Online Pharmacies Canada Health Blog

May 24, 2011

Herbal Remedies for Seasonal Allergies

Filed under: allergy — Tags: allergy medications, allergy treatment, herbal remedies, preventing allergies, seasonal allergies — Kcondon @ 5:49 pm

When allergy symptoms are taking you under, be aware that you are not alone. Every spring, over thirty five million Americans are affected by seasonal allergies. Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to certain substances (called allergens) by the onset of cold-like symptoms such as itchy eyes, sinus congestion, and hives. Seasonal allergies are typically caused by pollen.

Over the counter allergy medications are the most common forms of treatments patients use to cope with their allergies. Anti-histamines are the most effective type of medication one can use for their allergy as anti-histamines inhibit the actions of histamine; the substance released by the immune system which causes all allergy symptoms. For best results it is recommended to take anti-histamines before allergies occur, this is why patients with year-round allergies take anti-histamines daily when advised by their doctor. Two herbs have been found to have the same properties of anti-histamines: butterbur and stinging nettle.

How can herbs such as butterbur and stinging nettle relieve my seasonal allergies?

Butterbur was found to be as effective as cetirzine (the medicinal ingredient in Zyrtec in a Swiss study. Butterbur has the same characteristics of chemical anti-histamines without the drowsiness. Stinging nettle has anti-inflammatory properties and also prevents the body from producing histamine. Stinging nettle also does not cause drowsiness. It is best to take these herbs as supplements (they are available in capsules) a week or two prior allergy season.

Are these herbs safe?

Butterbur and stinging nettle have been confirmed safe for use. Pyrrolizaldine alkaloids found in butterbur are known to cause liver and kidney damage, however, there are tablet preparations available which have these compounds removed. Butterbur does belong to same family as ragweed therefore it is recommended to talk to a doctor to avoid an allergic reaction. Other possible side effects of butterbur include nausea, diarrhea, indigestion or constipation. Possible side effects with stinging nettle include possible drug interaction (especially when taking NSAIDs, hypertension medication or medicines for diabetes), frequent urination, or adverse effects during pregnancy. As with any treatment, patients are strongly encouraged to talk to their doctor before taking any of these supplements especially when determining the appropriate dosages.

Online Pharmacies Canada is a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC Q37),offers long term prescription drugs for low cost Canadian online pharmacy prices. Online Pharmacies Canada facilitates the review of your prescription drugs and your general health. We forward all prescriptions to affiliated CIPA certified licensed Canada pharmacies to be filled. A professionally registered pharmacist fills all discount Canadian prescriptions.For more information on how you can order your Canadian drugs call 1-877-536-8162 or visit http://www.onlinepharmaciescanada.com/

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May 17, 2011

Preventing Seasonal Allergies In Advance

Filed under: allergy — Tags: allergy medications, preventing allergies, seasonal allergies, symptoms of asthma, treat allergies — Kcondon @ 11:53 am

Never ending sniffling and sneezing; those are seasonal allergies. No one likes them but when the weather turns from rain to sunshine, we all want to be out and about. However, this is probably not the best choice for someone with allergies. Allergies can cause a stuffy nose, constant sneezing, and breathing problems which can worsen symptoms of asthma. In an attempt to avoid taking allergy medications, here are a few things you can do to prevent seasonal allergies:

Changing Your Diet

A diet with reduced omega-6 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation. Foods such as corn oil, sunflower oil, salad dressing, mayonnaise, and most fast foods are high in omega-6 fatty acids. Having omega-3 fatty acids from fish, such as cod and salmon, are a great source as an anti-inflammatory for your system. Also, drinking natural fruit juices that are rich in antioxidants can reduce inflammation caused by allergies. Eating fresh fruits such as berries and other fruits and vegetables, such as kiwi and broccoli that are rich with vitamin C can reduce symptoms of allergies. Enriching your diet with magnesium and zinc can also help prevent symptoms. Good sources of magnesium are sunflower seeds, spinach, halibut, and artichokes. Sources of zinc can come from yogurt, tofu, crab, and oysters. Moreover, having honey that is locally cultivated can help adapt your body to pollen in the air.

Adapting Your Home

Even though it’s hot out, keeping your windows and doors closed as much as possible will help to prevent allergies. Instead, use an air conditioner to filter out pollen or use air purifiers around the house to freshen the air. If possible, remove carpets, drapes, or other fabric items around the house. These items are main storage areas of pollen around your home. If you cannot remove these, try to vacuum everyday with a HEPA filter to get rid of the pollen and other debris in the fabrics. Furthermore, avoid a clothesline to dry clothing. Drying clothing and other fabrics outside are only creating a bigger problem for your health. Fabrics outside are collecting debris in the air which you then bring into your home; so it is best to dry your fabrics inside. Also, if you have a pet, be sure to wipe them off with a damp towel before entering the house. A pet that has been outside will come back with pollen stuck to their fur. It is best to bathe them as much as possible during allergy season.

Helping Yourself

It is best to cover your eyes with sunglasses or shades when you are outdoors to reduce the amount of pollen that is blowing around outside from getting into your eyes. Also, whenever you are going out or coming back into the house, be sure to wash your hands with soapy water to wash off the pollen that sticks to your hands. Avoid touching your eyes at all times; once you start itching them, you may not be able to stop! Moreover, limit the amount of time you spend outdoors to help treat allergies. If possible, go outside at night rather than during the day. This is because pollen is settled more at night than in the day. Furthermore, when coming from outside, change your clothes right away and immediately wash clothing to remove any pollen stuck to them. Since pollen does stick to just about anything, avoid keeping your shoes inside the house for that extra step in taking care of your allergies. And to help you get a good night’s sleep, wash your hair before bed to wash out the pollen. If you go to bed without washing your hair, the pollen can stick to your pillow causing night time allergies.

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July 9, 2010

Three Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Wear Fragrance

Filed under: allergy,asthma — Tags: allergy, asthma, breast cancer, prostate cancer — Nicole @ 9:14 pm

It’s become a common fact that beauty must come with a price, and with the current fragrances and perfumes on the market today, that’s certainly become a reality. The concept of perfume originated long before the Common Era, and has developed throughout the centuries to become the personalized fragrance that today women associate with not only beauty, but also with class and individuality. As the perfume industry has been commercialized, so too have the industrial practices of manufacturing fragrances. The ingredients of modern perfumes are still held under lock and key and legally kept secret under the protection of old laws. A recent study that was conducted by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics revealed that most of the perfumes and male fragrances on the market today contain approximately fourteen unlisted chemicals, most of which have never been tested for safety.

This study additionally outlined several health risks associated with wearing perfumes:

Allergies – Many of the unlisted chemical ingredients in today’s leading fragrances are associated with allergic reactions including asthma, headaches, wheezing and contact dermatitis. These sensitizing chemicals are known to additionally increase the chance of allergy development in people who are repeatedly exposed to them.

Hormone Disruption – Each of the seventeen perfumes tested in this study were found to contain at least one hormone disrupting chemical. Hormone disrupting chemicals have been proven to increase the risk of cancers, especially prostate cancer and breast cancer, as well as to contribute to thyroid problems. Chemicals containing hormone disruptors have also been linked to birth defects and infertility.

Inhalation and Absorption – The nature of modern day fragrances allow for the chemicals ingredients to be absorbed topically into the skin and inhaled. These unnatural and toxic chemicals have been found by various studies in umbilical cord blood, allowing for newborns to be exposed to toxins even before they are born.

Over the past few years, many health regulations have been put in place to regulate the ingredients used in processed food and in the products we use every day. Shouldn’t fragrances be held to the same standards?

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May 8, 2010

One More Reason to Go Green

Filed under: allergy — Tags: allergies, climate change, hay fever — Nicole @ 9:46 pm

Recent studies completed by the National Wildlife Federation demonstrate that global warming isn’t only affecting our planet’s fragile ecosystem; it’s taking the severity of allergies to a whole new level. Today, over 25 million North Americans suffer from respiratory allergies as a result of pollen. This recent study has revealed that Ragweed, the plant that is the primary cause of fall hay fever, produces much more allergenic content in environments with increased carbon dioxide, not to mention that a longer growing season induced by the planet’s new warmth will allow for more Ragweed growth, and therefore, more pollen. In the United States, more than thirty-two million dollars are annually being poured down the drain as a result of allergies and asthma, an amount that neither the American government or the Canadian government, can afford to be paying with the recent economic downturn.

On Earth Day, President Barrack Obama urged Americans everywhere to “take action”, and make an effort to improve the current conditions of our environment. Canadians too, are being asked to contribute to a greener future. The Canadian government has recently implemented a plan to reduce the gas emissions in new passenger automobiles and light trucks that will be produced in the 2011 model year, and additionally is working with the Governments of the United States and Mexico to phase out hydro-fluorocarbons.

But while our government works hard to reduce our environmental impact, there are still many things that you can do to help erase the human footprint:

Planting a Tree – It may sound corny, but the average tree will absorb approximately one ton of carbon dioxide in its lifetime.

Adjusting the Thermostat – Even turning your thermostat two degrees makes an impact on the environment. If you turn your thermostat even two degrees towards room temperature, you’ll save two thousand pounds of carbon dioxide per year.

Turn Electronics Off – Saving electricity by turning off the television and lights when you walk out of the room may seem like old news, however it will save thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide per year.

Recycle – If you are able to recycle half of your household waste, you can save two thousand and four hundred pounds of carbon dioxide waste per year.

Alternative Transportation – For every kilometer of alternative travel, you can save one pound of carbon. This may not seem like a lot, but if you monitor the amount of travel you put in your car each day, you’ll realize, it adds up.

By making an effort to live a greener lifestyle, you won’t only be helping your environment; you’ll have millions of allergy-sufferers to thank you.

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January 5, 2010

Top 5 Strange Cases in Medicine

Filed under: allergic reaction,allergy,cataplexy,Depression — Tags: allergic reaction, allergic reaction to water, Depression — John @ 4:09 pm

There are many different medical disorders and diseases out there, more than most people could ever learn in their lifetime. New conditions are being discovered all the time, while some of the older ones are being prevented through new research into cures. However, while there are many, MANY, different medical conditions, there are a few that are very interesting, and make everyone ask if the condition is real, or if it’s just some internet hoax. Let me tell you that there are very weird and seemingly impossible conditions that are still out in the world today, I’d like to share my top 5 strange cases in medicine.

5. Progeria (Hutchinson – Gilford syndrome)

Progeria is an extremely rare disorder that causes rapid aging normally starting during childhood. When a person with Progeria is born, there appears to be no difference between a baby without Progeria and a baby with the disorder. However, when childhood begins the disorder become very apparent, causing the child to experience rapid aging, which manifests in the loss of hair, wrinkles, and severe damage on the arteries that will result in death within the first years of adolescence.

4. Jumping Frenchmen of Maine

Jumping Frenchmen of Maine is a much exaggerated form of startle reflex called hyperexplexia. Suffers were reported to react strangely to loud sudden noises, and obeying the commands of another. When asked by a loud authoritative voice to do something like hit someone they would obey and go hit someone.

Walking Corpse Syndrome

Walking corpse syndrome is a very unusual syndrome, in that the sufferer believes that they are dead, decaying, or have lost a body part or internal organ. Those suffering with the disease sometimes do not even think they exist.

The Girl That Collapses Every Time She Laughs

Have you ever laughed so hard that you’ve almost fallen over in tears, well a young women living in the UK feels something like that every time she laughs. The young lady suffers from cataplexy, which means that any strong emotion triggers a weakening of her muscles. This weakening of muscles means whenever she laughs, or is afraid, embarrassed or just about any other sort of emotion, she collapses right on the spot. It’s almost like being allergic response to your emotions.

The Girl Who is Allergic to Water

The majority of our beautiful planet Earth is water, but what happens when you can’t go near the stuff. A teen from Australia, suffers from a very rare skin disorder called Aquagenic Urticaria. This condition means that whenever any water makes contact with her skin, she breaks out in a painful rash. If you think that this just means she can’t go swimming think about all the things you do every day that requires water. Showering/taking a bath, washing your hands, and sweating are all painful things for her to do. I would probably be pretty depressed if I had an allergic reaction to water.

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December 18, 2009

5 Ways to Avoid Holiday Season Allergy Symptoms

Filed under: allergic reaction,allergy,allergy symptoms,holiday season,mold allergy,Uncategorized — Nicole @ 5:58 pm

If you have an allergy to a commonly-used food in modern cuisine, or to dust or other allergens, you know that your allergy controls everything you do. Pollen allergies can become an issue during the holiday season because of that large pine tree in your living room. While the most common food allergies are shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and eggs, and unlikely to act as ingredients in holiday dishes, it never hurts to be safe when it comes to allergies.

Methods to Avoid Allergy Symptoms during the Holidays:

Fix the Tree - If you have mold or pollen allergies, selecting an artificial tree may be a wise decision this season. If an authentic tree is your only option, wipe it down with a wet cloth before bringing it into the house, and clean it frequently to avoid a buildup of allergens.

Clean Decorations – While your ornaments have been hiding away in storage all year, they have collected dust and pose as a threat to any mold allergy sufferers. Simply wiping down all decorations before placing them on your majestic pine tree will reduce dust allergens that may trigger an allergic reaction.

Clean Fireplace - Before its first use, cleaning your wood fireplace helps to prevent smoke inhalation, and will prevent any smoke inhalation based asthma and allergy attacks.

Poinsettias - This popular holiday plant is directly related to the Brazilian Rubber Tree, which latex is obtained from. If you have an allergy to latex, avoid direct contact with any part of the poinsettia.

Food - It’s easy to censor what foods you eat within your own home, however during the holiday season its occasionally difficult to forecast what you’ll be eating at someone else’s place. To avoid food allergy reactions, alert your host of your food allergies, and be sure to carry an epi-pen at all times.

While your allergies may take some toll on your daily routine, don’t let them stop you from enjoying the holiday season!

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October 19, 2009

5 Ways to Control Allergies

Filed under: allergic reaction,allergy,allergy symptoms,claritin,dust allergy,hay fever — Amanda @ 4:42 pm

1. Find your triggers

Allergies are different for everyone. Take note of allergic reactions that you have and try to figure out what caused it. If you are unsure, have your doctor give you an allergy test.

2. Avoid exposure

Once you know what it is that is causing you problems, try to stay away from it. For some of us, that can be hard. I have several allergies myself including shellfish and pets – but am not always cautious about my exposure to these triggers. In addition, if you are a host to visitors at your home, make yourself aware of any allergies your guests may have. Perhaps you may have to vacuum pet hair prior to their visit, or make sure you aren’t serving food that they shouldn’t be eating. This will minimize the symptoms of others and make them more comfortable.

3. Be Prepared

If you have allergies, you probably know that you may be exposed when you least expect it! Maybe you did not plan on going to a corn maze during hay fever season, or visiting a friend with pets. Its a good idea to carry the necessary allergy medications on you at all times. Such things may include allergy pills like allegra or claritin, allergy eye drops, nasal spray, or in extreme cases an Epipen.

4. Keep air clear

For those with dust allergies, it is important to clean ventilation systems at home regularly in addition to dusting in order to prevent allergy symptoms. Avoid going places that are dust-rich like the garage, basement, or crawl space. On warm breezy days, keep windows open to allow the fresh air in.

5. See the doctor

Visit your doctor to find out if there are any new treatments for your allergy, or if your allergy symptoms don’t improve.

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September 21, 2009

The Danger of Asthma

Filed under: allergy,allergy asthma,asthma,breathing,cough,coughing,emphysema,lungs,respiratory,Uncategorized — John @ 3:43 pm

In 2006 approximately 22.9 million Americans reported having an asthma attack. The reality is that asthma is very serious and can change the way a person lives. There are many misconceptions of asthma, like if you didn’t get it when you were a child then you’ll never get it. Well you couldn’t be more wrong. Asthma can present itself in almost anyone, at almost any age. In fact, the same study in 2006 showed that out of the 22.9 million Americans that reported having an asthma attack, 2.5 million of them were over the age of 65!

Furthermore, many people don’t realize what asthma really is. Most people that have heard of asthma know that it effects breathing, but what they don’t know is that asthma causes the tubes that allow air to travel in and out to become inflamed. That is why asthma can become so dangerous. Without treatment asthma can be life threatening however, fortunately for us there are many forms of treatment available. Most treatment methods feature an inhaler that is used when an asthma attack occurs.

For those that are wondering if they should be checked for asthma, some common symptoms include:

A wheezing sound when you breathe. This may only occur when you are suffering from a cold.

Cough. You may cough up mucus. The cough often comes back and it may last more than a week.

Shortness of breath. You may have difficulty breathing only now and then, or you may have problems quite often. It feels as if you can’t get enough air into your lungs.

Chest tightness. Your chest may feel tight in cold weather or during exercise. Chest tightness may be one of the first signs that your asthma is getting worse.

Although scientists do not know for sure what causes asthma they are aware of some things that can contribute to reoccurring asthma attacks or asthma in adults.

Smoking

Medications

Air Pollution

Allergies

Genetic

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October 26, 2007

Astelin Nasal Spray

Filed under: allergy,hay fever — Tags: allergy symptoms, antihistamine nasal spray, treat hay fever — Ashlynn @ 3:04 pm

Astelin is a steroid-free antihistamine nasal spray used to treat hay fever and allergy symptoms including runny nose, sneezing, and itchy nose.

How to use Astelin

Gently blow your nose before using the nasal spray.
The first time you use a new bottle, screw the pump device onto the bottle. Prime the unit by pumping 4 sprays into the air, away from your face. Once a fine mist of medicine appears, the device is ready for use. If more than 3 days have passed since you last used the spray, prime the spray again until a fine mist appears.
Insert the spray tip into your nostril, pointing it straight up into your nose. Press your other nostril closed with your finger and keep your head upright. Pump the spray and gently inhale at the same time.
Use only the number of sprays prescribed by your doctor. If you are to use the spray in both nostrils, repeat the directions above in your other nostril.
Clean the pump nozzle with a clean, damp tissue and recap it.

Try not to sneeze or blow your nose just after using the spray. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse. Astelin nasal spray is usually used for up to 4 weeks.

Side effects of Astelin

bitter taste in mouth
drowsiness
headache
loss of sensation
nasal burning
sneezing, sore throat, cold symptoms
eye redness
dizziness

Online Pharmacies Canada, a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC Q37),offers long term prescription drugs for low cost canadian online pharmacy prices. Online Pharmacies Canada facilitates the review of your prescription drugs and your general health. We forward all prescriptions to affiliated CIPA certified licensed Canada pharmacies to be filled. A professionally registered pharmacist fills all discount canadian prescriptions.

For more information on how you can order your Canada drugs call 1-877-536-8162 or visit http://www.onlinepharmaciescanada.com/.

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February 8, 2007

Astelin Nasal Spray

Filed under: allergy — Tags: Astelin side effects, symptoms of seasonal allergies, treats seasonal allergies — Ashlynn @ 8:08 am

Astelin is a prescription drug that is used for the treatment of symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis such as rhinorrhea, sneezing, and nasal pruritus in adults and children 5 years and older. It can also be used for the treatment of symptoms of vasomotor rhinitis, such as rhinorrhea, nasal congestion and postnasal drip in adults and children 12 years and older. Astelin works by blocking the effect of histamine on certain cells, in turn, helping alleviate symptoms of seasonal allergies.

What is the recommended dose of Astelin?

The recommended dose of Astelin nasal spray in adults and children 12 years and older with seasonal allergic rhinitis is one or two sprays per nostril twice daily. The recommended dose in children 5 years to 11 years of age is one spray per nostril twice daily.

The recommended dose of Astelin in adults and children 12 years and older with vasomotor rhinitis is two sprays per nostril twice daily.

How should I store Astelin?

To store this medicine:

Keep out of the reach of children.
Store away from heat and direct light.
Store the bottle upright at room temperature, with the pump tightly closed.
Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places.
Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

How do I use Astelin?

Before using this medicine, clear the nasal passages by blowing your nose. Make sure the screw cap on the bottle is replaced with the pump unit and the delivery system is primed with 4 sprays or until a fine mist appears. Spray Astelin into your nose. Be sure to follow instructions given by your doctor or the leaflet in the medicine package.

When 3 or more days have elapsed since the last use, the pump should be reprimed with 2 sprays or until a fine mist appears. To keep the applicator clean, wipe the nose piece with a clean tissue and replace the dust cap after each use.

Use this medicine only as directed. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

Who should not use Astelin?

Anyone who has experienced an allergic reaction to azelastine or any other ingredients in Astelin should not use this drug. Azelastine has not been studied in pregnant women. However, studies in animals have found that very large doses of azelastine cause birth defects and other problems. Before using this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.

It is not known whether azelastine (Astelin) passes into breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are using this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking Astelin, it is especially important that your doctor know if you are taking any of the following:

Alcohol
Central nervous system depressants (medicine that causes drowsiness)
Tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline [e.g., Elavil], amoxapine [e.g., Asendin], clomipramine [e.g., Anafranil], desipramine [e.g., Pertofrane], doxepin [e.g., Sinequan], imipramine [e.g., Tofranil], nortriptyline [e.g., Aventyl], protriptyline [e.g., Vivactil], trimipramine [e.g., Surmontil]) – Use of these medicines with azelastine (Astelin) may increase the risk of drowsiness
Cimetidine – May cause an increase in the blood levels of azelastine, which may result in increased effects

Does Astelin have any side effects?

The most common side effects are:

Bitter taste
Drowsiness
Headache
Nasal inflammation or burning

Rare side effects of Astelin are:

Blood in urine
Cough
Eye pain or redness or blurred vision or other change in vision
Rapid heartbeat
Shortness of breath, tightness in chest, troubled breathing, or wheezing
Skin rash, hives, or itching; sores in mouth or on lips

Contact your doctor immediately if side effects persist or worsen while using Astelin.

For more information on how you can order your Canadian drugs call 1-877-536-8162 or visit http://www.onlinepharmaciescanada.com/.

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May 24, 2011

Herbal Remedies for Seasonal Allergies

How can herbs such as butterbur and stinging nettle relieve my seasonal allergies?

Are these herbs safe?

May 17, 2011

Preventing Seasonal Allergies In Advance

July 9, 2010

Three Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Wear Fragrance

May 8, 2010

One More Reason to Go Green

January 5, 2010

Top 5 Strange Cases in Medicine

December 18, 2009

5 Ways to Avoid Holiday Season Allergy Symptoms

October 19, 2009

5 Ways to Control Allergies

September 21, 2009

The Danger of Asthma

October 26, 2007

Astelin Nasal Spray

How to use Astelin

Side effects of Astelin

February 8, 2007

Astelin Nasal Spray

What is the recommended dose of Astelin?

How should I store Astelin?

How do I use Astelin?

Who should not use Astelin?

Does Astelin have any side effects?

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