Question: I've heard that work is in progress on a new drug that will inhibit the action of IL-4, specifically an IL-4 receptor blocker. Singulair is a leukotriene antagonist, different than antihistamines. Singulair has no side effects such as drowsiness or dryness, like antihistamines. However, it is a once-a-day medication so its effects should last twenty-four hours. In all of its studies, Singulair has only been tested with a single dose in the evening, so that is how it has been approved for use (it was originally formulated for relief of nighttime asthma symptoms). The reason why it works with both conditions is because the mediators present in asthma are also present in allergic rhinitis. Question: How does Singulair help with allergies and why is it suggested to take in the evening?Īnswer: Singulair is a prescription medicine approved to help control asthma in adults and children as young as 12 months and to help relieve the symptoms of seasonal allergies in adults and children as young as 2 years. You should see an allergist and use all prescription medications in conjunction with a physician's consultation and proper monitoring. Antihistamines are a good treatment for oral allergy syndrome and for skin itching. Another phenomenon known as oral allergy syndrome occurs when cross-reactions between allergy pollen and food allergens cause itchiness and swelling in the mouth and throat after eating the food allergen. My questions: Is itchy skin a typical allergic response and what can I do to stop the itching?Īnswer: Many people with nasal allergy (allergic rhinitis) and springtime allergies develop significant symptoms such as itchy skin, as you are experiencing. Now, in the last three weeks, as trees are budding, I have developed severe skin "itchiness." I am very sensitive to various fabrics - cotton seems to be the only thing I can tolerate. Question: I have always had normal nasal (rhinitis) symptoms, but this year I have also developed asthma and food allergies. Question: If someone is using a nasal steroid spray, such as Nasonex or Flonase, is it okay or even desirable to also use an oral antihistamine such as Zyrtec or Claritin?Īnswer: Yes, both antihistamines and nasal steroids can be used, depending on the clinical symptoms and the response to treatment. If you use an inhaled steroid, make sure you use a spacer. Rinse your mouth after use of the nasal steroid. This is rare with a nasal steroid but the treatment is the same as with an inhaled steroid. Question: Can nasal steroids cause thrush?Īnswer: Yes, if the medicine reaches your throat and is swallowed. The risk of osteoporosis and diabetes cannot be ruled out when used at higher doses. These effects may range from cracking and minor bleeding in the nose to a very small but measurable increased risk of cataracts. Question: What are the long-term effects of nasal steroid use?Īnswer: Nasal steroids - in the usual doses - can be tolerated for long periods of time by most people. Cromolyn is available over the counter with the name Nasalcrom, and it is effective but must be used four times a day or more. Their effectiveness can be increased by not using a single preparation for longer than a couple of weeks. Antihistamine/decongestant combinations are also effective. Claritin is a non-sedating antihistamine and is now sold over the counter. Benadryl works well but can make you drowsy. Question: Are any over-the-counter allergy medications effective at reducing mild allergy/hay fever symptoms.in my experience, I haven't found one that helps at all.Īnswer: Over-the-counter antihistamines are effective. Allegra is an alternative since sleepiness is not a side effect. If Claritin worked well without sleepiness, you should go back to it. Is there something else that I can try or look forward to?Īnswer: At certain doses, both Claritin and Clarinex can cause sleepiness. I tried immunotherapy, but had to quit because I had severe reactions. Question: Why do I get sleepy from Clarinex? I never got sleepy on Claritin. Question: Is there a major difference between Claritin and Clarinex?Īnswer: Claritin is loratadine, which is metabolized in the liver to produce desloratadine, which is Clarinex. Allergy Medications, Pediatrics, and Pregnancy.Drug Interactions and Other Respiratory Diseases.Learn answers to frequently asked questions about allergy treatments and medications.
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