Allergies and Antihistamines

Paul Reller, L.Ac.

Doctors now warn their patients not to take antihistamine medications continuously because of the damage to the sinus membranes from long term constant use. Health of the membrane tissues is most important to the immune response. Unhealthy membrane tissues will result in a gradual worsening of the allergic reaction. Thus the taking of antihistamine medication for a prolonged time on a daily basis will worsen the allergic condition and create more stress for the immune system, possibly contributing to other allergic reactions, as well as difficulties for the immune system in maintaining the health of the gastrointestinal tract and in preventing cancerous mutations.

How antihistamines work

Most of these drugs work by attaching to the cell receptor and preventing the binding to the allergen (e.g. pollen or dust mite) to inhibit the histamine response. Histamine is an amine (derived from ammonia) that is used by cells to stimulate various reactions, such as gastric secretion, bronchial constriction and vasodilation. This combination of fluid secretion, vasodilation and muscle constriction produces the allergic response of nasal mucus congestion to stop the allergen from spreading in the body. Histamine is thus a useful chemical, mainly of our immune cells, but also of the stomach and other tissues. Histamine also stimulates white blood cell production and acts as a neurotransmitter. This is why the antihistamine drugs make one drowsy.

There are 4 types of histamine receptors known and newer drugs are designed to primarily affect one type of histamine receptor to decrease side effects. The allergy medications, Claritin, Allegra etc., primarily block the H1 histamine receptor, which stimulates the membranes, respiratory and organ muscles, skin (itch) and the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Other medications, such as stomach acid inhibitors, block the H2 histamine receptors primarily, decreasing stomach secretions, including digestive acids. The other histamine receptors, H3 and H4, decrease other neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, norepinephrine and acetylcholine, and stimulate the immune T cells (thymus), spleen (lymph system), and bone marrow (blood cell production).

By looking at the side effects of antihistamines, we see that all the antihistamines, including the stomach inhibitors Nexium, Prilosec, Protonix, Aciphex and Prevacid, have effects on this whole system. Consequently, we see now warnings that patients taking these drugs for a long time have decreased platelets, quadruple risk in pneumonia (T cell deficiency), increased bone fracture incidence (especially when taken with proton pump inhibitors), increased incidence of stomach bacteria such as H. Pylori, poor digestion, increased incidence of GI ulcers, central nervous system problems with neurotransmitter imbalances (insomnia, depression, anxiety etc.). Short term use seems relatively safe. Long term use seems to have too much risk versus benefit.

The answer to the problem

Medications are often meant for short term or periodic use to block symptoms. The patient is responsible to try to get healthier and reduce the cause of these symptoms. The M.D. is not focused on improving the health of the patient, only in solving the symptoms. The patient should seek medical care from providers that are trained to restore the health of the body. The physician practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine, called the Licensed Acupuncturist, can help you get healthier to get rid of the cause of these symptoms. This is sometimes a laborious process, but well worth it in the end. Your health improves.

With allergic problems and sinus congestion and drainage there are two mechanisms that must be addressed: 1) the immune response and the allergens, and 2) the vasomotor nerve response that is dysfunctional and stimulates the chronic clear fluid drainage and sensation of congestion that makes one feel ‘foggy’. There are a number of things the patient and physician must work on:

• Aromatic herbs will stimulate to decrease congestion.
• Antviral, antifungal herbs will decrease allergen effects.
• Immune stimulating herbs will cause a healthier immune response.
• Decrease in exposure to allergens, especially as you sleep, will decrease your sensitivity.
• Improvement in the digestive health will insure better balance and absorption of necessary nutrients and take stress off of the immune system.
• Improved neuroendocrine health will give one a better control over the vasomotor response. Acupuncture stimulation, is performed correctly, will accomplish much in this regard.

A holistic regimen is not as simple as taking a pill, but the benefits are great and the ill effects are next to nothing. The end result of all of this work is a healthier, more productive, more energetic and happier patient. It is worth it.

Resources

http://www.newswithviews.com/Howenstine/james21.htm

The information on this website is not intended to be used as a specific medical advice or cure. Please consult with the practitioner or an appropriate physician, such as a licensed acupuncturist, naturopath, or medical doctor, to discuss the proper application of the information contained on this website.