Can Allergies Increase Blood Pressure

Alternative Methods For Controlling Allergies

If you continue to suffer from allergy symptoms but can’t take allergy medications because of high blood pressure or other heart problems, there are other ways you can help mitigate the sneezing, sniffling, coughing, and watery eyes that allergies can trigger.

Consider these allergy-control methods:

• Run a dehumidifier, because mold loves moisture.
• Use allergen-reducing bedding such as mattress and pillow protectors.
• Try a saline nasal spray or wash to reduce nasal congestion.

Will You Have Blood Glucose Increased With Allegra

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Can Allergy Meds Cause High Blood Pressure

Allergy medications usually donât cause high blood pressure, but with over-the-counter medications, exceptions to this rule can exist.

Antihistamines have two varieties: first-generation and second. Each has its own set of side effects.

First-generation antihistamines are medications that cross the blood-brain barrier, creating more potent side effects, including sedative properties. Both Benadryl and NyQuil are first-generation antihistamines.

In first-generation antihistamines, some of the most common side effects are:

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Allergy Medication And Hypertension

Some allergy medicines can affect your blood pressure or interact with your blood pressure medication. Don’t fret! There are safe options out there for treating your allergy symptoms relative to your high blood pressure and we will review them here.

While most antihistamines are generally safe to take with your blood pressure medication, we want you to keep in mind the following drug interactions if you are taking medicines for your blood pressure:

• Fexofenadine and Carvedilol : This may increase the side effects of fexofenadine. You may want to use fexofenadine cautiously if you are taking carvedilol.
• Cetirizine and levocetirizine : If either of these drugs is combined with methyldopa , you may experience increased drowsiness.
• Diphenhydramine : Make sure to talk with your doctor before taking any diphenhydramine products because any product containing itmay counteract the effects of some blood pressure medications.

Second-generation antihistamines that are not combined with decongestants are generally safe to use if you arenot taking the blood pressure medicines listed in the section above. The same goes for intranasal corticosteroids. Second-generation antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroids include the following:

Antihistamine eye drops, such as Pataday and Zaditor , are also safe options for itchy and watery eyes.

The Science Behind Pseudoephedrine

When you have a cold or an allergy attack, your white blood cells gather in your nasal passages and sinuses. This causes nasal membranes to swell and increases mucus production. Pseudoephedrine constricts these blood vessels, which decreases drainage.

But those same constricted vessels might also increase your blood pressure and heart rate.

Pharmacist Kayla Ryan explains the mechanism of pseudoephedrine. Pseudoephedrine is chemically similar to adrenaline, so the body recognizes it as adrenaline, causing the blood pressure and heart rate to increase.

She refers to one of the last major studies of the effects of pseudoephedrine on blood pressure, which took place in 2005. This study found that pseudoephedrine increased systolic blood pressure by one point on average, while heart rate increased by an average of three beats per minute.

Ryan adds that the immediate-release products had a greater impact on heart rate and blood pressure than their 12 hour or 24 hour extended-release counterparts, which showed a smaller increase in blood pressure.

In 2005, the FDA passed the Combat Methamphetamine Act, which requires pharmacies to sell all medications containing pseudoephedrine behind the counter. At your local drugstore, youll find cards in the cold and flu aisle with information for these medications. You can take the card to the pharmacist, who is required to scan your drivers license before purchase.

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Can Allergies Raise Your Blood Pressure

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Antihistamines And Your Heart Risk

Every week I see allergic patients who are avoiding antihistamine medications because of a concern about their heart or blood pressure. But Most of this worry is outdated and unneeded.

Firstly, lets discuss the antihistamines themselves: older generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine , hydroxyzine or chlorpheneramine are messier chemicals with more side effects such as sedation and dry mouth. Versus newer generation antihistamines like ceterizine , loratadine or fexofenadine have fewer side effects and a bit more targeted action in the body.

High Blood Pressure Risk. The antihistamines alone are not associated with high blood pressure or making blood pressure worse. However many times the antihistamines are bundled with a We typically only recommend taking the combination antihistamine-decongestants on an occasional basis when really feeling sick and they should be avoided with poorly controlled blood pressure. To be safe, just stick with the plain antihistamine meds for allergies if you have high blood pressure.

Cardiac Arrythmia Risk. The risks of cardiac rhythm problems are small but do exist some with the first generation antihistamines. If you are at risk of QT prolongation or certain other rare rhythm disorders, avoiding first generation antihistamines is a good idea. Newer antihistamines like fexofenadine, ceterizine and loratadine are all fairly safe for the heart, with fexofenadine seeming to be the absolute safest if you are at risk of arrythmia.

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What Causes Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies are the result of an immune system response to allergens like pollen and dust. When you breathe in these allergens or encounter them from other sources like the conjunctiva or your eyes, your immune system releases antibodies called IgE . These antibodies bind to the allergens and trigger an immune response that can have a range of effects on your body.

Most of the symptoms of allergies come from the release of histamine, a chemical that your body produces in response to an allergen, such as pollen, certain plant, or grasses. The most common symptoms of seasonal allergies include sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and throat, and congestion. Some people have mild seasonal allergy symptoms while others struggle to deal with the constant sneezing and itchy, watery eyes.

Can Allergies Affect Your Blood Pressure Heres What You Need To Know

Most of us have dealt with at least one health issue during our lives. And it isnt uncommon to deal with more than one health issue at a time. So, what if you find yourself with both allergies and high blood pressure? Heres what you need to know about how allergies can affect your blood pressure.

Can Allergies Increase My Blood Pressure?In general, allergies do not directly increase blood pressure. However, if you take certain medications for your allergies, they may affect your blood pressure thus, your allergies can indirectly affect your blood pressure.

For example, many decongestants that are popular among allergy sufferers, such as pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine , can worsen existing high blood pressure. This happens because the decongestants work by constricting blood vessels in order to open the nasal passages and help you breathe easier. However, the decongestants do not only constrict blood vessels in the nose. As blood vessels constrict throughout the body, hypertension can worsen.

If you have high blood pressure, you may want to avoid taking allergy medications that include these specific decongestant ingredients. Look for an allergy medication that doesnt contain pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine. Some antihistamines can help with congestion caused by allergies and are safer for your blood pressure, such as diphenhydramine , etirizine , fexofenadine , and loratadine .

Can My Allergy Medication Interact with My Blood Pressure Medication?

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Dangers Of Allergy Meds For Your Heart

Have high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems, or another heart condition? Heres what you need to know about allergy drugs.

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Allergy medications might seem harmless enough they’re sold over the counter , so that makes them safe, right?

Not necessarily.

Though allergy drugs can stop the misery of seasonal bouts with pollen, hay fever, and grasses, some can aggravate a heart condition, or be downright dangerous when mixed with blood pressure drugs and certain heart medicines.

“If a patient has allergies or a cold and is considering OTC medications, it is always recommended to talk with the pharmacist on site, or to ask your physician for recommendations in the context of the other medications that are prescribed,” says L. Kristin Newby, MD, MHS, a cardiology professor at Duke Medicine in Durham, North Carolina.

“Some OTC medications for example, those containing pseudoephedrine or similar components may cause increases in heart rate or blood pressure that could exacerbate some cardiac conditions,” explains Dr. Newby.

Urgent Advice: Call 111 For Advice Now If:

• you take too much pseudoephedrine

Taking too much pseudoephedrine can be dangerous.

It can make you restless or your heartbeat fast, and make you feel sick or vomit. You may also have difficulty peeing.

Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.

If you need to go to A& E, do not drive yourself. Get someone else to drive you or call for an ambulance.

Take the pseudoephedrine packet or leaflet inside it, plus any remaining medicine, with you.

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Pseudoephedrine And High Blood Pressure Interaction

In 2005, a study showed that pseudoephedrine increased systolic blood pressure and heart rate, but had no effect on diastolic blood pressure.1 They also found that higher doses and immediate-release formulations of pseudoephedrine were associated with higher blood pressures.1 In addition, the study revealed that patients with well controlled hypertension had higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures after taking immediate release pseudoephedrine formulations.1

Managing A Cold With Hypertension

If you cant take a decongestant because of high blood pressure, there are other ways to reduce your cold or allergy symptoms:

• Take Coricidin HBP, which is free of decongestants

• Drink plenty of fluids including water, juice, tea and soup to prevent dehydration and clear mucus from your lungs

• Take a pain reliever such as Tylenol or Motrin for fever, sore throat, body aches and headache

• Flush your sinuses with a saline spray to relieve nasal congestion

• Soothe a sore or scratchy throat with lozenges

• Use a vaporizer or humidifier if necessary to boost humidity

• Get plenty of rest

• Return to your doctor after five to seven days to make sure youre on the road to recovery

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Do Antihistamines Cause Dementia

Long term use of some antihistamines may increase your risk of dementia. Diphenhydramine blocks the effects of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter is vital for memory and learning. Diphenhydramine increased the risk of dementia by 54% in one 3,000 patient study followed for seven years.

Caregiver Duties Aging & Health

If youre worried about developing high blood pressure or youve already been diagnosed with this condition, you may be wondering what symptoms to watch out for.

While the symptoms described here may indicate a high blood pressure crisis, its also very important to understand that a persons blood pressure can be dangerously high and yet there are no symptoms at all, notes retired emergency physician Ben Hippen. This is why high blood pressure is sometimes called the silent killer.

For this reason, its important to monitor your blood pressure often. When youre at your doctors office, or even at the pharmacy, take a few minutes to stick your arm in the cuff and get a reading. If you can afford it and will actually use it, a home blood pressure monitor is a worthwhile investment.

A Look At Allergies And Heart Health With Tips To Endure Pollen Season Amid Coronavirus Fears

Please note: This article was published more than two years ago, so some information may be outdated. If you have questions about your health, always contact a health care professional.

Lea en español

Spring brings warmer temperatures, blooming flowers and, for millions of Americans, the arrival of allergy season. It also coincides this year with the arrival of COVID-19, which could make allergy sufferers hyperaware of every sneeze and sniffle.

But there are key differences in symptoms. Seasonal allergies can cause sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and cough. Yet unlike allergies, coronavirus causes a fever, with other symptoms including cough and shortness of breath.

When seeking relief, people with allergies who are concerned about heart disease or high blood pressure must be especially careful when taking blood pressure-raising, over-the-counter decongestants. They’re also stimulants, which can increase heart rate.

But determining the extent of the direct connection between allergies and heart health is a topic that needs more research. A look at two studies offers examples of differing conclusions.

“There appears to be an association between seasonal allergies and cardiovascular health,” said Dr. Laurence Sperling, the Katz Professor in Preventive Cardiology at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta. “This is an area where further investigation is needed.”

And her advice for patients still hasn’t changed.

Other general tips for allergy sufferers:

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Can I Compare Prescription Prices Before Filling My Allergy Medicine

The majority of allergy medications are now available over the counter. This means that many insurance plans no longer cover your allergy medicine. If your insurance does not cover your medication, you can use a prescription savings card to get the lowest prescription price. You can save up to 80% or more off the retail price by using the ScriptSave® WellRx discount card at a pharmacy near you.

Rosanna Sutherby is a freelance medical writer who has been a practicing pharmacist in her community for close to 20 years. She obtained her Doctor of Pharmacy from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. She utilizes her clinical training in the pharmacy, where she helps patients manage disease states such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and many others. Dr. Sutherby reviews and recommends drug regimens based on patients concurrent conditions and potential drug interactions.

Ask The Doctor: Can Allergies Cause High Blood Pressure

Q. I have allergies. Could they be the reason I have high blood pressure?

A. Although allergies don’t usually directly increase blood pressure, they can contribute indirectly to high blood pressure in two very different ways.

If your allergies cause nasal congestion at night, they could interfere with your breathing when you sleep. This can promote, or worsen, the type of gasping-for-breath snoring known as sleep apnea, which can raise blood pressure. If you often wake up at night, or if your sleeping partner has noticed that you snore and sound like you choke or gasp for air every so often, talk with your doctor about being checked for sleep apnea.

Thomas Lee, M.D.

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Are Nasal Sprays Harmful For People With Hypertension

Nasal sprays are actually an option that is less impactful to use on the rest of your body. Nasal sprays act directly on the nose’s blood vessels and have less impact anywhere else in the body.

If your allergy symptoms include nasal congestion, here are some options that are generally safe to use as decongestants:

• steroid nasal sprays , Nasacort, and Rhinocort )
• antihistamine nasal sprays and Patanase )
• saline nasal sprays or rinses, such as Ayr, Ocean, SimplySaline, or Neti Pot

What Allergy Medicines Can I Safely Take If I Have Heart Disease Or High Blood Pressure

Oklahoma Heart Institute Director of Interventional Laboratories, Dr. Wayne Leimbach, shares insights on allergies, heart disease and high blood pressure on our blog today.

Springtime brings not only beautiful weather and beautiful flowers, but it also brings high pollen counts and suffering to people with allergies. Many people often ask what allergy medicines can I safely take if I have heart disease or high blood pressure. Many allergy medications include decongestants that can raise blood pressure, create palpitations and interfere with some other heart medications.

Medications that often can be safely used by people with significant allergies include nasal corticosteroids. In addition, antihistamines are very effective. The antihistamines include fexofenadine , cetirizine , loratadine and diphenhydramine .

Often manufactures will include a decongestant with the antihistamines in order to provide additional control of the runny nose often seen with allergies. Manufacturers will often indicate which of the antihistamines also contain a decongestant by adding the letter D to the name of the medicine. These decongestants can be phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine or oxymetazoline.

Therefore, advertised medicines such as Allegra, Zyrtec, or Claritin should be safe for most patients with heart disease and allergies however, Allegra-D, Zyrtec-D, Claritin-D could cause problems for patients with allergies and heart disease.

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