Diagnosis of allergies begins with a history and physical exam. The person may report symptoms after a specific exposure, such as being around cats.

Sometimes, the individual will have symptoms during particular seasons. For those with ongoing symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, other tests can be performed. The healthcare provider may order a test that looks for eosinophils in the nasal mucus. Allergy testing may be done to determine the particular triggers that cause the individual's symptoms.

In medical treatment, the key to allergy treatment is avoiding the allergen. This may be possible for people with pet allergies. It is less practical for those who are sensitive to pollens and molds. With natural treatment, the approach is to "beef-up" the person's immune response (see below) so that the body can effectively deal with the invading allergen.

Oral antihistamines are used for short-term allergic disease. Common antihistamines include diphenhydramine, loratadine, and fexofenadine. They are very effective in controlling symptoms such as sneezing and nasal discharge.

Antihistamines generally don't reduce nasal stuffiness. It is common to add a decongestant, such as pseudoephedrine, to an antihistamine. For severe, acute flare-ups, oral steroids, such as prednisone, are used. Steroids block the allergic response.

Nasal steroid sprays, such as beclomethasone and mometasone, are used for prolonged allergies. These agents have been around for about 20 years, and very safe. They control acute symptoms more effectively than antihistamines. Nasal steroids also block the late-phase reaction.

Air filters and frequent vacuuming are helpful. Salt water nasal sprays and mucus thinners, such as guaifenesin, can thin nasal secretions.

Allergy shots can be used in people who have chronic or prolonged periods of allergic disease. The shots desensitize the person to the trigger. They may be given to individuals who are having complications, such as asthma or chronic sinusitis.

What are the side effects of treatment?

Many over-the-counter antihistamines cause drowsiness and decreased mental alertness. These side effects are less common with newer prescription antihistamines. These include loratadine and certirizine.

Decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine, can cause elevation of blood pressure, fast heart rate, and difficulty sleeping.

Nasal steroids may cause nosebleeds and nasal crusts.

There are a few acute side effects from oral steroids, such as increased appetite, irritability, sleeplessness, weight gain, and stomach irritation. Chronic steroid usage can cause bone thinning, predisposition to infection, diabetes, and cataracts.

Allergy shots may cause a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis. They may also bring on an asthma attack.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

With successful treatment of allergies, symptoms should improve.

How is the condition monitored?

Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.

Many allergens are present in the air, so it may be very difficult for some people to prevent nasal allergies.

• If a person's allergies are triggered by cats or specific animals, it is important to keep the animals out of the home.

• People who suffer from dust or dust mite allergies can benefit from having wood floors. They can use airtight pillow and mattress covers. Persons with severe nasal allergies may consider moving to a drier climate.

• People with nasal allergies should avoid tobacco smoke.

Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine or chlorpheniramine, can block the symptoms. Nasal steroid sprays, such as cromolyn, help to stop mast cells from releasing their substances. Nasal steroids stop the mast cell from discharging and thus prevent early symptoms.

As previously mentioned above, the approach in treating allergies in a natural sense is to repair those body systems which are not meeting the demands of the invading allergen. CRA is very accurate in determining the cause of lowered resistance.

The following reflexes will often be active:

• Left Master Allergy Lung Sub-Reflex
• Left Master Allergy Parasite and-or Flu Sub-Reflex
• Left Master Allergy Spleen Sub-Reflex
• Staph-Master Lymph Node Sub-Reflex
• Left Master Allergy Strep Sub-Reflex
• Right Master Allergy Bile Duct Sub-Reflex
• Right Master Allergy Gallbladder Sub-Reflex
• Right Master Allergy Liver Sub-Reflex
• The Towers Meridian
• Virus Reflex
• Yeast Reflex

These reflexes should be tested and treated with the proper supplementation. You should take this preliminary free test or be examined by a competent CRA^®practitioner for testing. A liver/gallbladder flush and intestinal detoxification program may also be recommended.

The following supplements are indicated:

	{drenamin} Drenamin contains bovine adrenal and bovine adrenal PMG ™extract. The adrenal cortex from the glandular organs produces a glucocorticoid known as cortisol. Cortisol helps to feed and maintain the body's inflammation response mechanisms. *
	Fen-Gre supports healthy lung and lymph function. It contains fenugreek seed, which is a mucus solvent having the ability to soften and dissolve hardened masses of accumulated mucus. The change in consistency allows Fen-Gre to help the body expel mucus and phlegm from the bronchial tubes more easily. *
	{allerplex} Allerplex is a special combination product formulated to support the body' s immune system response to seasonal, environmental and dietary stresses. Allerplex contains vitamin A and C complexes which have been shown to be important supporters of the immune system. It has also been formulated to maintain healthy liver function - the body' s natural cleansing system. *
	{cal_amo} This is a calcium product and an acidifying compound providing the chlorides, which are useful in the support of proper acid/ alkaline balance. Maintaining a healthy pH balance at the cellular level helps support and maintain respiratory and connective tissues, skeletal structures, and supports the immune system. In addition, calcium is a major nutrient building block for the body. *
	{antronex} Antronex contains Yakriton, a bovine liver fat extract discovered in the 1920' s by Japanese researchers. Yakriton has been shown to help maintain a healthy liver via its blood filtering and affect on histamine. Histamine is released when tissues become damaged, inflamed, or are the subject of an allergic reaction. Histamine is involved in a myriad of physiological conditions. *
* These statements have not been evaluated y the Food & Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

If food allergies are present these will need to be tested.

Chiropractic has a very impressive record in treating allergies. Due to its control of the sympathetic and parasympathetic the spine is an integral part in controlling allergic reactions. Go here for information regarding how chiropractic addresses treating allergies.

When allergies have been detected in an individual it is important that the liver, gallbladder and digestive tract be in good function. This allows the immune system to better handle and destroy any invading allergen.

{fre_test_immune}