Sometimes the treatment is worse than the condition itself! Thats what happens when people with allergies are allergic to the medication they take to relieve their symptoms, and sometimes the reaction can be life threatening. But now, treatments for people with sensitive systems are available.
Sandy DenBraber is allergic to her favorite things, working in her garden, or playing Frisbee with her dog, Katie. Turns out, Sandy is also allergic to allergy medicine.
DenBraber told Ivanhoe, Every time I took an antihistamine, the problem got worse, and so, at that time, my throat would start swelling and Id start turning purple.
After several hospitalizations, Sandy finally found relief. Alfred Johnson, D.O., Internal Medicine Specialist of Johnson Medical Associates in Dallas, Texas specializes in chemical sensitivity and environmental exposure. In addition to seasonal allergies, Sandy is also hypersensitive to smells and chemicals, including the ingredients found in allergy medicines.
She was reacting to incipients in the medicine, either the dyes, or some of the additives Dr. Johnson told Ivanhoe.
Dr. Johnson pinpoints peoples sensitivity through extensive skin testing and uses allergy shots containing no preservatives or dyes. He recommends that people with allergies avoid the allergen and boost their resistance with allergy shots.
Sandy, a retired registered nurse, makes charcoal filtered masks for severe allergy patients. But with her allergies under control, shed much rather be outside playing with Katie.
Experts say there are no cures for allergies just prevention to control the symptoms. The most common allergy triggers are: tree, grass and weed pollen; mold spores; and cat, dog and rodent dander.
Contributors to this news report include: Cyndy McGrath, Supervising Producer; Don Wall, Field Producer; Cortni SubmitSpearman, Assistant Producer; Mikon Haaksman, Videographer and Jamison Koczan, Editor.