Using Antihistamine and Decongestant for Allergy Treatment
Antihistamines
It is the most popular medication for allergy by preventing or relieving the effects of histamine, including watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, itching, and breathing difficulty. When we encounter allergens, our cells create histamine, along with leukotrienes and cytokines, in response to immunoglobulin E (igE) antibodies. Histamine is the cause of annoying reactions in your eyes, lungs, skin, nose, intestinal tract, or throat. Antihistamines will block the bad effects of histamine. It is most effective if taken before being exposed to allergens; for example, before having a picnic to a garden that is full with blossoming flowers or a trip to an animal shelter. Antihistamines drugs are available without a prescription at most drugstores, and some are prescribed.
OTC (over-the-counter) antihistamines include Allegra, Dimetane, Benadryl, Tavist, Claritin, Zyrtec, and Chlor-Trimeton. Less potent nonprescription antihistamines drugs are usually short-acting, which will help relieve mild and moderate cases of allergy symptoms, while longer-acting drugs are usually stronger and used more severe cases, for example cetirizine and fexofenadine.
Other than being the most widely used, antihistamines is a highly standardized remedy for allergies. For decades, people have been consuming antihistamines to treat allergy symptoms, and these drugs have gotten more practical over the decades. The older formulas in Benadryl, Dimetapp and Chlor-Trimeton are notorious for causing severe drowsiness and worked for less than six hours, and need decongestants to relieve stuffiness. Updated formulas, like the new Xysal may effectively relieve allergy symptoms and keep you alert without the need of decongestants. Other than the liquid forms and oral pill, antihistamines are currently available in eyedrops and nasal sprays, which are especially effective in treating eye and nose symptoms of allergies, for example itching, redness, burning, and watering. Read more...
Allergies in Children
Allergy is an exaggerated immune response or reaction to substances that are generally not harmful. Allergy is caused by a highly sensitive immune system which leads to a misguided immune response. Normally, the immune system protects the body from harmful substances such as bacteria and viruses. An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system reacts to substances (allergens) that are usually harmless to which most people do not produce an immune response.
In a child with allergies, first exposure to an allergen stimulates the immune system to recognize the substance. Any subsequent exposure to allergens typically causes symptoms. When an allergen enters the body of a person who has the sensitized immune system, certain cells release histamine and other chemicals. This causes itching, swelling, mucus production, muscle spasms, hives, skin rash and other symptoms.
Allergies in Children — Symptoms
Symptoms vary in severity from one person to another. Most people have symptoms that not only cause the discomfort but also endanger their lives, while a few people have life-threatening reactions (called anaphylaxis).
The body part that comes into direct contact with the allergen influences the symptoms. For example, normally, inhaled allergens cause nasal congestion, itching in nose and throat, mucus production, coughing or wheezing. In general, food allergies can cause abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or other severe life-threatening reactions. Often, any allergy to plants normally produces a rash and an allergic reaction to medications affects the whole body. Read more...