A letter from Devon, England tells it all. It reads, "Thank you, thank you a zillion times for curing my leg ulcer. A sister-in-law in Canada sent me your column explaining how Intal (sodium cromoglycate) cures some stubborn leg ulcers."
The letter continued, "I've had an ulcer on my leg for 15 years, was hospitalized and treated at the best specialist unit in England without help. Now the ulcer is gone and you are a knight in shining armour."
Receipt of this letter was a great way to start the day. It also reminded me that this is a good time to explain sodium cromoglycate. That during the upcoming allergy season it can also help to ease suffering for those afflicted with eye allergies "allergic conjunctivitis".
It may seem strange that sodium cromoglycate helps to relieve the symptoms of asthma and sore eyes. After all, the anatomy's of the respiratory system and eyes are hardly similar.
But both of these systems share a condition with an allergic basis. And both Intal and an eye medication called Opticrom both contain the ingredient, sodium cromoglycate.
The interesting thing about Intal is that it's not licensed to treat leg ulcers. Rather, it was initially developed by Dr. Roger Altunyan, an asthma sufferer. He tested hundreds of drugs on himself and finally discovered sodium cromoglycate.
Allergic conjunctivitis can be triggered by several different sources. Hay fever is a common symptom usually associated with intense itching of the eyes.
But allergic conjunctivitis can also be caused by carrying an allergic substance to the eyes. For instance, face powder or hair dyes. Or by various drugs used to treat eye conditions.
How does sodium cromoglycate work? Allergic symptoms occur when mast cells in the mucus membranes of the eyes and nose release histamine in response to allergens such as pollen or dust.
It's the release of histamine that triggers the itching, grittiness, redness and increased watering of the eyes. Opticrom eye drops block the release of potent chemicals such as histamine so that the allergic response is actually prevented. In effect, this eye medication treats the underlying problem, unlike most other over-the-counter products.
Opticrom has been the gold standard for allergic conjunctivitis prescribed by doctors for 15 years. Now it can be obtained without a prescription.
It's always prudent when self-treating your eyes to be sure of the diagnosis. Consequently, if you're not positive it's allergic conjunctivitis, see your doctor. And be certain to consult a physician quickly if only one eye is affected, if there's pain in the eye or vision is altered.
But some general rules help patients pinpoint an allergic source. For instance, if symptoms affect both eyes without a change in vision, they are most likely due to allergy. And if the nose is affected there's more reason to suspect allergy as the cause.
Suppose you suffer from allergic conjunctivitis and plan a walk in the woods. In this case you should start taking Opticrom three weeks beforehand and continue taking it during the allergy season. This will offer maximum protection from symptoms.
But if you're already suffering from itchy eyes, sodium cromoglycate will result in some relief within 10 minutes. And the clearing of symptoms within 10 days.
Opticrom can be used by both adults and children. For adults and children over five years of age, the usual dose is two drops into each eye four times a day.
The most frequent reaction to Opticrom is temporary stinging or burning when drops are placed in the eyes. But see your doctor if the condition worsens or if there's no relief within three days.
What should you do if you use soft contact lenses? The manufacturer advises patients not to wear lenses during treatment.
Common sense provides some general rules to relieve symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. Avoid rubbing your eyes as this fans the fire. Rubbing results in the release of more histamine by the mast cells in the conjunctiva and eyelids.
Cool, wet compresses along with artificial tears such as Refresh tears have a soothing effect. Oral antihistamines can be of help, but they may also decrease the production of tears. And dehydration can intensify symptoms.
If a change of locale is an option, a damper, cooler climate can be part of the treatment. Or you can stay indoors on hot, dry days when the pollen count is high.
I always raise a silent prayer to Dr. Altunyan at the start of the hay fever season. His research has made my life more pleasant during that time.
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