What To Take For Allergies And Sinus

Tips To Manage Chest Congestion During Nighttime

Managing congestion at night can be accomplished by using any of the techniques outlined above. Taking a hot shower can also help open up the airways before getting into bed in a slightly inclined position.

Its also a good idea to keep a little safety kit on your bedside table in case you feel congested in bed. A glass of water, some vapor rub, or other medications to help are a good idea to keep close by. Running a diffuser with essential oils like peppermint oil may help, too.

Its possible that congestion can be triggered by allergies, which is why its important to keep your bedding clean. Dust mites are a common trigger for allergic reactions and congestion, so try and wash your sheets weekly in hot water.

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How Is Sinus Infection Diagnosed

Diagnosis depends on symptoms and requires an examination of the throat, nose and sinuses. Your allergist will look for:

• Discolored nasal discharge

If your sinus infection lasts longer than eight weeks, or if standard antibiotic treatment is not working, a sinus CT scan may help your allergist diagnose the problem. Your allergist may examine your nose or sinus openings. The exam uses a long, thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera and a light at one end that is inserted through the nose. It is not painful. Your allergist may give you a light anesthetic nasal spray to make you more comfortable.

Mucus cultures: If your sinus infection is chronic or has not improved after several rounds of antibiotics, a mucus culture may help to determine what is causing the infection. Most mucus samples are taken from the nose. However, it is sometimes necessary to get mucus directly from the sinuses.

Knowing what kind of bacteria is causing the infection can lead to more effective antibiotic therapy. A fungus could also cause your sinus infection. Confirming the presence of fungus is important. Fungal sinus infection needs to be treated with antifungal agents, rather than antibiotics. In addition, some forms of fungal sinus infection allergic fungal sinus infection, for example do not respond to antifungal agents and often require the use of oral steroids.

What About Antihistamines In Cold And Flu Medications

What many people may not know is that cold and flu medicines marketed to treat runny nose and sneezing usually include first-generation antihistamines the more sedating types. Thats because they are often better at treating cold symptoms and drying up runny nose than the newer types.

Because of their sedating effect, cold medicines with antihistamines are labeled for nighttime use. Take this labeling seriously, as some include medications like doxylamine that are more sedating than others. Check labels for dosages, as well, as these may vary, even within brands.

More is not better read labels carefully and take only as recommended. Dont supplement a multi-symptom cold medication with another single-ingredient antihistamine.

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Allergy Relief Comes With Variety

Sams Club features more than five OTC allergy medicine brands online and in-store. We carry sinus relief medications, nasal irrigators, humidifiers, nasal strips and more to help you breathe better despite allergy flare-ups. Choosing your preferred product of choice as well as meeting any allergy need from which you are suffering is made easy with diversity. Whatever your needs, you can be sure to stock up your medicine cabinet with the best OTC allergy medicine for everyone in your household.

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Vicks Personal Sinus Steam Inhaler With Soft Face Mask Face Humidifier With Targeted Steam Relief Aids With Sinus Problems Congestion And Cough

Features:

• PERSONAL STEAM INHALER Vicks Personal Sinus Steam Inhaler provides a warm mist of steam for temporary symptomatic relief from cough, congestion and allergies in a 5-15 minute treatment. Compatible with soothing menthol Vicks VapoPads for added comfort.
• QUICK AND EASY TO USE Get fast relief in a quick 5-15 treatment. With this Vicks steam inhaler, no filters are required and its designed to work with tap water.
• COUGH AND CONGESTION RELIEF This personal steam inhaler features an ergonomic designed face mask, for targeted delivery of pure, germ-free mist. Soothing steam penetrates nasal, sinus and throat passages for fast relief.
• MAY HELP WITH BREATHING PROBLEMS A personal warm mist humidifierhelps naturally alleviate congestion, dryness and irritation. It may provide sinus relief and help with breathing problems like bronchitis, allergies, and coldswith cough and congestion.
• A CENTURY OF POWERFUL RELIEF At Vicks, we believe that everyone deserves a touch of care. Our line of humidifiers, steam inhalers and vaporizers help you breathe better, wherever you are.

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What Kicks It Off

With both sinusitis and allergies, your nose and sinuses get stuffed up, but it happens for different reasons.

If you have allergies, the passages of your nose and sinuses swell because they’re trying to flush out “allergens.” That’s just a technical word for anything you’re allergic to, like pollen, mold, dust mites, and pet dander.

Sinusitis usually develops because of allergies or a cold. Sometimes, but not often, it’s from bacteria that cause an infection.

When you have allergies or a cold, your nose and sinuses get inflamed. That blocks mucus from draining, which can cause an infection — not to mention pain and pressure.

If you have allergies, you’re more likely to have sinus problems. That’s because the inside of your nose and sinuses often swell up when you breathe in triggers.

What Are Your Considerations Before Purchasing The Sinus And Allergy Medicine

Were sure you got theproduct and afterward regretted it. We are all anxious about the items we purchase. The simplest approach to prevent these problems is to research before buying them. We have decided to make this post to advise you on avoiding buying faults.

• Customer service is awful.
• Do not look at the importance of the product.
• What are the essentials of this product?
• There isnt enough time to investigate the product.
• Getting overwhelmed by a variety of reviews.

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Types Of Otc Allergy Medications

OTC allergy medications use a variety of methods to fight symptoms. Three of the most common OTC allergy medication types are:

• Corticosteroids: This type of OTC allergy medication works by preventing swelling and inflammation. Its applied via nasal spray, treating nasal allergies. Corticosteroids are Dr. Passers preferred format of OTC allergy medicationwhile they mainly help with congestion and post nasal drainage, they can also help with itching and sneezing, she says. These work by soothing the sensitive tissue in your sinuses by coating them with the best anti-inflammatory medication, says Dr. Passer.Therefore, when you are exposed to allergens, those tissues remain calm, cool and collected and dont have the over-exaggerated response of swelling and producing lots of mucus. Indeed, one study confirms corticosteroids are superior to antihistamines when it comes to treating allergies. In the study, 88 patients with ragweed allergies received either a corticosteroid or an antihistamine. After four weeks, the steroid nasal spray group reported far fewer allergy symptoms than the antihistamine groupSteroids More Effective Than Antihistamines When Used As Needed For Allergies. University Of Chicago Medical Center. Accessed 05/13/2021. .

Antihistamines For Sinus Headaches

The other possible cause of sinus headaches is an allergy and antihistamines are the best medications to treat allergies. The body experiences allergic symptoms and reactions due to a hormone that is released in the body, named histamine. This leads to the formation of excessive mucus and it blocks the nasal passage or the sinus cavity. Antihistamines block the release of histamine in the body. Thereby, the sinus cavity will not be inflamed as a result of the allergy. Thus, the fluid in the sinus cavities would be reduced.

There are many popular antihistamines that are commonly used for treating sinus headaches like Diphenhydramine and Loratadine. The older antihistamines can cause drowsiness in most people. On the other hand, the newer antihistamines like Loratadine do not cause as much of drowsiness in healthy adults. Still, if you are taking the antihistamines, it is advised that you do not drive at that time. Even, operating any machinery after taking the antihistamines must be avoided.

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What Is The Best Allergy Medicine

The short answer is it depends. As described above, there are a few things to consider when selecting the right allergy medicine for you:

• How quickly you need relief

Fast-acting medications, like decongestants and antihistamines, work quickly if youre experiencing symptoms. And while antihistamines can be taken daily, decongestants should only be used as needed short term.

Antihistamines and nasal steroids can be good options for preventing symptoms from happening if taken daily before allergy season hits. Experts currently recommend intranasal steroids as the first-choice treatment for people with persistent symptoms.

Lastly, keep in mind that not all antihistamines are created equal Benadryl can make you feel drowsy, whereas Allegra and Claritin may be less sedating. Since all antihistamines may cause some drowsiness, its best to see how you respond to them before engaging in activities that require alertness or concentration.

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I Have Chronic Sinus Infections And Thus A Chronic Post

When you are suffering from chronic sinus infections, chances are that you are also regularly dealing with a slew of sinusitis symptoms, including post-nasal drip and sore throat. And if your sinus infections havent responded to regular treatment, you may feel out of options. Fortunately, thats not the case.

Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive new sinus treatment that helps restore proper drainage. During the procedure, your sinus doctor uses a tiny endoscopic balloon to widen your nasal passages and open up your blocked sinuses. The procedure takes less than 30 minutes, can be performed in-office, requires very little recovery time, and provides long-term relief. It is a wonderful alternative to traditional sinus surgery, which often necessitates the cutting of bone or tissue.

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Should I Stop Taking My Allergy Medicine Before My Vaccine Appointment

You dont need to stop taking your regular allergy medicines if youre getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

If every springtime you take your Zyrtec and use your nose sprays, absolutely you should continue taking those, says Shirley Fung, an allergy and immunology specialist at Jefferson Health. Theres no concern it will interfere with the efficacy of the vaccine.

If youre taking stronger, immune-suppression medications, like prednisone, talk to your doctor before getting vaccinated. The vaccine is considered safe if youre immunocompromised, but research is still underway on the efficacy of the vaccine for immunocompromised people.

Over-the-counter allergy medicines, like Zyrtec, Flonase, Claritin, and Allegra, however, dont require a discussion with your doctor. You may even want to set a reminder to take your medicine, especially if you see a high pollen count on the day of your appointment.

Obviously the benefit of getting your COVID vaccine as soon as possible is important, but if youre already stuffy and sneezy, and you add to that the potential of more side effects later, that might not feel good, says Scott Feldman, a physician and assistant professor of medicine in the section of allergy and immunology at Penn Medicine. You may want to take your maximum allergy medication to control your allergies if its a particularly bad day.

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How Long Will It Take For My Allergy Medicine 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 the allergy medicine that will help you the most.

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

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

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

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What Are Common Signs/symptoms

Sinus headaches are different from other headaches in that symptoms arent limited to pressure or throbbing sensations in the head. Pain is sometimes worse when bending forward or lying down. In addition to pain or pressure in the forehead or brow, you may experience:

• Facial pain, pressure, or fullness
• General fatigue
• Upper teeth pain or discomfort

Is The Neti Pot Safe

Research has found that the Neti pot is generally safe. A small number of regular users experience mild side effects, such as nasal irritation and stinging. Nosebleeds can also occur, but they are rare. Reducing the amount of salt in the solution, adjusting the frequency of Neti pot use, and changing the temperature of the water may help to reduce side effects.

To help prevent infection, always use distilled, sterile, or previously boiled water. Also, its important to properly care for your nasal irrigation device. Either wash the device thoroughly by hand, or put it in the dishwasher if its dishwasher-safe. Follow by drying the device completely after each use.

If you experience side effects or develop an infection, talk to your doctor.

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How Should I Take Sinus & Allergy Pe

Use 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. Cold medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.

You should not use antihistamine medication to make a child sleepy.

Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release tablet or capsule. Swallow it whole. Breaking or opening the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.

The chewable tablet must be chewed before swallowing.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-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.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache, cough, or skin rash.

This medication can cause unusual results with allergy skin tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are taking an antihistamine.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time if you have taken a cold medicine within the past few days.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

• Save up to 80% on your prescriptions.
• Accepted at over 65,000 pharmacies.

Types Of Prescription And Otc Allergy Medications

Treating allergies can be difficult . From researching ingredients in scent-free lotion to keeping a journal of your symptoms it can feel overwhelming. But the truth is, you may need to try a different allergy medicine, or a combination of several, to find relief. Allergy medicine options include oral antihistamines, decongestants, combination drugs, corticosteroids, and other OTC allergy medications. While most OTC medicines can provide temporary relief, we also offer alternative options for long-term relief and allergy prevention with immunotherapy . Immunotherapy is a preventative approach to treating allergies by gradually increasing your tolerance to allergens through allergy shots or allergy drops.

Were here to make it easier for you to find the best allergy treatment that works for you. Here are the differences among several types of allergy treatments, including prescription and OTC allergy medicines, how they work, and what issues they alleviate.

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Best Nighttime Allergy Medicine: Benadryl Allergy Ultra Tabs

Type: Antihistamine

Active ingredient: Diphenhydramine

Dose frequency: Every 4â6 hours

Trying to get some shut-eye without waking up to a scratchy throat in the dead of night? Thereâs a solid chance that Benadryl can help. This household name is known not only for its allergy relief propertiesâcourtesy of diphenhydramine, an antihistamineâbut for causing marked drowsiness, which can be helpful if your allergy symptoms tend to keep you up at night.

Shop this and other Benadryl products:

• Active ingredient: Naphazoline, pheniramine maleate
• Dose frequency: Up to four times a day

Formerly known as VISINE-A, these antihistamine eye drops relieve both redness and irritation caused by allergies. Thatâs a more comprehensive package than youâll get with a lot of eye drops, since they often focus more on lubrication and redness relief than tackling allergic reactions directly.

How Is Allergic Rhinitis Treated

Several allergy medications can improve symptoms and help you live with hay fever. These treatments come in many forms, including liquids, pills, eye drops, nasal sprays and injections. Talk to your provider before taking any medication, especially if youre pregnant or have other health concerns. Your provider may suggest:

Antihistamines: Antihistamine medications are available with a prescription or over the counter. They work by blocking the histamine that your body releases during an allergic response. Antihistamines come as pills, liquids, eye drops, nasal sprays and inhalers. They include:

• Levocetirizine .

Antihistamines can cause drowsiness. Avoid alcohol when taking antihistamines, especially if youre going to drive.

These medications relieve congestion in the nose and sinuses. You can take decongestants by mouth or use a nasal spray. They include:

• Afrin® nasal spray.

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