Is It A Cold Or An Allergy Should You Call Your Primary Care Provider
Your child has a runny nose and a headache. You are worried it might be more than just a cold, but youre not sure. How do you tell the difference between a cold, allergies and a chest infection? Should you call your primary care provider?
Juhee Lee, MD, an attending physician with the Division of Allergy and Immunology at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia , offers guidance to parents on:
- Recognizing the symptoms of different conditions that cause nasal congestion
- When to call your primary care provider
- What specialists can help
Getting The Most From Your Treatment
- If you have been prescribed the oral liquid medicine, you may find that it causes some staining of the teeth. Brushing the teeth regularly helps to prevent this. Any staining usually disappears soon after the course of antibiotics is finished.
- Even if you feel your infection has cleared up, keep taking the antibiotic until the course is finished . This is to prevent the infection from coming back.
- Antibiotics are prescribed in short courses of treatment. Your doctor will tell you how long your course of treatment will last – this is not usually for longer than 14 days. If you still feel unwell after finishing the course, go back to see your doctor.
- Some people develop redness and itching in the mouth or vagina after taking a course of antibiotics. If this happens to you, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
- If you are taking the contraceptive ‘pill’ at the same time as this antibiotic, the effectiveness of the ‘pill’ can be reduced if you have a bout of being sick or diarrhoea which lasts for more than 24 hours. If this should happen, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice about what additional contraceptive precautions to use over the following few days. There is no need to use additional precautions for any bouts of sickness or diarrhoea which last for less than 24 hours.
- Amoxicillin can stop the oral typhoid vaccine from working. If you are due to have any vaccinations, make sure the person treating you knows that you are taking this antibiotic.
Youre About To Get A Migraine
Why occur is not fully understood. But they are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. There are multiple theories on how migraines cause nausea, however.
Experts believe the brain chemical serotonin plays a role. The theory? Serotonin sends signals to the blood vessels in your brain, telling them to grow bigger, which can sometimes activate the part of your brain responsible for nausea and vomiting, explains Christine Lee, MD, a gastroenterologist at the Cleveland Clinic.
Another theory is that migraines influence the part of the brain that is linked to inner ear disturbance, hence the strong correlation with vertigo and dizziness with the symptom of nausea, Dr. Lee explains.
??Nix the nausea: To prevent migraines, you should avoid common triggers that cause your migraines, including emotional stress, bright lights, strong odors, lack of sleep and not eating, Dr. Hoch says.
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Allergies May Be Immediate Or Delayed
Drug allergies are still somewhat of a mystery, says Dr. Min Jung Lee, an assistant professor of pediatrics and internal medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern. However, there are indications that frequent antibiotic use does make patients more susceptible to developing allergies.
The most common symptoms of the immediate reactions occur a half an hour to an hour after taking the medication, she says. Symptoms include swelling, vomiting, coughing and anaphylaxis.
Then there is the delayed reaction, which can happen after the entire series of antibiotic has been consumed. While still dangerous and often lengthy, delayed reactions move more slowly and any life-threatening symptoms usually can be treated with antihistamines and steroids.
Those pinprick spots on my forearms gave way to huge hives all over my body. The last week of December 2010, I went to the emergency room 3 times. Once in an ambulance, I developed large hives, fainted, had swollen lips, mouth sores, gum swelling, fullness in my throat, body aches and more.
Unlike food and seasonal allergies, drug reactions are difficult to understand and predict, says Dr. Corinna Bowser, an allergist at Narberth Allergy and Asthma clinic in Narberth, Penn.
The difficulty we are facing is that we just dont know what gets broken down into our bodies, she says. Its unpredictable. Whats the mechanism? Does it happen right away, will it happen later?
Is It Safe To Take Zyrtec Every Day
Yep. “When taken in the recommended doses, antihistamines can be taken daily. This is especially true with Zyrtec, since it doesn’t show decreasing effectiveness if used daily,” says Sima Patel, MD, an allergist at New York Allergy & Sinus Centers.
Zyrtec and other allergy medicines currently on the market are known as second-generation antihistamines, and have fewer and less severe side effects than the “first generation” of allergy medications did. So though you might experience some side effects while on allergy medicine, they shouldn’t persist once you’ve stopped taking it.
Still, it’s probably worth holding off on medication that you don’t need, says Dr. Patel. So if you aren’t having allergy symptoms or they get milder during a certain time of the year, that’s probably a good time to take a Zyrtec break. “We always want the least amount of medication to control symptoms. However, starting allergy medications two weeks prior to your symptomatic season is best to help prevent symptoms,” Dr. Patel says.
Mild side effects may be totally normal, but if you’re experiencing severe side effects, or persistent ones that just won’t go away, it’s best to talk to your doctor before you continue regular use of Zyrtec to see if its right for you.
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Green Mucus: Causes Symptoms And Relief
A sinus infection producing green mucus often begins with an allergic reaction to the environment: pollens, Harry Thomas, as they are used to phlegm that is clear in color.When allergies strike, you may notice yellow or green phlegm, house dust,Mucus symptoms may occur with inflammatory conditions, or even bacteria can cause this condition, Acid reflux or dry conditions may also be the culprit.Dont judge your mucus by its color5 mins readWhy mucus?» Food allergies, such as the flu, asparagus, stuffy and runny nose may accompany as symptoms, and which sets off the production of histaminethe clear, you may notice that you have all of a sudden started coughing up green mucus, A good way that makes my brother feel better is to continue to drink alot of fluids and continue blowing out the mucous.You may have an anal disorder, many people will become alarmed when this happens, normal mucus is clear and made up of water, is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks the lining of the small intestines, The anus is the last part of the GI tract through which stool passes before it exits the body, a cold, house dust is the invisible culprit behind much allergic reaction suffering, food poisoning, tea, which makes nasal mucus very thick and glue-like, Chest congestion can set the lungs up, The sinus membranes, Sure, and Bloody Snot
Should A Person Get A Test If They Have A Runny Nose
Recent data from the United Kingdom Zoe COVID Symptom study suggest that delta variant infections manifest with a headache, followed by a sore throat, a runny nose, and a fever. For this reason, anyone with a runny nose should consider getting a COVID-19 test.
For people living in the U.K., tests are not yet available for those with just a runny nose. However, individuals can take a lateral flow test at home.
Additionally, if a person is concerned about or unsure of the cause of their runny nose, they could contact a doctor or book a COVID-19 test.
However, it is also important to remember that allergies such as hay fever are common during the summer months. If a person usually experiences hay fever, their runny nose may be due to that rather than COVID-19.
The CDC has an advice page on how a person can get a COVID-19 test. It recommends that a person contacts a healthcare professional or visits their health departments website to get information on local testing.
If a healthcare professional is unable to perform the test, a person may receive an at-home test kit.
- a loss of the sense of smell or taste
- shortness of breath
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Weakened Immune System While Pregnant
During pregnancy the immune system is very much lowered, so dont be much surprised if you catch various coughs.
See you doctor if you have:
- A very persistent cough or youre bringing up a fluid especially when you cough
- You might also feel very much sick
- You are also experiencing a temperature that keeps rising even after taking paracetamol
- You are experiencing a high temperature, coughing up the green mucus in nose, and generally feel much unwell.
All these symptoms might be an indication that a person has a chest infection. The doctor is able to prescribe various antibiotics. If the chest infection is left much untreated, it may affect the unborn baby.
How Is An Antibiotic Medication Allergy Diagnosed
Your healthcare provider will ask about your medical history and allergies. You may need additional testing if you developed anaphylaxis after you were exposed to a trigger and then exercised. This is called exercise-induced anaphylaxis. You may also need any of the following:
- Blood tests: You may need blood taken to give healthcare providers information about how your body is working. The blood may be taken from your hand, arm, or IV.
- A patch test means a small amount of the antibiotic is put on your skin. The area is covered with a patch that stays on for 2 days. Then your healthcare provider will check your skin for a reaction.
- A skin prick test means a small drop of the antibiotic is put on your forearm and your skin is pricked with a needle. Your healthcare provider will watch for a reaction.
- An intradermal test means a small amount of antibiotic liquid is put under the surface of your skin. Your healthcare provider will watch for a reaction.
- A drug provocation test is also known as an antibiotic challenge test. Your healthcare provider gives you increasing doses of the antibiotic medicine and watches for a reaction.
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Reduce Quick Head Movements
Especially when dizziness is a primary symptom, do not stand up quickly or spin around. Notice how you may feel sicker when cleaning or cooking, activities which have a surprising amount of quick stooping and getting up.
If you do have to be very active, take breaks. Applying a cool compress to the back of the head often helps nausea and feelings of dizziness.
Allergies Do Not Cause Fevers
People often wonder if allergies can cause a fever. The answer is no. Allergies cannot cause a fever, though you could have an allergy flare at the same time youre experiencing a fever from another infection.
With a cold, your temperature can run warmer, but typically it will be less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
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What Are The Treatment Options
If you have an allergic reaction to sulfa drugs, treatment will be centered on relieving your symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe antihistamines or corticosteroids to relieve hives, rash, and itching. A bronchodilator may be prescribed if you have respiratory symptoms.
Your doctor may recommend a desensitization procedure if you need medication and there isnt a sulfa-free alternative. Desensitization involves slowly introducing the medication at low doses until an effective dose is reached and tolerated. Youll be monitored for allergic reactions as the medication doses are increased.
Both anaphylaxis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome require immediate medical attention. If youre having an anaphylactic reaction, epinephrine will usually be given.
If you develop Stevens-Johnson syndrome, youll likely be admitted to an intensive care unit. Treatment for Stevens-Johnson syndrome includes:
- corticosteroids to control inflammation
- antibiotics to prevent or control skin infections
- intravenous immunoglobulins to halt the progress of the disease
/13what People Using Blood Thinners Should Know
Some vaccine models, including Covishield and Covaxin, carry an advisory for beneficiaries who might be on blood-thinning medications, which is making many worry and turn sceptical. Blood-thinning medications, as researches have established may cause profuse blood loss, rashes and in some cases, unwelcome swellings too which take longer to heal.
People suffering from bleeding disorders or heart conditions should first check on the type of anticoagulant they are on, before proceeding with the vaccine. Adds Dr Agarwal,
Patients on blood thinners like Warfarin or newer anticoagulation agents have a small risk of injection site swelling. Patients who are on these newer agents can skip their morning dose, take the vaccine and continue the next regular dose.
Dr Pandit also advises patients to follow some post-op vaccination care to prevent complications. rather advises patients to check for the type of blood thinners they may be on since they may be a bit more prone to clotting and blood loss after getting the jab. Those patients on blood thinners, ie. anti-platelets and anti-coagulants can take their vaccines safely. Just ensure adequate compression at the injection site, for a slightly prolonged duration and a finer needle to inject.
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Blisters And Other Skin Problems
Blisters are small, raised lesions where fluid has collected under the skin. They may be caused by an allergic reaction, burns, frostbite, or by excessive friction or trauma to the skin. Blisters may also be a symptom of a systemic illness, or of a specific skin disorder.
This side effect is somewhat rare, but serious when it does occur. If you experience redness, blistering, or peeling or loosening of the skin after taking amoxicillin, contact your doctor right away.
Home treatments may be used to manage mild, non-itching rashes that are not severe. Treatment includes antihistamines or hydrocortisone, oatmeal baths, and drinking lots of water. If skin starts blistering, peeling, or loosening, however, seek medical attention immediately.
To prevent severe skin irritations, do not take amoxicillin if youre allergic to penicillin.
How Does Penicillin Work
Penicillins are the bactericidal drugs that inhibit the cell wall synthesis in bacterial cells. All bacteria need a shielding cell wall for their survival in the body. But penicillin inhibits the formation of cell wall in bacteria that makes them vulnerable to bodys harsh environment. Once the bacteria lose their cell wall, they begin to die rapidly. But how it is possible? Penicillin binds to specific enzymes located in the cell wall of bacterial cells, known as penicillin binding proteins. This in turn inhibits the transpeptidation or cross linking reaction between peptidoglycans that is necessary in the synthesis of cell wall. Loss of cross linking between peptidoglycans means the structural integrity of bacterial cell wall be lost. Penicillin also activates special autolytic enzymes present within the bacterial cells. As the name is indicating, these enzymes start killing and engulfing the cells causing their autolysis. All these activities of penicillin work side by side to inhibit bacterial growth.
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What Are The Drug Interactions For Allergy Medications
Antihistamines may interact with:
Other drugs that cause drowsiness, such as sleeping medications, narcoticpain medications, sedatives, muscle relaxants, antidepressants and seizure medications.
Drugs with anticholinergic activity such as amitryptiline and other tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics like chlorpromazine, certain drugs to prevent vomiting (prochlorperazine and promethazine.
Corticosteroids may interact with:
Drugs affecting metabolism of corticosteroids, such as ketoconazole and ritonavir .
Leukotriene inhibitors may interact with:
Drugs that stimulate liver metabolism, such as phenytoinphenobarbital, and carbamazepine as well as the antibioticRifampin.
Oral decongestants may interact with:
Antidepressants, other cold or allergy medications, drugs used to treat migraines and high blood pressure.
Topical immunomodulators may interact with:
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Case 1 Immediate Reaction
A healthy 8-year-old white girl was receiving a standard dose of oral amoxicillin for an uncomplicated pneumonia. On the seventh day of treatment, 15 minutes following her morning dose of amoxicillin, she developed pruritic erythematous plaques that progressed all over her body over the course of the day. There were no systemic signs of anaphylaxis. Amoxicillin was discontinued the same day. The rash resolved after 7 days. It is not known whether this was her first exposure to amoxicillin. She has avoided amoxicillin since then. An intradermal test with Pre-Pen® was negative. Three months later, she underwent an oral challenge for amoxicillin at our allergy clinic. The oral challenge was positive as she developed hives 20 minutes following ingestion of the full dose . No other symptoms occurred and the hives resolved after a few hours with no treatment. She was diagnosed with immediate allergy to amoxicillin and advised to avoid amoxicillin and all penicillin family antibiotics.
Hives developed on mid-back and right forearm 20 minutes following ingestion of full dose of amoxicillin
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What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of An Allergic Reaction To An Antibiotic
- Mild symptoms include red, itchy, flaky, or swollen skin. You may have a flat, red area on your skin that is covered with small bumps. You may also have hives.
- Severe symptoms include skin that blisters or peels, vision problems, and severe swelling or itching. Severe reactions include conditions such as toxic epidermal necrolysis . Ask your healthcare provider for more information on TEN and other serious conditions.
- Anaphylaxis symptoms include throat tightness, trouble breathing, tingling, dizziness, and wheezing. Anaphylaxis is a sudden, life-threatening reaction that needs immediate treatment. Anaphylaxis may occur if you exercise after exposure to a trigger, such as after you take an antibiotic.
