Allergies are inappropriate immune responses. There is no "cure" per se for allergies (until gene therapy becomes feasible, at least), however I heard from my immunology professor last year about a treatment performed by allergists where through the provoking of a different kind of immune response, the anaphylactic response can be diminished. I can't remember all the details, but it involves stimulating the body to produce IgG antibodies for the allergen instead of IgE antibodies. Although according to him the treatment efficacy varies considerably.

Your parents can get something called Opcon-A, antihistamine eyedrops, over the counter. There's a generic version as well.

Also, tell them not to rub their eyes or they could get a bacterial infection and then need to get a prescription for antibiotic drops.

If your parents are having runny nose as well, they can try loratidine or cetirizine tablets. They're both over the counter.

I have severe seasonal allergies as well as several life-threatening allergies. Many over the counter medicines do not work for me. The best thing I have done was go to an allergist. Before I started getting allergy shots, I was scared when I played softball or even drove my car because I had a hard time seeing due to the constant sneezing and itchy, watery eyes. I have been getting two allergy shots a week since october and my allergy symptoms have almost disappeared. I still have a bad day occassionally, but it is tremendously better and it started working within a couple of weeks. Good Luck!

I am allergic to all pollens and dust.

If your parents' eyes have any discharge, especially when they wake up they could have allergic conjunctivitis. There are prescription eyedrops they can use. If not they can try something over the counter like Visine-A. Zyrtec, Claritin, and Benadryl are good for allergies too- but even the "Non-drowsy" Claritins till makes me tired.

There is no cure for allergies. I used to get allergy shots as a kid but all they did was break my skin out.

You cannot cure allergy symptoms however you can strengthen the immune system so you don't get allergies.

How about building the immune system so they build up a resistance so they don't get allergy symptoms at all. I did this 13 years ago using Shaklee products and in 6 weeks i had no more allergies or asthma. The nutritional program is natural and effective. Plus I switched from toxic cleaning products to using Non Toxic household cleaners and that really made a difference along with Air Purification with the AirSource 3000. What we don't realize is the pollen goes onto our clothes, our shoes and we bring it into your homes. I don't know if this will work as well for them as it did for me but what if it does? All natural products to create better health. I go so excited 13 years ago about getting better naturally with the Shaklee products I became a distributor and help others to get better too. Check out my web site: Enter Passcode: StartHere
You can contact me through this site for specific supplement suggestions for Allergies.

Carol

Naphicon A, Claratin… Benadryl at night. Sorry for your troubles

I'm a terrible allergy sufferer. I'm allergic to dust, pollen, trees, cats & dogs, etc. It can be pretty miserable. I found that artificial tears help my eyes the best cause it doesn't sting. i also went through immunotherapy for a couple years. Check out this site for more information on allergies and what helps.: