2024-04-17 13:00:00
Hay fever, or seasonal allergic rhinitis, concerns around a third of French people. Its symptoms are known: repeated sneezing, itching, itchy and runny nose, itchy and watery eyes… They are triggered byinhalation of tree pollen (birch, alder, hornbeam, etc.), grasses (wheat, oats, etc.) orherbs (ragweed, wildflowers, etc.).
Histamine, the substance involved in allergic reactions
The symptoms of an allergy originate from excessive reaction of the immune system which produces large quantities of histamine, the substance involved in allergic reactions.
Histamine is also the cause of local irritations or hives caused by contact with certain plants (nettle, thuja, climbing ivy, wall ivy, etc.) or animals (processionary caterpillars, jellyfish, insects, etc.). And here again, the symptoms which combine redness, local edema and sometimes intense itching are very unpleasant.
Of the treatments available for self-medication quickly soothe the discomfort of allergic rhinitis.
And no improvement is felt within 48 hours or if the problems get worse (difficulty breathing, increasingly significant edema), you should consult a doctor quickly.
When to use local antihistamine treatments?
Local treatments containing a antihistamine molecule (which blocks histamine production) or cromoglycate de sodium (a substance that prevents the release of histamine) are enough in case of moderate symptoms. Well tolerated, they are also used in prevention throughout the pollination period to avoid worsening of the allergy or its reappearance.
And their action proves insufficient you are the symptoms are immediately very annoying, it is necessary to resort to local corticosteroids. These very effective treatments are used on a short period (4 to 6 weeks) to avoid the appearance of undesirable effects (nasal irritation, nose bleeding, etc.).
Antihistamine creams for itchy hives
Creams or gels containing an antihistamine are suitable. The presence of a local anesthetic or corticosteroid may be a plus to soothe severe itching or local edema (anti-inflammatory effect of the corticosteroid). These treatments are applied to clean skin, cleansed with soap and water, and not infected.
When to use an oral antihistamine medication?
An antihistamine administered orally may be associated with local treatment from the start of allergic manifestations for strengthen its action. THE low sedative molecules are to be preferred to h1 antihistamines (first generation) which induce drowsiness and side effects.
Reference treatments to relieve the symptoms of rhinitis
These includenewer antihistamines (called second generation), such as:
The cétirizine (Reactine®) ;La loratadine (Claritin®) ;La fexofenadine (Allegra®)…
These antihistamines are available in self-medication, therefore without prescription, but their use is reserved for adults and children over 12 years old, and limited to one duration of seven days, the time necessary to calm the allergic reaction. If there is no improvement, medical advice is required.
Antihistamines: 5 facts you need to know to use them correctly
When you suffer from allergies, and in particular allergic rhinitis or pollen allergy, you can quickly be tempted to grab the first antihistamines you find in your medicine cabinet. Also three Canadian researchers saw fit to take stock of the facts to know in order to use antihistamines correctly and not make mistakes (source 1). Here are the essential points to know.
Antihistamines effective against hay fever and hives
Antihistamines are part of medications most commonly used and most misused in the world. They are better used to relieve symptoms of hay fever and hives than for asthma, eczema, coughs or insomnia.
H1 antihistamines cause significant side effects
These side effects are serious and sometimes fatal. These include those containing diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine or hydroxyzine, which may cause drowsiness and affect cognitive functions, including school performance. While an overdose can prove fatal.
H2 antihistamines are safer than h1 antihistamines
Second generation antihistamines are also more affordable and as effective than first generation antihistamines. They would also have fewer side effects.
Antihistamines are not suitable for anaphylactic shock
Antihistamines should not be used instead of adrenaline to treat anaphylactic shock, in other words a violent allergic reaction. Oral medications can be used in addition to the adrenaline pen (auto-injector) to treat anaphylactic reactions, but they are not a substitute.
Antihistamines can be used during pregnancy
Most antihistamines are safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The authors assure that antihistamines in standard doses do not harm the fetus in pregnant women and can be used during breastfeeding. They are also safe for children.
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