In January 1997, 62 subjects who had been the placebos in the 1995 study were invited to receive the vitamin B12. In June 1997, the 62 placebo subjects were sent a questionnaire asking: How would you compare your overall allergy (hay fever) symptoms this spring to the last two springs? 20 people responded, with 15 reporting having had the B12 treatment, and 5 not. 12 christmasgiftideas of the 15 reported at least a slight improvement in overall allergy symptoms, and 1 of the 5. Improvement ratios - 12:3 having received treatment, 1:4 not having received treatment.8 A bioequivalence christmasgiftideas study showed that a 3000 mcg lozenge delivered an equivalent amount of cyanocobalamin to the blood as a 15 mcg injection.9 From the spring to the summer patients with demonstrated allergic rhinitis received with the cyanocobalamin (or placebo) containing lozenge twice daily for 21 consecutive days. All subjects also received C and B oral multivitamins for 21 days. Twice daily subjects maintained a nine-week diary on sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, itchy nose and antihistamine (chlorpheniramine) use. In the post-treatment period, the active group (n=15) recorded on average a greater reduction in symptoms and in antihistamine use than the placebo group (n=9). The results yielded reductions (0.1>p>0.01) in total weekly symptom/rescue medication for the active group compared to the placebo for weeks 2, 6, 8 and 9. The results tend to replicate those of the studies on injectable cyanocobalamin.10

Genentech and Novartis are developing an anti-IgE monoclonal antibody for asthma and allergic rhinitis. In December 1999 they announced positive study results. This is evidence christmasgiftideas that reducing IgE results in a reduction of symptoms associated with IgE-mediated allergic disease.13 For people who find they cannot adequately avoid the allergens, the symptoms often can be controlled with medications. Effective medications that can be prescribed by a physician include antihistamines, topical nasal steroids, and cromolyn sodium - any of which can be used alone or in combination. Many effective antihistamines and decongestants also are available without a prescription. Click here for allergy medication online.