Friday, June 13, 2008

Ways to Prevent Asthma

If you know that you or your family member has asthma you should know what sets the asthma off. Sometimes avoiding these things can prevent asthma attacks for starting. Just by following these few steps can cut back on your asthma from flaring up.

1. Place dust free covers on pillows and mattresses to cut back on allergies kicking in while sleeping.


2. Purchase vent filters for each vent in your home. It will cut back on air borne particles that can get asthma irritated. If you can't get the whole home at least get the room the asthma patient sleeps in.


3. If you have carpet in your home it will help tremendously if you replace it with hard wood floors or vinyl flooring. Again if it is not possible to do the whole house at least do the asthma patients room.


4. It is a good idea to have a nebulizer at home with steroid medication and having an inhaler with the asthma patient at all times


5. Talk to your doctor about putting you on an everyday asthma prevention medication. Some popular brands that are out there are: Singular, Allegra, and Zyrtec. These are just a few that you can ask your doctor about.


6. Most important is having an Asthma Action Plan just in case the asthma was to get out of hand by something that you are not aware of. A plan of action allows you to know exactly what to do. It will cut back on panic modes.

These are just a few things that you can do to help prevent your asthma from getting out of hand. These few steps have saved my family a few emergency room visits. These are from my experience only. You should contact your doctor for the right plan for you and your family.

Shannon Miller is the mom of 5 children. Stop by her sites and share in some of her experiences as a mom. http://www.parentingfroma-z.com and http://www.asthmainfosite.com

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Treatment Of Allergies

The allergy - hypersensitivity of an organism of the person to some substances - represents the hyperreaction developing in reply to influence of alien substances - allergens. The reason of occurrence of allergic reaction of an organism is infringement of immunity.

Treatment:

1. The patient is necessary for isolating from contact to substance-allergen.

2. Specific immunotherapy - development of blocking antibodies in an organism. Gradually the organism is accustomed to not show hyperreaction at contact to substance-allergen.

3. Nonspecific therapy. For reduction of symptoms of an inflammation also appoint anti-inflammatory substances - not steroid and corticosteroids.

For occurrence of symptoms of an inflammation at allergic diseases answers the mediator hystamin at treatment of allergic conditions the significant effect is observed at reception antihystamin the preparations blocking H1 receptors.

Nowadays the medical market offers wide selection of drugs to treat allergies. The most commonly used are:

Allegra, Clarinex, Claritin and Zyrtec.

Allegra

Allegra is indicated for the relief of symptoms associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis in adults and children 6 years of age and older. Symptoms treated effectively were sneezing, rhinorrhea, itchy nose/palate/throat, itchy/watery/red eyes.

Allegra is formulated as a capsule or tablet for oral administration. Allegra is usually taken twice a day, in the morning and the evening. Follow your doctor's instructions. Take each dose with a full glass of water.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Symptoms and signs of Allegra overdose are: dizziness, drowsiness, and dry mouth. Seek emergency medical attention.

I'm manage online pharmacies and suggest you to find allergy medication such as Allegra, Zyrtec and Clarinex at internet pharmacy Drugs Broker

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Drug Allergy 101 - What You Absolutely Need to Know

Introduction

Due to increase in the population that is having impaired immunity and also as there is an increasing pool of aged population because of the ever-lowering death rates, the incidence of allergies is on rise.

Definition

Drug allergy is an immunologically mediated reaction to a drug, which is quite different from its pharmacodynamic profile. It is entirely unrelated to its dosage. It is sometimes also called drug hypersensitivity.

Types

There are many different types of drug allergies but broadly there are two different types: a) Humoral

It is further subdivided into type I, type II and type III based on the type of cells involved.

b) Cellular

Diagnosis

Most commonly the signs and symptoms are redness, itching, rashes, swelling and runny nose. These symptoms occur from within few minutes to few hours. Whatever the symptoms, it is best to consult your doctor as soon as possible because these may be signs of a severe and even fatal reaction. One of the severe reactions is anaphylaxis. It is not necessary that if a person did not get allergy from a drug previously, he wont get it this time. Usually drugs from same group should not be taken if a reaction has occurred from a drug. The drugs most commonly implicated in drug allergies are penicillin, cephalosporins, sulfa drugs , anti convulsants, aspirin and insulin.

Management

a) Treatment

The first and foremost thing is to consult your doctor and if possible allergy specialist for he would be able to determine two things: first, the allergen and secondly the cause of the allergy. Finally when there has already been a reaction, then to treat this, there are certain medicines such as Elidel, Zyrtec, Flonase and Allegra.

Elidel helps in itching and rashes. It is a new and safe drug, which comes in a cream form.

Zyrtec is another safe drug. Because of its less likelihood of drowsiness as compared to the other members of its group, it has received good patient compliance. Besides being used for seasonal rhinitis it is also used for runny nose in drug allergy.

Flonase is another drug which although being steroidal is non-habit forming. It relieves the patients of stuffy nose because of congestion. It can also be used in children.

Allegra has similar use as Zyrtec although it is even less sedating.

b) Prevention

It is best said that to manage in the best way any drug allergy is to stay away from the allergen that is the drug.

Further research

There are certain drugs such as xolair, which are still in their incipient stage, and not much of data is available

Anju bala writes about Drug allergy topics.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Zyrtec

Active Ingredient: Centrizine

Common Brand Name(s): Zyrtec

Zyrtec is mainly used to treat symptoms of allergies like sneezing, runny nose, itching, tearing and redness of eyes and hives. Zyrtec works as an antihistamine by blocking actions of naturally occurring chemical histamine in the body.

What is Zyrtec used for?

- Zyrtec is used as an antigistamine which blocks the actions of the naturally produced acids in the body. Zyrtec has comparatively lesser side effects than other antihistamines.

- Zyrtec is mainly used to treat allergic ailments such as sneezing, runny nose, itching, tearing and redness of eyes, and hives.

- Apart from the above uses, Zyrtec may be used for some other purposes.

How Do I Use Zyrtec?

- You must follow doctor's direction for use of Zyrtec. If you have any doubt about use of Zyrtec you must consult your doctor, nurse or a pharmacist. They will be able to guide you the correct way of using Zyrtec.

- Take Zyrtec with adequate quantity of water.

- You can take Zyrtec before meals.

- You should chew the chewable tablets thoroughly, if taking chewable tablets.

- If you are taking Zyrtec in liquid form, use measuring spoon, cup or dropper to ensure correct in take of medicine.

- You can take Zyrtec with or without food.

How should I Store Zyrtec?

You can store Zyrtec at normal room temperature. However, you must ensure that the storing place is free from moisture and away from the heat.

What are the possible Side Effects?

- There are no serious side effects of Zyrtec as such. However, if you experience any allergic reaction like breathing difficulty, closing of throat, swollen lips, tongue, face or hives, stop taking Zyrtec and visit your doctor for immediate medical attention.

- If you experience other side effects which are less serious don't stop use of Zyrtec. However you must consult your doctor if you develop symptoms like drowsiness, dizziness, and headache or mouth dryness.

- You may notice any other unusual side effects other than those enlisted here. In such case you must consult your doctor who will provide required medical treatment.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

You can take the missed dose immediately after you remember it. However you must keep in mind the time of your next dose. If there is sufficient time gap you can take the missed dose. If your next scheduled dose is nearing then skip the missed dose and take the regular scheduled dose in time. Never double your dose to make up for missed dose.

If you are using Zyrtec on as required basis, take the missed dose if it is need, but you must maintain the prescribed gap before you take next dose.

What should I do if I overdose?

If you suspect the overdose or develop unusual symptoms, you must consult your doctor for immediate medical attention. Exact symptoms of Zyrtec overdose are not known. However Drowsiness is considered as one of the symptoms.

Is Zyrtec Safe?

If you are suffering from liver disorders, you may not be able to use Zyrtec. Your doctor may make dose adjustment to suit you and closely monitor effects of the dose.

If you have allergic reaction to Zyrtec or medicines like Atarax and Vistaril, you must consult your doctor before taking Zyrtec.

There are no proven results available regarding effects of Zyrtec on the unborn baby. However, you must consult your doctor if you are pregnant.

There are no proven results to confirm that Zyrtec passes into breast milk and it may affect the nursing baby. You must consult your doctor before using Zyrtec, if you are breast feeding your baby.

Your doctor may prescribe you lower dose of Zyrtec if you are over 65 years of age. Aged people are likely to experience side effects of Zyrtec.

Zyrtec may cause drowsiness. If you experience this side effect, avoid driving, operating machinery and other hazardous activities.

If you are taking Zyrtec, avoid alcohol. Alcohol may increase drowsiness.

You must tell your doctor that you are taking Zyrtec, before your doctor prescribes you other medicines. Do not use other allergy medicines or cough; Cold medicine without consulting doctor, if you are taking Zyrtec.

Medicines like antidepressants, sedatives, pain relievers, anxiety medicines, muscle relaxants and other antihistamines increase drowsiness or dizziness when taken with Zyrtec. Consult your doctor on use of these medicines when you are taking Zyrtec.

How does Zyrtec interact with other medicines?

If you are taking any of the following medicines, you must inform your doctor regarding this before using Zyrtec. You may require dose adjustment and close monitoring, if you are taking these medicines.

- Antidepressants

- Sedatives

- Medicines for treating anxiety like diazepam, alprazolam, Iorazepam, Restoril, Librium etc.

- Pain relievers

- Muscle relaxants

- Other antihistamines

Never take other allergy or antihistamine medicines without consulting your doctor.

Some other drugs, other than those listed above may have interaction with Zyrtec. You must consult your doctor even before using vitamins, minerals and herbal products.

What other information should I know?

- You should continue use of Zyrtec as per your doctor's advice till you get complete relief.

- Chew the chewable tablet thoroughly and use measuring spoon, cup or dropper for taking Zyrtec in liquid form.

- Take your Zyrtec on scheduled time and period as directed by your doctor.

- You must consult your doctor if you experience any unusual occurrence of side effect.

Learn more about Zyrtec medication and Zyrtec side effects at Shoppe.MD, your source for online prescription medications.