How To Relieve Sneezing From Allergies
Once youve determined that youre suffering from allergies rather than a cold, youre ready to figure out how to reduce or relieve sneezing. Here are a few actions you can take: 6
Take an oral antihistamine, decongestant, or medicated nasal spray to control your symptoms.
Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of getting immunotherapy to reduce your bodys reaction to allergens.
Which Is More Sedating Zyrtec Or Claritin
Zyrtec and Claritin are second-generation antihistamines. Second-generation antihistamines were first developed in the 1990s to provide allergy relief without the unwanted side effect of sedation common to first-generation antihistamines such as promethazine and diphenhydramine. However, it soon became apparent that not all second-generation antihistamines were equal when it came to not causing drowsiness or affecting other thought processes. Cetirizine was significantly more likely than loratadine to cause drowsiness and have a negative effect on motivation in one study of 60 patients with allergic rhinitis.
How Often Can Antihistamines Be Used
Antihistamines can be taken everyday to keep daily symptoms under control. Depending on when symptoms flare, they can be taken through the pollen season, for instance in the spring and fall, or they can be taken only when symptoms occur on an as-needed basis.
Antihistamines can be helpful if taken in advance of exposure to allergens that trigger symptoms. For instance, taking anithistamines a few days prior to the start of pollen season or before visiting your friend who has a cat or dog.
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Why Do Allergies Make Us Sneeze
Achoo! Were all familiar with sneezing, but have you wondered why and how your body does it? These five steps will help you understand what happens in your body.
Zyrtec Dosage For Dogs
The exact Zyrtec dosage depends on the dogs size and the underlying cause for using the medication in the first place. Here are the basic dosing guidelines:
- For Atopic Dermatitis 0.5 mg per pound of body weight every 24 hours
- For Allergy Symptoms 0.5 mg per pound of body weight every 12 hours
- For Insect Bites/Stings 0.5 mg per pound of body weight as first-aid
Zyrtec is available as tablets and an oral syrup. Which Zyrtec form you will choose depends on your dogs size and dosage needs. In general, if you have a smaller dog, the liquid form would be more practical because the tablets are very small and hard to cut. On the other hand, if your dog is a large or giant breed, the 10 mg tablets are more convenient.
The Zyrtec tablets can be given with or without food. The general rule of the thumb is to avoid giving dogs pills on an empty stomach if prone to digestive issues . As for the Zyrtec syrup, it can be drizzled on top of the dogs food or squirted directly into the dogs mouth.
If you accidentally forgot to give your dog its regular Zyrtec dose, you have two options:
- Skip the missed dose completely
- Give the missed dose as soon as you remember
In both cases, it is important not to double-up to compensate for the missed dose. Although antihistamine overdoses are practically impossible, sticking to the dosing guidelines is of imperative importance.
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How Should I Take Claritin
Can U Give A Dog Zyrtec
Zyrtec may be safe for dogs at the appropriate dose. As a pet owner, you should always consult your vet before giving your dog a new medication. You should also learn all that you can about the medication youre giving to your dog and its potential side effects. At the end of the day, allergies are no fun.
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Can I Give My Dog Zyrtec
Yes, you can give your dog Zyrtec. In fact, Zyrtec is one of the safest over-the-counter medications for dogs. It is an excellent first-aid choice and has wide safety margins it is not likely to cause any issues even if given in large doses.
Zyrtec is the brand name for the antihistamine cetirizine hydrochloride. In veterinary medicine, Zyrtec is used off-label, meaning although safe, it is not FDA approved for use in pets. However, vets support the Zyrtec use in dogs because it is beneficial, inexpensive, and readily available.
Zyrtec is popularly known as an improved Benadryl version. This is because, unlike Benadryl, the active ingredient in Zyrtec does not cause sedation and lethargy. This is due to the fact that cetirizine does not cross the blood-brain barrier.
Zyrtec Vs Other Allergy Medications
Multiple studies show that Zyrtec is better at treating hay fever and hives when compared to Claritin or Allegra . Zyrtec works faster, is more effective, and lasts longer than these other antihistamines.
When used for hives, Zyrtec may work better than Claritin or Allegra but is similar in effectiveness to Xyzal and Clarinex . Zyrtec, however, is more likely than Claritin or Allegra to have the side effect of fatigue.
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How Should Zyrtec Be Taken
Adults and children 6 years and over should takeone 10 mg capsule once daily do not take more than one 10 mg capsule in 24 hours. A 5 mg product may be appropriate for less severe symptoms.
Adults 65 years of age or older, children under 6 years of age, and consumers with liver or kidneydisease should consult a doctor before using this product.
What Happens If I Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, vision problems, agitation, feeling restless and then drowsy or tired, fast heartbeats, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, trouble walking, or trouble swallowing or speaking.
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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.
How To Use Zyrtec
If you are taking the over-the-counter product to self-treat, read all directions on the product package before taking this medication. If you have any questions, consult your pharmacist. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, take it as directed, usually once daily.
If you are using the chewable tablets, chew each tablet well and swallow. If you are using the rapidly-dissolving tablet, allow the tablet to dissolve on the tongue and then swallow, with or without water. If you are using the liquid form of this medication, measure the dose carefully using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.
The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than directed.
Tell your doctor if your allergy symptoms do not improve, if your hives do not improve after 3 days of treatment, or if your hives last more than 6 weeks. Get medical help right away if your condition worsens or if you think you have a serious medical problem .
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Potential Side Effects And Risks Of Zyrtec For Dogs
All antihistamines are considered to be generally safe for dogs. However, medications have the potential to trigger some side effects in certain overly sensitive individuals. In those terms, the side effects associated with Zyrtec include:
- Urine retention
- Constipation
As already mentioned, the main side effect of antihistamines drowsiness is not common in dogs receiving Zyrtec. However, if a small dog is dosed with a significant Zyrtec amount, it may become sedated and lethargic.
Zyrtec should be used with extra caution on dogs with:
- Chronic heart, kidney, and liver problems
- Seizure disorders and thyroid conditions
- Prostatic enlargement and glaucoma
- Trouble urinating or constipation issues
- Puppies, seniors, pregnant, and nursing females
On the other hand, Zyrtec must not be used in dogs:
- Allergic or sensitive to the active ingredient or hydroxyzine
- Receiving other medications with known drug interactions
- Working dogs prone to sleepiness as a side effect
Finally, we should emphasize an important precaution never give your dog Zyrtec-D. This formulas main active ingredient is the same as in regular Zyrtec. However, Zyrtec-D contains another compound called pseudoephedrine .
In humans, pseudoephedrine helps with congestion, but in pets, it overstimulates the central nervous system and the heart, resulting in potentially life-threatening seizures and heart failure. Therefore, Zyrtec-D is considered to be toxic to dogs.
Allergy Triggers That Cause Sneezing
Seasonal allergies, also called hay fever and allergic rhinitis, impact an estimated 5.2 million children and 19.2 million adults, making it one of the most common chronic diseases in the United States.2 That means many people have a vested interest in figuring out how to stop sneezing from allergies.3
If you want to determine whats causing your sneezing fits, its important to identify the allergic triggers youve contacted. The best way to relieve sneezing from allergies is to avoid exposure to irritants. If you know you sneeze when youre around a particular plant or when you sniff Aunt Susans cloud of perfume, you can minimize your exposure.4
Sometimes, of course, you cant avoid allergens. In this case, if you must stifle a sneeze, try breathing through your mouth and pinching the end of your nose. But its better to take preventive measures to keep sneezing under control. First, it helps to understand why, exactly, an allergen such as pollen, pet dander, mold, or dust causes such an inconvenient response.
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Are Zyrtec And Benadryl The Same
Zyrtec and Benadryl are both antihistamines that help relieve allergy symptoms. Benadryl is a first-generation antihistamine and tends to cause more side effects. Zyrtec is a second-generation antihistamine and causes fewer side effects.
Other common newer antihistamines you may see on the shelf include Claritin , Allegra , and Xyzal .
Potential Link To Obesity
At least one correlative study has found a potential link between antihistamine drugs, like Claritin and Zyrtec, and . Antihistamine drugs may affect some patients normal appetite suppression neurotransmitters, thus leading patients to feel hungrierand therefore eat morethan they would if they were not using an antihistamine. Further study is needed, but those concerned about their weight or who have noticed differences in their eating habits while on these drugs should consult a doctor.
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Which Allergy Medications Affect My Blood Pressure
You should avoid decongestants if you have high blood pressure or heart problems. Decongestants constrict blood vessels to open nasal passages and facilitate breathing. Because decongestants constrict blood vessels throughout your body, they can worsen hypertension. Additionally, decongestants stimulate the release of norepinephrine in your body, which raises your blood pressure and your heart rate.
When choosing an allergy medication, be aware of combination products that contain decongestants. Products that contain a decongestant typically have the words sinus, cold, congestion, or on the label. They may also be labeled with the letters D, PD, or PE after the name.
Examples of allergy medicines that contain decongestants include the following:
- Allegra D
- Benadryl D
- Clarinex D
- Claritin D
- Sudafed Sinus and Allergy
- Zyrtec D
The list above is a small sample of allergy medications that contain decongestants. Always check with your pharmacist before choosing allergy medications.
Flonase Nasal Sprays Vs Zyrtec
Not all over-the-counter allergy medicines are created equal. Single-ingredient oral antihistamines dont relieve nasal congestion, and some, like Zyrtec, may even cause drowsiness. FLONASE nasal sprays are non-drowsy, anti-inflammatory allergy relief nasal sprays that provide more complete relief* than a single-ingredient antihistamine. Heres how FLONASE stacks up against oral antihistamines, like Zyrtec.
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Zyrtec Vs Benadryl: Differences Similarities And Which Is Better For You
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Sneezing, runny eyes, feeling itchy all overthese are typical allergy symptoms that can make you feel miserable. If you suffer from allergy symptoms, youre not alone. Over 50 million Americans experience allergies throughout the year. Allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness every year.
There is no cure for allergies, but youll undoubtedly see plenty of allergy medications when visiting your local pharmacy. Zyrtec and Benadryl are two popular over-the-counter medications used to alleviate allergy symptoms. Both medicines are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration .
Zyrtec and Benadryl are antihistamines, or H1 receptor blockers. They work by blocking histamine. Histamine is a substance your body makes during an allergic reaction, causing those pesky symptoms. By blocking histamine, Zyrtec and Benadryl help relieve allergy symptoms.
Benadryl is a first-generation antihistamine. First-generation antihistamines tend to cause more sedation and drowsiness and can impair coordination and driving. Zyrtec is a second-generation antihistamine. Although Zyrtec can still cause drowsiness and other side effects, the drug tends to cause less drowsiness and fewer side effects in general and is safer if you need to drive or operate machinery.
How Oral Antihistamines Work
Antihistamines block the effects of histamines in your body. Histamine is normally released when your body detects something harmful. But in people with allergies, the body mistakes something harmless, such as pollen, animal hair or house dust, for a threat. The histamine causes an allergic reaction with unpleasant symptoms including itchy, watery eyes, a runny nose, and/or sneezing.
More often than not, being proactive with your allergy regimen can stop the suffering before it even starts. For preventative action, check your local pollen count to avoid unexpectedly running into high pollen areas and install a high-efficiency particulate air filter inside your home. Quality air filters catch pollen and other indoor allergens before they reach you. If you continue to have issues with allergies, consider trying Xyzal to help manage your symptoms.
For the allergy relief you need, its important to understand the differences among your options. With the number of oral antihistamines out there, it can be confusing to know which one is right for you and your family. Lets take a deeper look at how antihistamines work and how they hold up in a side-by-side comparison.
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How Antihistamines Work
When you’ve been exposed to a substance you’re allergic to , your body produces histamine, which is a chemical messenger released by cells in the immune system to alert and activate other cells and proteins of the immune system.
Histamine causes the typical allergy symptoms of sneezing, stuffy and runny nose, watery and itchy eyes, and an itchy throat that you associate with exposure to whichever allergens you are sensitive to.
Antihistamines reduce the amount of histamine circulating in your system, thereby reducing symptoms.
How Should I Use Zyrtec
Zyrtec is taken by mouth.
Use Zyrtec exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
Older adults may need to take a lower than normal dose. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
You may take this medicine with or without food.
Do not swallow the Zyrtec orally disintegrating tablet whole. Allow the tablet to dissolve in your mouth without chewing. Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves. If desired, you may drink liquid to help swallow the dissolved tablet.
Measure liquid Zyrtec Syrup carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device .
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow liquid medicine to freeze.
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Do You Know About Possible Antihistamine Withdrawals
Before you decide to start an antihistamine, you should be aware of the potential for withdrawal effects. For example, some people experience symptoms with cetirizine if they take it for a while and then stop suddenly. The main withdrawal symptom is called pruritus itching and burning sensations of the skin ranging from moderate to severe. Other antihistamine withdrawal symptoms include interruptions in sleep patterns.
