Sinus Headache Treatment Should Be Specific To What Is Causing It
Sinus headaches can be caused by sinusitis , and these infections are fairly common the most likely suspects could include: a cold, influenza, seasonal allergies, or hormones.
If you can determine what is causing the irritation, finding the proper method for evicting the sinus headache becomes a whole lot easier, naturally.
Which Allergy Drugs Are Ok With High Blood Pressure
11 Fast Facts About Your Childâs Allergies I Have High Blood Pressure. Are Allergy Drugs OK? First things first: Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before you start to take any medication â for allergies , high blood pressure , or anything else. Thatâs true for herbs and supplements , too. Antihistamines are the most common medication for allergies . Most of them seem to be safe if you have high blood pressure â but again, ask to make sure. Donât take decongestants unless your doctor tells you otherwise. They may raise your blood pressure . They also keep some high blood pressure drugs from working the way they should. Watch out for combination medications for allergies that include decongestant ingredients. That includes allergy drugs as well as many remedies for cold, flu , and sinus problems. Ask your pharmacist to check the ingredients for you. WebMD Medical Reference Reviewed by Suzanne R. Steinbaum, MD on December 14, 2016 American Heart Association: âOver-the-Counter Medications.â Harvard Medical School: âDonât Let Decongestants Squeeze Your Heart.â UpToDate: âDefinition, risk factors, and evaluation of resistant hypertension,ââDiphenhydramine.âContinue reading > >
Do Antihistamines Have Side Effects
A common side-effect of antihistamines is drowsiness. Though this side effect of antihistamines makes it inappropriate to consume at certain times, not all of them cause drowsiness. The newer second-generation of antihistamines are less likely to cause drowsiness.
- First-generation antihistamines
First-generation antihistamines have strong sedative action and would likely give you an unpleasant dry mouth after consumption. They are mostly used for allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis, contact dermatitis, hay fever and even motion sickness.
If your nasal congestion is keeping you awake, first-generation antihistamines may be a godsend for you. However, ensure that you do not take these before operating any machinery or driving.
- Second-generation antihistamines
On the other hand, second-generation antihistamines are non or less -sedative antiallergic agent.
If you are dealing with nasal congestion at work, you may want to use a second-generation antihistamine so that you can remain alert.
When youre rifling through your drug cabinet, being able to differentiate between the first and second-generation antihistamines may save you a lot of time and distress. Heres a table listing the different types and their side effects:
| Type |
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
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Blood Pressure And Cough And Cold Medications
Many cough and cold medications contain NSAIDs to relieve pain. NSAIDs may increase your blood pressure. Cough and cold medicines also frequently contain . can make blood pressure worse in two ways:
- Decongestants may make your blood pressure and heart rate rise.
- Decongestants may prevent high blood pressure drugs from working properly.
What can you do? Avoid using cough and cold medicine that contains NSAIDs or decongestants. Ask your doctor for suggestions about other ways to ease symptoms of cold, flu, or sinus problems.
How Should I Take Claritin
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Signs Of Allergies In Dogs
While we may think of allergies in terms of a runny nose and watery eyes, dogs may also show allergy symptoms in those ways as well as others.
If your pup is prone to allergies and/or is having an allergic reaction, youll likely notice the following symptoms:
-
Skin redness
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Rubbing of the face and muzzle repeatedly
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Biting of the paws or legs
If dog allergies are left untreated, hair loss and skin infections, including bacterial infections and yeast infections, as well as hot spots may develop.
Additionally, if your dog has a severe allergic reaction, this can lead to hives and in extreme cases, can cause anaphylactic shock.
Signs of anaphylactic shock can include excessive drooling, the sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, , coma, and even death. If youre able to check your dogs gums, they may appear paler than normal, instead of a healthy pink. Instead of the normal warmth in their limbs, their legs and paws may also feel cold. Your vet will also be able to detect any abnormalities in your dogs heart rate and pulse. If you believe that your dog is showing signs of anaphylactic shock, it is imperative that you seek veterinary intervention straight away, as anaphylactic shock can be life-threatening.
Urgent Advice: Call 111 For Advice Now If:
- you take too much pseudoephedrine
Taking too much pseudoephedrine can be dangerous.
It can make you restless or your heartbeat fast, and make you feel sick or vomit. You may also have difficulty peeing.
Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.
If you need to go to A& E, do not drive yourself. Get someone else to drive you or call for an ambulance.
Take the pseudoephedrine packet or leaflet inside it, plus any remaining medicine, with you.
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Should I Use A Nasal Spray For A Sinus Infection
Nasal sprays are often used to soothe symptoms caused by a sinus infection or acute sinusitis. Symptoms of a sinus infection can include inflammation in the nose, congestion, postnasal drip, runny nose with green or yellow mucus, cough, sinus pain and more. There are four main types of nasal sprays: corticosteroids, nasal decongestants, sodium chloride, and cromolyn sodium.
Corticosteroid and sodium chloride nasal sprays are used to help soothe allergy symptoms such as a stuffy nose. Nasal decongestants relieve nasal congestion in the upper respiratory tract. Cromolyn sodium is an anti-inflammatory medication helpful in treating sinus infections caused by allergies. One of our allergists can determine which spray will best treat your symptoms.
Advil Allergy & Congestion Relief
Advil Allergy & Congestion Relief treats your toughest allergy symptomsincluding nasal congestion. Most allergy medicines dont do that. The ibuprofen in Advil combined with an antihistamine and a decongestant helps relieve upper respiratory symptoms associated with allergies.
Advil Allergy & Congestion Relief treats your multi-symptom sinus and allergy needs with just one tablet by combining the power of Advil and a proven decongestant to reduce swelling due to sinus pressure and nasal congestion, plus an effective antihistamine to relieve sneezing, runny nose and your other allergy symptoms.
Take on all your tough allergy symptoms with Advil Allergy & Congestion Relief.
Temporarily relieves these symptoms associated with hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies and the common cold:
- runny nose
- itching of the nose or throat
- sneezing
12 years of age and older:
- 1 tablet every 4 hours while symptoms persist
- Do not use more than 6 tablets in 24 hours unless directed by a doctor
Under 12 years of age:
- Do not use
*Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
Inactive Ingredients:
Use as directed. Read complete warnings and information.
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Sinus Infection Vs Covid
Some sinus infection and COVID-19 symptoms may overlap. Both illnesses can cause a fever, headaches, nasal congestion, fatigue or a sore throat. Symptoms unique to COVID-19 include body aches, nausea, shortness of breath and vomiting. Learn the difference between the cold, flu and COVID-19 based on your symptoms.
Antihistamines And Decongestants: Which Should You Take For A Stuffy Nose
Most, if not all of us, have had a stuffy nose and received varied forms of advice from people around us. One family member might offer a decongestant, while another might suggest that simply eating an orange can ease it due to the antihistamine effects an orange has. While both arent wrong, its important to understand which will work best and when to take them.
Antihistamines and decongestants are common forms of medication that you can consume for a stuffy nose. With nasal congestion causing the same, tiresome symptoms, its easy sometimes to want to reach for the closest solution. But the big question is, which best suits your needs?
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Using Zyrtec For Treating Hives And Allergies
Zyrtec is an antihistamine in the class of drugs referred to as second-generation antihistamines. Antihistamines work by blocking histamines, chemical signals released by a type of cell in the immune system in order to alert other cells about a potential invader.
With allergies or hives, this is a case of mistaken identity in which the immune system is asked to respond to a harmless invader, such as tree pollen or dust mites. Zyrtec is recommended for children 2 years of age and older and adults. It is available as a tablet that can be swallowed, as a chewable tablet, and as a liquid.
First-generation antihistamines include medications such as Benadryl and Vistaril/Atarax . These medications can be very effective for the treatment of hives or allergies but usually cause significant drowsiness which limits their use.
In addition to Zyrtec, other second-generation antihistamines include Xyzal , Claritin , and Allegra .
What Is Stronger Than Zyrtec D
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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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.
What Are Symptoms Of Sinus Pressure
Sinus pressure symptoms may vary depending on which sinus cavities are affected and what is causing the sinus pressure. Symptoms may include:
- Pain and pressure in the forehead, behind and between the eyes, above the nose, the upper teeth, the temples, the back of the neck, or the top of the head
- Pain that worsens with movement like bending over
- Sore throat
- Nasal discharge
- Stuffy nose
- Swollen lymph nodes
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Bacterial Infections Are Less Common And Easier To Treat
Another possible cause of sinus infections is bacteria. Though it is common for a physician to automatically prescribe an antibiotic for every sinus infection, this seems rather silly as most sinus infections are viral, and antibiotics have no effect on viruses. However, if sinusitis doesnt clear up after a week or two, it is reasonable to suspect that the cause is something other than a virus. Tests can determine the culprit. To save time while waiting for results, an antibiotic might be administered, just in case. I understand the logic, but the possibility of contributing to resistant bacteria does not justify such action to me.
What Drugs And Food Should I Avoid While Taking Zyrtec
This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of cetirizine.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold or allergy medicine. Antihistamines and decongestants are contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of a certain drug. Check the label to see if a medicine contains an antihistamine or decongestant.
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How To Relieve Sinus
Its always best to see your dentist if youre experiencing any type of tooth pain. He or she will assess the situation to ensure your own diagnosis is correct. Your dentist may also be able to prescribe medication to mitigate the pain and discomfort.
In the interim, here is what you can do to relieve tooth pain from sinus pressure:
- Stay hydrated and drink lots of water
- Eat foods that are known to reduce inflammation, as thats largely the cause of sinus-induced tooth pain.
- Add Calcium and Vitamin C to your diet Calcium-rich foods, such as broccoli, asparagus, leafy greens, and bean sprouts, can counteract histamines, which are inflammation-causing elements. Dont skimp on the orange juice or other citrusy foods that are packed with the power of the essential Vitamin C.
- Eat food rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, like the ones found in salmon, are also great for combating inflammation.
- Breathe in steam with hot, moist air. This will open your nasal passages and relieve sinus pressure.
- Rinse your sinuses with a saline solution. Saline solutions clear any discharge and moisture the sinuses.
Warnings Of Zyrtec And Zyrtec
Cetirizine can cause drowsiness and affect your mental alertness. Avoid operating any machinery or driving an automobile while taking cetirizine as it can make you feel drowsy.
Pseudoephedrine stimulates the sympathetic nervous system and can raise blood pressure. While pseudoephedrine is generally safe, its use may increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythms, heart attack, and stroke, especially if you have other cardiovascular conditions like heart disease or diabetes. Those with known coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, or a history of stroke should use caution.
Cetirizine is processed through the liver and kidneys. In those with kidney disease or liver problems, cetirizine use should be monitored or avoided. The risk of adverse effects may be increased in the elderly, who are more prone to kidney or liver problems.
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Start Treating Your Symptoms Right Away
Since viruses cant be cured, treating colds is primarily aimed at improving symptoms.
Its important to remember that with colds and other viruses, taking an antibiotic wont help you feel better any faster, says Dr. Woodard. In fact, taking an antibiotic unnecessarily can do more harm than good.
The overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, which can make subsequent infections more difficult to treat.
Get plenty of rest, stay hydrated and rinse out your sinuses with saline irrigation, which can help thin mucous and flush it from your nasal cavity, he says.
Elevate Your Head When Sleeping
Congestion tends to be worse at night because it is difficult for the nose and sinuses to drain. Another simple remedy is to prop your head up on a few pillows when sleeping to help the sinuses drain more easily.
The elevated position will help ensure that your sinus doesnt stagnate and build-up. It will also encourage mucus secretions to flow gently out of your nasal passages.
While propping up your head may not free you of your nasal congestion, it will help make sure that your stuffy nose doesnt rob you of precious sleep time!
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Zyrtec Vs Claritin: Side Effects And Interactions
Claritin is unlikely to cause CNS side effects such as sedation, or confusion when used at dosages of 10mg/day. Side effects may be more likely when used at higher dosages. Zyrtec is 3.5 times more likely than Claritin to cause sedation, particularly when used at dosages higher than 10mg/day. However, Zyrtec is still much less sedating than older antihistamines such as promethazine.
Side effects are generally mild with second-generation antihistamines and include a headache and rarely dry mouth, and nausea. All the second generation antihistamines currently on the market appear free from adverse cardiovascular effects. Few major interactions have been reported with either Zyrtec or Claritin however, there is the possibility that side effects such as sedation, confusion, and mental alertness may be enhanced if given with other drugs with this side effect. More studies are needed to determine if there are any interactions between second generation antihistamines and herbal products or food. Always speak with your doctor of pharmacist before using any drugs in combination.
Shower Immediately After Being Outside
When you spend a lot of time outside, particularly if youre working out in the yard, pollen can end up on your skin and hair, worsening allergy symptoms. If youre highly allergic to , its a good idea to take a second shower after you come inside to rinse away the pollen and avoid allergy symptoms, explains Mark S. Dykewicz, MD, a professor of internal medicine and the director of allergy and immunology at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
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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.