Chemicals called histamines are released from some of your body's defense cells, called mast cells. If you suffer from allergies, when you are exposed to these triggers, histamines are released, which cause runny nose, hives, itchiness, etc. Antihistamines are medications that block the histamine chemicals in your body and reduce your allergy and sinus symptoms.
Nasal Agent
Nasal drugs are used to relieve congestion and treat allergies.
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Oral antihistamines can help relieve environmental allergies, but like all drugs, they can have side effects. Certain antihistamines can make you very drowsy. Some antihistamines should not be given to children or older people. Unless you know how you will react, do not use antihistamines while driving or using heavy machinery. Check with your doctor to see if these medications are right for you.
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The most common side effects people taking nasal cromolyn experience are irritated nasal passages (burning or stinging sensation), red-tinted skin, more sneezing than before the medication, and sometimes headaches or stomachaches. Some people have problems with the dripping of mucous down the throat, cough occasionally, or have an unpleasant taste. It is important to contact a doctor if you have a rare but serious allergic reaction to the medication. An allergic reaction to nasal cromolyn would involve swelling in your face or facial features, difficulties breathing or wheezing, itchy skin that possibly has hives, and difficulty swallowing. Other rare but serious symptoms include nosebleeds and rashes. Call a doctor if you experience any side effect that is not going away or becomes severe.
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HealthyWomen answeredTaking a 20- or 30-minute walk several times a week is a great way to stay in shape. It can even ease the symptoms of your cold by allowing you to open up your breathing passages as you inhale. On the other hand, avoid long-distance endurance running when you have a cold, because studies have shown that your immune system function can be compromised for up to a day afterward. -
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The most commonly used oral antihistamines are second generation antihistamines such as loratidine (Claritin ), cetirizine (Zyrtec) and fexofenadine (Allegra). These antihistamines are less sedating than older first generation antihistamines such as Benadryl. They are also available combined with a decongestant, most commonly pseudoephedrine.
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HealthyWomen answeredYoga can help you reduce your stress levels, which are usually elevated when you're fighting a cold. The gentle stretching involved in the poses can also help relieve aches and pains.
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Dr. Yael S. Varnado-Rhodes, MD , Anesthesiology, answered
To keep patients safe from anesthesia awareness, doctors pay close attention to medical history, and the maintenance of surgical machines and monitors. Watch anesthesiologist Yael Varnado, MD, explain how doctors protect patients during surgery.
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What Are Doctors Doing to Keep Patients Safe from Anesthesia Awareness?
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Children who have to undergo anesthesia respond best to clear explanations that include seeing the surgical area ahead of time, pretend play such as with the oxygen mask and by having any misconceptions cleared up.