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Can Allergies Raise Blood Pressure

Allergy Medicines And Hypertension

Does Loratadine affect or raise blood pressure

Allergy season is in full swing in many parts of the country. For some, that means battling symptoms, such as sneezing, congestion, runny nose, itching, and watery eyes. If you are among the over 50 million Americans who suffer from allergies each year, you may be headed to a pharmacy near you for relief of your allergy symptoms. Choosing allergy medication that is right for you may be tricky if you have hypertension . Read on to learn how some allergy medicines may affect your blood pressure and your blood pressure medication.

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Lower Your Blood Pressure

Posted May 14, 2009

Unfortunately, most doctors never really find or even look for the underlying cause of the elevated blood pressure. Given that they have an average of less than seven minutes per doctor visit, and that pharmaceutical companies making blood-pressure products spend a fortune teaching doctors about medications and almost nothing teaching about natural treatments, it is no surprise that most doctor’s mindset is to simply give medication.

Unlike cholesterol medicines, which may be more harmful than helpful for most people, blood pressure medications actually do save a lot of lives. If you do have elevated blood pressure, I recommend adding the medications to lower the pressure, and then using the natural treatments below. After three months, you’ll often find that you can taper off your blood pressure medications and still maintain a healthy pressure.

For starters, let’s look at some of the major reversible causes of hypertension. These include:

  • Being overweight. To lose the weight, see my article on metabolic therapies for weight loss. Be sure to also begin an exercise program as this also helps lower high blood pressure. Best to do a walking program outdoors, as the vitamin D from sunshine can actually help lower the pressure.
  • Excess alcohol or caffeinetry leaving these off for two weeks and then recheck your blood pressure.
  • Sleep apnea. Consider this if you’re overweight and snore.
  • Natural Treatments to Lower High Blood Pressure

  • Calcium 500-1,000 mg .
  • 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.

    Allergy medications might seem harmless enough theyâre 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.

    âIf 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,â says L. Kristin Newby, MD, MHS, a cardiology professor at Duke Medicine in Durham, North Carolina.

    âSome 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,â explains Dr. Newby.

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    Can I Take Antihistamines If Im Pregnant Or Breastfeeding

    Its safest to talk to your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. Animal studies have shown that some antihistamines can cause birth defects. Small amounts of antihistamines pass on to your baby if you breastfeed. For these reasons your healthcare provider will want to talk with you and make careful choices if there is any concern for your or your childs safety.

    Allergies Inflammation And Blood Pressure

    Can Allergies Affect Your Blood Pressure? Heres What You ...

    When your body is exposed to an allergen, like pollen or dust, your immune system tries to protect the body by producing antibodies to fight the allergen. This process, called inflammation, is what causes the allergic reaction you experience.

    An inflammatory response to allergens increases blood flow to the affected area. Inflammation can also constrict blood vessels and arteries that lead to major organs like the heart and kidneys. This stiffening of the arteries can lead to elevated blood pressure, and is harmful if left untreated.

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    How Are Allergies Treated

    Although avoiding the allergen is an important treatment approach, it usually doesnt completely end the allergic reaction.

    Medications such as antihistamines , decongestants , or a combination of over-the-counter and prescription medications, are used to treat your allergy symptoms. Nasal sprays such as topical nasal steroids , cromolyn sodium, and topical nasal antihistamines also can be used to treat allergy symptoms.

    Asthma medications, which reduce allergy symptoms, include:

    • Inhaled bronchodilators.
    • Oral anti-leukotrienes .
    • Injected medications, such as omalizumab , dupilumab , reslizumab , benralizumab , or Mepolizumab .

    Immunotherapy or allergy oral immunotherapy is recommended if your symptoms arent adequately controlled with a combination of avoidance measures and regular medication use. This shot has been shown to be effective in properly selected patients with allergic rhinitis and/or allergic asthma.

    Another treatment option is saline irrigation using a sinus rinse kit. These rinse kits are sold over-the-counter or can be made at home. To make your own rinse, combine one-half teaspoon non-iodinated salt with one-half teaspoon baking soda in eight ounces of distilled or boiled water. This mixture rinses out allergens and decreases the amount of inflammation they cause.

    Are Antihistamines Safe For Dogs

    Diphenhydramine is a common medication used to treat allergies, hives, food allergies, anxiety and other conditions in dogs. However, you should consult your veterinarian about the use of diphenhydramine in your pet. The dosage in dogs is based on their weight plus your veterinarian will want to examine your dog to be sure an antihistamine is the correct drug for the correct diagnosis. If an antihistamine is needed, your veterinarian will want to prescribe a brand that is specific to animals and at a dosage correct for your pet.

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    Can A Sinus Infection Cause High Blood Pressure Body Aches And Shortness Of Breath

    Sinus infection is an inflammation of the air cavities in the passages of the nose.

    This infection can cause by allergies and chemical or particulate irritation of the sinuses. However, most people do not spread sinus infections to other people.

    It can be classified as acute sinus infection, subacute sinus infection, chronic sinus infection, infected sinusitis, and noninfectious sinusitis.

    I have already shared a post related to this topic What Is Sinus Problem? I hope you read this post.

    Symptoms of a bacterial sinus infection include:

    • Facial pain,

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    Does Dayquil Help With Allergies

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    Dayquil can be used to relieve symptoms temporarily caused by allergies. It will help relieve watery and itchy eyes, throat, runny nose, and sneezing. As usual, we do recommend that you consult a professional before using it as a treatment for your allergies.

    Over the counter and even some prescription medicines are solutions that we get used to but are not long-term solutions. We want you to live your life to the fullest, without allergies or sinus issues. So, if you are ready to get rid of your allergy symptoms, schedule your appointment with one of our allergy specialists today!

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    Risk Factors For High Blood Pressure

    Doctors cant always point to a reason behind hypertension, but they do know what factors place a person at higher risk for developing the symptoms. Many of these factors are reversible and when patients take care of the risk factors, the high blood pressure is reduced or controlled more easily with milder medications. These factors include smoking, obesity, poor diet, little rest and lack of exercise.

    Before you agree to take Allegra make sure your healthcare provider knows your medical history, the medications you currently take, including vitamins and over the counter medications, and your symptoms. Do not take Allegra if you have had an allergic reaction, have kidney, heart or liver disease, are pregnant or are breast feeding.

    While the connection between Allegra D and blood pressure is fairly clear, there are people who dont have risk factors who can take this medication to help alleviate their seasonal allergy reactions. For them, this medication is a life saver. For others who have heart disease or hypertension, this medication can cause some serious health risks.

    If you would like to receive a free resource sheet to support your quest for better heart health, click the button below to receive your gift.

    As a double-board Family Medicine and Preventive Medicine with additional training in Lifestyle Medicine and Health Coaching, I often get questions about basic products I would recommend for blood pressure monitoring and weight management.

    How Do I Know Which Antihistamine To Take

    Because there are so many antihistamine products, both over-the-counter and prescription, and because they are used to treat so many different conditions, you may need help figuring out which medication to take. For minor ailments, you can probably take over-the-counter products. You can read the package labeling and match your symptoms to the labeled symptoms. Also, never hesitate to ask the pharmacist. They are highly schooled in the actions and effects and side effects of drugs. You may need to try different antihistamines to find the best medication to manage your symptoms.

    If you need a prescription antihistamine, you and your healthcare provider will work together to figure out what medication will be best for you. Many drugs interact with antihistamines, so your healthcare provider will want to know what medical conditions you have and medications you are currently taking. They will also want to know if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. Some antihistamines are not recommended in pregnancy because they may cause birth defects in very high doses. Antihistamines can pass into breast milk, so you should consult with your healthcare provider before using antihistamines if you are breastfeeding.

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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

    Can Allergy Medicine Raise Blood Pressure

    Can Allergy Medicine Raise Blood Pressure

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , sixty-seven million American adults have high blood pressure. Only half of the 67 million people, who suffer from high blood pressure, have their condition under control . What is high blood pressure? Well, high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when there is pressure in your arteries. Arteries are blood vessels that transport blood from your heart to all of your tissues and organs. A healthy blood pressure is below 120/80, while a blood pressure that is 120/80 to 139/89 is considered pre-hypertensive . A blood pressure that is 140/90 or higher is considered hypertensive .

    Listed below are some medications that you should avoid, if you have high blood pressure:

    Antihistamines & Decongestants

    Do you have a cold, sinus headache, or sinus pressure that you want to relieve? If so, be cautious when selecting a cold or sinus remedy. Why? Well, most antihistamines and decongestants raise your blood pressure, which if you already have uncontrolled high blood pressure, can be dangerous. Antihistamines are often used to prevent allergies, postnasal drip, and hay fever, while decongestants are generally used to relieve sinus , and remove mucus from your nasal passages. If you have high blood pressure, it is best that you avoid antihistamines and decongestants, unless otherwise instructed by your physician.

    Oral Contraceptives

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    My Allergic Reaction Symptoms

    One winter my tongue started feeling heavy as usual â this happened every winter. My acupuncturist said I had dampness within my body and an acupuncture treatment always cleared it right up.

    But this time I did not go for my acupuncture treatment due to the weather. It was snowing every other day, the weather was bad, and the evenings were unusually dark.

    My tongue kept getting heavier. With my mouth getting so dry even when I drank water it was still dry. At nights I would wake up struggling to breathe, shaking my head to get some air in and drinking even more water.

    With all this happening, I still didnt realize that I was having a life-threatening experience.

    My tongue was choking me, I am struggling to take deep breaths and not paying attention until my heart started racing, and my blood pressure spiking. That was when it hit me that something was really wrong.

    Oh, I am still taking my blood pressure medication completely unaware of the danger that was brewing. All this happened over a week and half period. This was a life-threatening allergic reaction which I did not know I was having.

    Talk With Your Doctor Or Pharmacist Before Allergy Season Gets The Best Of You

    Taking a proactive approach to allergies with a medication thats right for your needs especially if you have blood pressure issues can make seasonal allergies much less disruptive. Talk with your health care provider and check the Optum Perks website to see how you might be able to save on your prescriptions.

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    Can A Sinus Infection Cause Shortness Of Breath

    Typically, a sinus infection can cause sinus congestion, runny nose, sore throat, headaches, sinus pressure, cough, phlegm production, fatigue, trouble sleeping, and fevers.

    Some people have shortness of breathing when they get a cold. Others have trouble breathing because of occasional periods of acute sinus infection.

    This infection can make it difficult to breathe through your nose for a week or more until the inflammation subsides and the blocked sinuses begin to drain.

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    Apart from a headache, the sinus infection can even sometimes create congestion that can exist for around a week. It can result in a thick, discoloured mucus along with tooth or facial pain.

    Tip: Did you know infections such as sinusitis can cause body muscle aches? Follow the tips in the article to get rid of such muscle aches.

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    Why High Blood Pressure And Cold Meds Dont Mix

    Cold medicines are not off-limits if you have heart disease, but patients with high blood pressure, or hypertension, should check the label carefully when choosing a cold or allergy medicine.

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    Thats because decongestants such as pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, phenylephrine, naphazoline and oxymetazoline can increase your blood pressure and heart rate. Make sure the cold or allergy medication you plan to take is free of those ingredients.

    For allergy sufferers with heart disease, medicines such as Allegra, Zyrtec or Claritin should be safe. However, medicines containing decongestants including Allegra-D, Zyrtec-D and Claritin-D could increase your blood pressure and heart rate or interfere with your heart medication.

    How To Calm A Sinusitis Infection

    For addressing the risk, it is necessary to take steps in taming chronic inflammation in the nasal passages, especially in people with hypertension and stroke risk.

    In case of a situation, if the sinus irritation would last longer than a week in any person, then he/she must visit a doctor.

    The antibiotics can be given to the patient if the diagnosis of bacterial infection is there or as a precaution to avoid disease progression.

    For typical inflammation sinus problems, over-the-counter sprays can have good effectiveness. These sprays are usually made of salt water or saline and are then sold over the counter. They help in the drainage process for any patient suffering from a sinus infection.

    Secondly, the decongestant sprays can be either a prescription or over the counter they need to help in opening the nose from breathing. It can prove useful for the reduction in congestion and draining as well.

    Steroid sprays are mainly given via a prescription. They can reduce inflammation along with swelling. They can also promote drainage in helping to clear the infection.

    Nasal saline irrigation can prove valuable in relieving symptoms.

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    Side Effects Of Antihistamines

    Older antihistamines, especially over-the-counter drugs, may cause drowsiness or dizziness. However, newer second and third generation antihistamines are non-sedating, meaning they do not cause drowsiness and are safe to take before most activities. Antihistamines can also cause dryness as a side effect, especially after prolonged use.

    Allergic Reaction To My High Blood Pressure Medication

    Can Allergy Immunotherapy Cause High Blood Pressure

    I went through the most scary and life-threatening allergic reaction from my high blood pressure medication, and get this, at first, I didnt realize I was slowly being choked to death. Have you ever had an allergic reaction to your high blood pressure medication? Well I have and it was scary.

    Some adverse reactions to your blood pressure medicines are caused when your body produces antibodies to the drug. These antibodies travel through your blood and can harm your body tissues or interfere with your normal body function.

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    Food Sensitivities And Other Symptoms

    When you have food sensitivity and you eat small amounts of that food frequently, you will likely be plagued by various chronic symptoms that your doctor either cant figure out, or tries to attribute to other conditions.

    Get yourself tested or keep a log of your menu. Foods that you love or eat daily should be your biggest suspects. Be especially vigilant with processed foods. They can contain a wide range of ingredients you may not even be aware of.

    Food sensitivities is just one example of hidden causes behind low blood pressure. For more eye-opening discoveries consult Revived! a great source of information on causes and natural solutions.

    Health troubles are seldom random
    Do your beliefs support your health goals?

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