Can Seasonal Allergies Cause Swollen Glands? Understanding the Link Between Allergies and Lymph Nodes
Can seasonal allergies lead to swollen lymph nodes. How does the immune system respond to allergens. What are the common symptoms of allergy-related lymph node swelling. When should you seek medical attention for swollen glands.
The Relationship Between Allergies and Swollen Lymph Nodes
Many people are familiar with the common symptoms of allergies, such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose. However, some individuals may experience swollen lymph nodes as a result of their allergic reactions. This unexpected symptom can cause concern, but it’s important to understand the connection between allergies and the lymphatic system.
What are lymph nodes and their function?
Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures that play a crucial role in the body’s immune system. They are part of the lymphatic system, which is responsible for filtering out harmful substances and defending against infections. These nodes are found throughout the body, including the neck, groin, and armpits.
The primary functions of lymph nodes include:
- Filtering lymph fluid to remove foreign particles
- Trapping and destroying harmful bacteria and viruses
- Producing and storing white blood cells to fight infections
- Facilitating the circulation of lymph throughout the body
How do allergies affect lymph nodes?
When the body encounters an allergen, such as pollen or dust mites, it triggers an immune response. This reaction can sometimes cause lymph nodes to swell as they work to filter out the perceived threat. While not a common symptom of allergies, lymph node swelling can occur due to the body’s heightened immune activity.
Allergies can impact lymph nodes in several ways:
- Direct immune response to allergens
- Increased production of white blood cells
- Secondary infections resulting from weakened immunity
- Inflammation of surrounding tissues
Common Causes of Lymph Node Swelling
While allergies can contribute to swollen lymph nodes, they are not the most frequent cause. Understanding the various reasons for lymph node swelling can help differentiate between allergy-related symptoms and other potential health concerns.
What are the primary reasons for lymph node enlargement?
Lymph nodes typically swell in response to:
- Bacterial or viral infections
- Immune system disorders (e.g., lupus)
- Allergic reactions to medications or environmental triggers
- Stress
- Certain types of cancer
Infections are the most common cause of swollen lymph nodes, as the body ramps up its immune response to fight off harmful pathogens. However, in the case of allergies, the swelling is often a result of the body’s overreaction to otherwise harmless substances.
Identifying Allergy-Related Lymph Node Swelling
Distinguishing between allergy-induced lymph node swelling and other causes can be challenging. However, there are certain characteristics and accompanying symptoms that may indicate an allergic origin.
How can you recognize lymph node swelling caused by allergies?
Allergy-related lymph node swelling often presents with the following features:
- Mild to moderate swelling
- Tenderness or slight discomfort
- Accompanying allergy symptoms (e.g., sneezing, itching)
- Swelling that subsides with allergy treatment
- No fever or other signs of infection
If you experience persistent or severe swelling, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional to rule out other potential causes.
Treatment Options for Allergy-Induced Swollen Lymph Nodes
Managing swollen lymph nodes caused by allergies often involves addressing the underlying allergic reaction and providing symptomatic relief. Several treatment approaches can help alleviate discomfort and reduce swelling.
What are effective ways to treat swollen lymph nodes from allergies?
Consider the following treatment options:
- Antihistamine medications to reduce allergic reactions
- Warm compresses to soothe tender areas
- Adequate sleep to support immune function
- Proper hydration to maintain lymphatic system health
- Over-the-counter pain relievers for discomfort
Antihistamines are particularly effective in managing allergy symptoms, including lymph node swelling. By blocking the effects of histamine, these medications can help reduce inflammation and alleviate associated discomfort.
The Importance of Proper Diagnosis
While allergies can cause lymph node swelling, it’s crucial to obtain an accurate diagnosis to ensure appropriate treatment and rule out more serious conditions.
Why is professional medical evaluation necessary for swollen lymph nodes?
Seeking medical advice is important for several reasons:
- To differentiate between allergy-related swelling and other causes
- To identify any underlying health issues
- To receive appropriate treatment recommendations
- To monitor for potential complications
A healthcare provider can perform a thorough examination and may order additional tests if necessary to determine the root cause of lymph node swelling.
Preventing Allergy-Related Lymph Node Swelling
While it may not always be possible to prevent lymph node swelling due to allergies, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk and severity of allergic reactions.
How can you reduce the likelihood of experiencing swollen lymph nodes from allergies?
Consider implementing the following strategies:
- Identify and avoid known allergens
- Use air purifiers to reduce indoor allergens
- Practice good hygiene to minimize exposure to irritants
- Consider immunotherapy for long-term allergy management
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle to support overall immune function
By taking proactive measures to manage allergies, you can help reduce the frequency and intensity of allergic reactions, potentially minimizing associated lymph node swelling.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While most cases of allergy-related lymph node swelling are benign and self-limiting, certain symptoms may warrant immediate medical evaluation.
What signs indicate the need for prompt medical care?
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience:
- Persistent swelling lasting more than two weeks
- Rapidly enlarging or painful lymph nodes
- Lymph nodes that feel hard or fixed in place
- Accompanying fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
These symptoms may indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires prompt medical attention and treatment.
Understanding the Broader Impact of Allergies on Health
Allergies can affect various aspects of health beyond typical respiratory symptoms. Recognizing the wide-ranging effects of allergic reactions can help individuals better manage their overall well-being.
How do allergies influence overall health and immune function?
Allergies can impact health in several ways:
- Weakening the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections
- Causing fatigue and decreased productivity
- Affecting sleep quality and duration
- Potentially exacerbating existing health conditions
- Impacting mental health and quality of life
Understanding these broader implications emphasizes the importance of effective allergy management and maintaining overall health to support immune function.
As we continue to explore the intricate relationship between allergies and the lymphatic system, ongoing research provides valuable insights into immune responses and potential treatment approaches. By staying informed and working closely with healthcare providers, individuals can better navigate the challenges of allergy-related symptoms, including swollen lymph nodes, and maintain optimal health throughout allergy seasons and beyond.
Can Allergies Cause Swollen Lymph Nodes- K Health
Sneezing, watery eyes that itch, and a runny nose are often a sign of allergies. But when you also notice swollen lymph nodes anywhere in your body, you may wonder if something more serious is going on. Take a deep breath.
Although you may not associate the two, any kind of allergies (including seasonal allergies, environmental allergies, and food allergies) can sometimes cause lymph nodes to swell.
In this article, I’ll first explain what lymph nodes are and how allergies can lead to swollen lymph nodes. Then I’ll discuss ways to treat swollen lymph nodes at home and when you should see a doctor.
What Are Lymph Nodes?
Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures that are a part of your lymphatic system (also called the lymph system), which is part of the immune system.
There are hundreds of lymph nodes throughout the body—in the neck, groin, armpits, and more—and they are connected to each other by lymph vessels.
Lymph vessels carry lymph fluid (a clear, watery substance that contains white blood cells, proteins, and fats) to the lymph nodes.
The lymph nodes act as filters for foreign substances, destroying germs, viruses, and bacteria that enter the body. Though they’re often called lymph glands, lymph nodes are not glands.
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Why do lymph nodes swell?
Lymph nodes fill with excess lymphatic fluid and swell any time the immune system needs to remove harmful substances.
The most common reason for swelling is because the body is fighting a bacterial infection or viral infection, but swelling can also occur due to:
- Immune system disorders (such as lupus)
- Immune system reactions (such as to medicines or allergens)
- Stress
- Cancers
Can Allergies Cause Swollen Lymph Nodes?
While it’s not a common symptom of allergies, lymph nodes may swell because of an allergic reaction. Any allergen—such as pollen, dust mites, mold, or animal dander—is a foreign substance in the body and therefore triggers an immune response.
This allergic response can in turn trigger the lymphatic system and lead to swollen lymph nodes.Because allergies weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to viruses and bacteria, secondary infections such as sinus infections or upper respiratory infections may also occur.
These infections can cause swollen lymph nodes as well.
How to Treat Swollen Lymph Nodes from Allergies
Though swollen lymph nodes from allergies can be tender and uncomfortable, you can find relief with treatments such as those below.
Take allergy medication
Allergy symptoms such as runny nose, cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, and itchy eyes are caused by a chemical called histamine. The body produces histamine because it thinks the allergen is harmful to the body.
As the name implies, antihistamines help reduce allergy symptoms by blocking histamine. In turn, the medication may help reduce the swelling of lymph nodes. Antihistamines are available over the counter and by prescription.
Apply a warm compress
A warm compress may help relieve pain when applied to swollen lymph nodes. You can create a compress by dunking a clean cloth in warm water and then wringing it out.
Get adequate sleep
A good night’s sleep is essential for keeping the body and all its systems—including the lymphatic system—functioning properly.
It can also keep the immune system strong to reduce the likelihood that you experience a secondary infection as a result of allergies.
Stay hydrated
Proper hydration is another essential part of maintaining a healthy immune system. For people ages 19-30, the National Academy of Medicine suggests a daily water intake of at least 16 cups for people with penises and 11.5 cups for people with vaginas.
However, the exact intake varies based on age, physical activity level, climate, and any current medical condition. Your healthcare provider can guide you.
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever
Though they won’t reduce the swelling, over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help lessen the pain and tenderness associated with swollen lymph nodes.
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When to See a Doctor
While most swollen lymph nodes are not considered serious and go away on their own within a couple of weeks, if you experience any of the following, see a doctor as soon as possible:
- Lymph nodes that don’t go away or continue to grow after several weeks
- Lymph nodes that are red and tender
- Lymph nodes that feel hard or fixed in place (you should be able to slightly move the lymph nodes)
- Fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss
- Your child has lymph nodes larger than one centimeter in diameter
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can seasonal or environmental allergies cause my lymph nodes to swell?
Yes, seasonal and environmental allergies may cause lymph nodes to swell. Allergens trigger the immune system, which in turn triggers a response from the lymphatic system. When this happens, the lymph nodes fill with fluid that contains white blood cells to fight the foreign substance (in this case, the allergen). The additional lymph fluid causes lymph nodes to swell.
How serious is a swollen lymph node?
Swollen lymph nodes are not inherently dangerous. They can, however, indicate a more serious underlying issue such as an infection, immune disorder, or, in rare cases, cancer. See a medical provider if you are concerned about a swollen lymph node.
K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
K Health has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions,
and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.
Allergies. (2015).
https://www.aafa.org/allergies.aspxAllergy Symptoms. (n.d.).
https://acaai.org/allergies/symptoms/Antihistamines for Allergies. (2020).
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000549.htmDietary Reference Intakes for Water, Potassium, Sodium, Chloride, and Sulfate. (2005).
https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/10925/chapter/6Inflammation, Infection, and Allergy of Upper Airways: New Insights from National and Real-World Studies. (2020).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7008537/Lymph Node. (n.d.).
https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/lymph-nodeLymph Nodes and Cancer. (2021).
https://www.cancer.org/treatment/understanding-your-diagnosis/lymph-nodes-and-cancer.htmlLymphadenopathy. (1990).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK256/Sleep and Immune Function. (2011).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3256323/Swollen Lymph Nodes. (2020).
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003097.htmUnexplained Lymphadenopathy: Evaluation and Differential Diagnosis. (2016).
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2016/1201/p896.html
Can Allergies Cause Swollen Lymph Nodes? (2023) | Wyndly
Learning Center / Learn / Causes & Symptoms /
Do allergies cause swollen lymph nodes?
While it is uncommon for seasonal or environmental allergies to cause swollen lymph nodes, if you have severe allergies you might occasionally experience this side effect. However, it is more likely that your swollen lymph nodes are the result of an infection.
It’s allergy season, and you’re coughing, sneezing, congested, and have a scratchy throat – that’s not unusual. But the tender, bean-sized lumps you found on both sides of your neck are. You’ve never had them with allergies before, so what’s going on?
If you’ve had swollen lymph nodes in the past, you know they can be uncomfortable. They usually accompany upper respiratory infections and mononucleosis. But if it’s allergy season and your other symptoms feel like your allergies, you may wonder, can seasonal allergies cause swollen lymph nodes in the neck?
You might be surprised by the answer.
What Are Seasonal Allergies?
Seasonal allergies are caused by specific allergens in your environment, such as pollen from grasses, trees, and weeds. If you have allergies, your immune system overreacts when exposed to an allergen. Your body initiates a defense response to the allergen and releases histamine to fight it off.
If you have seasonal allergies, you’ve probably noticed they kick in at a particular time of year. Seasonal allergies affect most people in the spring or fall but aren’t limited to one season. You can have seasonal allergies any time of year, although they’re less common in winter.
You can experience allergy symptoms year-round depending on where you live and what triggers your allergies. Typically indoor allergens like dust mites, mold, and pet dander, will cause year-round allergies.
Common Allergy Symptoms
Seasonal allergy symptoms can be similar to those of a sinus infection. They range from mild to severe and can differ from person to person. Your allergy symptoms may start or worsen at a particular time of year, depending on what you’re allergic to. Common allergy symptoms include:
- Congestion
- Coughing
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Itchy, red, or watery eyes
- Itchy throat, nose, or roof of the mouth
- Post-nasal drip
- Runny nose
- Plugged ears
- Sinus pressure
- Sneezing
- Dark circles under the eyes
Seasonal allergy symptoms typically develop abruptly when you are exposed to an allergy trigger and will usually improve once no longer exposed. Over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medications like nasal sprays, antihistamines, and decongestants can often provide short-term relief from these symptoms. When your symptoms don’t respond to OTC medications, you might want to try a long-term solution like sublingual immunotherapy.
What Are Lymph Nodes?
Lymph nodes are small, pea-sized glands in your immune system that have a big job. They filter out bacteria, viruses, and other substances that can make you sick. Your lymph nodes also make immune cells that help your body fight off disease and infection.
Our bodies have around 600 lymph nodes, but the exact number differs from person to person. Most nodes are located deep inside your body where you can’t feel them, but some are closer to the surface of your skin. You can often feel swollen lymph nodes in the groin, armpits, and neck when you are sick.
What Do Swollen Lymph Nodes Mean?
When lymph nodes discover bacteria or other foreign substances, they ramp up their production of white blood cells to fight it, and that causes them to swell. This is a good sign. It means that your immune system is protecting you from an invader.
Lymph nodes tend to swell close to the source of the infection, where they work the hardest. Upper respiratory infections, for example, cause lymph nodes in the neck to swell.
Usually, swollen lymph nodes are caused by infections and return to normal in a few weeks. However, there are other, more alarming causes of swollen lymph nodes, so you should always take them seriously.
Do Allergies Cause Lymph Nodes to Swell?
While rare, children or adults with severe allergies can occasionally get swollen lymph nodes. If you have swollen lymph nodes and seasonal allergies, you might assume your allergies are to blame. However, it’s more likely you’re fighting an infection that has caused your lymph nodes to swell.
Allergies and infections share many of the same symptoms, which can create confusion between the two. Symptoms such as headache, congestion, cough, and sore throat can be signs of either condition. The difference is seasonal allergies likely won’t cause fever or swollen lymph nodes.
Sometimes an infection is an indirect result of allergies. If your allergies cause sinus congestion, fluid buildup in your sinus cavities can allow bacteria or viruses to grow. It’s possible your lymph nodes could become swollen as a result of fighting that infection.
How to Treat Swollen Lymph Nodes
Swollen lymph nodes usually improve when the underlying cause of infection is treated. Once treated, it can take more than two weeks for your lymph nodes to shrink back to normal size.
In the meantime, you can ease any discomfort by taking OTC pain relievers and applying a warm compress to the area. It also helps to get plenty of rest and drink a lot of fluids. In some cases, you may need to see a doctor to determine the best treatment.
You should call your doctor for an appointment if your lymph nodes:
- Aren’t back to normal in two to four weeks
- Come with night sweats, unexpected weight loss, or a fever
- Feel hard
- Keep getting bigger
An infection left untreated can cause an abscess, so it is important to get the proper treatment.
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Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) in Moscow. Prices and reviews. Make an appointment with a doctor – Clinic SINAI near the metro station Dobryninskaya, Serpukhovskaya in Moscow
It’s safe here! Compliance with vaccination requirements from the total number of personnel
Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) is an alternative treatment for allergic reactions in the body that competes with many antihistamines. Its main goal is to reduce susceptibility to the administered “allergenic vaccine” by eliminating the root cause of the disease. Sign up for a paid appointment with an allergist at the Sinai clinic, who will be able to choose effective treatment methods for you, among which ASIT is the leader. Return to a full life, forgetting about rashes, itching, sneezing, runny nose, constantly watery eyes and other allergic symptoms. Several courses of therapy may be required to achieve the desired result.
Clinically proven efficacy and safety of ASIT. The method has been used since 1911. If you start therapy as early as possible, after the first signs of allergy appear, you can achieve the maximum result – already in the first year of treatment. For vaccination use standardized preparations of leading foreign manufacturers – France, the Czech Republic and Italy. Their effectiveness and safety have been confirmed by many years of practice.
Indications
Procedure
WHY PATIENTS CHOOSE CLINIC “SINAI”
ADVANTAGES OF ASIT
It affects the underlying mechanism of allergy, while eliminating not only the symptoms, but also the causes of its development.
Ensures the onset of a long-term remission, due to which the need for drugs is reduced or completely disappears.
Prevents the emergence of new allergens, as well as the transition from a mild allergic form to a severe one, such as asthma.
RESULT
A positive therapeutic effect depends on compliance with the doctor’s recommendations, the individual reaction of the body. At the same time, patients suffering from allergic rhinitis or hay fever, in 90% after treatment note a complete recovery, elimination of most symptoms or a decrease in the degree of their manifestation, a significant reduction in the consumption of antihistamines.
SIDE EFFECTS
Local: redness, itching, swelling at the injection site of the allergen or in the oral cavity. To eliminate them, the treatment regimen is changed, including including the use of antihistamines.
General: stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy nose, dry cough, difficulty breathing, skin itching and rash all over the body. Basically, such reactions appear during the period of exacerbation, for example: flowering, excessive contact with dust.
The risk of side effects is usually minimized. Even if they appear, they are temporary, easily tolerated and self-removing. Cancellation of therapy is required as a last resort. In this case, it is always necessary to strictly follow the recommendations of the attending physician and inform him of all changes in well-being.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Immunopathological conditions and reactions.
Oncological diseases, however, if the tumor has been under control for several years and is not actively developing, therapy can be carried out.
Chronic mental disorders.
Uncontrolled drug therapy bronchial asthma.
Diseases of the cardiovascular system, in which complications are possible if adrenaline is used.
Taking beta-blockers, including local therapy in ophthalmology.
Hypersensitivity to one of the excipients.
Age less than 3 years (most often treatment starts at 5).
If the course was before pregnancy, then it can be continued. However, it is not recommended to start it being “in position” and during breastfeeding. Sublingual allergens should be avoided if a little time has passed after surgical intervention in the oral cavity or the patient has a long-term infection of the same localization.
FEATURES OF ASITIS IN CHILDREN
Allergen-specific immunotherapy in children is included in complex treatment along with preventive measures and pharmacotherapy. The method is suitable for young patients from 3 years old and is distinguished by more gentle methods of implementation – through drops or absorbable tablets that are placed under the tongue. From the age of 5, injections are allowed. It is believed that the earlier therapy is started, the greater the effect will be achieved.
If a child is allergic to plant pollen (trees, grasses, flowers), the doctor will perform ASIT before the flowering season. It is desirable for 2-4 months, that is, in the autumn-winter period. The recommended course of treatment for allergies to dust mites: during the year with a gradual dose – once every 1.5 months.
Therapy can be indicated in children even in case of a good response to medication, as it promotes remission of signs of the disease and modification of its course. The percentage of side effects is quite small due to the use of highly purified, standardized allergens and a gradual increase in the dose of therapeutic allergens. The Sinai clinic provides careful monitoring of the child during immunotherapy. We guarantee only an individual approach, taking into account the condition of a small patient.
Suprastin: instruction, price, analogues | Egis tablets
- Pharmacological properties
- Indications Suprastin tablets
- Application of Suprastin tablets
- Contraindications
- Side effects
- Special instructions
- Interactions
- Overdose
- Storage conditions
- Update
- Diagnosis
- Recommended alternatives
- Trade names
pharmacodynamics. Chloropyramine, a chlorinated analogue of tripelenamine (pyribenzamine), is a first generation antihistamine belonging to the group of ethylenediamines. In preclinical and clinical studies, as with the use of tripelenamin, the effectiveness of chloropyramine in the treatment of hay fever and other allergic diseases was revealed.
The mechanism of action of the drug is to block histamine H 1 receptors.
Suprastin reduces the severity of general symptoms of allergic diseases, in addition to antiallergic, it has a sedative, hypnotic and antipruritic effect.
Very low doses of chloropyramine given to guinea pigs protected the animals from the effects of histamine, which was 120 times the lethal dose. The drug also acts on smooth muscles, capillary permeability and on the central nervous system.
Pharmacokinetics. After oral administration, chloropyramine is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The therapeutic effect develops within 15-30 minutes after application, reaches a maximum within the first hour after administration and lasts 3-6 hours. Chloropyramine is metabolized in the liver. It is excreted mainly in the urine as metabolites. In children, the drug may be excreted faster than in adults.
In case of impaired renal function, the excretion of the active substance may be slowed down.
In hepatic insufficiency, dose adjustment is necessary due to a decrease in the metabolism of chloropyramine.
- allergic diseases – seasonal allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, urticaria, dermographism, contact dermatitis, alimentary allergy;
- drug-induced allergic reactions;
- insect sting allergy;
- itching;
- as adjuvant therapy for systemic anaphylactic reactions and angioedema.
is recommended to be taken orally with meals, without chewing and drinking plenty of liquid.
The daily dose for adults is usually 75-100 mg (3-4 times a day). For children aged 3-6 years – ½ tablet 2 times a day; 6-14 years – ½ tablet 2-3 times a day.
The dose may be increased depending on the patient’s response and the development of side effects. The daily dose for children should not exceed 2 mg/kg body weight. The maximum daily dose is 4 tablets (100 mg). Therapy is considered completed after the disappearance of the symptoms of the disease. If adverse reactions are detected, treatment with the drug should be discontinued.
hypersensitivity to any ingredient of the preparation; acute asthma attack; angle-closure glaucoma; stomach ulcer; acute myocardial infarction; arrhythmia; simultaneous reception of MAO inhibitors; urinary retention, prostatic hypertrophy; hypersensitivity to other ethylenediamine derivatives.
from the side of the central nervous system: sedation, fatigue, dizziness, ataxia, nervousness, trembling, convulsions, headache, euphoria, encephalopathy, blurred vision, drowsiness, deterioration of psychomotor functions.
From the side of the cardiovascular system: arterial hypotension, tachycardia, arrhythmia.
From the digestive tract: pain and discomfort in the epigastric region, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, anorexia, increased and decreased appetite, increased severity of symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux.
On the part of the blood: leukopenia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, other pathological changes in the blood.
On the part of the organs of vision: increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma.
From the side of the kidneys and urinary system: dysuria, urinary retention.
From the side of the skin and subcutaneous tissue: photosensitivity, allergic reactions.
From the side of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue: myopathy.
From the immune system: allergic reactions, including flushing of the skin, rashes, itching, urticaria, angioedema.
elderly patients, debilitated patients . With extreme caution, the drug is prescribed to these patients, since they are more sensitive to certain side effects of antihistamines (dizziness, drowsiness, lowering blood pressure).
Impaired liver function . Dose reduction may be required as metabolism of the active substance is reduced in liver disease.
Due to the anticholinergic and sedative effects of the drug, special care should be taken when using it in elderly patients with impaired liver function or cardiovascular disease.
If the drug is used late in the evening, the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux may increase.
When chloropyramine hydrochloride is used in combination with ototoxic agents, symptoms of ototoxicity may be masked.
Alcohol enhances the calming effect of chloropyramine on the central nervous system, therefore, during treatment it is necessary to avoid the use of alcoholic beverages.
Long-term use of antihistamines can rarely cause disorders of the hematopoietic system (leukopenia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia). If undesirable effects (fever, laryngitis, ulceration of the oral mucosa, pallor, jaundice, bruising, bleeding) are noted during prolonged use of the drug, it is necessary to stop treatment and monitor blood counts.
One tablet contains 116 mg of lactose. Patients with hereditary galactose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not use this drug.
Use during pregnancy or lactation . There are no preclinical data on use in animals. The use of the drug during pregnancy and lactation is contraindicated.
Adequate and well-controlled clinical studies have not been performed in pregnant women, although retrolental fibroplasia has been described in neonates whose mothers received antihistamines during the last 2 weeks of pregnancy.
The ability to influence the reaction rate when driving vehicles or operating other mechanisms . During the use of the drug, especially during the first period of treatment, the drug may cause drowsiness and deterioration of psychomotor functions (see SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS). Thus, taking into account possible adverse reactions from the nervous system, it is forbidden to drive vehicles or other mechanisms at the beginning of therapy for a period set individually.
Children . The drug is used in children over the age of 3 years.
MAO inhibitors increase and prolong the anticholinergic effect of Suprastin. Special care must be taken when prescribing the drug simultaneously with sedatives, barbiturates, hypnotics, tranquilizers, opioid analgesics, tricyclic antidepressants, atropine, muscarinic parasympatholytics due to the possibility of mutual potentiation of each other’s effects.
Alcohol increases the severity of the depressive effects of the drug on the central nervous system, therefore, during treatment, the use of alcoholic beverages should be avoided.
When combined with ototoxic drugs, warning signs of ototoxicity may be masked.
Antihistamines may prevent skin reactions in allergy testing, so these drugs should be discontinued a few days before a scheduled skin allergy test.
Intentional or accidental overdose of antihistamines can be fatal, especially in children. With an overdose of the drug, symptoms similar to atropine intoxication develop: hallucinations, anxiety, ataxia, impaired coordination of movements, athetosis, convulsions. In children, a state of excitation dominates. May also reveal dry mouth, dilated pupils, hot flashes, sinus tachycardia, urinary retention, fever. In adults, fever and hot flashes are not always noted; the period of excitation is accompanied by convulsions and postictal depression. In addition, coma and cardiopulmonary collapse may develop, which can be fatal within 2–18 hours.
Due to the anticholinergic effect of the drug, the motor activity of the stomach may slow down, so gastric lavage and activated charcoal are necessary within 12 hours after an overdose.
Monitoring of cardiopulmonary function is recommended. Treatment is symptomatic. The specific antidote is unknown.
at temperatures up to 25°C.
Suprastin (INN – chloropyramine) is an antihistamine for systemic use. Its active substance, chloropyramine, belongs to the class of ethylenediamines by chemical structure (Khaitov R.M., 2002). Suprastin is used for a wide range of allergic diseases, including allergic conjunctivitis and rhinitis, urticaria, food and drug allergies, allergic reactions to insect stings. In addition, it can be used in the complex therapy of itching, contact dermatitis, dermographism and as part of the complex therapy of angioedema angioedema and anaphylactic shock.
Suprastin : non-communicable epidemic of allergic diseases
The prevalence of allergic pathology has increased significantly over the past decades. In the EU, ¼ of school-age children experience allergic diseases (Munblit D. et al., 2017). The most common among them are allergic rhinitis (AR), allergic asthma, drug allergy and urticaria (Ferrer M., 2009).
A food allergy to at least one food is found in 6-8% of children under 3 years of age (Munblit D. et al., 2017). Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening generalized systemic hypersensitivity reaction. Its prevalence in the EU reaches 0.3%. In the US, food-induced anaphylaxis is responsible for 2,000 hospitalizations and 200 deaths per year. In the pediatric population, food is the main cause of anaphylactic reactions. The coexistence of food allergy and asthma is very often noted: 4–8% of asthmatic children are diagnosed with food allergy, and more than 1 / 3 children with food allergies are diagnosed with asthma (Munblit D. et al., 2017). AR is another common allergic disease. It is characterized by the development of IgE-mediated inflammation, which develops as a result of interaction with allergens. After recognition of specific IgE antibodies by mast cell Fc receptors or basophils, these cells release histamine, leukotrienes, and platelet activating factor, thus triggering an immediate allergic cascade. The main symptoms of AR are paroxysmal repetitive sneezing, rhinorrhea, and difficulty in nasal breathing. There are year-round and seasonal AR (hay fever). The number of patients with AR is more than 500 million in the world and 150 million in the Asia-Pacific region. For example, in Japan, the incidence of AR increased from 29.8% (1998) to 39.4% (2008) (Kawauchi H. et al. , 2019).
Suprastin : basic principles of pharmacotherapy of allergic diseases
Pharmacotherapy occupies an important place in the control of symptoms of allergic diseases. At the same time, among drugs, a special place is occupied by antimediator drugs, that is, drugs that inhibit the secretion and release of allergy mediators. Histamine is the main mediator.
Histamine is a biogenic amine, first isolated from ergot over 100 years ago by Sir Henry Dale and co-authors. Subsequently, they conducted a series of studies to study its biological activity. However, only at 1927 S.G. Best (SN Best), G. Dale (Henry Hallett Dale) and colleagues isolated histamine from samples of the liver and lungs and found that this amine is normally contained in the tissues of the human body. Histamine is an important mediator and neurotransmitter. It is produced in many tissues of the human body, including immune cells, gastric mucosa, CNS, smooth muscles, afferent nerves, heart, etc.
Histamine is involved in numerous physiological and pathophysiological processes, including the immune response, allergic and inflammatory responses, hydrochloric acid secretion, cell proliferation and wound healing, cognitive function, and the release of other neurotransmitters.
Histamine acts through 4 types of G-protein coupled receptors: H 1 , H 2 , H 3 and H 4 (Tatarkiewicz J. et al., 2019).
Studies aimed at the synthesis of antihistamines were started soon after the role of histamine in the pathogenesis of allergic reactions was determined in 1937 (Khaitov RM, 2002). In 1942, the first drug, phenbenzamine, was introduced into clinical practice. Subsequently, new compounds were synthesized and already in the second half of the 19In the 1940s, antihistamines were widely used in the treatment of allergic diseases such as hay fever, AR and urticaria (Parsons M.E., Ganellin C.R., 2006). Blockers H 1 -histamine receptors are divided by most experts into 2 generations. Representatives of the 1st generation are diphenhydramine, chloropyramine, etc. They have a short duration of action. 2nd generation drugs are characterized by a longer duration of action and are usually taken once a day. Representatives of this generation are cetirizine, loratadine, etc. The classification is H 1 -histamine blockers for 3 generations (representatives of the 3rd generation: fexofenadine, rupatadine, etc.) is controversial, there are no clear criteria that distinguish between the 2nd and 3rd generation H blockers 1 -histamine receptor blockers (Kawauchi H. et al., 2019; Holgate S.T. et al., 2003).
Place
Suprastin in modern allergology
Chloropyramine is characterized by pronounced antihistamine and M-cholinergic activity (it is a competitive antagonist of muscarinic receptors) (Morozova S.V., Luss L.V., 2007).
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is characterized by persistent allergic process in the skin. It is based on IgE-dependent immune mechanisms. In the development of AD, the main role is assigned to genetic factors, but environmental pollution, malnutrition, artificial nutrition, maternal diseases during pregnancy, and gastrointestinal diseases are also important. AD can be combined with respiratory allergies. Suprastin is one of the most effective drugs for the treatment of AD exacerbations. It is the presence of a sedative effect that provides its clinical benefits in cases where AD is accompanied by debilitating pruritus, which intensifies at night and disrupts sleep (Khaitov R.M., 2002). Suprastin is widely used in the treatment of allergic dermatoses. With cholinergic and unspecified urticaria, it is also advisable to use Suprastin . Thus, it has been proven that in cholinergic urticaria, the expression of cholinergic receptors in the skin increases, which makes Suprastin highly effective in the treatment of this disease (Morozova S. V., Luss L.V., 2007). Intense itching in allergic dermatosis such as eczema, chronic urticaria, AD leads not only to sleep disturbance, but also to the development of neurosis, significantly reducing the quality of life of such patients. In all clinical situations, sedation Suprastin allows to achieve a more pronounced clinical improvement in the condition of patients than with the use of non-sedating antihistamines (Morozova S.V., Luss L.V., 2007).
There is an opinion that the anticholinergic effect is also important for the relief of allergy symptoms. It is believed that the release of acetylcholine and substance P from the presynaptic membranes of nerve endings leads to the persistence of allergic inflammation in the late phase of the anaphylactic reaction and is blocked Suprastin , in contrast to 2nd generation antihistamines.
Today it is recommended to include antihistamines in the treatment of asthma in patients with concomitant allergic diseases (eg AR). At the same time, as a result of studies, it was found that antihistamines with an anticholinergic effect, when included in complex treatment regimens for BA, increase the effectiveness of treatment, which is explained by their bronchodilatory effect. Also due to its M-anticholinergic effect Suprastin reduces sputum hypersecretion by goblet cells of the bronchial mucosa (Morozova S.V., Luss L.V., 2007).
Chloropyramine may also be used to prevent allergic reactions prior to X-ray contrast studies. In addition, the property of the drug to enhance the effect of analgesics and have an antiemetic effect is described, which allows it to be used for premedication before endoscopic examination and surgical interventions (Morozova S.V., Luss L.V., 2007).
The mechanism of action of chloropyramine is the blockade of H 1 -histamine receptors. Additionally, it is a blocker of muscarinic receptors, which are responsible for parasympathetic stimulation of the secretion of the nasal mucosa and vasodilation. Suprastin penetrates the BBB, which ensures the blockade of the parasympathetic cascade in the central nervous system. Due to these properties Suprastin can be used in the treatment of acute respiratory infections. So, it reduces the severity of symptoms of rhinorrhea, swelling of the nasal mucosa and nasal congestion, sneezing (Geppe N.A. et al., 2009).
Studies have shown that Suprastin helps to reduce the severity of rhinitis symptoms, reduce the intensity of cough and sore throat, which is due to a decrease in mucus formation in the nasal cavity and postnasal drip. Suprastin reduced the need for the use of vasoconstrictor drugs. Due to the M-anticholinergic effect in the treatment of otitis media, chloropyramine reduces swelling of the middle ear and auditory tube, improving their drainage. With sinusitis, by reducing the swelling of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, chloropyramine restores the natural drainage of the sinuses (Morozova S. V., Luss L.V., 2007).
An important advantage of the drug is that its effect develops quickly and, on this basis, Suprastin should be used in the treatment of immediate allergic reactions. It allows you to quickly stop the symptoms of AR, allergic conjunctivitis, and can be used in the complex therapy of Quincke’s edema. At the same time, various forms of release of the drug (tablets, ampoules) allow you to choose the appropriate method of administration for a specific clinical situation (Andreev I., 2001). However, in cases of depression of consciousness in a patient, 1st generation antihistamines should be used with caution (Munblit D. et al., 2017).
Chloropyramine: Potential Applications
Chloropyramine is currently being investigated for applications in oncology.
The interaction of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and endothelial vascular growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR-3) is a key mechanism for the survival of tumor cells during metastasis. FAK is a protein tyrosine kinase that provides the mechanisms of adhesion and angiogenesis during metastasis. FAK inhibition and VEGFR-3-FAK interaction may become a new approach in anticancer therapy. In studies in vitro in a breast cancer model, chloropyramine hydrochloride was found to inhibit the interaction of VEGFR-3-FAK and the activation (phosphorylation) of VEGFR-3 and FAK. In a study, chloropyramine caused selective inhibition of tumor tissue growth and induced apoptosis of cancer cells. In addition, with the combined use of chloropyramine and doxorubicin, a synergistic antiproliferative effect was recorded (Kurenova E.V. et al., 2010). Further studies revealed that chloropyramine further increases the expression of the tumor suppressor gene (SASh2). It is believed that increased expression of this gene leads to an increased rate of cancer cell apoptosis in breast cancer cell lines. Overall, research data suggest that low SASh2 expression is a negative prognostic sign in breast cancer. Pharmacological induction of SASh2 with chloropyramine for the treatment of breast cancer requires further preclinical and clinical studies (Burgess J.T. et al., 2016).
Suprastin : conclusion
Suprastin is an antihistamine drug used in a wide range of allergic diseases, including as part of complex treatment regimens for systemic anaphylactic reactions. One of the significant side effects when taking Suprastin is drowsiness. It can manifest itself to varying degrees in different patients, at the same time, when prescribing this drug, it is necessary to warn the patient about a possible decrease in the speed of reactions and concentration. Suprastin should not be taken by drivers of vehicles or operators of mechanisms that require a high concentration of attention and speed of reactions (Andreev I., 2001). When choosing antiallergic therapy, it is also important to take into account the individual sensitivity of the patient to a particular drug (Morozova S. V., Luss L.V., 2007). Vast experience in the clinical use of Suprastin has been accumulated. It has a number of clinical advantages over 2nd generation drugs and is currently still widely used in allergology.
Allergic urticaria | ICD L50.0 |
Allergic contact dermatitis due to other chemicals | ICD L23.5 |
Allergic contact dermatitis due to metals | ICD L23.0 |
Allergic contact dermatitis, cause unspecified | ICD L23.9 |
Atopic dermatitis, unspecified | ICD L20.9 |
Chickenpox without complications | ICD B01.9 |
Generalized skin eruption caused by drugs and medicaments | ICD L27.0 |
Herpetic infection | ICD B00. |