Can you be allergic to Zyrtec. Is it safe to take Zyrtec daily. What are the most common side effects of Zyrtec. How does Zyrtec compare to other antihistamines. When should you avoid taking Zyrtec.

Understanding Zyrtec: A Popular Choice for Allergy Relief

Zyrtec, a widely used over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medication, has gained popularity as an effective solution for managing various allergy symptoms. As the “#1 Allergist Recommended Brand Among OTC Oral Antihistamines,” Zyrtec offers relief from common allergic reactions by blocking histamines, the substances responsible for triggering allergy symptoms.

How does Zyrtec work? The medication targets symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, and irritation in the nose or throat. Its active ingredient, cetirizine, belongs to the class of second-generation antihistamines, which are known for their improved safety profile compared to older first-generation antihistamines.

Key Features of Zyrtec

• Fast-acting: Begins to work within one hour of consumption
• Long-lasting: Provides 24-hour relief with a single daily dose
• Widely available: Can be purchased without a prescription
• Versatile: Effective for various types of allergies, including seasonal and perennial

The Safety of Daily Zyrtec Use: What You Need to Know

Many allergy sufferers wonder about the safety of taking Zyrtec on a daily basis. According to Dr. Sima Patel, an allergist at New York Allergy & Sinus Centers, “When taken in the recommended doses, antihistamines can be taken daily. This is especially true with Zyrtec, since it doesn’t show decreasing effectiveness if used daily.”

Are there any long-term risks associated with daily Zyrtec use? While Zyrtec is generally considered safe for daily use, it’s important to note that any medication can potentially cause side effects. The good news is that second-generation antihistamines like Zyrtec typically have fewer and less severe side effects compared to older antihistamines.

Tips for Safe Long-term Use

1. Follow the recommended dosage instructions
2. Monitor your body’s response to the medication
3. Consider taking breaks when allergy symptoms are less severe
4. Consult with your healthcare provider about long-term use

Optimal Timing: Morning or Night Dosing of Zyrtec

The best time to take Zyrtec can vary depending on individual factors and how your body responds to the medication. Dr. Robert Eitches, an allergist at Tower Allergy, suggests considering potential side effects when deciding on the optimal timing for your dose.

Should you take Zyrtec in the morning or at night? If you don’t experience significant side effects and your allergy symptoms primarily occur during the day, taking Zyrtec in the morning may be the best option. However, if you notice drowsiness or other side effects, taking your dose at night before bed could be more beneficial.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Dosing Time

• Severity and timing of your allergy symptoms
• Your daily schedule and activities
• Presence and intensity of side effects
• Other medications you may be taking

Contraindications: When to Avoid Taking Zyrtec

While Zyrtec is safe for most people, there are certain groups who should exercise caution or avoid using this medication altogether. Dr. Patel advises that the following individuals should not take Zyrtec:

• Children under 2 years of age
• Individuals with a history of allergic reactions to Zyrtec or its derivatives
• People with severe renal impairment
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women (consult a doctor before use)

Why should these groups avoid Zyrtec? For children under 2, the safety and efficacy of Zyrtec have not been well-established. Those with a history of allergic reactions to the medication or its components risk potentially severe adverse reactions. Individuals with severe kidney problems may have difficulty metabolizing and excreting the drug, leading to increased side effects.

Common Side Effects of Zyrtec: What to Expect

While Zyrtec is generally well-tolerated, some users may experience side effects. Understanding these potential reactions can help you make an informed decision about using this medication and recognize when to seek medical advice.

1. Drowsiness

Drowsiness is the most commonly reported side effect of Zyrtec, affecting 11 to 14 percent of users. Although Zyrtec is less likely to cause drowsiness compared to older antihistamines, it can still occur. How can you manage drowsiness caused by Zyrtec? Consider taking the medication at night if drowsiness is a concern, and avoid activities requiring alertness until you know how the medication affects you.

2. Dry Mouth

Some Zyrtec users may experience dry mouth as a side effect. This can be uncomfortable and potentially lead to oral health issues if persistent. To alleviate dry mouth, try staying well-hydrated, chewing sugar-free gum, or using saliva substitutes.

3. Headache

Headaches are another potential side effect of Zyrtec use. If you experience persistent or severe headaches while taking Zyrtec, consult your healthcare provider to rule out other causes and discuss alternative treatment options.

4. Fatigue

Fatigue is closely related to drowsiness and can affect some Zyrtec users. If fatigue becomes problematic, consider adjusting your dosing schedule or exploring other allergy management strategies with your doctor.

5. Dizziness

Some individuals may experience dizziness while taking Zyrtec. This side effect can be particularly concerning as it may increase the risk of falls or accidents. If dizziness persists or worsens, consult your healthcare provider.

6. Nausea and Stomach Discomfort

Gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea or stomach discomfort, can occur with Zyrtec use. Taking the medication with food may help alleviate these symptoms. If they persist, consult your doctor for advice.

7. Sore Throat

Some users report experiencing a sore throat while taking Zyrtec. This side effect is generally mild and often resolves on its own. If the sore throat persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, seek medical advice to rule out other causes.

8. Confusion

In rare cases, Zyrtec may cause confusion, especially in older adults or those with pre-existing cognitive issues. If you experience unexplained confusion while taking Zyrtec, discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider immediately.

9. Skin Reactions

Although uncommon, some individuals may experience skin reactions such as rash or itching while taking Zyrtec. These reactions can range from mild to severe and may require medical attention if persistent or accompanied by other symptoms.

Zyrtec Interactions: Medications and Substances to Avoid

Understanding potential interactions between Zyrtec and other substances is crucial for safe and effective use of the medication. While Zyrtec has fewer interactions compared to some other antihistamines, there are still some important considerations to keep in mind.

Alcohol and Zyrtec

Can you drink alcohol while taking Zyrtec? It’s generally recommended to avoid or limit alcohol consumption when using Zyrtec. Alcohol can increase the drowsiness and dizziness associated with the medication, potentially leading to impaired judgment and coordination.

Other Medications

Zyrtec may interact with certain medications, potentially altering their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. Some medications to be cautious with include:

• Central nervous system depressants
• Other antihistamines
• Certain antifungal medications
• Some antibiotics

Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, to avoid potential interactions.

Comparing Zyrtec to Other Antihistamines: Making the Right Choice

With numerous antihistamine options available, it’s essential to understand how Zyrtec compares to other popular choices. This knowledge can help you make an informed decision about which medication might be best suited for your needs.

Zyrtec vs. Claritin

How does Zyrtec differ from Claritin? Both medications are second-generation antihistamines, but they contain different active ingredients. Zyrtec (cetirizine) may cause more drowsiness than Claritin (loratadine) but is often considered more potent in managing allergy symptoms.

Zyrtec vs. Allegra

Allegra (fexofenadine) is another popular antihistamine. Compared to Zyrtec, Allegra is less likely to cause drowsiness but may take longer to start working. The choice between the two often depends on individual response and side effect profiles.

Zyrtec vs. Benadryl

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is a first-generation antihistamine. While effective, it tends to cause more significant drowsiness and has a shorter duration of action compared to Zyrtec. Zyrtec is generally preferred for daytime use due to its longer-lasting effects and lower incidence of drowsiness.

Maximizing the Effectiveness of Zyrtec: Tips and Strategies

To get the most out of your Zyrtec regimen, consider implementing these strategies to enhance its effectiveness and minimize potential side effects:

1. Consistent timing: Take Zyrtec at the same time each day to maintain steady levels in your system.
2. Preventive use: Consider starting Zyrtec a few weeks before your typical allergy season begins to prevent symptom onset.
3. Combine with other allergy management techniques: Use Zyrtec in conjunction with environmental controls, such as keeping windows closed during high pollen days.
4. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help combat dry mouth and other potential side effects.
5. Monitor your symptoms: Keep track of your allergy symptoms and any side effects to discuss with your healthcare provider.

By following these tips and maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider, you can optimize your Zyrtec use and effectively manage your allergy symptoms while minimizing potential side effects.

9 Zyrtec Side Effects To Know Before Taking Allergy Medicine

If you’re stocking up on OTC allergy medicine right now, you’re not alone. The changing of seasons tends to bring on not-so-fun allergy symptoms, and daily meds can help so enjoying time outside is NBD, like the popular one Zyrtec.

Zyrtec claims to be the “#1 Allergist Recommended Brand Among OTC Oral Antihistamines” so it probably seems like a safe bet in the pharmacy aisle, and you’d be right about that. “Zyrtec blocks histamines to stop allergic reactions,” says Virginia Boomershine, ambulatory clinical pharmacy regional senior manager for Banner Pharmacy Services. Histamines are substances that cause all those send-you-to-misery-town allergy symptoms.

Zyrtec, in particular, treats those like runny nose, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, and itching of the nose or throat. You’re supposed to take one tablet per day and it starts working within one hour of consumption. (Yaaaaasss.)

And because it can magically make you feel better, you may be tempted to keep a regular stash of Zyrtec on hand. So, here’s what you should know about Zyrtec, potential side effects (more on those in a minute!), who it’s right for, and more.

Is it safe to take Zyrtec every day?

Yep. “When taken in the recommended doses, antihistamines can be taken daily. This is especially true with Zyrtec, since it doesn’t show decreasing effectiveness if used daily,” says Sima Patel, MD, an allergist at New York Allergy & Sinus Centers.

Zyrtec and other allergy medicines currently on the market are known as second-generation antihistamines, and have fewer and less severe side effects than the “first generation” of allergy medications did. So though you might experience some side effects while on allergy medicine, they shouldn’t persist once you’ve stopped taking it.

Still, it’s probably worth holding off on medication that you don’t need, says Dr. Patel. So if you aren’t having allergy symptoms or they get milder during a certain time of the year, that’s probably a good time to take a Zyrtec break. “We always want the least amount of medication to control symptoms. However, starting allergy medications two weeks prior to your symptomatic season is best to help prevent symptoms,” Dr. Patel says.

Mild side effects may be totally normal, but if you’re experiencing severe side effects, or persistent ones that just won’t go away, it’s best to talk to your doctor before you continue regular use of Zyrtec to see if its right for you.

Is it better to take Zyrtec in the morning or at night?

It depends on whether you experience any side effects, says Robert Eitches, MD, an allergist at Tower Allergy. If your problems are only during the day time and you aren’t really prone to side effects, then go ahead and take it during the day.

But if you experience side effects like drowsiness, Dr. Eitches recommends taking your dose at night before bed. “That way you wake up in the morning relatively clearer, too,” he says. If it makes you sleepy, the side effect will have likely worn off by the time you wake up, and since the medication can provide relief for 24 hours, you’ll still experience relief during the day.

Is there anyone who should not take Zyrtec?

Zyrtec is safe for most people, but there are some populations that should stay away from it. Children under 2, anyone with a history of allergic reaction to Zyrtec or hydroxyzine/piperazine derivatives, and people with severe renal impairment are all people who probably shouldn’t take Zyrtec, says Dr. Patel. For people with these conditions, Zyrtec can cause adverse health effects.

If you are pregnant and breastfeeding, Dr. Patel recommends speaking to your doctor before using it, since some women have experienced side effects. Dr. Eitches suggests taking it with caution if you’re on other medications or take some kind of sleeping aid to help you go to bed.

When in doubt, it’s best to go to your doctor with any questions before you take Zyrtec as an allergy medicine.

All things considered though, you’re likely to be fine when using Zyrtec, as side effects aren’t terribly common, Boomershine notes. Still, it’s best to be aware of potential Zyrtec side effects—especially if you’re planning on popping the stuff on the reg over the next few months.

9 Zyrtec Side Effects To Be Aware Of

1

Drowsiness

If you’ve ever slept 14 hours after popping a Benadryl, you’re well aware that some allergy meds can seriously knock you out. That’s not as common with Zyrtec, but 11 to 14 percent of people do report feeling sleepy after taking it, making it the most common side effect reported, says Boomershine.

Since the effects of Zyrtec last 24 hours, drowsiness can hit at any time. Avoid alcohol and be careful about driving if the med hits you with the sleepies, per the Zyrtec site.

2

Dry Mouth

It’s annoying to feel as if you’ve inhaled a mouthful of sand. Less than 10 percent of Zyrtec poppers will wind up with a dry mouth, says Boomershine. When you have an allergic response, your tissues secrete more fluid (hello runny nose, watery eyes), and antihistamines dry you up. She says that drinking water will help, as will switching to an alcohol-free mouthwash if you’re using one that has alcohol in it, as that ingredient also dries you out.

3

Dizziness

Dizziness can be a rare potential side effect and may disappear after your body adjusts to the medication, per The Mayo Clinic. Give it time, but always check in with your doctor if you’re concerned. And, just like drowsiness, hold off on driving if you’re getting dizzy spells.

4

Headache

This is one of those side effects that may or may not be attributable to Zyrtec, especially since the causes of head pain are so multifactorial. If possible, take a break from the med and see if it helps, says Boomershine. If so, you can always chat with a pharmacist to see if there’s a different allergy med that may be better for you.

5

Nausea

Truth: Just about every med you take can come with the side effect of nausea. It will likely always be listed. “When doing clinical trials, the drug manufacturer has to write down every side effect everyone says happened to them. In terms of Zyrtec, experiencing nausea on the medication happens as commonly as taking a placebo,” she says. So it may be the Zyrtec, it may not be. Taking it with food is always a good way to avoid potential nausea.

6

Insomnia

While Zyrtec may make adults sleepy, it can turn kids into little insomniacs, says Boomershine. Having them take the long-acting med earlier in the day won’t help either since it lasts all day. Talk to their pediatrician about making a switch.

7

Difficulty breathing or swallowing

It’s rare, according to the National Institutes of Health, but keep it on your radar anyway. While you may be taking Zyrtec to prevent allergy symptoms, it’s possible to have a potentially deadly allergic reaction called anaphylaxis from the medication itself. (FYI: This is a risk will all medications, not just Zyrtec.) If you experience this, call 911 immediately.

8

Sore throat/cough

If you experience a sore throat while taking Zyrtec, it’s likely because your mucus membranes become drier causing the tissues in your mouth to also feel a little drier and lead to a sore throat, says Dr. Eitches. Coughing can be an instinct response to try to moisten the mouth, he explains.

To combat this, stay hydrated. But if this side effect becomes too severe, Dr. Eitches suggests switching to a different antihistamine.

9

Constipation

Constipation is a very rare side effect that happens due to a drug’s anticholinergic effect, which means the drug blocks neurotransmitters which affect how the body functions. In this case, certain receptors that help gut motility are blocked. This side effect was much more common with older, first generation antihistamines such as Benadryl, says Dr. Patel, but Zyrtec is a second-generation antihistamine with less side effects.

If this does happen to you though, Dr. Eitches recommends trying a different antihistamine, adding fiber to your diet, and staying well-hydrated.

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io

Differences, similarities, and which is better for you

Drug overview & main differences | Conditions treated | Efficacy | Insurance coverage and cost comparison | Side effects | Drug interactions | Warnings | FAQ

Sneezing, runny eyes, feeling itchy all over—these are typical allergy symptoms that can make you feel miserable. If you suffer from allergy symptoms, you’re not alone. Over 50 million Americans experience allergies throughout the year. Allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness every year.

There is no cure for allergies, but you’ll undoubtedly see plenty of allergy medications when visiting your local pharmacy. Zyrtec and Benadryl are two popular over-the-counter (OTC) medications used to alleviate allergy symptoms. Both medicines are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Zyrtec and Benadryl are antihistamines, or h2 receptor blockers. They work by blocking histamine. Histamine is a substance your body makes during an allergic reaction, causing those pesky symptoms. By blocking histamine, Zyrtec and Benadryl help relieve allergy symptoms.

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is a first-generation antihistamine. First-generation antihistamines tend to cause more sedation and drowsiness and can impair coordination and driving. Zyrtec (cetirizine) is a second-generation antihistamine. Although Zyrtec (Zyrtec details) can still cause drowsiness and other side effects, the drug tends to cause less drowsiness and fewer side effects in general and is safer if you need to drive or operate machinery.

What are the main differences between Zyrtec and Benadryl?

Zyrtec and Benadryl are brand names for cetirizine and diphenhydramine, respectively. Zyrtec and Benadryl are both antihistamines that block histamine receptors and provide allergy relief. Both products are available in brand and generic and in various formulations to suit multiple ages and patient preferences.

Conditions treated by Zyrtec and Benadryl

When the FDA approved Zyrtec as a prescription product in 1995, it had three indications: to treat seasonal allergic rhinitis, perennial allergic rhinitis, or chronic urticaria. Zyrtec has been available over the counter since 2007. While those indications still apply, the packaging information states that Zyrtec is used for temporary relief of runny nose, sneezing, watery or itchy eyes, and itching of the nose/throat due to hay fever or other respiratory allergies.

Benadryl’s packaging information states that the medication can be used for temporary relief of allergy symptoms (runny nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, itching of the nose and throat) caused by hay fever or other allergies. Benadryl is also used to treat runny noses and sneezing from the common cold.

Is Zyrtec or Benadryl more effective?

There is very little data comparing the oral forms of Zyrtec and Benadryl. One study compared the two medications for food allergies. The study concluded that Zyrtec was similar to Benadryl’s effectiveness and took the same amount of time to start working. Zyrtec also had a longer duration of action (lasted longer).

A literature review of Benadryl compared to non-sedating antihistamines concluded that all antihistamines were similarly effective, but that the newer antihistamines, like Zyrtec, caused less sedation.

The Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (CSACI) recommends that newer antihistamines like Zyrtec be used in favor of older antihistamines like Benadryl. The CSACI says that the newer antihistamines are safer, less-sedating, and more effective. They state that Benadryl is associated with significant side effects like sedation, poor sleep, and motor impairment, potentially leading to accidents and death, and should only be used as a last resort.

Because both Zyrtec and Benadryl are OTC, the most effective medication for you can be determined by trial and error to see which medication helps your symptoms while causing the least side effects. Your healthcare provider can guide you with product selection as well.

Coverage and cost comparison of Zyrtec vs. Benadryl

Because they are available over-the-counter, Zyrtec and Benadryl are not usually covered by insurance or Medicare Part D or Advantage plans. Some exceptions may apply.

A box of 30 tablets of 10 mg cetirizine (generic Zyrtec) costs about $12. A SingleCare card can bring the price down to about $5 if you have a doctor’s prescription.

A box of 24 tablets of 25 mg diphenhydramine (generic Benadryl) costs about $9. A SingleCare card can drop the cost to approximately $4 if you have a prescription from a doctor.

Get the SingleCare prescriptions discount card

Common side effects of Zyrtec vs. Benadryl

Zyrtec and Benadryl have similar side effects. The most common side effects are sleepiness or drowsiness, fatigue, dry mouth, dizziness, and headache.

This is not a full list of side effects. Other adverse effects may occur. Consult your healthcare provider for professional medical advice.

Source: FDA Label (Zyrtec), Prescribers’ Digital Reference (Benadryl)

Drug interactions of Zyrtec vs.

Benadryl

You should not take Zyrtec or Benadryl with alcohol or sedating medications due to additive respiratory and/or central nervous system effects. The combination could cause slowed breathing as well as excess dizziness, drowsiness, and psychomotor impairment. Benadryl also should not be taken with potassium products in solid dosage forms due to the risk of ulcerative lesions.

This chart is not a full list of drug interactions. Other drug interactions may occur. Consult your healthcare provider for a complete list of drug interactions.

Warnings of Zyrtec and Benadryl

• Do not use Zyrtec or Benadryl if you have ever had an allergic reaction to either product.
• Do not use Zyrtec if you have ever had an allergic reaction to an antihistamine called hydroxyzine.
• Consult your healthcare provider before using Zyrtec or Benadryl if you have liver or kidney problems.
• Consult your healthcare provider before using Zyrtec or Benadryl if you take any sedating medications.
• Zyrtec or Benadryl may cause drowsiness.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Alcohol or sedative medications may increase drowsiness.
• Use caution when driving or operating machinery until you know how the medicine affects you.
• Stop using Zyrtec or Benadryl and contact your doctor if you have an allergic reaction such as hives. If you have severe anaphylaxis (trouble breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat), seek emergency medical treatment.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Consult your healthcare provider before using Zyrtec or Benadryl if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Additional warnings of Benadryl:

• Do not use Benadryl to make a child fall asleep.
• Do not use Benadryl with any other product that contains diphenhydramine (including sleep products, combination cold/allergy medications, or topical creams).
• Consult your healthcare provider before using if you have glaucoma, an enlarged prostate/trouble urinating, or a breathing problem like emphysema or chronic bronchitis.
• Benadryl may cause excessive drowsiness, which is increased by alcohol and sedatives.
• Excitability may occur, which is more common in children than in adults.

Frequently asked questions about Zyrtec vs. Benadryl

What is Zyrtec?

Zyrtec is a second-generation antihistamine. It contains the ingredient cetirizine. It is available OTC in brand and generic form.

What is Benadryl?

Benadryl is a first-generation antihistamine, containing the ingredient diphenhydramine. You can purchase Benadryl over-the-counter in brand or generic form.

Are Zyrtec and Benadryl the same?

Zyrtec and Benadryl are both antihistamines that help relieve allergy symptoms. Benadryl is a first-generation antihistamine and tends to cause more side effects. Zyrtec is a second-generation antihistamine and causes fewer side effects.

Other common newer antihistamines you may see on the shelf include Claritin (loratadine), Allegra (fexofenadine), and Xyzal (levocetirizine).

Is Zyrtec or Benadryl better?

Both drugs are similarly effective, but Zyrtec may cause less drowsiness. Zyrtec still can cause drowsiness as well, though. Since both medications are available OTC, you can try one to see how it improves your symptoms. Your pharmacist can help you select an appropriate product. Be sure to inform your pharmacist of any medical conditions you have and any medications you take.

Can I use Zyrtec or Benadryl while pregnant?

In animal studies, Zyrtec did not cause congenital anomalies. However, there are no adequate studies performed in women. Therefore, Zyrtec should only be used in pregnancy if clearly needed. Your healthcare provider can guide you in this situation.

As for Benadryl, it’s also recommended that it should be used in pregnancy only if clearly needed. Consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

Can I use Zyrtec or Benadryl with alcohol?

No. You should avoid alcohol while taking these allergy medications. The combination can increase the risk of respiratory depression (slowed breathing, not getting enough oxygen), which can be dangerous. It can also cause additive effects, worsening the side effects of the medication, and causing impairment.

If you drink alcohol and want to treat your allergies, a nasal spray is a better option. Your pharmacist can help you find an appropriate nasal spray.

Which antihistamine is best?

The best antihistamine depends on each individual. Some people swear by Allegra, while others love Xyzal. It’s really a matter of trial and error, based on how effective the medicine is for you and what kind of side effects you experience. Your healthcare provider can help you select an antihistamine to try.

Will Zyrtec help with an allergic reaction?

Yes. Zyrtec can help with an allergic reaction. If you are having a mild allergic reaction, like hives or itching, you can take Zyrtec. However, if you are having trouble breathing or if you have swelling around the face or mouth, you should seek emergency medical treatment.

Do antihistamines weaken the immune system?

Antihistamines do not weaken the immune system. Drugs that weaken or suppress the immune system include oral or inhaled steroids, medications used to prevent rejection after an organ transplant, and certain medicines used for autoimmune conditions.

ZYRTEC® Tablets for Allergy Symptom Relief

ZYRTEC® Tablets for Allergy Symptom Relief | ZYRTEC®
Skip to main content

Use only as directed.

Use only as directed.

Use only as directed.

Relieves your worst allergy symptoms, indoors and out.

Get allergy relief that starts working faster than Claritin® on the first day you take it.*

Why Zyrtec

Products You May Also Like

Use only as directed.

Use only as directed.

Use only as directed.

Use only as directed.

Get savings now and don’t forget to look for our email newsletters with seasonal allergy tips and alerts for our biggest savings.

Link your social account

{* loginWidget *}

Or use your traditional account

{* #userInformationForm *}
{* traditionalSignIn_emailAddress *}
{* traditionalSignIn_password *}

Registration permits you to participate in all areas of this site. By submitting your information above, you agree that the information you provide will be governed by our site’s <a href=”/privacy” target=”_blank”>Privacy Policy</a>.

{* traditionalSignIn_signInButton *}{* traditionalSignIn_createButton *}

{* /userInformationForm *}

Welcome back, {* welcomeName *}!

{* loginWidget *}

Welcome back!

{* #userInformationForm *}
{* traditionalSignIn_emailAddress *}
{* traditionalSignIn_password *}

{* traditionalSignIn_signInButton *}

{* /userInformationForm *}

Registration permits you to participate in all areas of this site. By submitting your information above, you agree that the information you provide will be governed by our site’s <a href=”/privacy” target=”_blank”>Privacy Policy</a>.

All Fields required, unless otherwise indicated

{* #socialRegistrationForm *}

{* socialRegistration_firstName *}
{* socialRegistration_lastName *}

{* socialRegistration_gender *}
{* socialRegistration_zipcode *}

{* socialRegistration_emailAddress *}

{% customQuestions %}

{% customOptin %}

Registration permits you to participate in all areas of this site. By submitting your information above, you agree that the information you provide will be governed by our site’s <a href=”/privacy” target=”_blank”>Privacy Policy</a>.

{* /socialRegistrationForm *}

Get savings now and don’t forget to look for our email newsletters with seasonal allergy tips and alerts for our biggest savings.

Please fill-in the information below. Already have an account? <a href=”/%23″ data-capturescreen=”signIn”>Sign In</a>

Link an existing account:

{* loginWidget *}

Or create an account by providing the information below.

All fields required, unless otherwise indicated.

{* #registrationForm *}

{* traditionalRegistration_firstName *}
{* traditionalRegistration_lastName *}

{* traditionalRegistration_gender *}
{* traditionalRegistration_zipcode *}

{* traditionalRegistration_emailAddress *}

{* traditionalRegistration_password *}

{* traditionalRegistration_passwordConfirm *}

{% customQuestions %}

{% customOptin %}

Registration permits you to participate in all areas of this site. By submitting your information above, you agree that the information you provide will be governed by our site’s <a href=”/privacy” target=”_blank”>Privacy Policy</a>.

{* /registrationForm *}

{* #requirementsPostLoginForm *}
{* firstName *}
{* lastName *}
{* gender *}
{* address *}
{* zipcode *}
{* addressType *}

Registration permits you to participate in all areas of this site. By submitting your information above, you agree that the information you provide will be governed by our site’s @privacy_policy.

{* saveButton *}
{* /requirementsPostLoginForm *}

We’ll send you a link to create a new password.

{* #forgotPasswordForm *}
{* traditionalSignIn_emailAddress *}

{* /forgotPasswordForm *}

Looks like you have an existing account with us. We have made some changes to our site and we need you to create a new password in order to login. Click send to recieve an email with instructions on how to create your new password.

{* #optinUserNewPasswordForm *}
{* optinUser_emailAddress *}

{* /optinUserNewPasswordForm *}

We’ve sent an email with instructions to create a new password.

{* mergeAccounts *}

{* #tradAuthenticateMergeForm *}
{* traditionalSignIn_emailAddress *}
{* mergePassword *}

{* /tradAuthenticateMergeForm *}

{* #privacyPolicyPostLoginForm *}

By clicking Accept below, you confirm that you have read, understand and accept our most recent <a href=”/privacy” target=”_blank”>Privacy Policy</a>.

{* /privacyPolicyPostLoginForm *}

You do not meet the minimum age requirement to sign in to this site

Your account is deactivated.

Definition, Types & Side Effects

Antihistamines are a class of drugs commonly used to treat symptoms of allergies. These drugs help treat conditions caused by too much histamine, a chemical created by your body’s immune system. Antihistamines are most commonly used by people who have allergic reactions to pollen and other allergens. They are also used to treat a variety of other conditions such as stomach problems, colds, anxiety and more.

What are allergies?

Your body protects you from many threats. Your ribs protect your heart and lungs from injury. Your skin protects your body from outside elements like sun, wind and bacteria that can cause disease and infections. Your eyelashes protect your eyes from debris. And your body’s internal protection system – your immune system – battles substances that enter your body that are deemed “foreign.”

An allergy occurs when your immune system overreacts to the “foreign” substance. In the case of an allergy, substances that are usually harmless and don’t bother some people, such as dust or animal dander, do bother you! Your body views these substances as “foreign,” which then triggers an overreaction by your body’s defense system that includes the release of histamine. The substances that trigger the overreaction are called allergens. The symptoms that result are called an allergic reaction.

Allergies are one of the most common chronic conditions in the world. Some 40 million to 50 million people in the United States have them.

What is histamine?

Histamine is an important chemical that has a role in a number of different bodily processes. It stimulates gastric acid secretion, plays a role in inflammation, dilates blood vessels, affects muscle contractions in the intestines and lungs and affects your heart rate. It also helps transmit messages between nerve cells and helps fluids move through blood vessel walls. Histamine is also released if your body encounters a threat from an allergen. Histamine causes vessels to swell and dilate, leading to allergy symptoms.

What are some of the substances, or allergens, that cause allergies?

The top eight most common things that can cause an allergic reaction in some people include:

• Food.
• Dust.
• Pollen.
• Pet dander, saliva or urine.
• Mold.
• Insect bites and stings.
• Latex.
• Certain medications/drugs.

What allergic symptoms do histamines cause?

Too much histamine, caused by your body being oversensitive and overreacting to an allergen, causes a variety of symptoms. Symptoms include:

• Congestion, coughing.
• Wheezing, shortness of breath.
• Tiredness (fatigue).
• Itchy skin, hives and other skin rashes.
• Itchy, red, watering eyes.
• A running or blocked nose, or sneezing.
• Insomnia.
• Nausea and vomiting.

What are antihistamines?

An antihistamine is a prescription or over-the-counter medication that blocks some of what histamine does. “Anti” means against, so antihistamines are medicines that work against or block histamine.

How are antihistamines classified?

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

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

What’s the difference between first- and second-generation antihistamines?

Just like the name implies, the first generation antihistamine were the first type approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They began to be approved in the United States in the 1930s and are still prescribed today.

They work on histamine receptor in the brain and spinal cord along with other types of receptors. Most notable about this generation of antihistamines is that they cross the blood-brain barrier, which results in drowsiness.

Second-generation antihistamines were approved by the FDA and first came to market in the 1980s. The second-generation antihistamines do not cross the blood-brain barrier to the extent that first-generation do and therefore do not cause drowsiness at standard dosage levels. Second-generation antihistamines are considered to be safer than first generation antihistamines because they don’t cause drowsiness and interact with fewer drugs.

What are some examples of H-1 first- and second-generation antihistamines and H-2 blockers?

There are many prescription and over-the-counter H-1 antihistamines. If you have allergies, you’re likely taking a H-1 antihistamine. A few examples of first-generation over-the-counter and prescription H-1 blockers include:

A few examples of second-generation over-the-counter and prescription H-1 blockers include:

If you’re taking an antihistamine to help with stomach issues, you’re likely taking a H-2 antihistamine. A few examples of H-2 antihistamines include:

Besides allergies, what other medical conditions do antihistamines treat?

H-1 antihistamines treat:

• Allergic rhinitis/hay fever.
• Allergic conjunctivitis.
• Hives and other skin rashes.
• Colds.
• Food allergies.
• Hypersensitivity to certain drugs.
• Insect bites and stings.

First-generation H-1 antihistamines also treat:

• Insomnia.
• Motion sickness.
• Anxiety.

H-2 antihistamines treat:

• Heartburn.
• Gastroeophageal reflux disease (GERD).
• Duodenal and gastric ulcers.
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Other conditions antihistamines treat include:

• Anorexia.
• Headaches.
• Anaphylaxis.
• Vertigo.
• Parkinson’s disease (to decrease stiffness and tremors).
• Some types of bone pain.

Your healthcare provider may prescribe antihistamines for even other conditions.

What are the side effects of antihistamines?

You and your healthcare provider should discuss specific antihistamines and decide together if the potential benefits of an antihistamine outweigh its potential side effects.

Some of the common side effects of first-generation antihistamines include:

• Drowsiness.
• Dry mouth, dry eyes.
• Blurred or double vision.
• Dizziness and headache.
• Low blood pressure.
• Mucous thickening in the airways.
• Rapid heart rate.
• Difficulty urinating and constipation.

Some of the common side effects of second-generation antihistamines include:

• Headache.
• Cough.
• Tiredness.
• Sore throat.
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Nausea or vomiting.

Common side effects of H-2 antihistamines include:

• Drowsiness.
• Joint or muscle pain.
• Headache.
• Confusion in the elderly.
• Dizziness.
• Breast swelling and tenderness.

In what dosage forms are antihistamines available?

Antihistamines come in several forms including:

• Liquids.
• Lotions.
• Syrups.
• Gels.
• Eye drops.
• Tablets.
• Nasal sprays.
• Creams.
• Capsules.
• Suppositories.

How do I know which antihistamine to take?

Because there are so many antihistamine products, both over-the-counter and prescription, and because they are used to treat so many different conditions, you may need help figuring out which medication to take. For minor ailments, you can probably take over-the-counter products. You can read the package labeling and match your symptoms to the labeled symptoms. Also, never hesitate to ask the pharmacist. They are highly schooled in the actions and effects and side effects of drugs. You may need to try different antihistamines (but no more than one at a time unless directed by your physician) to find the best medication to manage your symptoms.

If you need a prescription antihistamine, you and your healthcare provider will work together to figure out what medication will be best for you. Many drugs interact with antihistamines, so your healthcare provider will want to know what medical conditions you have and medications you are currently taking. They will also want to know if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. Some antihistamines are not recommended in pregnancy because they may cause birth defects in very high doses. Antihistamines can pass into breast milk, so you should consult with your healthcare provider before using antihistamines if you are breastfeeding.

Children and the elderly are more sensitive to the effects of antihistamines, so special consideration will be given to the use of these products in these patients. Never give over-the-counter cough and cold antihistamines to children under four years of age. These medications can cause life-threatening side effects.

Can antihistamines cause fever?

Fever is not one of the side effects of antihistamines.

Can antihistamines cause constipation?

Yes, some antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, do cause constipation as a side effect.

Can antihistamines cause dizziness?

Yes. Dizziness is a common side effect of some antihistamines.

Can antihistamines cause depression?

One study of 92 people with chronic itchiness saw that patients who took the antihistamines cetirizine and hydroxyzine reported an increase in depression and anxiety. The effects of all antihistamines on mood disorders have yet to be studied.

Can antihistamines cause high blood pressure?

If you’re already taking medication for high blood pressure, combining that with an antihistamine can increase your heart rate and raise your blood pressure. Talk to your healthcare provider about your options.

Can antihistamines cause weight gain?

Antihistamines can cause you to gain weight, yes. One antihistamine, cyproheptadine, is used for that reason. Histamine is known to reduce your appetite, so antihistamines cancel that out.

What antihistamines can you take together?

Antihistamines should not be combined unless directed to do so by your healthcare provider under their guidance and supervision. Antihistamines should be used only as directed or you could experience serious side effects. Read labels very carefully.

What should I do if antihistamines don’t work?

Talk to your regular healthcare provider, your pharmacist or get an allergist to help you find ways to treat your allergies. Some allergies can be treated with decongestants or immunotherapy.

Can I take antihistamines if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

It’s safest to talk to your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. Animal studies have shown that some antihistamines can cause birth defects. Small amounts of antihistamines pass on to your baby if you breastfeed. For these reasons your healthcare provider will want to talk with you and make careful choices (or different choices) if there is any concern for your or your child’s safety.

Are antihistamines safe for dogs?

Diphenhydramine is a common medication used to treat allergies, hives, food allergies, anxiety and other conditions in dogs. However, you should consult your veterinarian about the use of diphenhydramine in your pet. The dosage in dogs is based on their weight plus your veterinarian will want to examine your dog to be sure an antihistamine is the correct drug for the correct diagnosis. If an antihistamine is needed, your veterinarian will want to prescribe a brand that is specific to animals and at a dosage correct for your pet.

Do antihistamines cause dementia?

Long term use of some antihistamines may increase your risk of dementia. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) blocks the effects of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter is vital for memory and learning. Diphenhydramine increased the risk of dementia by 54% in one 3,000 patient study followed for seven years.

What questions should I ask my healthcare provider?

• What type of antihistamine would work best for me?
• How do I proper take the prescribed antihistamine?
• What side effects might occur with the recommended medication?
• What antihistamine won’t interfere with the current medications I am taking?
• When, or for what conditions, does taking an antihistamine that would make me drowsy make sense?
• Can I live my life normally while using this medication? Can I drive? Can I operate heavy machinery?
• Can I take antihistamines if I am pregnant, planning to become pregnancy or am breastfeeding?
• Can antihistamines be safely given to my child?
• What are the consequences if I don’t take an antihistamine to help with my allergies?

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Histamine is on your side. The chemical does its best to regulate help your heart and lungs and protect your body from foreign allergens, among other roles. But it can be oversensitive, and it can overreact, and that’s where antihistamines can help. If you’re have allergies, stomach symptoms or any of the other conditions and symptoms mentioned in this article, talk to your healthcare provider about your options. Your symptoms may be able to be treated.

Always check with your healthcare provider and your pharmacist if you have concerns about antihistamines, and always follow the directions on the labels!

Can you be allergic to Allergy Medications (Antihistamines)

By APAA Admin Team
13 Jul, 2018
allergy
Antihistamines, hives, inflammation, itchy, Nasal congestion, Red, relief allergy symptoms, relief cold symptoms, Runny nose, Skin rashes, Sneezing, watery eyes

What are antihistamines

Antihistamines for allergies are often purchased over the counter by customers who want relief from allergy or cold symptoms. Many symptoms are so severe that they can affect how a person sleeps or make it difficult to make it through the day. Using an antihistamine can relieve their symptoms and allow them to sleep peacefully.

How Antihistamines for Allergies Work

Antihistamines provide relief for a wide variety of symptoms including the following:

• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Skin rashes, hives, inflammation
• Red, itchy, watery eyes

Antihistamines for allergies come in varying strengths that last for different lengths of time, including 4-6 hours, 12 hours, or extended release that can last up to 24 hours. Some examples of kinds Flonase, Zyrtec, Claritin, etc.

More potent doses may require a prescription, but in general, most can be found at a grocery or drug store. As you will read in our Flonase vs Zyrtec blog, each medicine has different purposes. So, it’s important that you discuss your options with a board certified allergy specialist, like Dr Habib or Dr Alasaly to make sure you get only the dose you need, but also the correct one for the symptom.

Do Antihistamines for Allergies Have Side Effects?

For as helpful as they are, antihistamines for allergies do have side effects. Each person reacts different to the medication and they are considered to be extremely safe for adults.

Most doctors and pharmacists recommend that you take an antihistamine and find out how you react to it before taking on any major task or getting behind the wheel of a vehicle. Children with allergies who take antihistamines may have trouble concentrating during class, so it’s extremely important that you monitor them while they are taking the medication.

A few of the most common side effects that have been reported during antihistamine use include:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Blurry vision
• Reduced appetite
• Nervousness, irritability or overly excited

If you begin to experience heavy nosebleeds or your symptoms continue to worsen, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

What Are Other Names Associated With Antihistamines for Allergies?

Antihistamines and decongestants are not one and the same, although they are often included in the same medication. The active ingredient in the majority of antihistamines is Diphenhydramine Hcl. This is one of the most common medications used in the treatment of colds and allergies. While there are more than a hundred different brand names to choose from, it’s important to look at the amount of Diphenhydramine in each dose, how often the doses are to be taken, and what other medications are included in the product.

If you live in or near Avondale, Glendale, Phoenix or Scottsdale, Arizona and suffer from allergies, you can find the relief you need at Adult & Pediatric Associates, PC. When you have questions concerning antihistamines for allergies, you need a doctor you can trust. The professional staff have many years of experience and offer the best possible care to each of their patients.  

And did you know that other doctors in the area often refer their patients to Adult & Pediatric Associates?   For over 2 decades, physicians and patients have been highly recommending the staff and doctors because of their level of care and ultimate professionalism!

Call and schedule your appointment today!

Cetirizine for allergies | Medicine

About cetirizine

Cetirizine belongs to a group of medicines called antihistamines – it is an anti-allergy medicine. It stops the effects of a naturally occurring substance called histamine and this helps to relieve the symptoms of allergies such as hay fever and urticaria.

Exposure to substances such as pollen, pet fur, house dust or insect bites can cause your body to produce allergic symptoms. Cells in the lining of your nose and eyes release histamine when they come into contact with these substances. This leads to inflammation in your nose and eyes, which produces symptoms such as sneezing and watery eyes.

Urticaria is a condition where an itchy skin rash develops. The rash can be triggered by an allergy to a substance such as a soap or a detergent.

Cetirizine can be prescribed for you by a doctor or dentist, or you can buy it without a prescription at pharmacies and other retail outlets. Tablet and capsule formulations are generally suitable for adults and older children, whereas oral liquid medicine is available for younger children. Cetirizine is not suitable for children under 2 years of age.

Before taking cetirizine

To make sure that this is the right treatment for you (or your child), before you (or they) start taking cetirizine it is important that you discuss the treatment with a doctor or pharmacist if:

• You are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding.
• You/they have any kidney problems. If so, the recommended dose will be reduced.
• You/they have epilepsy.
• You/they have a rare inherited blood disorder called porphyria.
• You/they are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines being taken which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.
• You/they have ever had an allergic reaction to another antihistamine, or to any other medicine.

How to take cetirizine

• Before starting the treatment, read the manufacturer’s printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about cetirizine, and it will also provide you with a full list of side-effects which could be experienced from taking it.
• Recommended doses of cetirizine are:
  • For adults and for children aged over 12 years: 10 mg taken once a day.
  • For children aged 6-11 years: 5 mg taken twice daily.
  • For children aged 2-5 years: 2.5 mg taken twice daily.
• If you are giving cetirizine liquid medicine to a child, make sure you follow the dosing instructions on the bottle carefully so that you measure out the correct dose for the age of your child.
• You can take cetirizine either with or without food. Some people find it helps to swallow the tablets or capsules with a drink of water.
• If you forget to take a dose, don’t worry, just take the next dose when it is needed and then continue as before. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Most people only need to take an antihistamine for a short while when they have symptoms. You should stop taking cetirizine once your symptoms have eased.
• Although cetirizine is classed as a non-drowsy antihistamine, it can still cause drowsiness in a few people. If you are affected by drowsiness, do not drive, do not use a bicycle, and do not use tools or machines.
• If you drink alcohol while you are on cetirizine, be aware of its effects on you and do not drink more than moderate amounts. Alcohol can increase the risk of side-effects from antihistamines.
• If you are having an operation, or any treatment or tests (particularly if it is to test for an allergy), make sure you say that you are taking an antihistamine.
• If you buy any medicines ‘over the counter’, check with a pharmacist that they are suitable to take with an antihistamine. This is because a number of other medicines can increase the risk of side-effects.

Can cetirizine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the more common ones associated with cetirizine. The best place to find a full list of the side-effects which can be associated with your medicine, is from the manufacturer’s printed information leaflet supplied with the medicine. Alternatively, you can find an example of a manufacturer’s information leaflet in the reference section below. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to cetirizine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store cetirizine

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

8 Antihistamine Side Effects You Should Know

When choosing an antihistamine—or trying to figure out where a new symptom came from—be aware that the medication can come with side effects, including some that may be a little surprising. Here are some of the most common antihistamine side effects that you should know about.

1. Sedation

Feeling drowsy or sleepy is one of the most common antihistamine side effects, especially in regard to first-generation antihistamines. It’s so common, in fact, that diphenhydramine is actually used as a sleep aid in some medications. This side effect obviously isn’t great if you have to drive or operate heavy machinery after taking your allergy meds, but Dr. Lane says that it can be beneficial in other circumstances, like if your allergy symptoms are making it difficult for you to get to sleep at night. Just be aware that it can cause some grogginess in the morning as well, he says.

However, if that’s starting to become a regular issue, you may want to talk to your doctor about other options. Having severe sleep or allergy issues every single night probably warrants a better insomnia- or allergy-management strategy.

Newer antihistamines tend not to cause as much sedation, but they still can in some people, Dr. Lane says. In his experience, Zyrtec has the highest incidence of sedation followed by Xyzal, Claritin, and Allegra, respectively.

2. Dry mouth

Dryness, especially dry mouth, is another very common side effect of antihistamines, Dr. Lane says. Again, this one is most common with the older medications, but can happen with the newer ones as well. The current thinking is that it’s the effects on acetylcholine that drive this side effect, which explains why it’s more common with the first-generation drugs.

This particular side effect generally isn’t serious, but if you’re trying to manage dry mouth for other reasons, know that your antihistamine could be contributing to it.

3. Dry eyes

Similar to dry mouth, dry eyes is also a common antihistamine side effect. It’s thought that some antihistamines can actually reduce your tear production via effects related to acetylcholine, causing your eyes to feel more dry. That’s especially annoying because dry eyes can also be red, stinging, and irritated, which are also common symptoms of itchy eyes due to allergies. Drying out allergy-affected eyes further can sometimes just make the symptoms worse.

4. Constipation

Yep, antihistamines can have an effect on your bowel habits as well! Again, this is down to the medications’ effects on acetylcholine signaling. Normally, this neurotransmitter plays a role in the control of your gut muscles, which help move things along. If that movement is slowed thanks to a medication messing with acetylcholine, you might get a little constipated. But, as with the other acetylcholine-related side effects, this one is more common with first-generation than second-generation antihistamines.

5. Urinary retention

Increased urinary retention—meaning that your bladder doesn’t empty all the way when you pee—is another possible side effect of antihistamines that’s related to their actions on acetylcholine. Similar to the way the drugs can affect the gut muscles, they can also affect the bladder muscles, making it difficult to fully empty the bladder.

6. Dry skin

While not as common as dry mouth or dry eyes, dryness affecting your skin can be a side effect of antihistamines, Dr. Lane says. Generally, though, dry skin is affected more directly by other factors, such as changes in the weather or your environment.

7. Tolerance (sort of)

If you feel like the antihistamines you’ve been taking aren’t working as well as they used to, you’re not alone. Experts aren’t sure exactly what’s at the root of this issue (whether we’re really building up a true tolerance to the medication or our symptoms are just getting more severe, for instance), but it’s one that allergists see frequently, Dr. Lane says.

Luckily, if you’re using OTC medications, this problem has a pretty easy fix: Switch to a different one! In fact, Dr. Lane says that some people are able to switch to a different medication for a while and then switch back to their old standby a few months or years later if they start to have problems with the newer one. So this issue isn’t always permanent, he says.

8. Reduced lubrication

It’s not one of the more common antihistamine side effects, but reduced vaginal lubrication is a possibility, SELF explained previously. Vaginal dryness is a known side effect of anticholinergic drugs, including antihistamines with anticholinergic effects, because these drugs can cause changes in blood flow that dry out the mucus membranes in the body.

Related:

90,000 19 allergy myths – and exposing them

Food allergies can be severe, but are often confused with other illnesses. True food allergies are much less common than, for example, pollen allergies. Scientists have calculated that one in five American adults is sure he has an allergy, but in fact only one in ten is allergic. Most likely, the rest have either bowel disease or food intolerances. This is a different disease.

Intolerance is diagnosed in people who do not have enough enzymes to assimilate a substance in food – for example, milk sugar lactose . If such a person drinks milk, he will have a stomach ache or diarrhea. This is unpleasant, but not nearly as dangerous as an allergy. Such lactose intolerance will definitely not lead to anaphylactic shock (laryngeal edema, bronchospasm, pressure reduction at the same time).

There are some complex intolerances: for example, gluten – one of the proteins in cereals. This disease is called celiac disease, and it is much more dangerous: because of gluten, foci of inflammation appear literally on the intestinal mucosa, and the ability to absorb other nutrients is impaired.Celiac disease occurs in about 1% of the population and is at the junction of allergic and autoimmune diseases. Despite the popularity of glutenophobia in Russia and the world, gluten-free diet is needed only for celiac patients . Only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the treatment you need.

Monosodium glutamate is a salt of the essential amino acid glutamic acid that is used as a cheap flavor enhancer. Glutamic amino acid is a component of many proteins in our body, we cannot do without it.Nevertheless, a version has emerged that glutamate in the form of an additive can cause allergies. It has now been proven that this is not the case.

Allergic lesion of the gastrointestinal tract in a child

Allergic lesion of the gastrointestinal tract in a child

Involvement of the gastrointestinal tract in the allergic process occurs so often that it can be considered mandatory. This is not surprising. The intestine is a very important immune organ, it is literally riddled with immune cells, which gather in places in large clusters.The intestine serves as an entrance gate for the entry into the body of a wide variety of exogenous allergens (food, chemical, medicinal, parasitic, etc. ). In the intestinal wall, antibodies fixed in them can be observed and antigens that have entered the body in various ways (by inhalation, subcutaneous, intravenous) cause an immunological process, as a result of which a variety of functional intestinal lesions occur. In other words, the intestines can be a “shock” organ in which the antigen-antibody reaction develops when the body is sensitized by the parenteral route.

So, in case of serum sickness, bronchial asthma, hay fever, urticaria, Quincke’s edema, drug allergy, dysfunctions of the intestines of an allergic nature are observed. On the other hand, inflammatory and atrophic changes in the intestinal mucosa increase the likelihood of absorption of food and drug antigens and favor the secondary sensitization of the body. In this case, a decrease in the production of secretory IgA, which normally prevents the penetration of exoantigens through the intestinal wall, may play a role.Allergic damage to the intestines most often occurs with food and drug allergies, as well as on the basis of sensitization to auto microflora.

Allergic entero- and colopathies can develop secondarily due to dysbacteriosis, chronic enteritis, colitis, cholecystitis due to sensitization to auto microflora, tissue antigens, and especially often to food antigens and various food additives (preservatives, dyes, antibacterial substances, etc.).

Consequently, intestinal dysfunctions in some cases are a consequence and manifestation of general allergosis, in others – the allergic component can be an essential pathogenetic factor of a chronic pathological process in an organ of various etiologies.

The nature of the developing disease is mainly influenced by three conditions – the age of the child, the section of the gastrointestinal tract, which becomes the main “springboard” for an allergic reaction, and the depth of involvement of the mucous membrane in the pathological process. The dependence on age, in general, can be characterized as follows: the smaller the child, the more acutely he reacts to the allergen and the wider the area of ​​involvement of the mucous membrane.

Manifestation of allergic lesions of the gastrointestinal tract in a child.

In a child during the first months of life, the use of a food allergen can cause profuse repeated vomiting and, at the same time, frequent loose stools. This is very similar to the symptoms of acute poisoning or intestinal infection.

At the age of over a year, especially after 5-6 years, the symptoms are not so acute and are more clearly tied to a certain “floor” of the gastrointestinal tract – the stomach, duodenum, small intestine or large intestine. One of the first signs of developing allergic inflammation may be food “whims”.

More than half of patients react to the use of an allergen by vomiting. You will notice its approach by the change in the child’s mood and behavior: he whimpers, is capricious, refuses to continue eating. Vomiting occurs while eating or within an hour after eating. It is often accompanied by intestinal colic. A small child suddenly starts screaming shrilly, twisting his legs. Stroking his tummy, you will feel how tense he is. Colic is a manifestation of a kind of “motor storm” caused by an acute allergic reaction.Often they are repeated many times during the day and are timed to specific hours.

In preschool and school children, pain does not necessarily occur in seizures. It can be dull, prolonged, and not so clearly associated with the consumption of allergenic foods. After three years, there is a tendency for a narrower localization of pain in the abdomen, although the child himself cannot yet show this place. When asked “where does it hurt?” he usually puts his hand on his navel.

In some cases, the clinical picture resembles acute appendicitis, intestinal obstruction, mesenteric vascular thrombosis.Colicky abdominal pain and tenderness on palpation, fever, vomiting, stool retention or, conversely, diarrhea, as well as tachycardia, a drop in blood pressure, leukocytosis in the blood suggest an abdominal catastrophe. However, the quick effect of taking anti-allergic drugs, the presence of general allergic symptoms (urticaria, Quincke’s edema, bronchospasm, migraine, etc.) and a successful outcome in most cases help to make the correct diagnosis. Alimentary allergic reaction can be repeated in the same patient when taking an intolerable product.

Many mothers develop the beneficial habit of looking at their baby’s stools. Their main concern may be the presence of mucus, sometimes in significant quantities, or streaks of blood. Such deviations are characteristic of allergic inflammation of the colon. In the future, on this basis, serious chronic intestinal diseases are formed.

Stool disorders are a common symptom of gastrointestinal allergy. It disrupts the established potting frequency or the dirty-clean rhythm.A seemingly healthy child on a habitual diet suddenly begins diarrhea, which after a few days is replaced by constipation. Such “breakdowns” take on a certain regularity over time. This violation, even with a relatively good health of the child, is far from harmless. It indicates serious and already far-reaching problems with the intestines.

It’s all about how deeply the wall of the intestine or stomach is affected. If the duration of the disease is still short and allergic inflammation has captured only the surface layers of the mucous membrane, this leads to disruption of the processes of digestion and assimilation of food.With the involvement of deeper layers, thickening of the wall and narrowing of the intestinal lumen are possible. Here you can not avoid severe chronic constipation and excruciating pain in the abdomen. If such a narrowing is formed in the upper parts of the gastrointestinal tract, then conditions are created for the throwing of acidic gastric juice into the esophagus, especially when the child is in a horizontal position for a long time, for example, during a night’s sleep. Such casts can cause reflex spasm of the bronchi and an attack of suffocation. Almost all modern parents are familiar with the special medical term dysbiosis.This is nothing more than a violation of the intestinal ecology.

Usually it occurs after intestinal infections or prolonged use of antibiotics, but allergic inflammation also naturally destroys the full state of the natural microbial flora. Many microbes, which are harmless in a healthy body, are able to multiply intensively and spread from their usual habitats to sterile organs with food allergies, causing painful processes.

Allergy, choosing the gastrointestinal tract as its springboard, sets up many tricky “traps” that both parents and doctors fall into.One of them is due to the fact that all allergy symptoms are exactly the same as in other diseases of the stomach and intestines. But that is not all. Allergic inflammation leads to such serious tissue disorders that they develop into independent diseases. These diseases (gastritis, gastroduodenitis, enzymatic insufficiency, peptic ulcer, etc.) are traditionally treated by a gastroenterologist.

But allergy manifests all its insidiousness in children already suffering from chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.Its hidden “work” leads to the fact that traditional methods of treatment are ineffective or, paradoxically, cause a worsening of the condition.

That is why all children with allergic diseases who have gastrointestinal symptoms should undergo an in-depth examination by both an allergist and a gastroenterologist.

How should a child be examined?

A special allergological study using skin tests with the appropriate antigen, the detection of specific antibodies in the blood serum and the sensitization of lymphocytes to a particular allergen make it possible to establish the true nature of the disease.

An increased amount of mucus, leukocytes, eosinophilic granulocytes is sometimes found in feces. The intestinal mucosa during endoscopy can be hyperemic, edematous. Histomorphological examination reveals cellular, mainly lymphocytic, eosinophilic or plasma cell infiltration, an increase in mucus-forming goblet cells, sometimes capillary expansion, edema, hemorrhages. In mild cases, a biopsy of the intestines does not reveal pathology.

During the period of exacerbation, the nature of the electrocolo-graphic curve may change: the rhythm of contractions becomes more frequent, tonic waves and areas of increased motor function alternate with symptoms of spasm and atony.

Electrocologram takes on the appearance of an “irritated bowel” after ingestion of an allergen product. X-ray examination outside the period of exacerbation of pathology does not reveal. After provocation with a product that may have an allergenic effect, the peristalsis of the stomach and intestines increases, the passage of barium is accelerated, spastic constrictions are formed, and gases accumulate.

It is necessary to differentiate allergic electrocolopathy from infectious, parasitic, neoplastic diseases of the intestines, from acute appendicitis, thrombosis of the mesenteric vessels.

Treatment.

Recommended diet, medications, physical factors, medicinal plants, mineral waters. Depending on the prevalence of clinical symptoms (abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation), diet and pharmacotherapy are differentiated.

With constipation , an appropriate diet , containing a sufficient amount of vegetable fiber and other foods that increase peristalsis, is of paramount importance. Usually appoint diet number 3 according to Pevzner.

The diet can include a variety of drinks, carbonated, cold; rye or bran-containing bread, bran crispbread; one-day lactic acid products (kefir, acidophilus milk, yogurt), sour cream, cottage cheese, cream; butter, vegetable oil; meat and fish in any form; vegetable and fruit soups in large quantities, preferably cold, you can meat, fish.

Cereals and flour products: buckwheat, barley, pearl barley, friable cereals, lentils.Hard boiled eggs. Vegetables and fruits in large quantities are raw, especially carrots, prunes, sauerkraut, apricots.

Sweet dishes: lots of honey, compotes, jam. Various appetizers and sauces.

jelly, strong tea, cocoa, chocolate, slimy soups, mashed cereals, butter dough are excluded, hot meals and drinks are limited.

At diarrhea food substances should be minimally irritating to the intestinal mucosa.All foods that stimulate the emptying of the intestines are excluded from the diet, substances that reduce peristalsis are introduced. diet No. 4 meets these requirements.

When prescribing it, the patients must comply with bed rest, take food 5-6 times a day in small portions. The chemical composition of the diet: protein 75 g, fat 50 g, carbohydrates 250-300 g, 8374-9211 J (calories – 2000-2200). Table salt is limited.

The diet can include strong hot tea, coffee, cocoa in water, blueberry broth, white crackers, dry, non-sweet biscuits; dairy products: kefir and yogurt for three days, fresh cottage cheese in pureed form; small amount of butter; eggs and egg dishes in limited quantities; weak chicken broth, slimy soups in water with a little oil, rice or oat broth.

Meat can be consumed in limited quantities in the form of steamed cutlets, dumplings and meatballs, in which, instead of bread, it is recommended to add rice with mashed garlic, chickens and low-fat fish in boiled chopped form.

Cereals and flour dishes: mashed porridge in water, steamed pudding from mashed cereals.

Sweet: jelly or jelly, can be made from dried fruits, sugar and sugar substances in limited quantities.

spices, hot and salty seasonings and dishes, vegetables, fruits, black bread, milk and fresh sour dairy products, fatty meats and fish, cold drinks and dishes, pastry and pies are excluded from the diet.

Along with the indicated general principles of diet therapy, when compiling the diet of patients, it is necessary to exclude food-allergens . To do this, on the basis of data from an allergic history, skin tests and serological reactions, products that may be allergens in a given patient are identified. Polyvalent allergies are often observed, therefore, it is necessary, if possible, to completely stop contact with the relevant medicines, plants, dust, epidermal or other antigens.

The exclusion of parasitic invasion as an allergenic factor is of great importance, for which it is necessary to examine the duodenal contents and feces for protozoa and helminth eggs.

Nonspecific sensitization is carried out using antihistamines (diphenhydramine 0.03-0.05 g, tavegil 0.01 g 2 times a day, fencarol or bicarfen 0.025 g 3-4 times a day, peritol 0.04 g or diazolin 0.05-0.1-0.2 g 1-2 times a day). In more severe cases, glucocorticosteroids can be administered orally, intramuscularly, intravenously, or rectally.

With a combination of allergic enteropathy and allergic colitis, specific microbial hyposensitization with increasing doses of allergens of E. coli, Proteus, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus is advisable, depending on the nature of the detected sensitization.

Sedation and psychotherapy, enzymatic drugs (festal, panzinorm, mexase, pancreatin, panenzyme, cholenzym, etc.), limitation, as a rule, of antibiotics and other antibacterial agents are of great importance.

Treatment of allergic rhinitis

First of all, therapy involves a complex of elimination measures to eliminate contact with allergens. Elimination measures include measures to reduce the concentration of aeroallergens in residential premises through regular cleaning, eliminate pets, birds, cockroaches, foci of mold, food and medicines, reduce contact with pollen allergens during the flowering period, and eliminate secondhand smoke.

In order to eliminate allergens, wash the nasal cavity with various saline solutions. However, it is very important that these drugs not only wash out particles well, but also moisturize the mucous membrane, have a therapeutic, anti-edema effect, and in their physicochemical properties and composition are close to the nasal secretion of a person.

The flushing solution must be in a compact package equipped with a spray for convenient and quick use.

To remove pollen, the child’s head is tilted back slightly and two injections are made into each nostril. The child is then asked to blow his nose thoroughly. The procedure should be repeated 2–4 times to soften and moisturize the nasal mucosa.

The preparation for washing the nasal cavity (for example, “Humer”, “Aqua Maris”, “Rizosin”, “Physiomer”) is recommended to be kept in the medicine cabinet. Parents may be advised to provide them with a child before attending child care.

Rapid and timely rinsing of the nasal cavity with the help of decongestants leads to effective removal of causative allergens from the nasal cavity, thereby preventing them from entering the child’s body and triggering the allergy mechanism.Currently, such elimination therapy is considered to be the first stage in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.

Pharmacotherapy of allergic rhinitis is aimed at eliminating the symptoms of the disease, inflammation in the nasal mucosa and preventing its occurrence of irreversible changes in the form of thickening of the nasal concha mucosa and includes the appointment.

For this purpose, drugs used internally, and topical (locally acting) drugs, the following drugs are used.

Antihistamines.

In case of allergic reactions, the immune system issues a false alarm to common substances such as pollen, house dust. Having received a signal, various immune cells secrete strong substances – mediators, stored in special granules in the cells, and a violent reaction and exacerbation of the disease develops in the body. One of the important mediators that causes allergy symptoms – bronchospasm, sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, itching, secretion of the salivary and bronchial glands – is histamine.The action of histamine is associated with its effect on specific receptors located on the surface of cells of various organs and tissues. Since these receptors are widespread in the body (in the skin, lungs, mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract), then the action of histamine manifests itself very quickly and diversely. Interfere with the action of histamine can be drugs that block histamine receptors, i.e. temporarily close them and do not allow histamine to connect with them. These drugs are called antihistamines.They only block histamine receptors, i.e. act selectively, selectively.

Second generation antihistamines are preferred in the treatment of children. Antihistamines are used to quickly eliminate allergic manifestations in the symptomatic treatment of seasonal hay fever, allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis. “Old” antihistamines are rarely used today, since drugs of the second and third generation have been created, which have a high clinical effect and rarely side effects.Zyrtec, claritin, ketotifen are used in young children. In older children and adolescents – Telfast, Kestin, Claritin, Simplex. Local antihistamines (vibracil, levocabastine, azelastine) are prescribed as nasal drops or nasal spray.

Cromones

In the treatment of allergic rhinitis, as in the case of bronchial asthma, prophylactic treatment with sodium cromoglycate (cromolyn, lomuzol, cromoglin) is used. This drug is effective in the treatment of mild to moderate allergic rhinitis.In the case of regular seasonal exacerbations, sodium cromolyn preparations should be prescribed 1-2 weeks before the expected exacerbation. The effect of treatment with cromoglycates in the form of nasal or eye drops occurs after a few days. The course of treatment lasts from several days to 2-3 months.

For patients with allergic conjunctivitis, manifested by inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eye (redness, swelling, itching, lacrimation), cromoglycate is available in the form of eye drops (Opticrom, Hai-krom).

Anticholinergics

Of the drugs in this group, ipratropium bromide is the most widely used. It helps to reduce the discharge (rhinorrhea) and swelling of the nasal mucosa.

Nasal corticosteroid drugs beclomethasone (aldecin) and fluticasone (flixonase) have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect. These drugs are prescribed for severe and moderate allergic rhinitis, in the absence of the effect of antihistamines and cromones.On average, a monthly course of nasal steroid treatment is sufficient. The dose is determined by the doctor, the frequency of administration is 1-2 times a day. In the case of a chronic course of allergic perennial rhinitis after a course of topical steroids, it is advisable to continue treatment with nasal cromones.

For the treatment of concomitant severe bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis, it will be advisable to use the same group of topical corticosteroids, for example beclomethasone in the form of a metered aerosol and in the form of a nasal spray.The use of nasal steroids in this case leads not only to the restoration of nasal breathing, but also to a more rapid relief of bronchial obstruction. In addition, relief of allergic inflammation in the nasal cavity has a positive therapeutic effect on the course of allergic conjunctivitis. The total dose of glucocorticosteroids administered must be taken into account.

Decongestants are vasoconstrictors for the restoration of nasal breathing. They are used in the form of drops and nasal aerosols.Their action is purely symptomatic. Side effects are a limitation to the use of drugs in this group. One of them is the development of so-called “medication” rhinitis with prolonged use.

Specific immunotherapy is a method of treatment aimed at reducing the body’s sensitivity to allergens. This type of therapy is indicated for patients suffering from allergic rhinitis, with clearly established allergens, in the presence of certain indications and in the absence of contraindications determined by the allergist.

90,000 How to deal with allergies in a child?

Online conference

4 May 2011 15:00

Flowers, fruits, pets and many other things that surround us and bring their bright touches to life can be a causative agent of allergies in a child and cause your constant anxiety. What are the causes of childhood allergies? How dangerous are its unpleasant symptoms, and how to overcome them? Can allergies be cured? These and other questions were answered by Vera REVYAKINA, Chairperson of the Union of Pediatric Allergists of Russia, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, Head of the Allergology Department of the Nutrition Clinic at the Research Institute of Nutrition of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences.

Introduction
, Vera Revyakina
:

Dear conference participants! Today’s conference is dedicated to one of the most pressing problems of our time, allergic diseases. And it’s not for nothing that the World Allergy Organization has designated allergy as an epidemic of the 21st century. The prevalence of allergic diseases is growing steadily, according to various studies, the prevalence ranges from 5 to 40%, and the prognosis is disappointing, since every year the number of patients suffering from certain allergic diseases is growing, one might say, exponentially.Allergic diseases go through certain stages of their development; in the vast majority of patients, allergic diseases begin with food allergies. Which causes in children the first year of life such manifestations as atopic dermatitis, or symptoms from the gastrointestinal tract. Allergy is a disease of the immune system when it does not respond adequately to normal environmental factors. In addition, heredity is of great importance for the development of allergies, namely the genetic predisposition to allergies, which is transmitted from parents or from first-line relatives.If a mother or father suffers in a family, if both parents suffer, then the probability of allergic diseases in a child is somewhere 70-80%, if one of the parents suffers, then this percentage is somewhere 40-50%. But even if there is no one in the family with signs of an allergic disease, the probability of getting an allergic disease is still 10-15%.

Answers to questions

Elena Bochkareva:

Is it possible to cure allergies?

Vera Revyakina:

Dear conference participants, this is a frequent question, and the answer is that it is impossible to cure an allergy, but it can be controlled.Knowing the cause of the allergy, and acting on its cause, it is possible to achieve such a state that the symptoms of an allergic disease will not bother either the child, or his parents, or an adult if he is sick with an allergy.

Olga Magay:

My baby is about 6 months old. Breastfeeding. From 2 months atopic dermatitis. I already eat exclusively porridge on water and broth on lean beef. And he still has rashes. Does it make sense to keep breastfeeding? The doctor prescribed Zyrtec for us.Isn’t it harmful for such a small child to take such drugs? Is there anything else you can help him with?

Vera Revyakina:

Dear Olga, there are several questions in your question. You need to breastfeed your baby, because breastfeeding remains the best type of feeding, it protects the baby not only from various infectious diseases, but also from allergies. If your baby has atopic dermatitis while breastfeeding, then you need to correct your diet.It is necessary to consult with allergists and nutritionists so that they can prescribe you an adequate and balanced diet. The principle of nutrition for a nursing mother is to exclude highly allergenic foods, and those foods that directly cause atopic dermatitis. In severe, difficult cases, we test breast milk for allergens. And then, on the basis of the examination, we prescribe a rational, allergen-free diet for a nursing mother. The drug you are writing about is recommended for children with atopic dermatitis from 6 months of age.Its action is aimed at improving the clinical manifestations of atopic dermatitis, the question is only in the duration of the use of this drug, it is decided individually by the doctor, who will determine whether this drug is needed at the moment, how long it needs to be used. But once again I want to tell you that at 6 months, the child can be introduced to complementary foods. Again, on the recommendation of an allergist-nutritionist.

Irina Damm (Poleshchuk):

How to cure it, if a child is stuffed with chemistry from the cradle.Where are the natural products?

Vera Revyakina:

Irina, natural products can be found in the garden. If you have a summer cottage, then we recommend growing your own vegetables and fruits that are natural. There are specialty stores where you can buy natural products, but unfortunately, the cost of such products is quite high.

Fedosov Mikhail:

Daughter is 4 years old. Seasonal allergy, rhinitis, was previously manifested. I have it too.Is it possible to cure a daughter’s disease and how to act? Thanks.

Vera Revyakina:

Seasonal allergic rhinitis is a fairly common disease, it is associated with pollen of plants, with which plant, an allergological examination is necessary. Seasonal allergic rhinitis, unlike atopic dermatitis, is well treated. There are certain methods of treatment, they are called allergen-specific immunotherapy, that allow you to influence both the cause and the mechanisms of the development of this disease.

Katerina:

Good afternoon! Can you please tell me if an allergy to a cat can manifest itself in the form of urticaria? An analysis was made, the result showed that the causative agents are apples, nuts and cats. But how then to explain that the cat has been living with us for two years, and there is no constant allergic reaction to it? Is it possible? Or maybe the cause of the occurrence is different? Allergy manifests itself in a very acute form, in the form of urticaria.

Vera Revyakina:

The causes of urticaria are numerous.In order to identify the cause, again, I want to repeat myself, a thorough allergic and clinical laboratory examination is necessary. Allergy is an insidious disease, the symptoms develop gradually, as if gradually, and there are situations when, for example, a pet, dog or cat is in the house for a long time, and initially they do not cause any reactions. This is the period of latent allergy, when the allergen is present, but there is no clinic yet. But with repeated or repeated contact with this allergen, the body already reacts in the form of an allergic reaction.It can also be very diverse. There are several rules in allergology – in order to treat an allergy, you first need to find out its cause. And the second rule is that after finding the cause, you must remove it. But, unfortunately, we cannot always part with this reason. This applies to pets, because our pets become members of our family, and the separation process is painful. But common sense should play here – either we are being treated, or we suffer from allergies in the presence of our pets.

Svetlana:

Hello! My daughter is 2.5 years old, she has a respiratory allergy, how to deal with it? How to cure an allergic cough?

Vera Revyakina:

In modern terminology, the use of respiratory allergy is not provided, this is a broad concept, pathology from the upper or lower respiratory tract must be clearly indicated. The cough you are talking about can be associated either with allergic rhinitis, or with allergic rhinosinusitis, or with allergic pharyngitis, that is, it is necessary to clarify the cause of your child’s cough, and then prescribe treatment.

Elena:

Is there a connection between vaccinations and allergies in children, in particular in infants (and can we say or deny this if the allergy does not occur immediately after vaccination)? Could this be the reason for the growing number of vaccine refusals?

Vera Revyakina:

The question is rather complicated, allergic diseases in themselves are not contraindications for vaccination. However, if a child has an exacerbation of an allergic disease, then vaccinations are contraindicated during this period.Although there is a certain contingent of infants in whom the onset of an allergic disease is associated with vaccinations, this percentage is small. In order to prevent the development of allergic reactions or the onset of an allergic disease against the background of vaccinations, it is very important to carefully collect an allergic history. This includes the presence of allergic diseases in the genus, the presence of allergic reactions in relatives and parents, how the pregnancy and childbirth proceeded, whether there were reactions to the vaccine, to vaccinations in the next of kin, that is, a carefully collected history is needed.If the allergic history is negative, if the child’s condition is satisfactory, if he has normal indicators of a general blood and urine test, then such a child can be vaccinated. And reactions to vaccinations most often occur when the technique for carrying them out is violated, and the allergic history is not taken into account.

Arthur:

Hello, of course, I cannot attribute myself to a child, but I am allergic to spring bloom, it appeared at the age of 9. From the very beginning, the symptoms were very strong, after 14 years I began to notice that every year, the symptoms began to subside, but in the spring I still can’t live a single day without a pill! I have been suffering with this ailment for 10 years! What caused the allergy? And how can you get rid of it?

Vera Revyakina:

There is a group of seasonal allergic diseases, the cause of which is associated with plant pollen.The incidence has peaks, the first peak is in spring, it falls on April-May, and, as a rule, is associated with tree allergens. For central Russia, these are birch, hazel and hazel. The second peak is summer. It is associated with the dusting of cereal grasses, this includes wheat, oats, rye, timothy grass, bluegrass, hedgehog. And the third peak falls on August-September. During this period, weeds are actively dusting. These are quinoa, wormwood and ragweed. Arthur, it is very important for you to know in what period you experience allergic manifestations – if in the spring, apparently, they are associated with flowering trees.In order to get rid of these symptoms, you need to contact an allergist, confirm the reason, if it is tree pollen, and already in the autumn, outside the flowering period, treat with these allergens. This treatment is called like-like treatment, that is, you treat allergies with those allergens that cause allergies in you. The method is quite effective, the efficiency is 70-80%, and at the present time we have various ways of administering allergens. This can be treatment with injections, or the use of allergens under the tongue, sublingually, and it is carried out according to a certain scheme, under the supervision of an allergist.If you carry out 2-3 courses of such treatment, then the symptoms you are talking about will not bother you.

Ludmila:

Hello doctor, do you recommend beekeeping products for allergic diseases? Sincerely, Ludmila.

Vera Revyakina:

Beekeeping products – depending on which ones. If a child or an adult patient is allergic to plant pollen, then beekeeping products are strictly prohibited. Due to possible cross-reactions.If the patient does not have food allergies, if he does not have allergic reactions to plant pollen, then it is possible to try carefully, but keeping an eye on the state of health.

Marina Rogova:

What is the efficacy of specific immunotherapy in the treatment of allergies and asthma?

Vera Revyakina:

Allergen-specific immunotherapy is one of the effective methods of treating allergic diseases, including bronchial asthma. Especially if asthma attacks occur upon contact with house dust or pollen, then in such cases this method is highly effective.

Julia:

How to deal with allergies?

Vera Revyakina:

At the moment, it is very difficult to fight allergies, but it can be prevented.

Svetlana:

Vera, good afternoon. Tell me, my son is allergic to flowering plants. It is especially exacerbated during the spring. Now it is impossible to go out into the street – the eyes immediately turn red, and a severe runny nose is read. And so from year to year, from spring to spring. I heard that in America they give some injections, after which the allergy goes away rather quickly and does not arise anymore.Tell me, is it possible in principle to cure this kind of allergy, and are such injections possible to treat allergies?

Vera Revyakina:

Once again I would like to remind you about the method of allergen-specific immunotherapy, you probably meant this method of treatment. This method is highly effective, especially in patients suffering from polynosis, and your son has just polynosis. This method of therapy can be carried out from the age of five, outside the flowering season, under the supervision of an allergist, and thus we prepare the patient for the next flowering season.Two or three courses of allergen-specific immunotherapy in many patients can get rid of or reduce allergy symptoms during the flowering period.

Lily:

Good afternoon! I am 22 years old. Since childhood I have been suffering from allergies “to cats” and “to spring”, as soon as the snow begins to melt and until the very summer. Tell me what to do.

Vera Revyakina:

First of all – contact an allergist, identify those allergens that cause allergy symptoms in you, as far as possible remove them from your environment, this applies to the cat.And in spring there is no allergy, there is an allergy to trees that bloom just during this period. If you live in central Russia, then it is, as a rule, birch, hazel, alder. And when the snow begins to melt, during this period the willow or pussy willow is actively dusting, it can cause symptoms of the disease. In your case, I also recommend that you carry out allergen-specific immunotherapy after an appropriate study.

Olga:

Is it possible to cure hay fever?

Vera Revyakina:

You can.With the help of allergen-specific immunotherapy.

Maria Leonidovna, mother of Xenia (2 years 8 months):

Hello! My 2.8 year old child suffers from food allergies. We did tests, it turned out that eggs and beets are the main allergens. There were others, but their indices are less (1). I noticed that a positive answer was given by the products that we use more often in our diet (buckwheat, oatmeal, bell peppers …). What does this mean and what to do if the menu is already rather meager, designed specifically for allergy sufferers.And yet, earlier, my daughter had allergies on her cheeks or during the period of complications, all over her body. Then the buttocks began to peel off, and now, from about 2.5 years old, the allergy is clearly manifested on the knees. What does this mean? The allergy stage may have worsened. What to do? Thank you so much for your answer!

Vera Revyakina:

Food allergy, which begins in children from the first months of life, gradually decreases with age. Provided adequate dietary therapy and treatment. However, other types of allergies appear, this is an allergy to pollen, to allergens of pets, to household allergens – house dust mite, to mold.Allergens change – the clinical picture of the disease changes. Therefore, it is very important to properly formulate the child’s diet, elimination, or reduction of contact with identified allergens, will help improve the condition and reduce clinical manifestations. In each case, you need to look for your individual allergens, exclude them. If these are food products, then it is imperative to change them to allergen-free products that are similar in nutritional value and calorie content. Because lean and hungry diets can also negatively affect the growing body.

Tsvetkova Anna Nikolaevna:

Tell me, is it possible to introduce a new product with a minor rash remaining in the baby? My son has many allergies, including milk and dairy products, buckwheat, fish, wheat, etc. The child is one and two months old, and he eats a very small list of cereals and vegetables. The rash completely disappears very rarely, but I really want the child to eat well! Thanks for your reply.

Vera Revyakina:

A new product may be prescribed for minor rash.But it must be introduced gradually, and evaluating the appearance of new rashes. If, with the introduction of a new product, an increase in the rash occurs, then its introduction should be postponed. The reaction to food products occurs from 10-15 minutes to 4-6 hours. During this period, you can assess the connection, the occurrence of allergic symptoms with the use of a new product. In order to accurately identify a food allergen, you need to keep a food diary for two weeks, where you write down all the foods that the child receives and all those foods that you enter, indicating the time of introduction of the product, the appearance of a reaction.This food diary entry helps identify the food allergen. There are also modern methods of allergological diagnosis of food allergens, when the culprit food allergen or allergens can be identified in the blood, and based on this analysis, select the appropriate diet for your child.

Olga:

Hello, please tell me, does the nutrition of the expectant mother during pregnancy affect the occurrence of allergies in the child?

Vera Revyakina:

Nutrition of the expectant mother during pregnancy significantly affects the occurrence of allergic manifestations in the child.Numerous studies have shown that if a mother, especially an allergic one herself, during pregnancy abuses potential food allergens, such as, for example, cow’s milk – up to 1.5 liters per day, or consuming large amounts of citrus fruits, chocolate, seafood, etc. so on, then the fetus during pregnancy develops hypersensitivity to these products. And in the first year of life, contact with these allergens, the use of these products can cause the development of allergic diseases.

Katya:

Hello. I am 21 years old. I have been suffering from allergies since the age of 2. Because of this, the parents radically changed their place of residence several times. Until now, I am madly suffering from allergies (the skin all over my body is covered with ulcers). Doctors shrug their shoulders. Advise how to make life easier? Thanks in advance.

Vera Revyakina:

Katya, with such a long and difficult process, you need to consult an allergist, who, on the basis of an in-depth clinical and allergic examination, will determine the cause of your severe illness, and will select a rational therapy for you.

YANIK:

Hello! Every summer I suffer from allergies. What exactly I’m allergic to – I don’t know. Most likely, for the flowering of any plants. The tablets help for a while, then they are addictive and do not work, and also cause severe drowsiness, which interferes with work and other affairs. Tell me how to be in my situation.

Vera Revyakina:

Dear Janik, urgently make an appointment with an allergist, get examined, identify the cause, and then follow the recommendations that the doctor will give you.You can’t live in the dark all the time. Most likely, your allergy is associated with the flowering of cereals or weeds. You can treat – either leave the area where you live at the time of flowering. Or, outside the flowering season, carry out allergen-specific immunotherapy.

Irina Solovyova:

Why allergists and other doctors do not protest against the dominance of washing powders with phosphates in the country, in some of which 15 – 30% of them. And recommendations from birth. Or is it a conspiracy and genocide of Russians.I saved my granddaughter from allergies by eliminating aggressive chemistry from everyday life.

Vera Revyakina:

Pediatricians and allergists recommend hypoallergenic detergents from birth. Today there are a lot of them, and if a child is prone to allergies, then we recommend them.

Julia:

Good afternoon! My grandson has an allergy. I would like to know in more detail how to treat and whether it can be cured?

Vera Revyakina:

Unfortunately, Julia, you are not talking about what kind of allergy your grandson has, and it is very difficult to give a correspondence consultation.Once again I want to say that allergy occurs under the influence of two factors – the first is heredity, and the second is the environment, that is, various allergens with which the child is in contact. In order to successfully treat allergies, you need to know exactly that environmental factor that causes an allergic disease in a child genetically predisposed to allergies.

Sergey:

Are not all these problems with allergies and diseases the consequences of the fact that we undermine the immunity of children from birth with various vaccinations (hepatitis, BCG, etc.)?and is it not necessary to initially look for the cause of all this in order to deal with the consequences?

Vera Revyakina:

Allergic diseases are hereditary diseases. The genes responsible for the development of allergies have been studied and decoded. And it is the contact of the body with environmental factors that is realized in an allergic disease.

Ludmila:

The child had a food allergy in infancy (to gluten, citrus and exotic fruits, milk, except goat milk).We sat on a strict diet, by the age of 2 they completely got rid of the symptoms. Now my son is 7.5 years old, this year in May a severe allergy began, presumably not blooming, symptoms – nasal congestion, redness and itching of the eyes, frequent sneezing. Please tell me how to get rid of it and whether it can be done. Or will it now become our seasonal ailment that we can only try to alleviate? We take zodak, rinse it and drip it into the nose, but so far there has been no improvement.

Vera Revyakina:

Allergic diseases develop in a specific sequence.Initially, it is a food allergy, the dominant role of which gradually decreases with age, this is also evident in your case. However, exposure to other allergens, in particular to pollen, leads to the development of hay fever. Pollinosis is a seasonal disease, it is characterized by a strict seasonality, it is spring, summer or early autumn. I can notice that hay fever is being treated quite successfully today. Allergen-specific immunotherapy can significantly reduce the clinical symptoms of the disease, or get rid of this ailment.

Inga:

The son is 4 years old. From 2 years of age, the diagnosis was atopic dermatitis. Continuous eruptions on the face, neck, arms, legs. Combing, getting an infection. Triderm helps (long and often impossible). In the summer, on the Sea of ​​Azov, no rashes, although I ate everything. According to tests – allergy to wheat and egg white, according to observations – to food additives. In addition to diet, how can you help from the inside?

Vera Revyakina:

Atopic dermatitis is a complex disease characterized by a recurrent course, with exacerbation and periods of subsiding of the skin process.In order to help your child, you need to contact a specialist who will select a set of effective treatment methods for you.

Daria:

Dear Ms. Revyakina, good afternoon. The situation is as follows, my daughter (3 years old) was vaccinated with the Mantoux reaction, after 20 minutes a terrible allergy began, I am still treating her. How vaccinations and allergies are related. Now I wrote a refusal from all vaccinations (we have not been vaccinated for 1.5 years). Thank you in advance for your response.

Vera Revyakina:

If your child has a reaction to Mantoux, then this is a contraindication for the subsequent testing of your child.Because a repeated Mantoux reaction can also cause a severe allergic reaction. Vaccinations in some children can cause allergic reactions.

Nail Gazizov:

Can cold allergies be cured?

Vera Revyakina:

You can cure, but you need to look for the cause again. Because, as a rule, cold causes manifestations such as hives or attacks of difficulty breathing.

Ekaterina:

What is the most effective and informative method for determining an allergen? Is it possible today to cure allergies or is it easier to take antihistamines? Why do the prices for antihistamines differ tenfold (with one active ingredient)? Are antihistamines included in the list of subsidized drugs (we have a large family), if not, are they planned to be included in this list?

Vera Revyakina:

To determine the allergen, there are such methods, the first is the history, when we ask the history of the development of the disease, the second method is the setting of skin tests, and the third method is in-vitro diagnostics, when the allergen is detected in the blood.It is very important to treat not tests, but to treat the patient. Information from the anamnesis should be confirmed by the results of an allergic examination. Very often we get positive diagnostic results, but they do not coincide with the clinic. For successful allergen detection, a combination of several methods and their analysis is important. Allergies can be controlled, once again I want to confirm. I often say this – you need to take an allergy by the hand, and go with it through life, “make friends” with an allergy, then it will not bother you.There are cases when allergies are forgotten for many years. But a combination of several provoking factors can again lead to the recurrence of an allergic disease. You should be aware of these factors and try to avoid them. As for prices, this is not a question for me, but, probably, for pharmacy chains. I am not setting the pricing policy for antihistamines. Standards for the treatment of allergic diseases are now being developed, which will include some antihistamines that the patient can receive free of charge.

Janina:

Hello! the child is 4 years old. All symptoms of hay fever, incl. “wheezing cough”, rapid breathing. Please help me how to treat and what to do in the future, the pediatrician diagnosed with obstructive syndrome.

Vera Revyakina:

It is very difficult to make recommendations without knowing the exact history of your child’s illness. In order to make a correct diagnosis and identify the cause of the disease, you need to contact a specialist who will help you draw up an individual treatment plan.

Inga:

Still, why in a different climate all the symptoms of atopic dermatitis disappear, but at home everything starts again. Why does the body react to the same food differently in different climates?

Vera Revyakina:

The fact is that atopic dermatitis is a disease characterized by seasonality. An exacerbation of the disease occurs, as a rule, in the autumn-winter period. And the subsiding of the processes and the disappearance of symptoms can occur in the summer.That is, under the influence of UV rays, remission of the disease is observed. And this period is the most dangerous, because children are fed with all allergenic foods, without seeing the reaction, and in winter the allergy returns. In addition, atopic dermatitis behaves differently in different climatic zones. It all depends on the allergens to which the patient reacts. If, for example, he reacts to mold, then he should not be in a humid climate. If the patient lives in a dusty apartment, and then comes to a place where there are no dust mites, he may be in remission.

Closing remarks
, Vera Revyakina
:

Dear conference participants, after reading your questions, I, of course, felt a little sad. Today’s medicine has the most modern methods for diagnosing allergies and highly effective treatment methods. Either you don’t know about it, or you don’t have the opportunity to contact them. Because it is very difficult to treat allergies without knowing the cause. And the first golden rule is that if your child has an allergic disease, you must, with the help of a specialist, identify this cause and directly act on it.This is the key to the success of the treatment of allergic diseases. It also takes an effort to treat allergies. It seems to many that this is a very simple disease, that allergies disappear with age. But as research data show, allergies do not go anywhere, they are a disease of the immune system. As we age, we can ease these symptoms, but it takes daily work to alleviate the suffering of your child or yours. Therefore, I urge you to work hard, look for the cause and continue to fight the disease.Because very often we achieve remission of the disease, that is, a period when the symptoms do not bother the patient, and during this period they relax and stop following the recommendations, and the disease resumes again. Certain restrictions on the life of an allergy sufferer should not become an obstacle to a full life. Many prominent personalities suffer from allergies, but they achieve great success. What I wish for you too!

The opinion of the conference participants may not coincide with the position of the editors

90,000 what they fight and how they work

In today’s world, it is not easy to avoid allergies.A wide range of antihistamines helps fight it. We will tell you when they are needed, whether they are all safe, and what are the limitations in their use.

Antihistamines are medicines used to prevent and eliminate the symptoms of allergic reactions. An important advantage of such drugs is that their price is affordable for anyone. Doctors note that due to the deterioration of the environmental situation and weakened immunity, more and more people suffer from allergies in normal living conditions.Sometimes the attack takes on serious forms, putting a person to bed for several days. Children are especially susceptible to allergies. How does allergy arise and how is it dangerous?

What antihistamines fight against

It all starts with the fact that a certain substance – an allergen – enters the body. This can be after a tick bite, inhaling pollen, touching the leaves of a hostile plant, or in other ways. Allergic reactions can appear within 15–20 minutes after contact with the pathogen, and can develop within a day or two after exposure to the allergen.Here’s one to expect the dangers from:

– chemicals (dyes, oils, resins)

– household irritants (dust, mites)

– Pets (saliva, urine, wool and dandruff)

– pollen of grasses and trees

– stinging insects

– fungal microorganisms, ingested with food or by air

– medicines

– substances contained in seafood, honey, cow’s milk and some other products.

Why you can not ignore allergies

Under the action of an allergen, certain biologically active substances are produced in the human body, which lead to the development of allergic inflammation. There are several dozen of these substances, but the most active of them is histamine. In a healthy person, histamine is in an inactive state within very specific cells. Upon contact with an allergen, histamine is released, activating antibodies that attack the body’s own cells, which leads to allergy symptoms.

Allergic symptoms:

– library

– redness, rash

– cough or runny nose

– lowering blood pressure

– low body temperature

– convulsions

– violation of the respiratory rhythm, bronchospasm

– heart disorder;

– loss of consciousness.

In the future, these symptoms can live their own lives, and the severity of the course of diseases like ARVI depends more on the patient’s immunity than on the effectiveness of eliminating the consequences of allergies.Obviously, the more free histamine in the body, the more itching or coughing. How much of this substance is released is determined only by the strength of the primary allergic reaction. But already released histamine can be neutralized by binding it with the help of chemicals and turning it into a safe substance. It is these drugs that are combined into the group of antihistamines.

The prophylactic effect of any antihistamines is not always strong enough to avoid allergies even when taking them.So if you know a specific substance that causes allergies in you or your child, then you do not need to stroke the cat, after swallowing the suprastin pill. You should forget about ironing cats altogether. But if it is impossible to avoid contact, for example, in the case of tree pollen, the use of antihistamines is quite appropriate.

What antihistamines are there

Distinguish several generations by the time of appearance. 1st generation drugs include diphenhydramine, diprazine, suprastin, tavegil, diazolin, and fencarol.All of these medicines have been used for many years in the form of tablets, capsules or syrups. In severe cases, injections are also used.

The disadvantage of all these funds is that they have pronounced (except for diazolin and fencarol) calming and even hypnotic effects, sometimes causing dizziness and inhibition of reactions. Therefore, after taking, for example, Suprastin or Tavegil, you cannot drive and you should not wait for an increase in working capacity. In addition, certain 1st generation antihistamines may themselves cause an allergic reaction.

Second generation antihistamines are superior to their predecessors in many ways. They do not cause addiction and drowsiness, are taken once a day, and are not adsorbed with food in the gastrointestinal tract. These drugs include claridol (clarisens), clarotadine, claritin, rupafin, lomilan, lorahexal, zyrtec, kestin.

New third generation antihistamines are already probiotics. Once in the body, they are converted from their original form into active decay products, which give a therapeutic effect.They do not have a sedative effect and are completely harmless to the heart. Such drugs include gismanal, trexil, telfast, fexodin, fexofast, levocetirizine, xizal, erius, desal.

You often hear from advertisers about fourth-generation antihistamines. Know what a publicity stunt is. Such a pharmacological group does not exist, although marketers refer to it not only newly created drugs, but also second-generation drugs.

Things to remember

An important property of antihistamines is that they can enhance the action of other drugs.Doctors often use this to enhance the effect of antipyretic and pain relievers. Any medications that act on the central nervous system in combination with antihistamines become much more active, so that an overdose can easily occur, up to and including loss of consciousness. In combination with alcohol, antihistamines behave in a completely unpredictable manner: a person may fall asleep deeply, or may fall into a rampage.

It is worth remembering that most antihistamines dry out the mucous membranes.Hence the dry mouth. Some drugs have the ability to make sputum more viscous in the lungs, this is worth remembering even with ARVI. Histamine, in addition to allergic manifestations, also enhances the secretion of gastric juice. Therefore, some drugs are actively used to treat gastritis with high acidity, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer.

The effect of antihistamines is similar, but most often a completely specific drug is optimal for each patient.Its selection is the task of the attending physician. Without consulting a doctor, you should not use these potent medicines, even for preventive purposes.

Zodak: spring without allergies or hibernation?

A review on urticaria states that many antihistamines are effective in eliminating the problem completely and none of the drugs (including cetirizine or levocetirizine) are superior in effectiveness. Cetirizine and levocetirizine at normal doses do not work immediately, but cure can be accelerated by taking 20 mg of levocetirizine.However, this conclusion is based on few studies or even descriptions of individual clinical cases. No withdrawal syndrome was observed with the drugs compared with the placebo group.

Chronic cough in children, according to a 2008 review, is unlikely to resolve with cetirizine (if it does, it will take about two weeks), and the risk of side effects outweighs the expected benefit.

Finally, two reviews look at the efficacy of antihistamines for eczema, and the results are summarized in a question and answer format.Despite the fact that antihistamines are often prescribed for eczema, their effectiveness and safety (both individually and in combination with topical agents – ointments, creams, lotions) have not been proven.

Indicator.Ru recommends: the drug will help, but not everyone

Like many antihistamines for allergies, Zodak (aka Zyrtec), as well as drugs with levocetirizine, relieve the symptoms of rhinitis, hay fever, urticaria and other unpleasant misfortunes. both seasonal and chronic.They will not save you from some diseases (for example, eczema). Cetirizine is most likely not useful for chronic (presumably allergic) coughs in children, as with antiretroviral drug allergies. For urticaria, drugs will help in large doses for short-term use, and with medium periods of use – at the usual dosage (10 mg per day for Zodak, 5 mg for levocetirizine).

However, firstly, they will not cure you forever, and secondly, almost half of the patients will not feel any relief (for levocetirizine drugs, this figure is slightly less).The first problem is common to all antihistamines, the second is also common. In addition, many studies are funded by manufacturers who are interested in promoting and selling. Do they publish negative data? Are the incidence of side effects being underestimated? It is impossible to answer these questions with certainty.

But it is not so scary if the drug does not treat allergies (treating allergies is difficult, long and generally not always possible), since it relieves symptoms and does not complicate life.Taking antihistamines (for example Suprastin), patients often complain of drowsiness, fatigue, weakness and nausea, because such drugs lower blood pressure and can distort the sleep and wake cycles. But in comparison with the first generation antihistamines, the representatives of the second (to which Zodak belongs) have fewer side effects. In addition, Zodak does not penetrate the blood-brain barrier in large quantities, so its effect on the nervous system will not be significant.

Another disadvantage of antihistamines is a possible withdrawal syndrome.When the body gets used to the fact that the work of histamine is constantly suppressed, it may not immediately react if such an effect has abruptly disappeared. Therefore, if you take the drug for a long time, you need to slowly reduce the dosage at the end, so as not to be left with a (stuffy) nose and in tears after the end of the course.

Like the stuff? Add Indicator.Ru to Yandex.News “My sources” and read us more often.