Saturday, March 23, 2024

Does Claritin Help With Sinus Headaches

Where Can I Purchase Claritin Allergy + Sinus Tablets

Sinus Headache & Facial Pressure with Head & Neck Surgeon Dr. CT Nguyen

Claritin® AllergyX Allergy An exaggerated response of the immune system to a substance that is ordinarily harmless. + Sinus is available wherever over-the-counter allergyX allergy An exaggerated response of the immune system to a substance that is ordinarily harmless. products are sold. In some provinces or locations, it may be behind the counter of the pharmacy. Ask your pharmacist.

How Do Antihistamines Stop The Symptoms Of Allergies

If you have ever had seasonal allergies, you have probably taken antihistamines to feel better. Five out of every ten people deal with allergies of some kind. Allergens are the triggers for an allergic response. Allergens can be anything from the latex in gloves, to pollen, dust mites, animal dander, mold, insect stings, as well as ingredients in medications and in food.

The allergic response is caused by the protein, histamine the immune system makes and carries histamine in special lymphocytes called mast cells. Histamine is an inflammatory protein that causes blood to flow into the surrounding tissues of where the antigen is located. For instance, if you breathed in some dust particles and the immune system mistakes them for a pathogen, the tissues in your sinuses and nasal passages may begin to swell. You may start sneezing and your eyes might start watering this is caused by histamine.

To help reduce your allergy triggers, you need to reduce the amount of allergens that you are exposed to. A good way to do this is to keep your environment free of dust, dust mites, and mold. The spores of mold are airborne it is possible that you could breathe them into your lungs and have an allergic response. Dust mites live in the dust of your home they also live in your bed and bedding. A dust mite allergy can cause coughing, wheezing and sinus problems.

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Pseudoephedrine May Cause Side Effects Tell Your Doctor If Any Of These Symptoms Are Severe Or Do Not Go Away:

  • restlessness
  • difficulty breathing
  • fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat

Pseudoephedrine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administrations MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone .

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Wheezing Warnings On Nonprescription Products

Wheezing is defined as a high-pitched whistling sound thatis audible when the patient inhales and exhales, caused by air flowingthrough constricted airways.11 Wheezing is common withasthma, so much so that when the FDA requires labels to warn against usein asthma, the word wheezing must follow in parentheses.12

Despite the FDA requirement that asthma and wheezing beintertwined on some OTC product labels , wheezing is acomponent of many other medical problems. They include accidentalaspiration of a foreign object into the lungs, bronchiectasis,bronchiolitis, bronchitis, emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonarydisease ,gastroesophageal reflux, heart failure/cardiac asthma, an allergicreaction to an insect sting, reactions to medications ,pneumonia, smoking, or a viral infection, especially when the patient isan infant younger than 2 years of age.11 Since the communitypharmacist is not trained to perform the examination required toestablish a diagnosis, patients with wheezing must be referred.

As mentioned above, salicylates and other nonprescriptionnonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs contain a warning againstuse with wheezing, in the context of the constellation of symptoms thatindicate an allergic reaction to the medications. Cromolyn also carries alabel warning against use in wheezing.5 Cromolyn would be ineffective treatment for any one of the multiple causes of wheezing as listed above.

Should I See A Specialist For Headaches Caused By Allergies

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If over-the-counter medications and lifestyle changes do not fix your allergy headaches, this can lead to additional problems associated with nasal allergies, such as chronic sinus infections. When allergies cause congestion over a significant period of time, this can eventually cause sinus blockages, which can lead to a sinus infection.

If your allergy headaches and other allergy symptoms persist, it is important to see an allergy or sinus specialist. This specialist can perform an allergy skin test to evaluate your allergies, and even conduct a sinus CAT scan to evaluate your sinuses. An allergist can also recommend stronger, prescription treatments that may be more effective than over-the-counter medications for relieving your symptoms.

If you are struggling to stay on top of your headaches and other allergy symptoms, the experts at Aspire Allergy & Sinus are ready to help. Contact us to make your first appointment and start feeling better faster!

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Can Allergic Rhinitis Make Asthma Worse

Hay fever can make asthma harder to control. People with asthma who also have allergic rhinitis have more visits to hospital or emergency departments and more time off work or school than other people with asthma.

Some people find that the things that trigger their asthma will also make their allergic rhinitis worse. These could include things they are allergic to or cold air, cigarette smoke or other irritating fumes.

Effective treatment for allergic rhinitis may reduce the chance of severe asthma attacks, and make the lungs work better.

People with allergic rhinitis who are allergic to grass pollens can have asthma attacks caused by springtime thunderstorms. These mainly occur in October-November, in places where there is a lot of grass pollen . Very severe asthma attacks triggered by thunderstorms are more likely in people who have asthma as well as allergic rhinitis especially if their asthma is not well controlled, or they are not taking regular preventer medication for their asthma.

What Is Fda Doing

We are requiring a Boxed Warning, our most prominent warning, to be added to the prescribing information of montelukast to describe these serious mental health side effects and to recommend that montelukast should only be reserved to treat allergic rhinitis in patients who are not treated effectively with or cannot tolerate other allergy medicines. We are also requiring a new patient Medication Guide to educate patients and parents/caregivers about the medicine.

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Mild And Serious Side Effects

Allegra and Claritin are considered newer antihistamines. One benefit of using a newer antihistamine is that theyre less likely to cause drowsiness than older antihistamines.

The other side effects of Allegra and Claritin are similar, but in most cases, people dont experience any side effects with either drug. That said, the following tables list examples of possible side effects of these drugs.

Mild side effects
hoarseness

If you experience any serious side effects that may indicate an allergic reaction, get emergency medical treatment right away.

Two things you should consider when taking any medication is the possible drug interactions and potential problems related to health conditions you have. These are not all the same for Allegra and Claritin.

How Are Antihistamines Classified

Sinusitis Symptoms | SUDAFED®

Antihistamines are divided into two major subtypes. The first subtype is called H-1 receptor antagonists or H-1 blockers. This subtype of antihistamines is used to treat allergy symptoms. The second subtype is called H-2 receptor antagonists or H-2 blockers. They are used to treat gastrointestinal conditions, including gastroesophageal reflux disease , peptic ulcers, gastritis, motion sickness, nausea and vomiting. The naming structure tells doctors and scientists the cell type the location of the histamine receptor that the antihistamine medication blocks.

The H-1 blocker subtype is further broken down into two groups first-generation antihistamines and second-generation antihistamines.

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What Is A Decongestant

A decongestant works to relieve the nasal and sinus congestion that makes breathing difficult. Decongestants come in various forms, including pills, liquid, nasal sprays and drops.

Although often confused, decongestants are different from antihistamines. Antihistamines help relieve most allergy symptoms by blocking the action of histamine in your system, not the congestion.

ZYRTEC-D® contains both an antihistamine and a decongestant for allergies. It powerfully clears your blocked nose and relieves other allergy symptoms. You can find decongestant products like ZYRTEC-D® at your local drug store behind the pharmacy counter. No prescription is necessary.

Is Allegra Or Claritin More Effective

Allegra and Claritin are both effective at relieving symptoms of allergic rhinitis compared to using no medication at all. However, Claritin has been shown to provide more overall symptom relief compared to Allegra. It has also been shown to provide overall relief faster than Allegra.

According to a randomized, double-blind, clinical trial, Claritin was found to have a 24.5 percent reduction in symptom relief scores compared to a 19 percent reduction with Allegra. The trial compared both drugs in 836 patients randomized to either therapy. Results showed that the active ingredient in Claritin produced a greater level of relief earlier than that of Allegra.In another randomized study, 688 participants with seasonal allergic rhinitis were given either Claritin, Allegra, or placebo. Results found that Allegra produced better relief of eye symptoms such as itchy, watery eyes compared to Claritin. While both drugs relieved nasal symptoms, Allegra was also found to improve the overall quality of life compared to Claritin.

Some reports say that Allegra has less sedative effects than Claritin and other antihistamines. However, one post-marketing study found that there was no significant difference in the level of sedation between Claritin and Allegra. Both drugs were found to be appropriate for workers with jobs that require some level of alertness for safety, such as flight crew.

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Does Vicks Vapor Rub Lower Blood Pressure

Eucalyptus oil , the third active ingredient in VVR, is also associated with pain relief. According to a 2013 study among people who were recovering from knee surgery, inhaling eucalyptus oil lowered both blood pressure and subjective pain ratings. A few studies have reported benefits unique to VVR.

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Ok But What Can I Do If My Sinus Headache Wont Go Away

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The best treatment for bacterial sinus infections and headaches caused by bacterial sinusitis is a full round of antibiotics. However, there are several steps you can take at home to ease the discomfort of a sinus headache that wont go away. These remedies include:

  • OTC pain medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
  • OTC antihistamines, decongestants, or saline sprays
  • Taking a hot bath or shower
  • Using a humidifier

If you have chronic sinus infections, though, there are treatments that can provide a more long-term solution. Of these options, balloon sinuplasty is currently the most minimally-invasive treatment available.

Balloon sinuplasty is an in-office procedure that can provide lasting sinus relief in under twenty minutes. During the procedure, your ENT inflates a small balloon inside your sinus cavities, expanding them enough to restore proper drainage. Unlike other sinus surgeries, balloon sinuplasty does not involve the cutting of any bone or tissue, reducing both recovery time and complications. The procedure has an extremely high success rate .

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Common Side Effects Of Claritin Vs Claritin

The most common side effects of Claritin and Claritin-D include headache, drowsiness, fatigue, and dry mouth. Other common side effects of these drugs include nervousness and dizziness.

Claritin-D may also cause insomnia or trouble sleeping as well as excitability due to the stimulant nature of pseudoephedrine. Pseudoephedrine may also alter or increase blood pressure, especially in those with a medical history of high blood pressure.

Serious side effects can include allergic reactions to any of the ingredients in Claritin or Claritin-D. These adverse effects include difficulty breathing, chest tightening, hives, and wheezing. If you experience these side effects, seek medical attention immediately.

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What Does An Allergy Headache Feel Like

When you experience a headache caused by allergies, you may feel them in any of these spaces within your sinuses. It may even feel like your face, rather than your head, is what really hurts. You may have pain in the cheeks that radiates to your jaw and teeth. You may feel pain on the top of your head.

Allergies may also trigger a migraine headache. This type of headache may include throbbing, and is usually felt on one side of the head. You may find that the pain gets worse in sunlight or that you also feel nauseated.

The skull has a series of connected, hollow spaces known as sinuses, which are lined with soft tissue and a layer of mucus. These sinuses help humidify and filter the air you breathe, and help drain the nose. Allergy symptoms often appear in the sinuses, like when your nose is running or stuffed up.

Some of the spaces that make up the sinuses are found in the:

  • Cheekbones
  • Between or behind the eyes
  • Behind the nose

You may experience headaches and pain if your sinuses are swollen or their openings are obstructed. This often happens with allergies. Swelling and blockage in the sinuses can prevent normal drainage and airflow, causing a buildup of pressure. Other allergy triggers, such as smoke or certain foods, can lead to headaches.

The degree of pain from an allergy headache can vary widely, from dull to almost debilitating. The level of pain may also change with your position, such as whether you are standing or lying down.

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Are There Any Other Precautions Or Warnings For This Medication

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Dependence and abuse: Pseudoephedrine has been misused by some people to experience a feeling of being energized, more alert, and in a better mood. Excessive doses can cause severe side effects, including high blood pressure, seizures and stroke. It is important to use this medication as recommended by your pharmacist or doctor and to stop taking the medication when your cold or sinus symptoms have resolved.

Heart problems: Pseudoephedrine can cause increased blood pressure. It may also cause increased heart rate or irregular heartbeat. If you have a history of heart attack, angina, stroke or other conditions that can be worsened by changes to the heart and blood vessels, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Medical conditions: Discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed if you have or have had any of the following conditions:

Treatment And Medication Options For Sinus Infection

How to relieve sinus pressure at home without drugs. Sinus Pain Relief!

Up to 70 percent of people with acute sinusitis recover without prescribed medications, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology .

Treatment for acute sinus infections focus on relieving symptoms, such as by:

  • Drinking lots of fluids and getting plenty of rest
  • Flushing out the sinuses with a saline nasal wash like a Neti Pot or a saline nasal spray
  • Inhaling steam several times a day
  • Using a humidifier

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Coverage And Cost Comparison Of Claritin Vs Claritin

Claritin is an OTC brand-name drug that is widely available in generic form. Generic loratadine can be found at most pharmacies, retailers, and grocery stores. Most Medicare and insurance plans may not cover Claritin. The average cash price without insurance is close to $30 for 30 tablets. You can expect to pay less with a SingleCare discount card, which can reduce the cost to as low as $4.10 depending on which pharmacy you use.

Claritin-D is not generally covered by Medicare and most insurance plans. Like other OTC antihistamines, Claritin-D can be found in its generic form, loratadine/pseudoephedrine. The average retail price of Claritin-D is approximately $45. However, you can use a SingleCare discount card for generic Claritin-D to save much more. Using a prescription discount card can lower the price to about $15.

Are There Better Allergy Treatments

As far as allergy treatments go, these are three of the best, most effective options. , a close sibling of Claritin, is also approved by the FDA. All of these belong to a class of medications known as second-generation antihistamines.

Other antihistamines belong to an older class of drugs called first-generation antihistamines. These are the ones that tend to make you sleepy. If you need an allergy medication stronger than Claritin, Allegra, or Zyrtec, you might consider Benadryl or chlorpheniramine. While they do relieve respiratory allergy symptoms quite well, they work slightly differently from and generally cause more side effects than second-generation antihistamines.

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What Can I Do

While you wait for your infection to run its course, you can take steps at home to feel better.

Look into nasal sprays. Store-bought saline nasal spray loosens up mucus, temporarily clearing it from your nasal passages. A steroid nasal spray like fluticasone may help tame inflammation, especially if you have underlying allergies. Unsure about using a steroid? Follow package directions and go to your HCP with questions.

Be wary of decongestant nasal sprays, like oxymetazoline . Using them for longer than three days could cause rebound symptoms persistent stuffiness eased only by the spray itself. Dryness and addiction are also possibilities.

Embrace sinus rinses like the neti pot. Many sinus infection veterans swear by nasal irrigation systems, such as plastic squeeze bottles or teakettle-shaped neti pots. These devices are filled with a sterile saline solution and used to flush snot from your sinuses.

Neti pots and their ilk are widely available and typically safe, as long as you handle them properly. Dont use water directly from your tap. Instead use distilled water, a sterile saline solution or water that has been boiled and then cooled.

Try over-the-counter medicines. Experts recommend analgesics including acetaminophen , ibuprofen and aspirin to ease pain, as well as decongestants like pseudoephedrine to alleviate the pressure of congestion.

Finally, you may want to avoid flying or scuba diving, since either can aggravate sinus pain.

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