Got Allergies Consider An Antihistamine
Swelling of the nasal tissues, especially when caused by allergies, often triggers increased , which can further obstruct your airways, explains Dr. Auth. Over-the-counter , such as diphenhydramine and loratadine , can help dry up excessive mucus, he says. If youre taking an antihistamine during the day, check the label carefully and choose one labeled nonsedating.
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If You Hate Feeling Drowsy
… try one of the non-drowsy antihistamines that are available. Consumer Reports rates Loratadine and Fexofenadine as the best picks for convenience, effectiveness, cost and safety. These are all available as generics. “Pick either a brand name or generic version in the formula you like best,” says Dr. Shah.Many individuals take these medications once a day as a prophylactic measure against allergy symptoms. Most are effective for 24 hours. You can take one in the morning if you plan to go hiking after work or if you know that later in the day you’ll be exposed to indoor allergens like animal dander or dust.
Zyrtec Vs Allegra Vs Claritin: What Kind Of Antihistamine To Take
With three types of antihistamines all claiming to do the trick, which should you choose? To some extent, its all about figuring out which medication your body reacts to best.
They all do the same job of blocking the same receptor, Dr. Aronica notes, but some patients say one medication seems to work better for them. And in that case, thats the medicine you should use.
The key difference among the three is their capacity to make you sleepy. Theyre all labeled non-drowsy , but cetirizine has the highest chance of drowsiness.
Cetirizine has a little bit higher risk of sedation than the other two, followed by loratadine , Dr. Aronica explains. Fexofenadine is the only long-acting, non-sedating antihistamine approved for airline pilots because its the least sedating of the three.
Heres another thing to consider: Although its most likely to cause drowsiness, cetirizine also has the fastest onset of action in other words, it starts working the quickest.
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Best For Kids: Zyrtec 24 Hr Childrens Allergy Syrup
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For kids as young as two years old
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Might cause itchiness
Dont worry, Zyrtec looks out for the little ones in your family, too. Childrens Zyrtec is recommended for kids as young as 2 years old and even though its made without sugar, parents confirmed that kids actually like the taste. Only one dose is required daily making the process extra easy, and on top of that, Zyrtec has an app called AllergyCast that can track your kids symptoms and show how certain factors like weather can affect their allergies.
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What Is An Antihistamine
To understand antihistamines, its good to first know what histamine is. This important chemical plays a part in regulating many of your bodys physiologic functions. Its also involved in local immune responses.
Histamine is stored in immune cells called mast cells, Dr. Aronica explains. When your body encounters something youre allergic to , these mast cells are triggered to release their contents, which then cause allergy symptoms.
Histamine is the main chemical responsible for the itching associated with allergies. It can also cause your blood vessels to be more permeable , which causes stuffiness. Antihistamines, then, are medications that block some of the effects of histamine.
Allergists recommend long-acting, non-sedating antihistamines ones that wont make you sleepy for everyday use. Though you may know them by their brand names, the generic versions tackle the same problems:
- Cetirizine .
- Fexofenadine .
- Loratadine .
Diphenhydramine, commonly known as Benadryl®, is also an antihistamine, but it isnt recommended for everyday allergies. Its short-acting and very sedating, which can impact your day-to-day work and your ability to operate machinery .
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A Doctors Guide To Choosing Allergy Medicine Wisely
Spring allergies? While you might be tempted to grab the closest antihistamine medicine to reduce your symptoms, before you do, make sure the medicine wont do more harm than good.
There are different types of antihistamines, and some are better than others depending on your age, health, and other medications you take.
Older formulas work, but beware of side effects and bad interactions
Doctors often refer to the first type of antihistamines that were on the market as first-generation. They are great at treating allergy symptoms. Unfortunately, in some people, they can result in side effects like anxiety, confusion, feeling sleepy, blurred vision, reduced mental alertness, urinary retention and constipation. These effects are more common for anyone taking certain antidepressant medications.
Ingredients of first-generation antihistamines include brompheniramine, chlorpheniramine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine and doxylamine. Ask a pharmacist to help you compare products and read the labels if the print is too small. Some of the brand names for these products include Dimetapp Cold & Allergy, Chlor-Trimeton, Tavist, Benadryl, Vicks NyQuil and Tylenol Cold and Cough Nighttime.
The labels should also include warnings that people with certain medical conditions should not take first-generation antihistamines. Ask your doctor before use if you have:
· glaucoma
· trouble urinating
· breathing problems, such as asthma, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis
· thyroid disease
What Is Acetaminophen And Why We Eliminate It Too
It can be unbearable to suffer from allergic symptoms, and it is natural to want to relieve yourself of pain and fever. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever, used for treating many conditions such as sinus, headache, backache, toothache and fever. It comes with side effects:
- Swelling of the tongue or lips
- Difficulty with breathing
- Serious skin reactions. Between 1969 and 2012, the Food and Drug Administration found that 67 people required hospitalization of which 12 died after skin reactions were reported after taking acetaminophen products. This comes from documented medical literature. One of the skin reactions linked to acetaminophen included Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis . You start with flu-like symptoms such as headache, aches and fever and progress to a blister-like rash. The skin starts peeling and the hair starts falling out. This skin reaction is often fatal.
There are different brands and forms of acetaminophen available, but all labeling warns you not to take more than is recommended. It can damage your liver, more so if you drink alcohol with it.
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Things To Take Into Consideration
As you compare and contrast your options, it is clear that sinus pressure medicines can be vastly different from each other: this is because different people react differently to certain formulations, so pharmaceutical companies have developed various options to address each persons experience effectively.
Depending on your own bodys needs, as well as your personal preferences, it may be ideal to choose one option over another. Choose the best medicine for sinus pressure by remembering these main considerations when you step into the store.
- Treatment Form. Sinus pressure is the result of an accumulation of mucus, which commonly occurs as a cause of a viral or bacterial infection. Most of the treatments you will find for sinus pressure are geared towards resolving the symptom only and dont actually address the infection that initially caused the problem. Regardless, these products are highly effective at providing temporary relief of sinus congestion discomfort.
Most commonly, sinus pressure remedies come in three forms:
- Pills. Ideal for people on the go, capsules, and tablets are the slowest acting remedy. Despite this, however, they offer the longest-lasting results. Some pills target more than just sinus congestion, making them an effective remedy for holistic relief. Whats more, pills are also a convenient option for people on the go as theyre fairly easy to take.
Chest Congestion Mucinex 12 Hour Extended Release Tablets 40ct 600 Mg Guaifenesin Relieves
- One easy pill: a unique bi-layer tablet, one layer for immediate release, the other layer for extended release so the medicine starts to release right away and lasts for up to 12 hours.
- Trust mucinex: mucinex is the #1 doctor recommended otc expectorant and the #1 cold & cough brand doctors trust for themselves & their families.
- Symptoms treated: relieves chest congestion caused by excess mucus by making your cough more productive.
- Mucinex 12 hour extended-release bi-layer tablets: clinically proven to last up to 12 hours, it provides powerful relief for your chest congestion.
- Stock up and save: did you know, if you use mucinex 12 hour often you can and save when you buy higher count packs.
- Ingredients: guaifenesin is an expectorant that helps reduce chest congestion caused by colds, infections or irritants.
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The 5 Best Allergy Medicine
- A very effective nasal spray that doesnt affect your adrenal system. A powerful water-based formula, free of alcohol and scent anti-allergy.
Price when Reviewed: $8.99
One of the best and most effective reliefs that you can find in the market. It is a proven and tested 24-hour allergy relief product that can ease nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose and itchy nose. It is perfect for regular usage because it is scent free and alcohol-free. You wont need to worry because as compared to other allergy relief products, there are no particular drowsiness side effects with this medicine. Its anti-inflammatory effect is very impressive. This medicine is also nonaddictive. Within 24 hours, you will immediately feel its great effects.
- Best Oral Antihistamine Strong results with limited site effects
Price when Reviewed: $20.25
This proven and tested tablets can instantly relief nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, and itchy nose. You will notice relief in just an hour. A very cost effective med. In terms of effects, you can never go wrong with Allegra.
- An Allergy Spray that is suitable for pregnant woman
Price when Reviewed: $18.64
- Good Reviews from customers and best seller on Amazon. Proven to work but FLONASE might cause irritation in your nose
Price when Reviewed: $18.33
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Best For Treating Itching And Nasal Allergies
Antihistamines are a type of allergy medicine that help treat allergies by targeting and blocking histamine, which is the chemical substance your body releases when exposed to an allergen, such as pollen or pet dander. Most people use an antihistamine for basic allergies and all-day relief. In fact, your childs pediatrician may even recommend an antihistamine for your childs rash. Allergy medicines like antihistamine treatments can take the form of pills, liquid, nasal spray, or eye drops. Once antihistamine medications are in your bloodstream, they can quickly reduce other symptoms caused by allergens and prevent the release of histamines in the first place.Taking allergy medicines like antihistamines before or during exposure to an allergen can help limit and even prevent your allergy issues. Antihistamine pills can offer 24-hour allergy relief and are most effective against sneezing, and itchy and runny noses, while nasal sprays like Nasacort Allergy spray are primarily designed to relieve congestion and pressure. Getting all-day relief is a priority for most.Its important to note that certain antihistamines, especially older drugs, can make you feel drowsy and cause dizziness, so you should be careful to avoid certain activities like driving after taking some antihistamines.
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How Is Sinusitis Diagnosed
If you are experiencing pain and pressure that doesnt clear up within a week to 10 days, it may be time to schedule a doctors appointment. You can visit your primary care physician to be evaluated for a sinus infection.
A sinus infection is usually diagnosed empirically without need for imaging or cultures, explains Lindsey Elmore, Pharm.D., BCPS. A simple medical exam and review of your symptoms should be enough for your doctor to identify a sinus infection. Your doctor will likely check your nose with a light to look for inflammation. He or she also may ask you about any pain youre feeling to see if it traces back to the sinus cavities.
In rare cases, or if you get frequent infections, your doctor may perform other tests to rule out other conditions like a fungal infection. This may include allergy testing, a nasal endoscopy to visually inspect the sinuses, swabbing your nose for a culture of nasal drainage, or lab imagery to scan for abnormalities.
Symptoms may be acute or chronic , and you should seek a doctors help if you have symptoms that last more than 10 days, or are unresolved with over the counter agents as this may be an indication that you have a bacterial sinus infection, says Dr. Elmore.
Side Effects Of Corticosteroids
Many potential side effects can occur if steroid treatments are used for an extended period of time. Side effects are typically mild, such as weight gain, fluid retention, and increased blood pressure, but certain patients may develop more serious complications, including diabetes, osteoporosis, and muscle weakness. Steroids that are ingested through nasal sprays or inhalers can cause side effects such as cough, hoarseness, and fungal infections of the mouth.
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Best For Treating For Nasal And Sinus Congestion Or Pressure
The use of decongestants is popular for treating nasal and sinus congestion due to pet allergies and seasonal allergies. You may want to consider them if nasal obstruction or respiratory problems like difficulty breathing are your worst symptoms. Decongestants work by decreasing the inflammation and fluid production in your nose that is often triggered by allergens. This allows the nose to drain more effectively, air to flow freely, and any swelling of the nasal passages to go down, giving you symptom relief.
OTC allergy medicine like decongestants can come in pill , liquid, or nasal spray form. Nasal sprays and eye drops can stop working or make pesky allergy symptoms worse if overused, so it is important to use them sparingly when treating common allergies.
Five Ways To Relieve Sinus Pressure
The pain, facial pressure and congestion of sinus infections affect more than 26.9 million Americans roughly 11 percent of adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Most sinus infections, also called sinusitis, do not need to be treated with antibiotics, and will usually go away within 7-10 days.
One of the most annoying symptoms is the sinus pressure around the eyes, head and cheeks. Fortunately, there are several home remedies and medications that can help provide relief.
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Treating Symptoms With Allergy Shots
If you’ve tried pills, sprays, and rinses but your child continues to suffer, talk to their allergist about allergy shots . This treatment exposes your child to increasing amounts of the allergen though shots. In the long run, it makes the body less reactive to triggers.
“They are still the cornerstone of long-term treatment,” says Dr. Demain. “We have shots for almost every common allergen, and they also reduce the risk for developing new allergies and asthma.” The only real drawback? Getting your kid on board with a plan involving needles. The treatment starts out with two shots a week for up to two to three months, then tapers down to once a week, then every other week, and finally monthly.
After about three years, the allergy may be gone for good. Dr. Schussler suggests allergy shots after a patient has tried everything else and is at least 7 or 8 years old. “Some kids will be completely cured, and some still need to take an antihistamine when pollen counts are very high, but pretty much all children feel much better,” she says.
How Much Does Otc Allergy Medicine Cost
OTC allergy medications vary significantly in price, according to our analysis. Costs ranged from around 25 cents for an antihistamine tablet to nearly $20 for a months supply of nasal spray.
Our Best OTC Allergy Medications for Adults and Children ranking didnt include the vast number of generic versions with the same active ingredients as many brand name products. Generic products are held to the same FDA regulations as brand name products, making them just as effective as their brand name counterparts but at a lower price.
If you find that Claritin, for example, is an antihistamine that works for you, you may want to consider a generic version of loratadine as a more affordable alternative.
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Why Am I Coughing At Night
The first step to stopping a nighttime cough is figuring out why you have it, says Apurvi Thekdi, MD, an ear, nose, and throat specialist at Houston Methodist. Since treatments vary for different types of coughs, you need to know the root cause.
Dr. Thekdi says its also important to pay attention to the kind of cough you have , any related symptoms , and any possible triggers, such as changes to your diet or environment.
If youre ready to play detective, here are some of the common causes of coughing at night.
How Do Antihistamines Work
When you are exposed to an allergen — for example, ragweed pollen — it triggers your immune system. People with allergies have an exaggerated immune response. Immune system cells known as “mast cells” release a substance called histamine, which attaches to receptors in blood vessels, causing them to enlarge. Histamine also binds to other receptors causing redness, swelling, itching, and changes in secretions. By blocking histamine and keeping it from binding to receptors, antihistamines prevent these symptoms.
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Can You Take Sinus Decongestants If You Have High Blood Pressure
Phenylephrine is not considered to be safe if you have high blood pressure. Sinus decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine may actually raise your blood pressure and counteract the blood pressure medication that youre on. If you have high blood pressure, you should speak with your doctor about which decongestant they recommend for you.