Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Cold Weather Causing a Runny Nose? It Isn't Allergies!

As the weather begins to turn cold and crisp in the country, people are packing their pockets with tissues to fight their flow nose. With outdoor time of the year, noses tend to run and run and run. But this is generally not due to allergies -- but caused by a form of non-allergic rhinitis called vasomotor rhinitis. Vasomotor rhinitis can cause a runny nose, nasal drip and / or nasal congestion. It is caused by a number of factors, including changes in temperature, climate change and humidity, as well as strong odors, perfume and smoke. Since vasomotor rhinitis does not get better with antihistamines, people with this syndrome tend to suffer. There are prescription medications for treating vasomotor rhinitis -- nasal steroids, Astelin (antihistamine nasal), and Atrovent Nasal (a nasal anti-cholinergic) can be highly beneficial. To learn more about: Vasomotor rhinitis Prescription nasal sprays (steroids, antihistamines and anticholinergics) Sunday, November 4, 2007 Permanent Comments (0) More information from your guide below Sponsored Links Dr. Adrian Saurajen S'pore Management allergy by internationally trained ENT surgeon Www.entSnoring.com The allergy symptoms Find allergy symptom and treatment information here. Www.AllergySymptom.us Children allergies Signs, symptoms and treatments. Learn more about allergies online. Www.healthline.com More from Your Guide The confusion with shellfish allergy Shellfish allergy seems to be the most puzzling of all food allergies. Many people with this type of food allergy is not sure about what they can eat, what they should avoid, and whether that food allergy places them at risk of certain medications allergies. A long-held myth regarding shellfish allergy is that those who have this food allergy are allergic to the coloring IV. Most people with an allergy to one type of shellfish are at high risk of being allergic to another type of shellfish. It seems that people with allergies to shellfish are not exposed to an increased risk of developing an allergy to IV dye, and vice versa. There may be some concern, however, that people with allergies to shellfish are at risk of allergic reactions as a result of taking glucosamine. Want to know more? To learn more about: Allergic to multiple shells IV allergic to dyes and shellfish Glucosamine and shellfish allergy Monday, October 29, 2007 Permanent Comments (0) Inhalers: It's All in the technique You have been diagnosed with asthma, maybe 30 years, maybe 30 seconds before. You know everything about the disease: symptoms, triggers, asthma and your medications. You were a doctor, had spirometry performed regularly, and get your flu shot annually. You have asthma beat this thing, or at least under good control. But wait -- what about your inhaler technique? Are you using properly? A recent study suggests that at least 30% of people make a major mistake in the way they use their asthma inhalers. And inhaler technique to make a difference -- especially if you are having an asthma attack. But one should not expect an attack -- consideration for the right to use your inhaler today -- and ask your doctor or nurse to help you with your technical doctor on your next visit. Still confused? Your pharmacist can help you too. Wednesday, October 24, 2007 Permanent Comments (0) Halloween do not have to be Scary for those with food allergies Trick or treatment can be particularly frightening for food allergies -- many of these bite-sized candy bars and other treats can not label the ingredients, or other allergies. This may allow parents to guess whether these chocolate bars contain peanuts or not. Even a small amount of particular foods can lead to life-threatening anaphylaxis in children with food allergies, Halloween is a time to be well prepared to deal with food allergies. If your child has an Epi-Pen, it is a good idea for the parent to carry it with them while accompanying children on their trick or treat adventures. Also ask your child to check with you before any treatment of sampling they receive. If your child like peanut or treenut allergy, use extreme caution before eating any chocolate or other goodies -- nuts are a common factor, in bars and candy treats home. Finally, consider talking with other neighbors on the street whose homes your little one can visit the Halloween night, and ask them to the steady hand of trafficking, which may include non-food items such as stickers, crayons, small toys or coins. Learn to recognize and deal with a food allergy reaction, in the event that your child is accidentally treated more than they bargained for. Saturday, October 20, 2007 Permanent Comments (0) Do you have asthma? Get out and exercise! Many people with asthma avoid exercise, especially because it is a common trigger for most asthmatics. But this may not be the right approach. Most doctors have encouraged their patients with asthma to exercise caution for years -- now, there is a study of children to support such a recommendation. This study compared the effects of exercise in children with moderate to severe asthma, aged 7 to 15 years. It has shown that when children practiced for 90 minutes twice a week, they had an increase in lung function and reduced their obligation to inhaled steroids compared to children who have not exercised. I recommend to my patients regularly for asthma exercise regularly because they feel they can. A brisk walk of 20 minutes, 3 times a week, for example, can help to maintain or improve lung function and lead to weight loss, which may enable a person of asthma. Of course, an asthmatic should be cautious with the exercise, and not pushing to develop serious symptoms of asthma. It is always advisable to check that the person with their doctors before beginning an exercise program. Want to know more? Get your asthma in shape for the season cold and flu! Tuesday October 16, 2007 permalink Comments (0) The facts, and keep it short! Many of my readers are looking for the answer to a specific question, and do not necessarily want all the information on a subject. I understand that you are busy, and just want to find an answer to a question, without all the details of the agony. Accordingly, I launched a new section on the site of Allergies.Com: Frequently Asked Questions. This section is a list of the most frequently asked questions that I hear in my clinic every day with a brief-and the point of reply. Want to know more? There is also a link to an article for the entire length of more on the subject. Take a look at this new section today, it is increasingly rapidly, and it may well have some information that you are looking for. You do not see a question that you want to respond? Just send your questions to me, and look for the answers on the site! Thursday, October 11, 2007 Permanent Comments (0) Xyzal: State of the Art Antihistamine A new antihistamine, Xyzal, became available last week, and it is indicated for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and urticaria (hives). Xyzal (levocetirizine), is the active isomer of Zyrtec (cetirizine), a highly effective and successful antihistamine. All chemical structures in nature, including medicines, are present in the mirror images, or isomers, one from the other. This is similar to a person with a right and left. Typically, one of these isomers is the active drug, the other is just in the way (imagine someone shaking his right hand with your left hand). Zyrtec is both the left and right hand, while Xyzal is the only left hand (in this case, the active ingredient is the "left hand" of drugs). Since Xyzal is an isomer, which provides effects of the medication, it is intended to block the histamine receptors about twice as Zyrtec, while causing only half of sedation. For those who have experienced a huge profit from their allergies and hives taking Zyrtec, but felt too asleep during, Xyzal might be just what the doctor ordered. To learn more about antihistamines in the treatment of allergies. Tuesday, October 9, 2007 Permanent Comments (3) Allergic to Fluffy? You are at risk for asthma A recent study shows that being allergic to cats is a strong risk factor for the development of asthma. This is likely to be especially true for people with allergies to cats, but continue to have a pet cat in the house. Other risk factors for the development of asthma include pollen allergy oak and a common external mold, known as Alternaria. Cat allergen is unique in its ability to cause allergies insofar as it is produced in huge quantities, is airborne, it sticks to everything, and it persists for long periods. And, unlike pollen allergens, which are generally larger and get stuck in the nose and upper respiratory tract, cat allergen particles are very small and can be inhaled deeply into the lungs. The cat allergen can cause inflammation deep in the lungs may cause in cases of allergic asthma in cats. Learn more about cat allergies, and what you can do if you are allergic to your cat, but can not bear to part with Fluffy. Thursday, October 4, 2007 Permanent Comments (0) Got Hives? Get your thyroid Checked! A high percentage of people with chronic urticaria or hives, an underlying autoimmune process as the cause of their symptoms. In the past, a small percentage of people with chronic hives have another common autoimmune diseases, such as hypothyroidism. Some of these people have improved their hives if their thyroid disease was treated. A recent study conducted by a group of allergies of Illinois found that a higher percentage of people with chronic urticaria thyroid diseases thought that earlier -- up 20%. The study showed that a number of these people had improved their hives when the thyroid function was addressed shortly. So if you are a person who takes care of chronic urticaria, you can see if low thyroid function is the cause of your symptoms. Tuesday, October 2, 2007 Permanent Comments (0) Sinus problems? Treat with a Grain of Salt Salins nasal irrigation, also known as rinse salt water sinus, is a highly effective for the treatment of chronic nasal symptoms. Saline irrigation has proven useful in the treatment of allergic rhinitis, chronic sinus infections, nasal polyps, and not allergic rhinitis. This treatment can reduce the amount of drugs a person may otherwise need for these chronic diseases, including a reduction in the quantity of antibiotics and oral steroids for chronic diseases and infections sinus nasal polyps.

Treatment of Allergies

There is little medical treatment to integrate allergies. Probably the most important factor in rehabilitation is the elimination of sources of allergens from the home environment, and avoiding environments where contact with allergens is likely. Avoidance Wear a pollen mask when mowing grass or household purposes. Stay indoors in the morning (when the pollen is at its highest) and on windy days. Read and understand food labels (for people with food allergies). Keep windows and doors closed during the pollination season. Use the air conditioner in the house and car. Ridding the house of indoor plants and other sources of mildew. Do not allow hair-producing animals in the house. Change feather pillows, blankets and clothing wool cotton or synthetic materials. Enclose mattresses, box springs and pillows in plastic barrier cloth. Wash sheets, blankets and mats week in hot water (at least 130F). Remove carpets and upholstered furniture (drastic measure). Use acaricides (a chemical that kills the house-dust mites) or a tannic acid solution (solution that neutralizes mite allergens in the droppings). Use air filters. Use a dehumidifier. Medication During the escape or control of an allergen is not possible, medication may be necessary. Common allergy medications are as follows: Decongestants: spraying or administered orally to unclog nasal passages. Examples spray decongestants are oxymetazoline (Afrin) and phenylephrine (Vicks Sinex). Other drugs or marks may be recommended by your doctor or pharmacist. Oral decongestants include pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and combinations of decongestants and analgesics. Steroid nasal sprays: spray administered by the muted inflammatory response. Medications include fluticonase (Flonase), mometasone (Nasonex), triamcinolone (Nasocort), and beclomethasone (Beconase, Vancenase). Antihistamines: drugs that block the action of histamine, which is responsible for allergic symptoms. In short-acting antihistamines, which are generally OTC (non-prescription), often used to relieve mild to moderate symptoms, but can cause drowsiness. A pediatrician should be consulted before using these drugs in children, because they may affect learning. A former prescription medicines, loratadine (Claritin), is now available on the market. He did not tend to cause drowsiness or affect the learning among children. Antihistamines long-acting cause less drowsiness, can be equally effective, and usually do not interfere with learning. These drugs, which require a prescription, include fexofenadine (Allegra) and cetirizine (Zyrtec). Other antihistamines for sale include diphenhydramine (Benadryl), chlorpheniramine maleate (Chlor-Trimeton, Coricidin) and clemastine (Tavist). New on the market, and available by prescription only, is an antihistamine nasal spray called azelastine (Astelin). Cromoglycate (Nalcrom) or agents related: most administered as eyedrops or nasal sprays to help prevent attacks. Immunotherapy During the escape, measures to control the environment and drugs fail to control allergy symptoms, the doctor may suggest allergy immunotherapy (allergy shots). Immunotherapy involves the injection of extracts of allergens "desensitize" the person. Typically, treatment begins with the injection of a solution of well allergen given to five times a week, with the strength to rise gradually. When the maximum dose is reached, maintenance injections are given at intervals of increasing until the patient receives injections only once a month. It may take up to six months or so to show results. It takes about three to four years for the patient to be free of symptoms. Treatment of asthma Treatment of asthma involves two main groups of anti-inflammatory medication (corticosteroids) and bronchodilators. Anti reduce inflammation and reduce the risk of acute asthma attacks. They can be inhaled through a metered dose inhaler (MDI) or taken orally by pill / tablet or liquid form. The inclusion of inhaled fluticasone (Flovent), budesonide (Pulmicort), flunisolide (AeroBid), triamcinolone (Azmacort) and beclomethasone (Beclovent and Vaceril). The oral steroids (pill / tablet form) include prednisone (Deltasone, Meticorten or Paracort), methylprednisolone (Medrol) and prednisolone (Delta Cortef and Sterane). The oral corticosteroids for children in particular are Pedipred and Prelone. A new class of anti-inflammatory drugs called leukotriene inhibitors, which zafirlukast (Accolate) and zileuton (Zyflo), work by inhibiting fatty acids that mandatory mediation from inflammation of the smooth muscle cells lining the airways . These drugs prevent rather than reduce symptoms and are intended for long-term use. Other inhaled anti-inflammatory drugs include cromolyn sodium (Intal) and nedrocromil (Tilade). Bronchodilators increasing the diameter of the airway and facilitate movement to and from the lungs. Bronchodilators short-acting are metaproterenol (Alupent, Metaprel), ephedrine, terbutaline (Brethaire) and albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin). Bronchodilators long-acting include salmeterol (Serevent), metaproterenol (Alupent), and theophylline (Aerolate, Bronkodyl, Slo-phyllin, Theo-Dur). Serevent and Alupent are inhaled and theophylline is taken orally. Advair combines salmeterol and fluticasone as a drug that reduces both inflammation and airway constriction. Treatment of eczema, contact dermatitis and Urticaria Eczema (allergic dermatitis) and the contact dermatitis (such as oak or poison ivy) can be treated with cold compresses for 30 minutes 3 times per day, and / or corticosteroid creams or ointments (steroids). (Urticaria) can be relieved by applying calamine lotion or taking drugs type H1 antihistamine. The most serious case of hives may require corticosteroid drugs.

What is the most important information I should know about Zyrtec?

• Use caution when driving, operating machinery or performing other hazardous activities. Zyrtec may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities. • The use of alcohol with caution. Alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Zyrtec. What is Zyrtec? • Zyrtec is an antihistamine. Antihistamines prevent sneezing, runny nose, itching and watering eyes, and other allergic symptoms. • Zyrtec is used to treat allergies, (hives), and other allergic inflammatory conditions. • Zyrtec can also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide. Who should not take Zyrtec? • Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver. You may need a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment with Zyrtec. • Zyrtec is the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm a fetus. Do not take Zyrtec without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. • Zyrtec pass into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take Zyrtec without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. • If you are over 60 years old, you may be more likely to experience side effects of Zyrtec. You may need a lower dose of this medication. How do I take Zyrtec? Zyrtec • Take exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. • Take each dose with a full glass of water. • Zyrtec can be taken with or without food. • Zyrtec is usually taken once a day. Follow your doctor's instructions. • Store at room temperature Zyrtec away from moisture and heat. What happens if I miss a dose? • Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regular dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication. What happens if I overdose? • Seek emergency medical assistance. • Symptoms of an overdose Zyrtec are not well known, but extreme sleepiness, confusion and weakness can be expected. What should I avoid while taking Zyrtec? • Use caution when driving, operating machinery or performing other hazardous activities. Zyrtec may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities. • The use of alcohol with caution. Alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Zyrtec. What are the possible side effects of Zyrtec? • Stop taking Zyrtec and seek urgent medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; Closing of the throat; The swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; Or beehives). • Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Zyrtec and talk to your doctor if you experience Drowsiness, fatigue or dizziness; Headache; Or Dry mouth. • Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. What other drugs affect Zyrtec? • Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines: Medications for anxiety or sleep disturbances, such as alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), HCI (Librium), temazepam (Restoril), or triazolam (Halcion); Drugs for depression, such as amitriptyline (Elavil), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), or paroxetine (Paxil); Other cough, cold, allergies or medications; Or Other drugs that cause drowsiness, sleepiness, or relaxation. • Heavy sedation may occur if Zyrtec is taken with any of the drugs mentioned above. • Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Zyrtec. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any prescription or OTC medicines. Where can I get more information? • Your pharmacist has more information about Zyrtec written for health professionals which can be viewed. • Do not forget, and to keep this all medicines out of reach of children, never share your medications with others, and using it only for the particular required. • Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc ( "Multum ') is accurate, current and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by practitioners and health care consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not guarantee that the use outside the United States are appropriate, unless otherwise noted. Multum Information on drugs does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum drug information is an information resource designed to help health practitioners allowed to care for their patients and / or serve consumers viewing this service as a complement, not replace, expertise , the skills, knowledge and judgment of health care practitioners. The absence of a warning for a drug or drug combination in no way should be interpreted to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for the same patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided Multum. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions or side effects. If you have any questions about the medications you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.