Allergies are a seriously irritating problem that affects up to 30% of adults and 40% of children. In 2012, 11.1 million people were diagnosed with one of the most common forms of seasonal allergies, allergic rhinitis. Although allergy medications can help to diminish the symptoms and triggers, they often have unwanted side effects. If you're having trouble controlling your allergies, acupuncture might be one treatment method that could help.
Acupuncture Works
Many people are still harbor suspicions as to whether acupuncture really works or if patients are merely imagining the improvements to their health. Thankfully, in the realm of allergies, studies have shown that acupuncture is indeed an effective treatment.
One study in particular found that acupuncture was particularly successful in reducing the symptoms when used in combination with medication. Those enrolled in the trial were allowed to use allergy medicine up to twice daily as well as oral corticosteroids, if needed.
While the medication alone should have provided significant relief to the allergy patients, those who received genuine acupuncture treatments in addition to medication experienced a much more substantial improvement in their symptoms and health. In addition, patients who received fake acupuncture treatments didn't experience the same relief, so it seems that genuine acupuncture really is helpful.
Bonuses of Acupuncture Versus Medication
Acupuncture can help you if you're taking allergy medicine, but it can also be useful if the medicine isn't tolerable. Some people react poorly to allergy medications, whether they make them droopy or have other side effects that are difficult to cope with. In some cases, people with allergies may not be able to take certain allergy medications because they react with other prescriptions that they're already taking.
If you're unable to take allergy medication to control your allergies, acupuncture may still be able to help you. Not all studies that examine acupuncture do so in combination with medications. For example, one study that looked solely at acupuncture found that acupuncture was extremely successful in reducing nasal congestion, which is one of the most common symptoms of seasonal allergies.
If you're experiencing seasonal allergies, you're certainly not alone. Treating and controlling allergies can be tricky, as each patient has their own unique symptoms and reacts to medications differently. Having another tool in the fight against your symptoms could potentially make your allergies much more manageable and tolerable. Whether you're taking medications or not, talk to your doctor about acupuncture and find out if it's right for you.
For more information about treating allergies, contact a clinic like Asthma and Allergy Clinic.
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