What can I do vs ragweed?

I need to get some kind of medication before the ragweed season comes at the end of this summer.  I have never got allergy tested, nor do I think I can afford it right now.  I get unbelievable allergies during the end of each summer and I pray for the winter.  I have tried many otc pills and I am never even 50% after them.  Are there any certain prescriptions that helped people during this season?

[diamondie]

You should get a nasal steroid such a Flonase or Nasacort and start using it a month or so before the allergy season starts. These are prescription medications but Flonase is now generic so it should be cheaper now. It really works great.

[estonianmist]

thank you i will definitely try flonase, any one else have any other ideas?

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

You could take oral antihistamine medications like cetrizine or loratadine and see if it helps with your symptoms. Also take steam inhalation and saline nasal drops several times a day.

If your symptoms still persist, you should consult your doctor because then you would need to get certain investigations done and would probably need steroid nasal sprays and a course of antibiotics.

Let us know about any other doubts that you have and post us on how you are doing.

Regards.

[hava]

Start doing this now and your body will be prepared  to face the allergies.
The Yoga Pranayam (breathing exercises) will  help with allergy  problems.
Build up your timing gradually. If you feel tired or dizzy, stop and resume after 1 minute.

Bhastrika - Take a long deep breath into the lungs(chest not tummy) via the nose and then completely breathe out through the nose. Duration upto 5 minutes.

Anulom Vilom –
Close your right nostril with thumb and deep breath-in through left nostril  
then – close left nostril with two fingers and breath-out through right nostril  
then -keeping the left nostril closed  deep breath-in through right nostril
then - close your right nostril with thumb and breath-out through left nostril.
This is one cycle of anulom vilom.
Repeat this cycle for 20 to 30  minutes twice a day(maximum 60 minutes in one day).
You can do this before breakfast/lunch/dinner or before bedtime or in bed.Remember to take deep long breaths into the lungs.You can do this while sitting on floor or chair or lying in bed.

Bhramri Pranayam -Close eyes. Close ears with thumb, index finger on forehead, and rest three fingers on base of nose touching eyes. Breathe in through nose. And now breathe out through nose while humming like a bee.
Duration : 5 to 12  times

Kapalbhati -(Do it before eating) Push air forcefully out through the nose about once per second. Stomach will itself go in(contract in). The breathing in(through the nose) will happen automatically. Establish a rhythm and do for 20 to 30 minutes twice a day.(Max 60 min/day) Not for pregnant women. Seriously ill people do it gently.

Once you are better, continue the pranayam once a day.
Be patient, as the benefits will show over a period of months.Only by doing you will benefit
and feel good because you are helping your body.Those who say I have tried everything....
will be amazed at the result of doing pranayam.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

How are you doing now?

Let us know whether antihistamine medications , saline nasal drops , steam inhalation have helped?

Have you consulted a doctor for your complaints?

Let us know if you have any other doubts and post us about what your doctor advises.

Regards.

[estonianmist]

1) i make fun of one of my friends all the time for practicing yoga, those seem kind of weird but i guess im willing to try anything

2)im doing pretty good right now, very very light allergies not really a problem.

3)ive tried those saline nasal pot things where you pour it in one nostril and out the other, it doesnt really help that much.  steam inhalation helps temporarily but my nose is so runny ill be ready to blow my nose constantly within a couple of minutes.

[estonianmist]

never been to a doctor for allergies, dont have healthy insurance and unaware of the costs.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

How are you doing now?

You could take oral antihistamine medications like cetrizine or loratadine and see if it helps with your symptoms.

Let us know if you have any other doubts and post us about what your doctor advises.

Regards.