Does non-sedating anti-histamine suppress immunity, how?
435798
Histamines act on IgE antibody receptors on mast cells which causes degranulation of the mast cell releasing leukotrienes and the such. IgE is, by far, not the primary source of fighting infection and the such from outside influences. IgE is mainly the antibody that causes solely allergic reactions as well as protective effects against parasites. Regardless, antihistamines don't stop IgG or any of the other main immunocomplexes from forming.\n\nand PS, anti-histamines can become nonsedating after using them for awhile since your body will become resistant to the sedative effects.\n\nFurthermore, if you are using anti-histamines prophylatically, I woul suggest using corticosteroids instead.
645934
Stress makes you more susceptible to disease as it negatively impacts your immune system\n\nLaboratory tests show Sambucol® neutralises Common and Avian Flu Virus H5N1 \nAdded: (Thu Jan 19 2006) \n\nNew research, carried out by Retroscreen Virology has indicated that \nSambucol®, a patented formula, may fight the virulent Avian Flu virus. Results have been presented yesterday, Wednesday, in a press conference held in the Royal Society of Medicine, London. Speakers included Prof. Hannoun, Emeritus Professor at the Pasteur Institute and Dr. Mumcuoglu, developer of Sambucol®. \n\nLaboratory trials held in a leading research institute, Retroscreen Virology \nLtd, associated with the University of London found Sambucol® to be at least \n99% effective against the Avian Flu virus H5N1. Sambucol® was effective at \nsignificantly neutralising the infectivity of the virus in cell cultures. These \nresults will also be presented during the International Conference on Bird Flu: \n“The First Pandemic of the 21st Century. A Central Role for Antivirals”, to be \nheld at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital on January 19th-20th 2006. \n\nDr. Madeleine Mumcuoglu, is looking into further investigations into the \nactivity of Sambucol® against Avian Flu on a wider scale. \n\nIn an earlier study (1995) Sambucol® was found to be effective against a wide range of influenza strains. Laboratory studies conducted at the Hebrew \nUniversity – Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem demonstrated the activity \nof Sambucol® against human, swine, and avian influenza strains. \nSambucol®'s efficacy was also demonstrated in two double blind, placebo \ncontrolled clinical studies. Sambucol® was shown to cut the duration and \nseverity of the common flu by up to half. \n\nENDS \n\nNotes to editors; \nSambucol® is based on an active substance isolated from the black elderberry. \nManufactured by Razei Bar Industries Israel, Sambucol® is available in 17 \ncountries and in the UK is sold in Tesco, leading chemists, independent health \nfood stores and wholesalers from £8.49. \n\nFor photography please visit the following site and enter the log in details: \nFTP address: ftp://pixelit.co.il \nuser name: ftp_razeibar \npassword: 63+84675 \n\n\nFor further press information please contact: Francesca Gaffey/Cheryl Davies, \nCommunique Public Relations, Waterside, No2 Canal Street, Manchester, M1 \n3HE. Tel: 0161 242 5120/0161 242 5108 Fax: 0161 228 7391 E-mail: \nfrancesca.gaffey@communiquepr.co.uk cheryl.davies@communiquepr.co.uk \n\nFor research information please visit: Retroscreen Virology Ltd. at: \nhttp://www.retroscreen.com/ \n\nFor product information please visit: \nRazei Bar Industries (1996) Ltd. At: www.sambucol.com
260109
dont take a antihistamine of any kind take some sudafed drink something hot. then tilt your head back as far as you can and count to 30. do not use over the counter nose sprays this will make it worse.  and a antihistamine will clog you up worse just ask a drugest
284826
i am guessing that benedryl, an antihistamine would be given, or adrenaline. it depends on the reaction.
398998
My husband grew up with cats and had mild allergic reactions- after 10 years with no cats, we got two cats and he began to have pretty bad allergic reactions.  He loves cats and did not want to get rid of them nd does not want to be on medications.  A few things that have helped him and a friend of mine's children who are allergic.  Gradual increasing of exposure to the cats helped build his immunity, keeping the house clean, well vacuumed - floors and furniture, maintaining an allergy -free zone-we keep the cats out of the bedroom so he can have 8 -10 hours of sleep with no irritants and his body can recover form whatever irritations it has been exposed to throughout the day.  This seems to work very well for hubby.  To help out some friends who are allergic to cats we are planning in investing in a good air purifier or two- I am told that these work wonders for any kinds of allergies.  Also, giving the cat a good regular brushing with a brush that does not cause the hair to fly around helps !
47374
Drink lots of water.  By the way, salt is a natural expectorant as well as a natural antihistamine. Histamine is the body's response to dehydration since the role of histamine is to act as the master conductor of water management during dehydration.
304460
if the pet lives in your home there is a product called "allerpet" you use it on the animal to minimize dander.  Dander is what people are generally allergic to.  You might want to try claritin instead of benedril.  Your not so likely to be sleepy and for some it works better.  It is now sold over the counter.  You can get a generic version of it at most drug stores, walmart or target type stores.
911728
Many antihistamines, however, cause drowsiness, so when combined with the sedating effects of alcohol, feelings of drowsiness are magnified. Recently, scientists have developed antihistamines, such as loratidine and certrizine, that cause less drowsiness than their predecessors. However, people who use these non-drowsy antihistamines need to be aware of possible incidents of low blood pressure and physical falls among the elderly. Keeping this in mind, one may want to refrain from or limit any alcohol use while taking antihistamines.\nAlcohol changes how medications, including antihistamines, become accessible to the human body. For example, if a person takes an antihistamine while drinking one to several alcoholic drinks over the course of four to five hours (acute drinking), the same metabolizing enzymes that process the antihistamine will attempt to metabolize the alcohol, as well. This exchange could reduce the progression of antihistamines being absorbed into the bloodstream, making the antihistamine less effective. On the other end of the spectrum, long-term drinkers may constantly activate the same enzymes used to metabolize antihistamines that also process alcohol. A chronic drinker, in this case, could develop a tolerance to antihistamines, and it would take more of the antihistamines to be effective.\n\nMost warning labels on antihistamines state not to take them if one imbibes more than three alcoholic drinks daily. Having said this, there is no available research stating exactly how long one needs to avoid alcohol after taking an antihistamine or vice-versa. User information warns about respiratory arrest and death caused by an overdose of antihistamines. Warning labels on antihistamines also caution against the possibility of toxic chemical build-up in the liver as a result of the chemical by-products from mixing antihistamines and alcohol.\n\nSimilarly, it is important not only not to drive when you drink alcohol, but also not to drive or expect your body to respond with quick reflexes if you drink and use antihistamines.\n\nTo be safe, it's healthier and less risky not to mix antihistamines and alcohol. Interactions of alcohol and medications are estimated to be involved in possibly at least 25 percent of emergency room admissions.\n\nIt's in your best interest to discuss your concerns with your prescribing medical provider.
264362
Your immune system triggers a series of events when trying to fight off the invading virus. Creating mucous is the body's way of saying, "Get outta here!" The body is creating more fluid (mucous and drainage) to "flush" out the virus. Antihistamines help the body fight off allergens. The common cold is not an allergen, it's a virus. Antihistamines may help "dry" up the mucous secretions, but obviously don't cure the common cold. What is probably happening is when you take the antihistamine, you are feeling better. When the effect of the drug wears off the mucous comes back. Common cold symptoms can last up to 14 days after the initial symptoms took place, and you can still feel "stuffed up" for a long time.
1103082
You have hives.\n\nFirst, since you have been suffering with urticaria (hives) for over 6 weeks, they are now considered chronic.. One reason the hives are occurring at night is because that is when our cortisol levels are at their lowest, and most chronic hivers find they are worst at night, and some even hive only at night. \n\nAnother problem which causes hiving to worsen at night is that people often have their bodies too warm, and heat is a known mast cell degranulator - mast cells are a special type of immune system cell which contain a bunch of different chemicals, including histamine, which is what causes hives and itching. When mast cells degranulate, they release those chemicals, and being too hot will cause that to happen. Try to sleep in a cool room with minimal covers, that may help.\n\nThird, since you are getting the hives mainly on your chest and back, it is possible the hives are pressure-related. Just the act of lying in bed all night can bring on pressure hives. \n\nHave you tried taking an antihistamine?  For people with chronic urticaria, some antihistamines, such as Ketotifen or Zyrtec, seem to work better than others. And many of us are prescribed off-label dosing, higher than what is used for simple allergies. Plus adding an H2 antihistamine such as Zantac, Tagamet or Pepcid may give you better control of the hives. Some hivers also need a leukotriene blocker (Singulair, Accolate, Zyflo). Others find that adding a mast cell stabilizer (cromolyn, or Ketotifen, which is also an antihistamine) is very helpful. Approx. half of all chronic urticaria sufferers are autoimmune, and for them a course of Cyclosporine can force a remission.\n\nThere is a recipe at the www.chronichives.com website for a lotion you can make using cromolyn which soothes the itchies and calms the rash. And for even more suggestions and information about chronic hives, check out the urticaria support group at yahoo groups - http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/urt...\n\nYour best bet is to see an allergist/immunologist; they have the most experience in dealing with chronic urticaria. They (usually) know what tests to run, what to rule out, and which meds to use based on what type of chronic urticaria you have.
1040187
Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can help relieve itching caused by hives, but won’t affect itching from other causes. Most antihistamines also make people sleepy, which can help patients sleep who would otherwise be awake from the itch. Specific treatment of itching depends on the underlying condition that causes it. In general, itchy skin should be treated very gently. While scratching may temporarily ease the itch, in the long run scratching just makes it worse. In addition, scratching can lead to an endless cycle of itch—scratch—more itching. To avoid the urge to scratch, a person can apply a cooling or soothing lotion or cold compress when the urge to scratch occurs. Soaps are often irritating to the skin, and can make an itch worse; they should be avoided, or used only when necessary.\nCreams or ointments containing cortisone may help control the itch from insect bites, contact dermatitis or eczema. Cortisone cream should not be applied to the face unless a doctor prescribes it. Probably the most common cause of itching is dry skin. There are a number of simple things a person can do to ease the annoying itch:\n• don’t wear tight clothes\n• avoid synthetic fabrics\n• don’t take long baths\n• wash the area in lukewarm water with a little baking soda\n• for generalized itching, take a lukewarm shower\n• try a lukewarm oatmeal (or Aveeno) bath for generalized itching\n• apply bath oil or lotion (without added colors or scents) right after bathing \n\nSomeone who itches all over should seek medical care. Because itching can be caused by such a wide variety of triggers, a complete physical exam and medical history will help diagnose the underlying problem. A variety of blood and stool tests may help determine the underlying cause.\n\nSomeone who itches all over should seek medical care. Because itching can be caused by such a wide variety of triggers, a complete physical exam and medical history will help diagnose the underlying problem. A variety of blood and stool tests may help determine the underlying cause.
668024
There are antihistamines (histamine blockers) and decongestants and combinations. \n\nAntihistamines block the receptors that allergens connect to that make your eyes and nose run. They "dry you up". \n\nDecongestants help shrink the mucous membranes and allow your sinuses to drain. They don't dry you up, but they allow everything to drain (down your throat, and sometimes you get a runny nose) so pressure doesn't build up.\n\nwith both, you need to drink a lot of fluids to keep your system in balance.
257970
What should have been told to you is that studies have shown that people who tend to have attacks of asthma from nervous behavior, do tend to have slight improvment after they get a pet. But if the Asthma is triggered by animal dander then no there is no dog or cat that can help with those types of attacks. Now some people tell you your allergic to a dog or cat because of the fur...not true it's the dander, the skin cells themselves. There is no allergy-free dog or cat.
1026462
I am an atopic dermatitis(eczema) patient of 40+ years.Taking an allergy pill,antihistamine only,is one part of treating eczema.If you are an eczema patient,you are more likely to have allergies and you are more likely to develop asthma.Only take the antihistamine in pill form;stay away from any creams that contain an antihistamine because it will just aggravate the rash.Check this thread for my other answers on eczema,too.\n\nFor your information:\nATOPIC DERMATITIS is the medical name for eczema.Sometimes when you are researching the condition you need to check under both atopic deramatitis and eczema to get all of the information you need.
730150
An allergic reaction can take a week or more to work its way out of your system. I have experience with this -- I was exposed to a chemical that I'm allergic to  and had to keep taking Benadryl for more than a week. Every time I forgot a dosage, I'd break out in hives again, until the 8 or so days had passed.\n\nHave you tried using an antihistamine in addition to the steriod? Did the doctor you saw recommend an antihistamine? If not, it might be worthwhile to check and see if you can add an antihistamine at night.\n\nI'd also do some detective work in your home to see if you are reacting to something that you are in contact with at night, since you are only getting worse at night. Dustmites are a common allergy, and it could be that while your body is dealing with this other reaction, you are more "reactive" in general and some other allergen is affecting you. Just an idea, because my son (who has seasonal allergies) had the experience of suddenly reacting to cats -- but only in the summertime, when the pollen count is high.
57592
Medicne is necessary to control Asthama,  Once it is controlled you can prevent it by other methods without Medicine.  Asthma is allergic manifestation of the respiratory system.
147141
There is no foolproof way to avoid it, but there's things you can do to help fend it off: wash your hands often, keep your hands out of your mouth and away from your face, get excercise, drink lots of water and tea,(adding fresh lemon juice to water and tea helps strengthen your immune system), take a good multivitamin, and eat plenty of fruits and veggies (raw), but avoid junk food. Also, a good detox system works wonders for strengthening your immune system (green tea, organic tomato juice, detox teas, colon or whole body cleanses)