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You 1, Allergens 0
Four ways to thumb your nose at pollen
By John Galvin
 Each spring, just as the smog comes up, another troublesome cycle begins: Billions of pollen granules from oak, sycamore, juniper, ragweed, and scores of other plants take to the air, looking to fertilize their brethren.
Great news for the flora, but not for the nation's 35 million allergy sufferers. Through the vagaries of wind and respiration, errant pollen gets lodged in the membranes of our noses, where it enters the bloodstream and clamps onto immune-system cells. The result is a kind of toxic-waste spill of chemical by-products — the most notorious being
histamine — that makes your nose run uncontrollably, your eyes feel like prickly pears, and your throat swell. Exercise outside? Forget it.
Unless, of course, you can find the right cure. Problem is, our bodies release different chemical by-products, making surefire recommendations difficult. But with unimpeded nasal passages as our goal, we've surveyed a range of options, including certain home remedies. We've also enlisted advice from Dr. Andrea Apter, a committee chairwoman of the
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Herewith, the rundown on the most popular options.
| The Product |
The Theory |
The Effect |
| Prescription antihistamines. Brands such as Zyrtec, Allegra, and Claritin, in either tablet or capsule form, are the newest and most common behind-the-counter salvos against allergies. |
Antihistamines fill slots in the cell walls that histamine is searching for, neutralizing side effects such as runny noses and inflamed throats. As for over-the-counter antihistamines, Apter says they're much less potent and "very old-school." |
Despite studies showing that these drugs have largely sidestepped side effects, they still give some folks that balloon-inside-the-skull feeling. Otherwise they will stop the sneezing and itching, but not the stuffed-up nose. |
| Inhaled nasal corticosterioids. The latest entry in the billion-dollar war on allergies, these sprays (such as Vancenase and Flonase) deploy low doses of therapeutic steroids directly into your nasal passages. |
"Not all the chemicals that cause allergic symptoms are histamines," explains Dr. Apter, which is why steroids are useful. They zero in on the inflicted membrane and reduce inflammation — thus irritation — and, in the words of Apter, "mucosal buildup." |
Nasal sprays obviously won't relieve symptoms in other areas, such as itchy eyes, but they work wonders within their realm. Says Apter, "They tend to do better than the antihistamines at clearing up all of the 'action.'" |
| Stinging nettles (Urtica dioica). Touted by natural-medicine gurus such as Dr. Andrew Weil, they can be found at natural-food stores in tincture, tea, or capsule form. |
Said to calm the immune system — rather than simply shut it down — Urtica diotica leaves behind none of the toxins of antihistamines or steroids, a big selling point for those prone to side effects from said prescriptions. |
It's intended to relieve sneezing, irritated eyes, and itchy throats, but since the option comes with advice to change your diet and "environment," you might also take a dose of positive thinking. Apter says simply, "I've never seen any studies on stinging nettles." |
| Coffee. Anecdotal evidence is mounting on the curative effects of a strong cup of joe. No prescription needed. French roast, Ethiopian supreme, even hazelnut are all acceptable blends, but please — no decaf. |
"Well, coffee does contain zanthine, which has been used in experimental asthma treatments," says Apter. Armchair theories tend to revolve around caffeine, which is known to mask all sorts of aches and pains. |
Java adherents swear by the stimulant's ability to clear the head, liberate the nose, and stop the eyes from itching. "Around the office, we love it very much," admits Apter. "But I wouldn't treat my patients with it." |
Photograph by Gary Hush
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