Yes you could convert it to a text field in the detabase, or just in the search query. You would have to convert it to text one way or another, but it doesn't necessarily have to be in the database itself.
Your friends over here at WebAssist! These Dreamweaver extensions will assist you in building unlimited, custom websites.
These out-of-the-box solutions provide you proven, tested applications that can be up and running now. Build a store, a gallery, or a web-based email solution.