Are Your Allergy Meds Causing Vaginal Dryness

With spring on the horizon, so is allergy season. If you’re one of the many people stocking up on antihistamines, you’re probably already aware of the side effects: dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea. But there’s one side effect you may not be familiar with: vaginal dryness.

It stands to reason that if allergy meds dry out your mouth and sinuses, they’ll dry out your vagina, too.

How Antihistamines Work

The role of antihistamines in allergy medications is to prevent the effects histamine, which the body produces as a reaction to allergens. They dry up the mucus membranes that cause a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes. But they can also dry up other mucus membranes — specifically those in your vagina. Though this isn’t an issue for all women who take common allergy meds, it’s something to be aware of. If you experience vaginal dryness seemingly out of nowhere, maybe your meds are to blame.

There are two types of antihistamines. Traditional antihistamines can cause drowsiness, the newer antihistamines do not. Their side effects are different: in addition to drowsiness, traditional antihistamines can cause dry mouth, blurred visions, and difficulty emptying your bladder. Side effects of newer antihistamines include headache and dry mouth. Since both types of antihistamines dry up mucus membranes, it’s possible for either type to cause vaginal dryness.

Other Medications That Cause Vaginal Discomfort

In addition to antihistamines, there are other meds that can disrupt your vaginal health. Antibiotics can change the balance of bacteria in your vagina, which can lead to a yeast infection. If you’re prone to yeast infections, give your doctor a heads up before taking antibiotics.

And like allergy meds, decongestants dry up nasal passages, which means they may also dry up vaginas.

If you’ve connected dryness to your allergy meds, talk to your doctor about the options. For instance, if you typically take oral antihistamines, you may get the same allergy relief from a nasal spray without the dryness.

If you can’t avoid taking medication that causes dryness, make hydration a priority. For vaginal dryness, get a high-quality vaginal moisturizer. Look for one with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, and apply it as often as you need it. You might also consider a lubricant prior to intercourse to help alleviate discomfort during sex.

Additional Things to Watch For

Not using antihistamines but experiencing vaginal discomfort? There are a number of common skin conditions that can cause itching, dryness, redness, and overall irritation. To help prevent vaginal irritation, opt for unscented lotions and soaps, use detergents that are free from fragrances and dyes, use only undyed toilet paper, and wear loose-fitting clothing when you can.

And to gauge your vaginal skin health, test yourself at home.

Photo: Cecilie Arcurs

What helps a yeast infection? Gynecologist Dr. Jen Gunter warns about natural remedies

As soon as the itching starts, so does the yeast infection panic. Some women worry that all vaginal itching and irritation are signs of a yeast infection. Other are so afraid of yeast infections they use special soaps and cleansers hoping to stop them, not realizing that might actually make it worse.

The problem is, most women can’t reliably and accurately diagnose their own yeast infections, said gynecologist Dr. Jen Gunter.

“If you don’t know what the symptom is you could be getting misdiagnosed,” said Gunter, the author of the new book, The Vagina Bible — The Vulva and the Vagina: Separating the Myth from the Medicine, told TODAY. “Maybe your vagina is irritated because you have trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection. Maybe you’re irritated because you’re going through menopause and you could be treated with estrogen.”

Dr. Jen Gunter’s book helps women better understand their bodies. Kensington Publishing Corp.

It’s a legitimate concern. About 70 percent of women have at least one yeast infection during their lives, Gunter writes in her book. About five to eight percent cope with recurrent infections.

By far, the most common type of yeast infection is Candida albicans.

A yeast infection can cause a red, itchy rash in the vaginal area, soreness and a burning sensation during sex or urinating. When the first symptoms strike, some women turn to holistic remedies or do what their mom or friends do. Gunter says women shouldn’t rely on “ancient technologies or old-time medicine.”

“Women deserve better than old wives’ tales,” she said. “Women aren’t stupid. They go online and they go to trusted sources and they are told to do that.”

Gunter explains why most natural remedies for common yeast infections don’t relieve itching and irritation — and how some can actually be harmful.

1. Boric acid

Many natural treatments promising to regulate vaginal Ph — which is actually not a medical thing, Gunter said — or treat yeast infections contain boric acid.

Doctors sometimes use boric acid for yeast infections that are treatment resistant, but they consider it a last option. That’s because boric acid is so caustic that it causes injuries and kills everything in the vagina, including the good bacteria.

“Boric acid kills the yeast because it nukes everything,” she said. “We actually see quite a significant amount of vaginal trauma from it. You are putting a caustic substance in the vagina and you can irritate the epithelium, it can damage the mucous and I think, paradoxically, make you more vulnerable to getting infections.”

Bottom line: avoid any product with boric acid, unless prescribed by a medical doctor.

2. Yogurt

Lactobacilli — a type of bacteria commonly found in the body that aids in normal functioning — populate the vagina. Another type of lactobacilli is found in yogurt.

Some women believe that if they slather yogurt on when they’re suffering from a yeast infection, the yogurt’s lactobacilli will change the vagina’s microbiome and good bacteria will flourish. As recently as last year, Gunter found this as a suggested treatment in the book, “Our Bodies, Ourselves” and other online sources.

It sounds like a good idea — in theory.

But, there’s no evidence this works and it could be harmful.

“We don’t know what the risk of exposing your vagina to this not-needed lactobacilli is,” she said. “Yogurt has live cultures. What other bacteria could be growing in there?”

Dr. Jen Gunter wants to help women understand the difference between myth and science when it comes to their bodies. Courtesy of Peacock Alley Entertainment

Many argue that yogurt feels soothing, which shows it works. But that’s not because of the yogurt’s cultures, Gunter said.

“Yeast creams are soothing when you first apply them because they’re a cream. You’re not feeling better because it is killing the yeast immediately,” she said. “A lot of women mistake the fact that they’re getting soothing from a yogurt as a medicinal effect.”

“You have this raw inflamed vagina from a yeast infection and now you’re going to put cut up garlic in there. Oh my god, that stings.”

3. Garlic

Garlic contains an anti-inflammatory component, called allicin, which some think has anti-fungal properties. That’s why some women think if they put garlic in their vagina during a yeast infection, they’ll feel relief.

While this sounds like it could work, the science behind it is iffy.

“Studies aren’t so good,” Gunter said. “To release allicin, just like you get the flavor of garlic, you have to cut and crush it. If you have a whole clove of garlic you don’t have the allicin,” Gunter explained.

And, putting crushed, cut up garlic in one’s vagina is as physically unpleasant as it sounds.

“You have this raw inflamed vagina from a yeast infection and now you’re going to put cut up garlic in there,” she said. “Oh my god, that stings.”

Then, it needs to be removed.

“I have fished out cut up pieces of garlic. It is not easy to get out,” she said.

The bottom line: Natural doesn’t mean better.

“We have great potential pharmaceutical options so there’s no need to experiment with all these,” Gunter said. “There’s nothing that tells us it’s safe.”

What helps a yeast infection

There are over-the-counter medications from a class of drugs called azoles that are available in either cream or ovule form that provide relief to many women, Gunter said.

If symptoms drive you to the doctor, there are effective prescription treatments available:

• Oral medication called fluconazole effectively treats yeast infections. One 150 gram dose cures mild to moderate infections while two doses taken 72 hours apart tackle severe infections.
• Taking oral antihistamines, such as cetirizine or loratadine, minimizes the itching and helps women feel relief sooner.
• Topical steroids on the vulva can also lessen irritation and swelling.

Are Your Medications Causing Yeast Infections?

Many medications have possible side effects that can be unpleasant and uncomfortable. For certain medications, a common side effect in women is a yeast infection. If you experience vaginal itching that lasts longer than 24 hours, a vaginal odor, or a white to yellow lumpy discharge that resembles cottage cheese, you may have a yeast infection, says Herbert L. DuPont, MD, chief of Internal Medicine/Infectious Disease Department at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital in Houston.

Doctors say knowing whether a yeast infection is a possible side effect of your medications can help cut your chances of developing a vaginal infection.

Oral Contraceptives

Birth control pills may lead to women developing yeast infections because they increase estrogen levels in a woman’s body. “Those increased estrogen levels can increase a woman’s susceptibility to vaginal yeast,” says Saul Weinreb, MD, a gynecologist at Franklin Square Hospital in Baltimore. And some women are more susceptible to that excess yeast growth.

However, newer forms of birth control are less likely to cause a yeast infection. “The older oral contraceptives with higher doses of estrogen that altered hormone levels were associated with an increased risk of yeast infections,” says Brenna Anderson, MD, director of reproductive infectious diseases consultation at Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island and assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Brown University.

If you develop yeast infection symptoms, Anderson suggests calling your gynecologist or primary care physician. “In addition to treating the yeast infection, your doctor may be able to switch you to another type of oral contraception that won’t lead to any further yeast infections,” she says. “But don’t discontinue use without speaking to your doctor.” It’s important to continue taking your birth control pills even if you develop a yeast infection.

Antibiotics

Prescription antibiotics are very effective at treating a sinus infection, strep throat, or other bacterial infection. But in their quest to rid your body of the bacteria that’s causing an infection, antibiotics may kill healthy bacteria and allow yeast to grow. Antibiotics are notorious for causing yeast infections, says Dr. Weinreb.

“Every type of antibiotic can cause vaginal yeast infection because antibiotics reduce your body’s natural bacterial flora, which has antifungal properties, giving more space for fungi like candida to grow,” says Weinreb.

If you suspect your antibiotic has caused a yeast infection, contact your doctor. “Don’t stop taking the antibiotic without first consulting your doctor,” Weinreb says. But don’t wait too long and let your symptoms get out of hand. If you’ve had a yeast infection from a specific antibiotic in the past, tell your doctor prior to taking the drug. “Your doctor may be able to prescribe an equally effective alternative,” says Weinreb.

Steroids

Steroids also increase the odds that a woman will develop a yeast infection. “In order to effectively control certain diseases, steroids dampen the body’s natural immune defenses,” Anderson says. Steroids suppress the immune system so much that a woman’s vagina may become a breeding ground for yeast.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy weakens the immune system, which makes it harder for a woman’s body to control yeast growth.

Talking to Your Doctor About Yeast Infection Risk

Before starting any treatment, you should discuss your options and medication side effects with your doctor. You can ask how your body may react to these drugs, and if you should be concerned about a possible yeast infection.

Some questions you should ask are:

• If I experience a yeast infection as a side effect, does that mean I’m allergic to the drug?
• Am I likely to develop another yeast infection if I ever take this medicine again?
• Will having a yeast infection that’s caused by a prescription make me more susceptible to developing additional yeast infections?

“Talking with your doctor will help you both develop the best treatment plan for you,” says Anderson. And knowing your yeast infection risks can help you be prepared and stay healthy.

How to Treat, Causes, Symptoms, Risks & Antibiotic

I am a 78 year old female. I have been treated extensively and repeatedly with antibiotics for throat and ear infections since early childhood until 20s. Allergy to yeast was diagnosed in early 30s as cysts appeared regularly on my face. So I stopped having brewer’s yeast, wine or beer. All was ok until I developed a cycle of vaginal thrush – urinary tract infection (UTI) when sexually active in late 30s after several years of celibacy. Eventually it was successfully treated with double the usual doses of Nilstat and using 1 Macrodantin with each sexual activity. By mid-50s I developed chronic fatigue syndrome and the Nilstat-Macrodantin no longer worked. Fluconazole did, but after many treatments new vaginal symptoms appeared with no discharge, but itch. Also skin rashes. Eventual diagnosis was Candida glabrata, a result of suppressed Candida albicans. I had treatment for 14 days with vaginal boric acid, pessaries and naturopathic menopause cream. Skin rashes alternated a little Diprosone ointment (I was allergic to the cream version) and naturopathic tar ointments and MooGoo, a product developed in Australia for sore cow udders now marketed for human skin worked a treat. Also finally I totally changed diet to anti-candida diet. Ending sexual activity helped too. I gradually re-added dairy, etc., but maintained all probiotics and other naturopathic remedies and no yeast products. No thrush for 5 years. But recent operations (badly broken arm) over a 15 month period including abscessed tooth removal, and hip replacement all required heavy doses of antibiotics. Candida symptoms were managed with diet, probiotics, pre-biotics etc., until recent hip replacement. Now I have severe oral thrush after 4 weeks of sore throat badly affecting windpipe. Four vitamin C plus zinc intravenous drips to support immune system worked for a few days after each, but symptoms recurred. Unfortunately in the 4th week ice cream was only the real relief as swallowing became increasingly impossible, and I used anesthetic lozenges (including Codral) which did not include sucrose and glucose on their ingredient lists. I had to dig deep on their website to find it did contain those. But too late; all that sugar did me in. Including my own misadventures with the momentarily soothing ice cream. Now I am trying coconut oil pulling and oral fluconazole. No real results except some symptoms of nausea, increased sore throat which I hope are die-back. Fingers crossed. By the way, here’s a tip based on years of experience: there is yeast hidden in many soup stocks, even organic vegetable ones, and soups in restaurants use stocks with yeast. Check all ingredients for hidden sugars and yeasts.

Suffering from Chronic Vaginitis: Could it be Allergy?

A recurring topic on this blog dives into how allergy doesn’t always look like allergy. It’s one of the marvels in the allergy world and is something that keeps allergists and patients alike on their toes. Dr. George Kroker, partner at Allergy Associates of La Crosse and an author of the La Crosse Method™ Protocol, tells a story of an allergy that led to symptoms far from the allergic airway:

George F. Kroker, MD, FACAAI, ABIM, FAAEM

“Person X would always notice around the holidays that she would get a vaginal infection, and she couldn’t figure it out, but this would happen every Christmas. Finally, while we were talking, she revealed that every Christmas she would get a crate of clementine oranges, she would start to eat the oranges, and a day or two later she would get a clear vaginal discharge and itching. It would get worse and worse and finally the discharge would become whitish and thick and she’d be diagnosed as having a yeast infection.”

Dr. Kroker clues me in on a secret: person X is having an allergic response in the vagina due to eating the clementines, and that’s what led her to reoccurring, precisely timed, yearly vaginal infections.

How does that work?

Dr. Kroker states that, “The vaginal area has all of the potential allergic tendencies that the nasal and sinus areas do. The vaginal mucosa is capable of an allergic response just like the nose and the throat.” The sinuses, nose and the throat are bothered by three things, which result in reactions:

1. An allergen
2. An irritant
3. An infection

Vaginally, reactions are caused by the same three things.

Types of allergic vaginitis

The vaginal lining, like the sinuses, is capable of showing signs such as itching, drainage, and sometimes pain due to inflammation. “It can be itching, it can be clear discharge, and it can come from — as unusual as it sounds — an inhalant or a food allergy,” Dr. Kroker says. He explains that the first type of allergic vaginitis is from airborne or food allergens. When a patient is exposed to the airborne allergy or food that they are allergic to, symptoms can manifest in the vagina. Some patients find that this is more common during allergy season, as most patients who experience allergies vaginally experience traditional allergy symptoms, too.

The second form of allergic vaginitis comes from being allergic to natural yeast in the vagina, sometimes called candida. Some women develop enough yeast over time that they actually become allergic to that, which can certainly cause chronic symptoms.

Dr. Kroker states that many women try to take a drug such a Monistat to feel relief and it doesn’t relieve symptoms like they had hoped. “They take it, it’s no help. Then they get a lot of nasal symptoms and decide they’ll go get some Claritin or Zyrtec, and it helps their vaginal symptoms, too,” he states. Antihistamines can often help with controlling symptoms due to allergic vaginitis and can also cause women to notice the connection between their vaginitis and allergy.

Treating allergic vaginitis

While antihistamines help control symptoms, sublingual immunotherapy (allergy drops) can be used to help create long-term tolerance to allergens and avoid chronic vaginitis. Dr. Demetrios Theodoropoulos, a partner at Allergy Associates of La Crosse and La Crosse Method Protocol contributing author, has dedicated his time to studying the effects of sublingual immunotherapy on patients suffering from chronic vaginitis due to inhalant allergies. What he and his partners found clinically relevant was demonstrated in a research study published in 2016. The most common sensitivities were ragweed, mold, dust mite and grass. After treating and monitoring 52 patients prescribed custom sublingual immunotherapy treatment for up to 50 months, results showed favorable outcomes for many patients; proving less pain and itching in most patients, with some achieving a symptom-free status.

Chronic vaginitis and associated vulvodynia can be difficult to diagnose and the relationship between vaginitis and allergy isn’t always recognized and therefore not diagnosed. Dr. Kroker explains that many patients experience a lack of validation and are often not believed when they express to their gynecologist that it’s a problem. “This is very frustrating for a lot of patients. If it’s an allergic response, they may go into the gynecologist and the gynecologist does a pelvic exam and says ‘the good news is you don’t have a yeast infection, in fact I don’t see an infection at all’ and that’s fine, but she has itching, she has a discharge and she doesn’t feel well.”  Dr. Kroker explains that this lack of treatment is probably due to the balancing act happening between allergists and gynecologists. Allergists are often focused on the sinuses and respiratory tract, whereas gynecologists focus more on infections. Somewhere in between, there is a disconnect that results in those with chronic allergic vaginitis to suffer without treatment. Patients are often left to advocate for themselves, researching and looking for a solution to their problems.

Dr. Kroker suggests that in these cases, patients should talk with their allergy provider to determine if there might be a connection, and to determine if allergy tests might be indicated. For the patients who test positive, building tolerance to the offending allergen through sublingual immunotherapy, for example, could address the underlying cause and give long-term relief.

Sublingual immunotherapy and the use of the La Crosse Method Protocol provides customized allergy treatment.

By Taylor Pasell, Allergychoices

Benadryl and fluconazole Drug Interactions

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

• Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
• fluconazole

Edit list (add/remove drugs)

Interactions between your drugs

No interactions were found between Benadryl and fluconazole. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

Benadryl

A total of
404 drugs
are known to interact with
Benadryl.

fluconazole

A total of
517 drugs
are known to interact with
fluconazole.

• Fluconazole is in the drug class
  azole antifungals.
• Fluconazole is used to treat the following conditions:

Drug and food interactions

No interactions were found. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

Therapeutic duplication warnings

No warnings were found for your selected drugs.

Therapeutic duplication warnings are only returned when drugs within the same group exceed the recommended therapeutic duplication maximum.

Drug Interaction Classification

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Can Benadryl Help Yeast Infection

Can Benadryl Help Yeast Infection


>>> Freedom From Yeast Infections

Be aware of the various candidiasis symptomsYeast is really a fungus. Yes that is something you should know regarding. Why? Well, because knowledge is part of finding a solution to your problems. The truth is vaginal infections do vary. In spite of some inherent similarities, there are different causes of the problem and each one may need specific kinds of therapy. If you don’t know which one is which, you might end up applying another treatment which may trigger more harm than good I bet. Yeast infection symptoms don’t have very unique qualities which would allow you to distinguish it from other possible problems. Of course, we do encourage that you have your doctor examine your condition to get a more accurate diagnosis and thus a far more effective yeast infection treatment. Candida, or Candida as it is termed scientifically, is present upon any normal human skin. Also, moist locations like the mouth and more specifically your vagina are common places where yeast can grow and form this particular fungal infection. Do not be concerned. According to studies, a lot of women carry candida in their vaginal area. In fact it is said that almost Fifty will experience problems associated with recurring yeast infections. Why yeast infections recur are closely related to more underlying medical conditions that may be present. Yeast infection symptoms are generally treated from the outside through the medical profession by way of topical creams. While these do not necessarily provide a yeast infection remedy they do slow up the candidiasis and help to rid the yeast infection symptoms. Foods you should avoid knowing you have yeast infection signs and symptoms or Candida tend to be things like brewers candida found in beer and bread yeast found in many commonly baked bread. Yeast allergic reaction or yeast intolerance is also quite common these days because people are becoming more responsive to commonplace foods along with other chemicals. A yeast free diet is sometime

>>> Yeast Infection Treatment

Relate :

How Can Benadryl Help Yeast Infection, Cheap Can Benadryl Help Yeast Infection, Can Benadryl Help Yeast Infection ebook , Can Benadryl Help Yeast Infection review, Information Can Benadryl Help Yeast Infection

90,000 Three US teens hospitalized due to TikTok challenge

In Texas, three teenagers were hospitalized due to a TikTok challenge. Writes about this Dazed.

As part of the #Benadryl challenge, users of the social network drink the allergy medicine Benadryl in large doses to induce hallucinations. Videos with the hashtag #Benadryl on TikTok have already racked up about 5.5 million views.

All three patients were admitted to Cook Children’s Medical Center in May.They are now on the mend, but doctors warn that, although Benadryl is sold without a prescription, an overdose is dangerous for them and can even lead to death.

“Excessive amounts of diphenhydramine (the active ingredient in Benadryl – Esquire ) can cause rapid heart rate and arrhythmias, as well as hallucinations and seizures. In addition, an overdose can cause urinary retention, so a urinary catheter may be required for treatment, ”said Nurse Amber Jevison.

One of the adolescents admitted to the hospital was 14-year-old Rebecca, who took 14 Benadryl tablets.

“It was creepy. She had hallucinations and her speech was cut short. Her pulse was 199, ”said the girl’s mother.

Cook Children’s Medical Center also warns parents of other potentially dangerous challenges that have spread to TikTok.

For example, #nutmegchallenge, in which users drink two to four tablespoons of nutmeg with milk or water. As in the case of “Benadryl”, in this way the participants of the challenge try to induce hallucinations.

According to the American Association of Clinical Chemistry (AACC), this amount of nutmeg can cause dry mouth, agitation, hypothermia, hallucinations, and in some cases, death.

Benadryl – Benadryl – qaz.wiki

Benadryl is a brand name for a variety of antihistamines used to stop allergies, the content of which varies from country to country, but includes some or no combination of diphenhydramine, acrivastine and cetirizine.

It is sold by Johnson & Johnson. Benadryl is used to relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, rashes, and hives. Some forms of Benadryl should be taken orally, and some creams and gels should be applied to the skin. Common side effects of the drug include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth and throat, confusion, and blurred vision.

In the USA and Canada, the active ingredient is diphenhydramine.In the United Kingdom, the active ingredients in Benadryl are the antihistamines acrivastine or cetirizine. Benadryl is also marketed as a cough medicine in Australia and New Zealand that contains diphenhydramine as well as the antitussive dextromethorphan or expectorant guaifenesin.

Types of Benadryl

There are many different forms of Benadryl found in different countries. There are several versions of Benadryl for allergies in the United States and Canada, some of which can be taken by mouth and some as a local analgesic.In Australia, New Zealand and India, Benadryl is known as a cough liquid.

Benadryl Allergy

Benadryl Allergy is the name of a Benadryl product found in the United States and Canada. It is an antihistamine used to relieve allergies. Its active ingredient is diphenhydramine, a first generation antihistamine. First generation antihistamines are the oldest group of antihistamines and include diphenhydramine, which is found in Benadryl. It is known to have a calming effect, which is why sleepiness is a common side effect. It is an oral medication that should be taken by mouth to relieve symptoms of allergies, hay fever, and colds. It can also be used to relieve allergies such as itching, sneezing, runny nose, rashes, and hives.

Benadryl tablets for allergies

Benadryl Allergy for Children is also available. It comes in liquid form and can be used to quickly and effectively relieve allergies such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, itchy eyes, and hives.

Benadryl Allergy is widely used as a sleeping pill by adults. Although not marketed as an over-the-counter sleeping pill, most versions of Benadryl contain diphenhydramine, a drug with sedative properties. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) has also been used by parents to help improve their infant’s sleep habits, however this has been met with criticism as to whether it is appropriate to do so.

Benadryl for allergy relief

Benadryl can be found in the United Kingdom as a remedy for Benadryl allergies.The main ingredient in this medicine is acrivastine. Acrivastine is a non-drowsy antihistamine used to relieve allergies. May help with hay fever, hives, insect bites, conjunctivitis, and eczema. Benadryl Allergy Relief contains 8 mg of acrivastine in each capsule. It should be taken orally.

Benadryl Allergy Relief Plus Decongestant can also be found in the United Kingdom. It is used to relieve sinuses, congestion and runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing.This version contains acrivastine and pseudoephedrine as active ingredients. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant used to relieve nasal congestion. Benadryl Allergy Relief Plus Decongestant contains 8 mg acrivastine and 60 mg pseudoephedrine per capsule and must be taken orally.

Benadryl topical

Benadryl can also be found in topical form including gels and creams. Benadryl Itch Stop Cream is a topical cream used to temporarily relieve itching from allergies, hives, or even some insect bites. It can be found in the USA and Canada. This topical medicine contains 2% diphenhydramine hydrochloride and 1% zinc acetate. This medication is for topical use only, not for oral administration.

Benadryl cough syrup

Cough syrup in a medicine measuring cup

Benadryl is available in Australia and New Zealand as a cough syrup. Not to be confused with Benadryl for allergies. There are several forms of cough syrup on the market to treat different types of coughs such as dry, ticklish coughs, chest coughs, and cough with nasal congestion.Cough fluids for children are also available.

Benadryl Honor Forte is used to relieve severe chest cough and chest congestion. The main ingredients found are guaifenesin and bromhexine hydrochloride. It should be taken by mouth to relieve cough and chest congestion from a cold. Benadryl Dry, Tickly Cough Liquid is a cough medicine found in Australia. It is used to temporarily relieve irritating coughs. Folkodin is the main ingredient in this cough liquid.This medication must be taken by mouth and may cause drowsiness.

Benadryl can also be found in India in the form of cough liquid as well as cough drops. Benadryl Cough Syrup contains diphenhydramine, ammonium chloride and citrate as main ingredients. It is used to relieve coughs and colds, and soothes the throat.

Side effects

Drowsiness is a common side effect of taking Benadryl containing diphenhydramine.Other common side effects may include dry mouth and throat. Symptoms such as confusion and blurred vision may also occur. Other side effects from taking Benadryl include headache and dizziness.

Diphenhydramine is a first generation antihistamine and anticholinergic drug. Anticholinergic drugs block the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Research shows that long-term use of anticholinergics is associated with an increased risk of dementia in older adults.Long-term use of Benadryl can also lead to constipation and confusion.

Interactions

Benadryl containing diphenhydramine may interact with alcohol as both are central nervous system (CNS) depressants. Side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness may worsen when alcohol is taken with diphenhydramine. Mixing diphenhydramine with alcohol can also increase the likelihood of unconsciousness due to sedatives.This combination can also lead to impaired motor skills and decreased focus. Driving, operating machinery, or any other activity that requires full concentration and consciousness is not recommended as these effects persist.

Benadryl may interact with other medications such as antidepressants, sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, and other antihistamines. It is important to consult a professional before taking Benadryl with any other medications, vitamins or herbal products.

History

In 1940, diphenhydramine was discovered by George Riveschl while he was working as a chemical engineer at the University of Cincinnati, where he was conducting research on muscle relaxants.

In 1946, Benadryl was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for prescription use. In the 1980s, it was approved as an over-the-counter drug.

Benadryl was marketed by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare (originally Warner-Lambert) until 2007.

Reminds

On January 15, 2010, McNeil Consumer Healthcare, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, recalled five batches of Benadryl due to an unusual odor associated with the chemical 2,4,6-tribromoanisole.

In April 2010, more than four million packs of Benadryl Children’s Allergy Tablets were recalled after it was discovered that they may contain a higher concentration of active ingredients than indicated on the label, as well as inactive ingredients that do not meet internal testing requirements.

Change of packaging Benadryl for topical application

In 2010, after the FDA reported more than a hundred cases of mistaken oral swallowing, Benadryl Itch Stopping Gel packaging was changed to include a new warning (“for use only on the skin “) and a sticker. was added as an extra precaution.

Society and Culture

Diphenhydramine is a common side effect of drowsiness or drowsiness.Because of these sedative properties, Benadryl is often used as a sleeping pill in people with insomnia. A study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry 90,100, 90,100, found that about one in three adults between the ages of 65 and 80 sometimes use an over-the-counter medication, such as Benadryl, to improve sleep. In 2017, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine discouraged the use of over-the-counter antihistamines as sleeping pills for the treatment of chronic insomnia.Dr. Suzanne Bertish of Harvard Medical School said using antihistamines as sleeping pills can cause drowsiness during the day, lethargy and falls.

Recreational use and the Benadryl problem

In May 2020, Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas, reported that 3 teens were hospitalized as a result of an overdose of diphenhydramine. They claimed that the teens received information on how to abuse Benadryl from the social media app TikTok.In August of that year, an Oklahoma teenager died of a Benadryl overdose. After a later deleted Facebook post from a member of the teen’s family claimed the death was the result of “benadril,” news outlets reported on the dangers of the alleged social media trend. This prompted the FDA to issue a Danger Statement for high doses of diphenhydramine.

Advertising

In the UK, a 2009 advertisement for Benadryl Allergy Relief promotes the use of this drug to combat allergies.The campaign aims to “win the war against allergies,” such as allergies to seasonal allergens such as pollen. The ad claims Benadryl Allergy Relief is “the fastest-acting, over-the-counter allergy relief capsule.” There are also other Benadryl commercials promoting its use against allergies. In an undated advertisement posted on Youtube, the advertisement promoted the use of Benadryl against pollen with the phrase “when allergies occur, hit back with Benadryl”.

In the 2009 Baby Benadryl ad, the campaign focuses on the use of Baby Benadryl for children to get rid of allergies so that they can continue their activities throughout the day. The advertisement shows the child sneezing throughout the video, performing various actions. He promotes the use of Baby Benadryl to relieve sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes and states that “it works when they need it most.” Likewise, there is an advertisement for Benadryl in 2008 that also promotes the use of an antihistamine to relieve allergies when it is most needed, as it says “you cannot put your life on hold.”

Availability

Benadryl is sold over the counter in most countries. Benadryl can be found in several countries including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, India, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Benadryl is available as an oral tablet and oral liquid. Some types of Benadryl, such as Benadryl Itch Stopping Cream and Gels, are designed to be applied to the skin, not internally.

References

external links

90,000 🐈 What are the treatments for yeast infection in dogs? ★★★★★ – HEALTH

Yeast infections (candida albicans) are common in dogs.Yeast yeast leads to ear infections, skin irritation and rashes, indigestion, and secondary medical problems such as staphylococcus aureus (staphylococcus aureus), dermatitis, gas, and bloating. Prevention may be the best medicine, and most yeast infections can be prevented. In many cases, allergies are the cause. In the event of an outbreak, there are several effective treatments available from your veterinarian and several home remedies.

Causes

Yeast infections are caused by an underlying cause. Airborne allergies are the most common. They are usually seasonal and caused by pollen and dust. As the dog’s immune system fights off allergens, its skin produces excess oils, which can lead to ear and skin yeast infections. Yeast allergy by itself can also cause yeast infections, often including gas, diarrhea and upset stomach, and general itching. Dogs with food allergies often lick their feet obsessively.

Prevention / Solution

Prevention and treatment involves determining the exact cause.Ask your veterinarian for tests to identify allergens. If yeast infections are caused by a yeast allergy, eating a yeast-free diet will resolve all symptoms. Talk to your veterinarian about prescribed canine products. You may also consider switching to grain-free grains or feeding a homemade or raw diet. Yeast infections in the ears can be prevented with regular cleaning.

Treatment

Any type of infection needs antibiotics.If the skin is infected, your veterinarian may want to cleanse the skin and culture to pinpoint exactly which yeast bacteria are responsible for the infection and select the best antibiotic. Oral antibiotics are usually only part of a treatment regimen. Prescription shampoos containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylate are applied several times a week. For the intense itching that accompanies many yeast infections, your veterinarian may prescribe a short-term course of prednisone. Treating a yeast infection in the ears usually requires antibiotic ear drops for 10-14 days.Pain relievers may be given if the infection is severe and painful.

Considerations

Yeast infections can be stubborn to treat. They often disappear with a course of antibiotics only to be repeated as soon as treatment is stopped. While a visit to a veterinary dermatologist seems costly, it can be cheaper in the long term if effective treatment is found quickly. A veterinary dermatologist will have a wider range of diagnostic and medicinal products than a general practitioner. Some treatments for yeast infections include azole antifungals and hormone therapy, as spayed and spayed dogs have been found to be more susceptible to allergies and skin infections (see Dermatologist Resources for more information on current treatments).

Expert Judgment

While you should never try to treat or treat a dog without your vet’s instructions, there are several things you can do at home to prevent or treat yeast infections.The vinegar will kill the yeast and prevent further growth by altering the pH level of the skin. It should be mixed 50:50 with clean water. Oil capsules contain omega-3 fatty acids and are good for the skin and coat. According to Holly Nash, DVM, MS, it has been shown to be effective anti-inflammatory and beneficial for itchy and allergy-prone dogs (see Resources).

90,000 Organization and implementation of certification of specialists with secondary medical and pharmaceutical education

Specialist certificate is a single sample document confirming the compliance of specialist training with state educational standards.

Certificate of a specialist is issued on the basis of postgraduate professional education (postgraduate study, residency), or additional education (advanced training, specialization), or a screening test conducted by the commissions of professional medical and pharmaceutical associations, on the theory and practice of the chosen specialty, legislation in the field protection of the health of citizens.

The obligation of every practicing specialist to have a certificate is defined in article 100 of the Federal Law of November 21, 2011.N 323-FZ “On the basics of protection
health of citizens in the Russian Federation “

Federal Law of November 21 2011 . N 323-FZ

“On the basics of protecting the health of citizens in the Russian Federation” (extract)

Article 100. Final clauses

1. Before January 1, 2016:

1) persons who have received higher or secondary medical education in the Russian Federation in accordance with federal state educational standards and have a specialist certificate have the right to carry out medical activities in the Russian Federation;

2) the right to engage in pharmaceutical activities in the Russian Federation belongs to persons who have received a higher or secondary pharmaceutical education in the Russian Federation in accordance with federal state educational standards and have a specialist certificate, as well as persons who have the right to
engaging in medical activities and having received additional professional education in the retail trade of medicinal products, provided they work in rural settlements located in which there are no pharmacy organizations, separate subdivisions of medical organizations (outpatient clinics, paramedics and paramedic-obstetric points, centers (departments) general medical (family) practice) licensed to carry out pharmaceutical activities;

3) persons who have received medical or pharmaceutical education, who have not worked in their specialty for more than five years, may be admitted to medical activity or pharmaceutical activity in accordance with the acquired specialty after completing training in additional professional educational programs (professional retraining) and in the presence of a certificate specialist;

2.Specialist certificates issued to medical and pharmaceutical workers prior to January 1, 2016,
are valid until the expiration of the period specified in them. The form, conditions and procedure for issuing a specialist certificate are established by the authorized federal executive body.

90,000 30 KEY THINGS DOCTORS WANT YOU TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR BODY – LIFE

Ask Reddit what you probably need to know.

1. Ear wax is normal. Don’t try to remove it.People deliver all sorts of problems with cotton swabs and (God forbid) ear candles. They don’t work and can harm you. if you are sincerely need to remove wax, contact a professional.

2. Women, Please Do not use soap or douches in the vagina. It has a delicate pH balance, which is why you can get a yeast infection. Wash the labia, but is not purely internally. The vagina cleans itself, just like your eyeballs.Do you wash your eyes? Not. Are you washing your face? Yes.

3. OTC detox is bullshit. You have several organs that can do great detox if you take care of them.

4. Damn it, this has to be a commercial, kids stop getting those magnetic piercings on your mouth, a dozen idiots come every week to swallow them, one day in the blue moon we have to take them to the theater, open them and fish them out.

The problem is that if they don’t come out because you shit on them, there is a risk that they will make a hole in the intestine (fistula), and this will become an urgent situation.

That’s why we better fish them out before we have to cut out pieces of your intestines.

5. You should not keep your bladder full or allow it to remain overly distended for an extended period of time. When the bladder stretches, it can damage the muscles in the bladder and lead to urinary dysfunction in the future.
So when you go on a long trip, remember to take a bathroom … or at least have an empty container handy before drinking this great energy drink.

6. Ejaculation with blood occurs in most people at least once in their lives, and in 99% of cases it goes away without any action within a week. It doesn’t even require a doctor visit.

Blood urine (both sexes) is a serious medical emergency and you should go to an ambulance immediately.

People think the opposite is true.

7. I ENT. Please bring earplugs to loud concerts and performances. Please do not listen to music too loudly through your headphones. Your hearing does not recover and you are at a higher risk of developing tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and hyperacusis (sensitivity to sound).

8. Take care of your feet. If you can’t feel your feet, check them regularly to make sure they are clean, dry, and free of ulcers.Even small ulcers go straight to the bones. If the infection reaches the bone, there is a chance that we will cut off your leg. This week alone, I helped prepare about half a dozen people for foot amputation.

9. Posture correction can help with headaches and back pain.

10. Daily exercise is great for your health, but if you are active for only one hour a day and are sedentary the rest of the time, you put yourself at increased health risks.So get up from the table once an hour for 5-10 minutes and go for a walk or squat.

11. My ex-girlfriend is a gynecologist, and she always hated how many ordinary women misunderstood how the vagina cleans itself (and it is inside), and categorically refused to wash there (not inside, but refused to clean the vulva and generally outside . crotch area).

12. All I can say is that YOU DO NOT NEED ANTIBIOTICS FOR EVERYTHING LITERALLY.I have heard of an insane number of people who have the flu and are angry that doctors are not prescribing antibiotics for them. The growing resistance scares me and makes my job a nightmare.

13. Brush your teeth 2 times a day for 2 minutes. By simply doing this simple thing, you will save thousands of dollars down the road by avoiding the need to fix or replace tooth decay.

14. If you are going to do something that will involve an injection or blood sample, make sure you are well hydrated (unless instructed not to do so) and keep warm – this will make finding the vein much easier. …

It’s also a good idea to have a current list of your medications with you, which is often a good one on hand. List your dosage as well as the name of the medication.

15. It gets worse when you worry too much. The only three health rules we need to focus on are no smoking, exercise and don’t worry .

16. In terms of saving lives, hand washing is the most important medical advance in the last 200 years.

In the era of multidrug-resistant bacteria, soap and warm water still work.

17. It’s shocking how many people don’t know the anatomy of a woman. The urethra is where your urine comes from. Bacteria can also enter and cause UTIs. No, a UTI is not an STD. And he is not in the vagina. It’s in your urinary tract. Yes, you need to see a doctor because this infection can spread to your kidneys and eventually into your bloodstream and you will have sepsis.Also, a fungal infection is not the same thing. They often appear after taking antibiotics, which cause an overgrowth of yeast in the vagina. And husbands / boyfriends, get to know each other so you can understand. She’s not rude. She may have had anatomical problems and chronic UTIs. It can happen to you too. You just got your urethra, which is farther away from the entrance to your bladder. So they are not easy for most men to get hold of.

18. Nothing is too awkward to talk to a doctor.

If you ejaculate with blood, this may be an early sign of prostate cancer.

If you have written in blood, this may be an early sign of bladder cancer.

If you drip blood, this may be an early sign of colon cancer.

If you have a non-healing skin ulcer or lesion, it may be an emerging skin cancer.

Small, intense exercise is just as beneficial as large, moderate exercise.You don’t need an hour a day or anything to change your lifestyle for the better, even 15 minutes is worth the extra effort.

If you smoke, quitting smoking will be the best thing you can do for your health in your entire life.

Exercise is just as effective in treating depression as medication. That being said, depression includes changes in the chemistry of your brain that can be reversed or mitigated by taking the right medications. Both are essential for optimal recovery.

Treat your body with the same care as your most precious possessions, because is your most precious possession. You cannot enjoy what money can buy if you are suffering or in pain. Everything else in life is replaceable; your body and health are not.

19. Smoking is the worst thing you can do for your body. It is a risk factor for almost all preventable diseases, including heart disease and heart attacks, strokes, almost all cancers, diabetes, COPD, kidney disease, macular degeneration (blindness), and more.I know quitting smoking is hard, but please try it for your body!

20. Alcohol is really Indeed, is bad for you. I understand that the ritual use of poison has been a part of almost every society for millennia, but that absolutely does not change how terrible it is for your body.

You might be thinking, “I drink all the time and I’m fine! I come from a long line of heavy drinkers! It’s just booze, I never got sick from it! “But BOY, you don’t understand what he’s doing with your body.

Because of binge drinking you run the risk of developing:

The stomach is bleeding.

Intestinal bleeding.

Pancreatitis (both acute and chronic).

Liver disease and / or liver failure.

Alcoholism.

Heart failure.

Convulsions.

Iron.

Osteoporosis.

Pulmonary insufficiency.

The list goes on … Every time you drink more than a few drinks a night, you are essentially juggling hand grenades in the hope that they won’t explode.There is simply no reason to do this to your body. Spreading 4 drinks over several hours can be ONLY fun, as well as having 10 drinks in the same amount of time, and you don’t put yourself at risk of massive organ failure or look like an idiot.

21. These chest compressions are not like gently kneading dough as they say on TV.

Should be 2-2.5 inches deep, about 6 cm. Count them – it’s important and convincing. 100 per minute is the “Lost” tick rate.

Push fast, push hard. If you are not tired after a minute, you are probably not working hard enough. Rotating frequently is important, but try not to miss a beat (we’re counting a 3-2-1 shift).

22. POSPI! Most psychoses are caused by someone not sleeping or getting enough sleep for extended periods of time. Some people get enough 20 hours of sleep in a row, and they will never go to a mental hospital again.

AND DON’T JUST ACCIDENTALLY STOP THE MEDICINE BECAUSE YOU FEEL BETTER.You feel better, because now everything that is aligned is constantly in your body. And now that your body is in balance, everything is going great, so CONTINUE WHAT YOU DO. I’ve seen people switch over and stop taking medications for many years, and if you do it for too long it really starts to ruin your body.

23. The frequency of bowel movements can range from 3 to 3 times a day and is considered normal. Soft stools 3 times a day does not mean you have chronic diarrhea.

24. We are not going to call the police, if you use drugs, we need to know so as not to give you drugs that, when mixed with these drugs, will kill you.

Example: If you are on heroin (a depressant) and you are out of control, we cannot give you Ativan or Benadryl because they can literally stop your breathing and / or heart.

25. Injuries accumulate. I cannot stress this enough. Young children don’t care about lifting heavy weights or exercising that much because some of these “trainers” seem to know little about physiology or don’t care about the long-term effects of the regiments.Things like this really change people’s lives

26. Most cases of high blood pressure are asymptomatic. He is called a silent killer and causes many other diseases.

27. I am a dentist and if you don’t take care of your gums your teeth will fall out of your head and you will be angry with me when your jawbone atrophies and the prosthesis no longer fits.

28. Never boil breast milk (in my country it is believed that breast milk jaundice in newborns can be treated by boiling breast milk, but you destroy all the nutrients and it becomes as nutritious as water).

29. You need some exercise. No matter how you feel right now, sitting 12-16 hours a day will have negative consequences.

30. Avoid DIY surgery or delay reporting clear warning signs. Don’t be the guy who tried to remove skin cancer with a knife.

90,000 Navel itching: CAUSES AND TREATMENT – HEALTH

Usually, itching in the navel is caused by a rash around the navel or an infection in the navel.Some of the specific causes of navel itching include: Eczema Eczema, also known as atopic

Content:

Causes of the itching of the navel

Typically, itching in the navel occurs as a result of a rash around the navel or an infection in the navel. Some of the specific causes of navel itching include:

Eczema

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, can cause itching and redness of the skin in and around the navel.

Treatment: There is no cure for eczema. Wash with mild soap and then rinse and dry your navel thoroughly. If you have a bulging belly button, moisturize twice a day. Don’t wet the “little” belly button – keep it dry.

Contact dermatitis

When your skin comes in contact with a substance that causes an allergic reaction (allergen) or irritant, the reaction is called contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is usually itchy and manifests as a red rash that sometimes blisters.

Treatment: Avoid allergen or irritant. Use an over-the-counter antipruritic cream with at least 1% hydrocortisone or take an over-the-counter oral antihistamine such as:

• Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
• Chlorpheniramine (Chloro-Trimeton)
• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

Learn more about treating contact dermatitis.

Yeast infection

Candida yeast that usually grows in moist, dark areas of the body.This can cause a yeast infection known as candidiasis. Along with white discharge, candidiasis can cover the navel with an itchy, red rash.

Treatment: Use an antifungal cream such as miconazole nitrate (Micatin, Monistat-Derm) or clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex) and keep the navel clean and dry.

Bacterial infection

Fluff, sweat and dead skin can accumulate in the navel and lead to bacterial growth and infection. Sometimes, a navel infection can result in a brownish or yellowish discharge.

Treatment: Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics such as penicillin or cephalosporin (Keflex). Keep your navel clean and dry.

Infected navel piercing

Like any piercing, belly button piercings can become infected.

Treatment: Leave the piercing on and keep the area clean and dry. Use topical antibiotics such as Neosporin or Duospore. Your doctor may also prescribe oral antibiotics.

Insect bite

Mosquito, spider, bedbug and flea bites look like tiny red bumps.

Treatment: Use an over-the-counter itch cream containing at least 1 percent hydrocortisone, or take an over-the-counter oral antihistamine, such as:

• brompheniramine (dimethane)
• fexofenadine (
• ) alegraverinla llorate

Home Remedies for Itchy Belly Button

Although these remedies are not clinically proven, natural healing advocates have a number of tips to combat itchy belly button:

• Apply a paste of turmeric powder and water directly to the itchy area.Once the paste is completely dry, rinse it off thoroughly.
• Apply a mixture of tea tree oil diluted in coconut oil to the itchy area several times a day.
• Dip a cotton ball in warm calendula tea and press it to your navel for 12 minutes.

Conclusion

Remember to gently wash, rinse and dry your navel thoroughly several times a week to avoid unwanted itching.

90,000 Pregnancy and asthma.

01.06.2015

Not so long ago, 20-30 years ago, a pregnant woman with bronchial asthma often faced a negative attitude even among doctors: “What were you thinking about? What children ?! You have asthma!” Thank God these times are long gone.Today, doctors around the world are unanimous in their opinion: bronchial asthma is not a contraindication for pregnancy and in no case is it a reason for refusing to have children.

Nevertheless, a certain mystical halo around this disease persists, and this leads to an erroneous approach: some women are afraid of pregnancy and doubt their right to have children, others rely too much on nature and stop treatment during pregnancy, considering any drugs to be undoubtedly harmful in this period of life.Asthma treatment is surrounded by an incredible amount of myths and legends, rejection and misconceptions. For example, with an increase in blood pressure, a woman will not doubt that she can give birth to a child if she is properly treated. She will definitely take into account the doctor’s recommendations about the need to limit salt, about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, she knows that she must take medications to normalize blood pressure, that treatment cannot be abandoned. When planning a pregnancy, a woman will consult in advance with a doctor which medications can be taken during pregnancy and which cannot be taken, and she will acquire a tonometer to monitor her condition.And if the disease gets out of control, immediately seek medical help. Of course, you say, this is so natural. But as soon as it comes to asthma, doubts and hesitation appear.

Perhaps the whole point is that modern methods of treating asthma are still very young: they are a little over 12 years old. People still remember the times when asthma was a frightening and often disabling disease. More recently, treatment was reduced to endless droppers, theofedrine and hormones in tablets, and the inept and uncontrolled use of the first inhalers often ended in a very bad way.Now the state of affairs has changed, new ideas about the nature of the disease have led to the creation of new drugs and the development of methods for controlling the disease. But in order to achieve success in treatment, the joint efforts of doctors and the patients themselves are needed.

At the present stage of the development of medicine, there are no methods that can once and for all relieve a person from bronchial asthma. Asthma is a disease that cannot yet be cured, but can be learned to be well controlled. During pregnancy, the severity of bronchial asthma often changes.It is believed that in about a third of women, the course of asthma improves, in a third it worsens, and in a third it remains unchanged, while the course of the disease usually does not change in the first trimester. But rigorous scientific analysis is less optimistic: asthma improves in only 14% of cases. Therefore, you should not rely on this chance indefinitely in the hope that all problems will be resolved by themselves. The fate of a pregnant woman and her unborn child is in her own hands – and in the hands of her doctor.

As a matter of fact, asthma itself does not contribute to the complicated course of pregnancy and fetal developmental disorders (well, except that pregnant women with asthma are somewhat more likely to have toxicosis of pregnant women).All problems are connected not with the fact of the presence of bronchial asthma, but with its poor control. The greatest risk to the fetus is hypoxia (insufficient amount of oxygen in the blood), which occurs due to the uncontrolled course of bronchial asthma of bronchial asthma. If suffocation occurs, not only does the pregnant woman feel difficulty breathing, but the unborn child also suffers from a lack of oxygen (hypoxia). It is the lack of oxygen that can interfere with the normal development of the fetus, and in vulnerable periods even disrupt the normal laying of organs.To give birth to a healthy child, it is necessary to receive treatment appropriate to the severity of the disease in order to prevent an increase in the onset of symptoms and the development of hypoxia.

And the prognosis for children born to mothers with well-controlled asthma is comparable to that for children whose mothers do not have asthma. Therefore, it is necessary to treat asthma during pregnancy, avoiding the symptoms of shortness of breath, and even more so exacerbations. A pregnant woman with asthma needs closer medical supervision than before pregnancy.When assessing the degree of asthma control, not only clinical indicators are used, but also peak flowmetry data. This allows you to assess the respiratory function and the state of the disease and notice early signs of an impending exacerbation in time in order to take action and prevent the development of a dangerous condition (the peak flow meter readings “react” before symptoms appear). We will return to this question later.

Treatment of a pregnant woman should be prescribed and monitored by a specialist doctor individually, and no medications, even vitamins, should be used without the agreement of the doctor.Educating pregnant women with bronchial asthma plays an important role in treatment: asthma is one of those diseases that require the patient to understand the nature of the disease and the causes of exacerbation, awareness, the ability to use drugs correctly and certain skills of self-control.

A woman with bronchial asthma should prepare for pregnancy.

While asthma treatment can and should be continued during pregnancy, there are many issues that need to be addressed before it begins.The selection of drugs and the achievement of control of the disease takes time, while for the normal course of pregnancy, the most complete control of the disease is required. Asthma school attendance and education can be challenging for a pregnant woman. Thus, by the time of pregnancy, planned therapy should be selected that provides good control of the disease (minimal symptoms, minimal need for drugs to relieve symptoms, no exacerbations and restrictions on activity, close to normal readings of respiratory function), the correct inhalation technique should be worked out, self-control training with the help of a peak flow meter was carried out, an individual Asthma Action Plan was developed.All these questions are within the competence of a pulmonologist (you will not always find this specialist in a district clinic, and in this case, you must contact the consultative and diagnostic center at your place of residence).

In cases where the selection of therapy, training in inhalation technique and self-control methods were not carried out before pregnancy, an appeal to a pulmonologist is all the more necessary.

But this is only one side of the problem directly related to the treatment of asthma.The other side is allergy issues. In young people, in most cases, bronchial asthma is atopic, that is, directly related to the presence of hypersensitivity to a number of allergens. Household, pollen, mold, epidermal allergens are the main provoking factors contributing to the exacerbation of the disease. Conversely, by eliminating or reducing contact with the most significant allergens, it is possible to improve the course of the disease and reduce the risk of exacerbations with the same or even less drug therapy, which is especially important during pregnancy.

But in order to apply the necessary measures, you need to know which allergens are causal in this particular case. At the same time, many methods of examination and treatment are difficult or even impossible to carry out when a woman is expecting a baby. Therefore, the allergological examination should be completed before the onset of pregnancy, after which recommendations on organizing a hypoallergenic life should be obtained from the allergist and implemented.

Thus, before the planned pregnancy, visit a pulmonologist and allergist, undergo the necessary examination, listen, if possible, to the Asthma School course, rebuild your life in accordance with the recommendations.The more you know about yourself and your disease, the less problems you will face during and after pregnancy.

Measures to limit contact with allergens.

In women of childbearing age, allergy plays a huge role in bronchial asthma. Contact with the “guilty” allergen provokes symptoms, leads to an exacerbation of the disease. On the other hand, if this contact can be excluded (or at least significantly limited), the disease recedes. Therefore, measures to limit contact with allergens are extremely important in bronchial asthma in general, and especially during pregnancy.For successful asthma therapy, this is a prerequisite, and the more complete elimination of allergens is achieved, the easier the disease progresses and the less drugs are needed to control it.

The individual spectrum of causally significant allergens is established by an allergological examination. But even if the test results are negative, a pregnant woman should also think about her unborn child: staying in a dusty, cluttered, moldy house is not good for his health and contributes to the formation of allergic diseases.Therefore, general measures to combat dust and mold can be recommended in any case.

Dust reduction. General measures to limit exposure to house dust allergens.

Modern dwellings tend to be overloaded with dust-collecting objects. A pile of upholstered furniture, carpets, lush curtains, stacks of books, old newspapers, scattered clothes serve as an endless reservoir of allergens. During the heating season, when the air humidity is sharply lowered, the smallest dust particles rise into the air and do not settle for hours.With every breath they enter our airways, causing irritation and – in sensitive people – an allergic reaction. The conclusion is simple: you should reduce the number of objects that collect dust.

Dust allergy

Fluffy woolen carpets, draperies and a four-poster bed are not for asthmatics. The setting should be spartan. The amount of upholstered furniture should be minimized. It is better to choose models without decorative details – buttons, folds, etc. or replace furniture with leather.Carpets and rugs are not recommended. Instead of curtains, it is better to use vertical blinds (dust also collects on horizontal surfaces). Books and knickknacks must be removed to the glazed shelves.

Optimal air humidity (40-50%) makes breathing easier and improves health, and most importantly, reduces the amount of suspended dust in the air. To determine the relative humidity of the air, special devices are used – hygrometers. If the humidity is low, you should consider a humidifier.But high humidity is also harmful: it contributes to the rapid growth of molds and the reproduction of house dust mites – the main allergens in rooms. If the humidity is high, consider using a dehumidifier.

There are devices specially designed to clean the air from dust and allergens, harmful gases and unpleasant odors. They are called that: air purifiers. Many models of such devices have been developed, but not every model is suitable for asthmatics, especially for a pregnant woman.It is recommended to use filter purifiers equipped with special filters to remove dust and allergens from the air and additional carbon filters to get rid of harmful gases. Allergens are inherently the smallest particles, and special fine filters have been created to capture them. The most common filters of the corresponding class are called HEPA (an English abbreviation that reads “hepa” and means “high efficiency filter for particle retention”).Various modifications of HEPA filters are also used: ProHEPA, ULPA, etc. In some models, highly efficient photocatalytic filters are used. But inexpensive electrostatic filters and filterless ionizers are not recommended: when operating such purifiers, ozone is released – a chemically active and toxic compound in high doses, which is dangerous for pulmonary diseases in general, and for pregnant women and young children in particular.

If the woman does the cleaning herself, it is recommended to wear a respirator that protects against dust and allergens.Currently, there are many disposable fine respirators. Special models with HEPA filters designed for reusable use have also been developed. After cleaning, you need to switch the air purifier to intensive cleaning mode for 45 minutes, or at least ventilate the room.

Daily wet cleaning has not lost its relevance, but you can’t do without a vacuum cleaner in a modern apartment. And if a woman has asthma, not every vacuum cleaner is suitable for her.The fact is that an ordinary vacuum cleaner retains only coarse dust, and the smallest particles and allergens “slip” through it and again get into the air. After such cleaning, air pollution increases by 3 times or more. For the needs of allergy sufferers and asthmatics, special models of vacuum cleaners have been developed, equipped with filters similar to those used in air purifiers.

The bed, which serves as a resting place for a healthy person, turns into the main source of allergens for an allergic person.Dust accumulates in ordinary bedding, chitin of feather pillows and the wool of blankets serve as an excellent breeding ground for the development and reproduction of molds and house dust mites – the main sources of household allergens. It is necessary to replace bedding with special hypoallergenic ones – made of light and airy modern materials (polyester, hypoallergenic cellulose, etc.). The requirements for such materials are quite high: the fiber should not cause allergies, be environmentally friendly, odorless, have good antistatic properties (do not attract dust), good air and moisture permeability and the property of thermoregulation.Fillers in which glue or latex was used to hold the fibers together (for example, synthetic winterizer) are not recommended.

But just changing the pillow isn’t enough. New bedding requires proper care: regular whipping and airing, regular frequent washing at 60 ° C and above. Modern fillers are easily washed off and regain their shape after repeated washings, but the implementation of this recommendation is difficult for many.Well, you can wash less often and at the same time increase your allergen resistance by placing your pillow, mattress and blanket in anti-allergen protective covers. They are made of a dense weave fabric that allows air and water vapor to pass freely, but impervious even to small particles. Such covers reliably protect a sleeping person from sources of allergens lurking in bed. Well, everything that is not protected by covers (sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers) must be changed at least once a week and washed at a temperature of 60 ° C and above.In the summer it is useful to dry the bedding in direct sunlight, in the winter to freeze it at a low temperature.

Special measures.

House dust is a complex of allergens. It is composed of textile fibers, particles of dead skin (peeled epidermis) of humans and pets, mold fungi, allergens of cockroaches and tiny arachnids living in dust – house dust mites (these mites do not spread any diseases and do not “bite” them, but secretions and shell particles are the main source of allergens in indoor dust).

A detailed allergy examination carried out in our time allows not only to determine the presence of allergy to house dust, but also to establish which of its components is most significant for the patient. This is of great importance because allows you to apply additional measures: for a number of allergens, special products have been developed to help get rid of them.

Due to the huge role of house dust mites in the development of allergic diseases and bronchial asthma, scientists have created a large arsenal of tools both for the destruction of the mites themselves and for neutralizing their allergens.Means for killing ticks are called acaricides. Eliminate mite allergens will help the treatment products – herbal preparations Easy Air: (read “easy air”).

Easy Air: (More …) are able to neutralize not only house dust mite allergens, but also allergenic components of animal origin (pet allergens). They are most effective against the main cat allergens, which allows them to be used for treating premises after animals have lived there (reducing the concentration of allergens in a natural way is a long process).

All these measures applied in the complex allow creating a hypoallergenic environment: (More …) and to reduce the allergenic load on the body of a pregnant woman.

Unfortunately, no special means have been developed for the specific neutralization of pollen allergens. In this case, a complex of hygienic and behavioral measures is applied; air purifiers play an important role. Some models of purifiers have special modes for removing pollen.In addition, pollen allergy is one of the few types of respiratory allergy in which the use of air conditioners (models equipped with HEPA filters) is effective. It is recommended to plan pregnancy so that its most vulnerable periods do not coincide with the active flowering of allergenic plants. Often, a temporary move to another climatic zone during the flowering period becomes the safest and most effective way to avoid contact with pollen and, thereby, exacerbate bronchial asthma.

Animals in your home.

Fish food, bird feathers and excrement, dandruff, saliva and other excretions of domestic animals are the strongest source of allergens. If you are allergic to any of these components, further contact with the “guilty” allergen is unacceptable. The danger threatens not only the woman herself. According to studies, having a cat in a house where the mother suffers from bronchial asthma increases the risk of developing allergic diseases 3 times. And although in recent years there have been reports that in some cases, early contact of babies with cats rather reduces the risk of developing allergies, one can argue as much theoretically as possible, how accurate and verified this information is, and in practice it should be remembered that in order to endure and give birth to a healthy child, a pregnant woman should take all measures to exclude contact with allergens.

Smoking – fight!

Pregnant women are strictly prohibited from smoking! But giving up active smoking, this harmful habit, is not enough. Any contact with tobacco smoke must be carefully avoided. Staying in a smoky atmosphere, smoking in the house cause tremendous harm to both the woman and her unborn child. Even if only the father smokes in the family, the likelihood of developing asthma in a predisposed child increases 3-4 times.

Infection.

Respiratory infections, which are dangerous for any pregnant woman, are many times more dangerous in bronchial asthma, since they carry the risk of exacerbation.Avoiding respiratory infections is, of course, necessary, but, of course, it is almost impossible to completely protect yourself from contact with them. Therefore, with a high risk of getting the flu in cases where the flu has previously provoked severe exacerbations of asthma, vaccination with an influenza vaccine is recommended (but not earlier than 3 months of pregnancy).

Note.

The US Vaccination Advisory Committee (ACIP) recommends seasonal influenza vaccination for all pregnant women 14 weeks or more and women at risk of influenza, regardless of gestational age.Studies have confirmed the effectiveness of vaccination of patients with pulmonary disease and patients receiving treatment with corticosteroids. Since an inactivated influenza vaccine is currently used, it does not have negative consequences for the fetus and is safe, which is confirmed by research. It is not dangerous for breastfeeding mothers either. Moreover, the antibodies produced by the mother in response to the vaccine pass through breast milk and provide additional protection for the baby.

For upper respiratory tract infections, rinse your nose regularly with warm saline. A similar effect can be achieved using a nebulizer, inhaling saline or Borjomi through a mask or nasal nozzle. In some nebulizers, it is possible to switch the level of drug delivery to the upper respiratory tract.

In some cases, it becomes necessary to prescribe antibiotics, but in no case should they be used without a doctor’s prescription.The use of streptomycin, tetracycline, aminoglycosides, sulfonamides (including biseptol), chloramphenicol, quinolones and fluoroquinolones is absolutely unacceptable. When choosing an antibiotic, the doctor each time weighs the risk / benefit ratio, and takes into account not only the fact of pregnancy and its timing, but also the nature of the disease that necessitated the use of antibiotics, the properties of the probable pathogen and, of course, the allergic history. For example, during pregnancy, penicillin antibiotics are quite safe, but they are often a source of allergic reactions.The appointment of benzylpenicillin, the ancestor of this group, is avoided even in cases where there is no indication of its intolerance. The need for and the possibility of using semi-synthetic penicillins, erythromycin or cephalosporins is determined by a doctor according to strict indications. Prescribing antibiotics “for prophylactic purposes” is unacceptable.

Treatment of bronchial asthma during pregnancy.

Many pregnant women try, and justifiably, to avoid taking medications during pregnancy.But it is necessary to treat asthma: the harm caused by a severe uncontrolled disease and the resulting hypoxia (insufficient supply of oxygen to the fetus) is immeasurably higher than the possible side effects of drugs. Not to mention the fact that allowing asthma to worsen is a huge risk to the life of the woman herself. But the instructions for any medicinal products indicate contraindications, restrictions or special conditions for their use during pregnancy. How to be?

First of all, a doctor should prescribe treatment for a pregnant woman.Close contact with a specialist is a prerequisite for successful treatment: this is the only way to achieve maximum effect with minimal risk. All drugs are used on the principle: “only if the expected benefit outweighs the possible risk to the mother and fetus.” Particularly stringent requirements are imposed on the 1st trimester of pregnancy as the most vulnerable in terms of any impacts.

In the treatment of asthma, preference is given to topical (topically acting) inhalation drugs, since the concentration of the drug in the blood is minimal, and the local effect in the target zone, in the bronchi, is maximum.Freon-free inhalers are recommended. Metered-dose aerosol inhalers should be used with a spacer to reduce the risk of side effects. A prerequisite for successful treatment is correct inhalation (inhalation technique). A pulmonologist or an instructor in the classroom at the Asthma School will help you master the necessary skills.

It has been established that bronchial asthma, regardless of the severity, is a chronic inflammatory disease.It is the constant presence of this particular chronic inflammation in the bronchi that causes the symptoms. If you only treat the symptoms (eliminate bronchospasm), but do not fight their cause in any way, the disease will progress. Therefore, the treatment of bronchial asthma consists of basic therapy (drugs to control the disease), aimed at controlling inflammation, and drugs to relieve symptoms and treat exacerbations. The scope of basic therapy is determined by the doctor depending on the severity of asthma.Adequate basic therapy significantly reduces the risk of exacerbations and minimizes the need for drugs to relieve symptoms.

On the safety of drugs during pregnancy.

In our time, medicine has become evidence-based, i.e. every recommendation, every concept, every drug, before being approved and approved for use, must be thoroughly tested according to certain scientific rules. A drug is considered completely safe only when its safety has been tested and proven in the course of so-called double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled large-scale clinical trials in which the effects of this drug are compared with both known drugs and with no intervention.In this case, the study is structured so that the beliefs or prejudices of the doctor or patient cannot influence the final conclusions. But conducting such research in pregnant women is almost impossible for ethical reasons. Safety has to be judged by animal data and long-term follow-up of pregnancy outcomes in humans. Therefore, none of the drugs used for bronchial asthma was assigned the highest safety level – category A (“safety at the placebo level”, indicating that taking the drug affects the safety indicators no more than if the drug was not used at all).

All drugs have been assigned a certain category of safety for use during pregnancy. Unfortunately, this is usually not indicated on the drug label. So, drugs in category A do not exist at the moment. The next safety category, category B, is assigned to drugs that have been shown to be safe in animal studies, or, even if animal studies have identified a side effect, it has been possible to confirm that the drug is safe for humans even during vulnerable periods of pregnancy.If the potential benefit of use outweighs the risk of complications, or there is simply not enough safety data, the drug receives category C. Category D refers to drugs that have proven side effects, but the potential benefit may allow their use despite the risk. Category X – drugs with a teratogenic effect, the risk of their use exceeds the possible benefit, and they are not used during pregnancy.

Drugs for the relief of symptoms.

A pregnant woman should not endure or wait out attacks of suffocation so that the lack of oxygen in the blood does not harm the development of the unborn child.Therefore, a drug is needed to relieve symptoms.

The drugs of choice are inhaled, rapid-onset beta2-agonists. They prefer selective drugs that selectively affect the bronchi with minimal effect on the cardiovascular system. The “gold standard” in Russia is salbutamol (Salbutamol, Ventolin, etc.), in the world – terbutaline (Bricanil Turbuhaler). Terbutaline is considered optimal (category B), but in our country it is much more expensive and less available than salbutamol preparations.The nebulizer form of terbutaline is not registered in our country, therefore, if necessary, only salbutamol is used in nebulizer therapy.

The use of these drugs during pregnancy requires caution and medical supervision. The limitations are primarily due to the fact that injectable forms of beta2-agonists are able to relax the muscles of the uterus, and therefore, with the threat of miscarriage in the 1st and 2nd trimester of pregnancy, premature placental abruption, bleeding and toxicosis in the 3rd trimester, there is a possibility of increased bleeding.In inhaled form and in recommended doses, the effect on the muscles of the uterus is very small, but this theoretical possibility is taken into account. Uncontrolled use of bronchodilators at the end of pregnancy can lengthen the duration of labor.

The use of fenoterol (Beroteka) and Berodual (a combination of fenoterol with an anticholinergic) in the first trimester of pregnancy is avoided, but allowed if the expected benefit outweighs the possible risk. The studies did not reveal a negative effect on the course of pregnancy, but the available data are insufficient to remove the restrictions.For inhaled anticholinergics (ipratropium – Atrovent), there was no negative effect on fetal development ( category B ), but this drug is usually not used to treat asthma (only in combinations), since its effect develops more slowly.

During pregnancy, the use of any ephedrine preparations (theofedrine, Kogan powders, etc.) is absolutely contraindicated, since ephedrine causes a narrowing of the vessels of the uterus and aggravates fetal hypoxia. The use of adrenaline for exacerbations of bronchial asthma is not recommended (it is advisable to use injectable terbutaline).

The frequency of bronchodilator use is an important indicator of asthma control. With an increase in the need for their use, you should contact a pulmonologist to enhance the planned (basic) therapy to control the disease. Treatment with symptom relief drugs alone is only permissible in the mildest cases with rare mild symptoms and rare mild exacerbations. As their name suggests, these drugs are capable of relieving symptoms that have already arisen, but do not have anti-inflammatory activity and do not affect disease control.

Routine therapy (basic, therapy for disease control)

Planned (basic) therapy to control the disease must necessarily correspond to the severity of the disease, which is a prerequisite for reducing the need for drugs that expand the bronchi and preventing exacerbations. If the severity of asthma requires mandatory basic therapy, and the patient only relieves symptoms, asthma becomes uncontrollable, dangerous for the mother and harming the fetus.The appointment of routine therapy necessary to control asthma prevents attacks and exacerbations that cause fetal hypoxia, i.e. contributes not only to the normal course of pregnancy, but also to the normal development of the child.

Surrounded by a pregnant woman with bronchial asthma, there are always “well-wishers” (sometimes even doctors or – more often – former doctors) who are trying to infect a woman with fear of treatment and the drugs used. Always remember: you breathe for two, and unfounded fears are unacceptable.You shouldn’t listen to the highly experienced and illiterate “neighbor Baba Manya”. Use only information obtained from a qualified technician.

Drugs for disease control.

Cromones (Intal, Tiled) are used only for mild persistent asthma. If the drug is prescribed for the first time during pregnancy, sodium cromolyn is used (Intal). If the patient received nedocromil (Tylade) with a good effect before pregnancy, the therapy is continued. But if cromones do not provide adequate control of the disease, inhaled hormonal drugs should be prescribed.

Inhaled hormones are the basis of the basic therapy for persistent asthma in all but the mildest cases. Their appointment during pregnancy has its own characteristics. If the drug is to be prescribed for the first time, budesonide (Pulmicort) is preferred: an analysis of 2014 pregnancies conducted in 2000 did not reveal an increase in the risk to the fetus (the drug is included in category B). Beclomethasone, which is more available in our country, can also be prescribed. If asthma has been successfully controlled with another inhaled hormone drug prior to pregnancy, this therapy may be continued.If medium doses are ineffective, the doctor may add theophylline preparations (with great care) or salmeterol. The use of theophylline (both aminophylline and prolonged-release drugs in tablets such as Teopek) during pregnancy is treated with greater caution, especially in the 3rd trimester, when the rate of excretion of theophylline from the body decreases: this drug freely penetrates the placenta and can cause tachycardia and disorders rhythm in the fetus and newborn.

Leukotriene antagonists can be used with caution and only under strict indications. Safety class – B .

The drugs are prescribed only individually, the more this rule should be observed during pregnancy. The amount of treatment required for a given degree of severity of bronchial asthma is determined by the doctor observing the patient, while focusing, in addition to the clinic of the disease, on the peak flowmetry data.

Peak flow and asthma action plan.

Bronchial asthma is one of those diseases that require the patient to be able to control their condition.Just as a blood pressure monitor is needed in hypertension, and a glucometer in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, a portable and easy-to-use device called a peak flow meter has been developed for self-monitoring in asthma.

The recorded indicator – peak expiratory flow rate, abbreviated as PSV – allows you to monitor the state of the disease at home.

The indications should be recorded 2 times a day, in the morning and in the evening, before the use of bronchodilators, as well as when symptoms appear.The data is recorded in the form of a graph, since it provides more information: not only the specific numbers matter, but also the shape of the resulting graph. One of the alarming symptoms is “morning dips”: periodically recorded low rates in the morning hours. Morning failures are a sign of incomplete asthma control and an early symptom of impending exacerbation.

At the same time, tangible changes in well-being may still be absent, and timely measures taken will avoid the development of an exacerbation.Self-monitoring with a peak flow meter is a prerequisite for drawing up an Action Plan for Asthma: detailed doctor’s recommendations, which outline the basic therapy and the necessary actions in case of changes in the state.

Treatment of exacerbations.

The most important thing is to try to prevent exacerbations. Measures to limit exposure to allergens and properly selected routine therapy greatly reduce this risk. But exacerbations do occur, and the most common cause is ARVI.

Exacerbation of bronchial asthma, along with a danger to the mother, poses a serious threat to the fetus due to the development of hypoxia, therefore, a delay in treatment is unacceptable. Treatment of exacerbations requires the use of a nebulizer; salbutamol is the drug of choice in our country. The effect of treatment is assessed not only clinically, but also with the help of a peak flow meter: if, after the therapy, the indicators have not reached the level of 70% of normal (or the best for this patient), urgent hospitalization is required.If necessary, inhaled anticholinergics can be connected to nebulizer therapy; if the effect is insufficient, aminophylline is additionally prescribed intravenously. Oxygen therapy is used to combat fetal hypoxia. In severe exacerbations of bronchial asthma, the use of systemic hormonal drugs is required, including short-course hormone tablets; at the same time, drugs of trimcinolone (Polcortolone) are avoided due to the risk of affecting the muscular system of the mother and the fetus, as well as dexamethasone and betamethasone, and preference is given to drugs prednisolone or methylprednisolone.The harm caused to the child by hypoxia is many times higher than the possible side effects.

As already mentioned, during pregnancy, the use of any ephedrine preparations is absolutely contraindicated, since it aggravates fetal hypoxia. The use of adrenaline for exacerbations of bronchial asthma is not recommended.

Other questions of drug therapy.

Prescribing any medication during pregnancy should be treated with caution, including pain relievers and vitamins.Caution when taking non-steroidal analgesics (aspirin, analgin, etc.) is necessary for all patients with bronchial asthma, and with aspirin asthma, a complete and absolute exclusion of all drugs in this group is required.

Intolerance to any medications is not uncommon in bronchial asthma. You will be safer if you always have a passport filled out by an allergist with an allergic disease patient, which will list medications that previously caused an allergic reaction or are contraindicated in asthma (for example, beta-blockers), as well as indicate related medications that may cause cross-allergy.Before using any medication, you must familiarize yourself with its composition and instructions for use, and discuss all questions with your doctor.

As already mentioned, during pregnancy, the use of any ephedrine preparations (including theofedrine) is absolutely contraindicated, since it causes a narrowing of the vessels of the uterus and aggravates fetal hypoxia. The use of adrenaline for exacerbations of bronchial asthma is not recommended (if necessary, use injectable terbutaline).

Deposited forms of long-acting systemic hormones – Kenalog, Diprospan – are categorically not used either for asthma or for allergies during pregnancy.

Sometimes special measures are required to combat heartburn in pregnant women. it can adversely affect the course of asthma, especially at night. It is very important to prescribe a diet with the exception of caffeine, chocolate and other products that provoke heartburn; in some cases, the appointment of drug treatment is required.

In the presence of concomitant diseases requiring routine therapy (for example, hypertension), you must contact a specialist of the appropriate profile to correct therapy taking into account the planned pregnancy.

Of the expectorant drugs, iodine preparations or iodine-containing substances (for example, potassium iodide) are contraindicated, since they can affect the function of the thyroid gland of the fetus.

Antihistamines familiar to allergy sufferers are not used to treat bronchial asthma in adults, but the need for them may be associated with the presence of other allergic diseases, for example, with concomitant allergic rhinitis.They have significant restrictions on their use during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Only a limited number of drugs are used under the strict supervision of a physician, in small doses and according to strict indications (for example, diphenhydramine – Diphenhydramine). Modern antihistamines are used during pregnancy as directed by a doctor only in cases of extreme necessity, when the expected benefit exceeds the possible risk to the fetus (there is still insufficient experience of their use during pregnancy, no teratogenic effect has been revealed in experimental studies on animals, category B ): cetirizine ( Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin).Fexofenadine is currently classified as Category C (there is currently no data on its safety in pregnancy) and is usually not used. It is allowed to use mechitazin (Primalan) with extreme caution. The use of astemizole and terfenadine is unacceptable (arrhythmogenic effect, detection of embryotoxic effects on animals).

Antihistamines for pregnancy in the United States.

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration, USA) categorizes Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), dexchlorpheniramine (Polaramine), brompheniramine (Dimetapp), diphenhydramine (Benadryl, in Russia – Diphenhydramine), Cyproheptin, Periaptadine (Peria) , clemastine (Tavist, in Russia – Tavegil), cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), azatidine (Optimine).Acelastine (Astelin, in Russia – Allergodil), hydroxyzine (Atarax, in Russia – Atarax) and promethazine (Phenergan, in Russia – Pipolfen, Diprazin) are assigned to category C.

Pregnancy and Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy (ASIT, or SIT)

Although pregnancy is not a contraindication for ASIT, it is not recommended to start treatment during pregnancy. But if pregnancy occurs during ASIT, the treatment can be continued. In one study, it was shown that children born to mothers who received ASIT reduced the risk of developing allergies.

Childbirth

A pregnant woman should know and take into account in her plans that with bronchial asthma, in comparison with healthy women, the risk of both premature birth and prolonged pregnancy is slightly increased, which requires careful observation of a gynecologist. To avoid exacerbation of asthma during labor, basic therapy is not stopped during labor. Peak flowmetry should be assessed from the onset of labor and at least every 12 hours.If the pregnant woman has previously received systemic hormonal drugs, systemic hormones are prescribed during childbirth to avoid adrenal insufficiency. It is known that adequate pain relief during labor reduces the risk of exacerbation of bronchial asthma.

The course of childbirth in women with asthma has its own characteristics, according to statistics, more often than usual, there is a need to stimulate and conduct a caesarean section (in this case, epidural anesthesia is preferable). For stimulation, it is possible to use oxytocin, but preparations of prostaglandins and ergometrine are contraindicated.A number of drugs used in anesthesia and for pain relief (morphine, thiopental, etc.) are also contraindicated due to the possibility of oppression of the respiratory center or the ability to cause the release of histamine and provoke bronchospasm.

Risk of having a baby with asthma and allergies.

Any woman is worried about the health of her unborn child, and since the development of bronchial asthma, of course, is attended by inherited factors, this issue should be dwelled on.The most studied issue is the inheritance of atopy (hereditary tendency of the body to respond to environmental influences by producing an excess amount of immunoglobulin E). It should be noted right away that we are not talking about the indispensable inheritance of bronchial asthma, but about the general risk of subsequently developing an allergic disease, namely about the risk, and not about fatal inevitability.

Atopic diseases include allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis, acute urticaria, and atopic bronchial asthma.Of course, the risk of atopy in a child from a family, all members of which suffer from atopic diseases from generation to generation, is higher than in families where these diseases have never occurred. The greatest risk is noted in families where heredity is burdened by this trait both on the mother’s side and on the father’s side. The risk of inheriting atopy on the maternal side is higher than on the father’s side, but an atopic child can also be born in a family where there has been no previous allergy. Allergic diseases are not grounds for a ban on having children.

Allergies are widespread in the modern world, and up to 40% of people experience any of its symptoms at least once during their life. But in the development of allergic diseases, in addition to heredity, other factors play a role, including the microecology of the home, smoking parents, feeding the baby, etc. Active and passive smoking and environmental pollution are no less important than burdened heredity. The importance of dietary factors (both the nutrition of the woman herself during pregnancy and lactation, and the presence or absence of breastfeeding of the child), living conditions, even the number of children in the family, as well as exposure to allergens (external and indoor allergens – house dust mite, microscopic molds, pet allergens, rodents and cockroaches).The risk of developing hypersensitivity to allergens and the formation of an allergic disease should not be regarded as a sentence, but only as a basis for taking the necessary measures. But if the need to protect yourself, your home and your unborn child from exposure to tobacco smoke is not in doubt, then in order to properly plan other measures, you need to know more about your body. Limiting exposure to allergens from birth is recommended in the case of burdened heredity, as well as with an increased content of total immunoglobulin E in blood taken from the umbilical cord during childbirth (such an analysis is performed with a burdened family history).Several studies have noted a decrease in the risk of developing allergic diseases with the early and prophylactic administration of probiotics containing certain types of lactobacilli.

Breastfeeding.

A lot of special and popular literature has been written about the benefits of breastfeeding, so we will not dwell on this in detail. Breastfeeding is recommended for at least 6 months, while the woman herself should follow a hypoallergenic diet.When introducing complementary foods, products with a low allergenic potential are selected.

Pregnant women with bronchial asthma should also consult a specialist for advice on the use of medications during breastfeeding. If it is necessary to take medications, they should be used no later than 4 hours before feeding: in this case, their concentration in milk is minimal. Most drugs enter milk in varying amounts, and their possible effect cannot be ignored.For a range of drugs that can be prescribed to a breastfeeding woman, it is recommended that breastfeeding be stopped during treatment. At the same time, safety indicators during pregnancy and breastfeeding do not always coincide. For example, macrolide antibiotics (for example, Erythromycin), which can be prescribed during pregnancy, are not used during breastfeeding. their concentration in milk is 2-4 times higher than the concentration in blood plasma. Theophylline ingested with milk can cause toxic effects in the child, excitability, tachycardia and arrhythmia.All antihistamines in small doses pass into breast milk.