* Allegra - fexofenadine (generic)
MY THOUGHTS
i must be weird. i love antihistamines. especially benadryl. makes me fall asleep in a jiffy.
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