Читать книгу Allergy-Proof Your Life - Michelle Schoffro Cook - Страница 15

Decongestant drugs do exactly what you’d expect based on the name: they reduce congestion in the nose and sinuses by constricting blood vessels in these areas. The vasoconstriction reduces swelling and inflammation in the nasal passages, thereby making it easier to breathe. They are taken either in pill form or by nasal sprays or drops to target the nasal and sinus region. Although there are other types of decongestants, most are known as pseudoephedrine. Pseudoephedrine is a synthetic, laboratory-derived version that is similar to the body’s own hormone adrenaline, which is also known as epinephrine.10 Ephedrine, which is available in prescription or nonprescription strengths, dilates the bronchi in the lungs, making it easier for asthmatics to breathe; pseudoephedrine is an OTC drug that has similar effects. Their brand names include Drixoral, Sudafed, Chlor-Trimeton, Suphedrin, and Suphedrine.

Some of the side effects of pseudoephedrine can include irregular or troubled heartbeat, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, hallucinations, seizures, nervousness, restlessness, insomnia, headaches, increased sweating, weakness, trembling, nausea, vomiting, fast or pounding heartbeat, and difficult or painful urination.11

Both ephedrine and pseudoephedrine were originally derived from a plant known as ephedra, or by its scientific name, Ephedra gerardiana. The Chinese have been using this herb, which is known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as Ma Huang, for thousands of years. The plant is a highly effective decongestant with far fewer side effects than the drug versions; however, it is not available in many places. Regulatory officials state diet pill abuses, many of which included ephedra, as the reason. Although some companies definitely abused this herb for profit and there were consumers who took far more than the recommended dosages, I suspect that ephedrine and pseudoephedrine sales are in the billion-dollar range, giving the pharmaceutical industry a significant reason to lobby regulators against ephedra. The herb provides stiff competition for these synthetic drugs and has far fewer side effects, giving Big Pharma cause for concern. Although it may be difficult to obtain, I’ll share more information about the valuable allergy and decongestant herb ephedra in chapter 5.