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What Medicine To Take For Allergies

Away From The Decongestants

What Allergy Medicine Should My Child Be Taking?

When allergies cause a stuffy nose, the first thing many people want to take is a decongestant. However, these medications should be the biggest concern for those with heart disease and high blood pressure, says Paula Miller, M.D., director of cardiac rehabilitation and the womens heart program at UNC Medical Center in Chapel Hill, NC.

This doesnt mean you have to banish decongestants from your allergy-relief toolkit if you have heart disease. You just need to be highly selective when choosing one. Decongestants containing pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine can be an issue for some of those patients and cause elevated blood pressure and rapid heart rate, says Christian Nageotte, M.D., an allergist and immunologist with the Henry Ford Health Center in Novi, MI.

Of these two active ingredients, pseudoephedrine, found in Sudafed and similar decongestants, is the bigger concern, as it is a stimulant, and something to be on the watch for if you have heart rhythm problems, such as atrial fibrillation, or if you have high blood pressure. Decongestants can sometimes cause your heart rate to go up slightly, Dr. Miller says. If you get palpitations, it can make the palpitations a little worse. Nothing bad will happen to you, she says, but the feeling can be disconcerting.

As always, check with your doctor before using a decongestant, and follow these tips:

Additional Treatments To Consider For Cat Allergies

  • Allergy shots Cat lovers who suffer from allergies can benefit from weekly injections that increase in potency for six months, followed by 3-5 years of monthly maintenance injections. This method is very effective, but may cause skin reactions.
  • Use an air purifier In rooms you share with your cat, clean the air with an air purifier that has a HEPA-certified filter. HEPA filters reduce airborne pet allergens by forcing air through a special filter that traps pet dander, as well as pollen, dust mites, and other allergens.
  • Bathe your cat While bathing your cat in the tub sounds terrifying, wiping your furry friend down with a wet towel daily can help lower his allergens.
  • Cat-free room Chose a room, preferably your bedroom to keep your cat out of. Dust and vacuum that room thoroughly and make an effort to keep your door closed.
  • Try medication For those looking to make medicine a part of their daily routine, oral antihistamines can help keep cat allergies under control. Intranasal corticosteroid spray and antihistamine eye drops are also options that can help.

Treatment For Drug Allergies

In most drug allergy cases, your doctor should be able to prescribe an alternative medication. Antihistamines, corticosteroids, or epinephrine may be needed for more serious reactions.

Otherwise, your doctor may recommend a desensitization procedure. This means taking small doses of the medication until your body can handle your dosage.

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Medicated Sprays Or Baths

While not a long-term solution, you can give your itchy pooch some quick relief with an OTC medicated spray or bath. These products typically contain hydrocortisone or a similar ingredient that relieves skin irritation and itch along with soothing oatmeal, aloe, tea tree oil, chamomile, or other itch and irritation reducers.

What Should Necessary Precautions Be Taken

What Allergy Medicine Can I Take While Breastfeeding? (BE ...

It is recommended to take the tablet on prescription by the doctor, and it will help avoid unnecessary side effects. Following are the legit precaution for cetirizine tablets you should take :

  • The tablet contains hydroxyzine as an ingredient, and it may have side effects on your taste bud. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking cetirizine.
  • Check your medical history in guidance with your doctor, make sure you dont have any adverse effects of the tablet.
  • If you are consuming this tablet to treat hives during the days, immediately consult a doctor if you witness any other symptoms.
  • One thing about the tablet is it can make you feel drowsy. Therefore it is recommended not to take the cetirizine tablet with alcohol or marijuana or alcohol-containing products.
  • In diabetes, you must consult with your pharmacist before taking the tablet, as it contains sugar ingredients.
  • Pregnant women should take the tablet only when the gynecologist has recommended it. Taking the pill without a prescription can affect the embryo.

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How Do Decongestants Work

During an allergic reaction, tissues in your nose may swell in response to contact with the allergen. That swelling makes fluid and mucus. Blood vessels in the eyes can also swell, causing redness. Decongestants work by shrinking swollen nasal tissues and blood vessels, relieving the symptoms of nasal swelling, congestion, mucus secretion, and redness.

Can Allergy Medications Harm Your Brain

Its allergy season and many of us will be reaching into the medicine cabinet for relief. But it is important to choose wisely, as some allergy medications can harm brain health and increase dementia risk.

Diphenhydramine is a first-generation antihistamine medication . In addition to treating allergy and cold symptoms such as sneezing and watery eyes, it also blocks the actions of acetylcholine. This is a neurotransmitter that is important for brain functions including learning and memory. Diphenhydramine is classified as an anticholinergic drug, and a study of this class of drug found that increased use is associated with an up to 54% increased risk of dementia .

SAFER ALTERNATIVES

The good news is that newer antihistamines equal the effectiveness of diphenhydramine with few or no cognitive side effects. These medications were developed to minimize adverse events common to diphenhydramine and other older antihistamines .

If youre older or have concerns about brain health, consider an allergy medication other than diphenhydramine. In addition to the medications above, topical nasal sprays and allergy shots are available by prescription and can also help alleviate symptoms. As always, its a good idea to discuss your options with a medical professional.

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How Long Does It Take Allergy Shots To Work

Allergy shots have been around for around 50 years and have extensive research to back up their effectiveness. Because immunotherapy teaches your body to have a more measured response to the culprit allergen, the length of time varies based on the severity of the allergey and the pliability of your immune system to learn how to better manage the allergen.

Most patients experience a significant reduction in allergic symptoms within 12 months of initiating therapy, and by three years, many patients no longer have any sensitivity to the substance. Continued high-level exposure to the allergen during treatment may impact the efficacy of the treatment. For example, if youâre getting immunotherapy because youâre allergic to cats and you live with a cat, it may take longer for the immunotherapy to work, if at all.

Twelve months may seem like a long time when youâre accustomed to taking pills that quickly mask symptoms, but the sooner you start immunotherapy, the sooner you can lose the pills and feel better every day. Book online today.

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Can I Take Allegra Or Claritin If I Am Pregnant Or Breastfeeding

Ask the Allergist: When Taking Allergy Medications, Timing is Everything

Allegra is classified as pregnancy category C, which means that you should use it only if the potential benefits of taking the medication outweigh the potential risks to your baby. Be sure to discuss your options with your OB/GYN.

Claritin is classified as pregnancy category B, which means that the medication is generally safe to use during pregnancy if it is clearly needed. Other medicines in category B include prenatal vitamins and acetaminophen .

Claritin passes into breast milk, and you should not take it while you are breastfeeding. Researchers do not know if Allegra passes into breast milk. Given the lack of information, you should not use Allegra if you are nursing. Antihistamines, in general, tend to dry up breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about safe options to treat allergy symptoms.

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Which Type Of Allergy Medication Is Right For You

February 17, 2021 Written by: Michael Menachof Categories: Allergy, Allergy Treatment

Dr. Menachof, MD, has specialized in conditions around the head, throat, ear, nose, neck and face for over 20 years, and was the first to bring sublingual allergy drops to Colorado in 2005. He has been recognized as a Fellow by multiple academies, named one of Americas Top Facial Plastic Surgeons continually since 2003 and is featured in multiple national publications.

There are many different ways to treat allergies, and some treatments work better than others depending on your symptoms and lifestyle. Each person reacts differently to allergensthe irritants that trigger histamine reactions and cause symptoms like stuffy nose and itching. The same is true for allergy medications as well.

It may take some trials with different medications, or a combination of several, to find the ideal relief from all of your allergy symptoms. Allergy treatment options include antihistamines, decongestants, combination drugs, corticosteroids, and other medications. Immunotherapy is also a long-term approach to allergy treatment, which gradually increases your tolerance to allergens through allergy shots or allergy drops.

Below we explain the differences between several types of allergy medicine, how they work, and which allergy symptoms they alleviate most effectively.

How Should I Take Allegra

Use Allegra exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take the regular tablet with a full glass of water. Do not use any other type of liquid. Shake the oral suspension well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

To take fexofenadine orally disintegrating tablets :

  • Keep the tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take the medicine. Open the package and peel back the foil from the tablet blister. Do not push a tablet through the foil or you may damage the tablet.

  • Using dry hands, remove the tablet and place it in your mouth. It will begin to dissolve right away.

  • Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it 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.

Take the Allegra disintegrating tablet on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse after you start taking Allegra. Never use more than the recommended dose.

Store Allegra at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the medicine bottle tightly closed.

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Which Type Is Best

Thereâs not much evidence to suggest any particular antihistamine is better than any other at relieving allergy symptoms.

Some people find certain types work well for them and others do not. You may need to try several types to find one that works for you.

Non-drowsy antihistamines are generally the best option, as theyâre less likely to make you feel sleepy. But types that make you feel sleepy may be better if your symptoms stop you sleeping.

Ask a pharmacist for advice if youâre unsure which medicine to try as not all antihistamines are suitable for everyone.

How Can I Be Prepared

What Allergy Medicine Should I Take

If you know you have a drug allergy, memorize the name of that drug, both brand names and generic name. Tell all your health care providers before you get any type of treatment, including dental care.

Itâs also a good idea to carry a card or wear a special bracelet or pendant that identifies your allergy, in case of emergency.

Know what to do if you have an allergic reaction. If your doctor prescribes medication for emergencies, like an EpiPen, make sure you always carry two and you know how to use it.

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When Is It Safe To Stop Taking Seasonal Allergy Medications

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Everyones experience with seasonal allergies is different and can change from year to year. Stopping too early can cause your symptoms to suddenly appear and be difficult to get back under control. Its best to discuss this with your provider so you can come up with a plan on when to stop your allergy medication.

When You Take Allergy Medicine Every Day This Is What Happens

Spring is a great time of year. The weather gets warmer, the days get longer, but if youre prone to allergies, the increased dust, pollen, and everything in between can make the season unbearable.

Antihistamines, or allergy medicines, are used to control how much histamine, a chemical made by the immune system in response to allergens, the body produces. But like a lot of medications, allergy pills come with side effects, which can include drowsiness, dry mouth, weight gain, an increased heart rate, headaches, a sore throat, and nausea.

There can also be rare side effects when a person abruptly stops taking allergy pills after regular use. According to Sandra Lin, MD, a professor and the vice director of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at John Hopkins School of Medicine, halting pill usage can result in itchy skin and disrupted sleep .

But what happens when someone takes medicine for allergies every single day for an extended period of time? Is that okay? Is it harmful? After all, 50 million Americans must put up with an array of allergens each year .

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Treating Both The Cause And Symptoms

There are several different classes of drugs used to treat allergy symptoms. The most common include antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays, and antileukotrienes such as Singulair .

Each of these medications has a different mechanism of action. Some may be used to treat acute symptoms while others aim to achieve longer-lasting relief. The choice depends largely on the types of symptoms you have as well as their severity.

Treating Severe Allergic Reactions

How do allergy medications work?

Some people with severe allergies may experience life-threatening reactions, known as anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock.

If you’re at risk of this, you’ll be given special injectors containing a medicine called adrenaline to use in an emergency.

If you develop symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as difficulty breathing, you should inject yourself in the outer thigh before seeking emergency medical help.

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Treats Mild To Moderate Inflammation In Allergy Sufferers

Mast cell stabilizers are often used alongside other allergy treatments to help alleviate mild to moderate inflammation. These treatments work by preventing histamine from being released by the mast cells, which are the cells that produce and store histamine.

Mast cell stabilizers are available as eye drops for itchy eyes, also called allergic conjunctivitis, and as nasal sprays for nasal allergy symptoms. As with many drugs, it may take several weeks to start working at its best.

How Do I Know Whether I Have Seasonal Or Perennial Allergic Rhinitis

Symptoms for both seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis are generally the same â nasal congestion, runny nose, itching, sneezing, and sometimes watery and itchy eyes. However, symptoms for seasonal allergic rhinitis generally appear according to the season commonly associated with the particular allergy you have. For example, if you have an allergy to tree pollen, your symptoms would usually appear in the spring.

Perennial allergic rhinitis symptoms occur as a result of allergens that you are exposed to year-round, such as dust mites and animal dander. For a diagnosis of whether you have seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis , you should make an appointment with your doctor.

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Apply A Sandalwood And Turmeric Paste To Cool Your Skin

According to ayurveda, hives and skin rashes are an indication of excess heat or pitta in your body. A paste of sandalwood powder and turmeric powder is usually recommended to cool the skin and soothe rashes. Mix the two powders in a 2:1 ratio respectively and add goats milk to make a paste. Applying this paste to the affected area can give relief. Do keep in mind that turmeric can stain your skin and give it a yellowish tinge for a couple of days. But this will wear off on its own.

Hereditary Plays A Part

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Hereditary factors certainly do set one up for a susceptibility to allergies. A predisposition is every reason to ensure you take steps to protect your body from potential health problems.

Allergies appear to run in families which means you have a higher than average risk of developing an allergy. Therefore avoiding the potential allergen and protecting your immune system with the right lifestyle and the right medicine is a smart move and will result in far fewer symptoms.

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How Long Will It Take For My Allergy Medication To Work

When youre experiencing allergy symptoms, you want to feel better and fast. But because each product works differently and treats specific symptoms, its important that you select one that will help you the most.

If youre looking for fast congestion relief, oral decongestants can start working in 15 to 30 minutes and nasal sprays can start alleviating congestion right away.

Antihistamines usually start working within 1 to 2 hours, depending on the product youre taking. You can also find antihistamine nasal sprays, like Astelin , that work in as little as 15 minutes.

Nasal steroids, on the other hand, take the longest to provide a benefit sometimes a few weeks. Thats why theyre better for symptom prevention instead of treating symptoms as they happen.

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