Nasal Allergy Medications

• Nasalallergyis an inflammatory reaction to house dust mites,mold, animal hair, and pollens.
• Takeantihistaminesforsneezing,runny nose,itchynose, and throat.
• Take decongestants for nasalcongestiononly.
• Anticholinergic medicine such asipratropium bromide inhaler(Atrovent, Atrovent HFA) may help with intractable runny noses.
• Nasal steroids are safe and effective on a runny,itchy, and particularly stuffy nose.
• Combination ofantihistamine,decongestant, and steroid inhalers are a good choice for moderate or severe nasalallergies.
• Topicalnasal decongestantshould be limited to use for 3 to 5 days maximum.

Although they are the cornerstone ofallergytreatment, avoidance measures are not always enough to manage all of the symptoms of nasalallergies(allergicrhinitis)。当symptoms of nasalallergies抗组胺药,轻微或间歇性的吗with or without decongestants can help. Very often, some relief can be found in takingover-the-counter(OTC)drugs, and this is usually the first step anallergysufferer will take. Self-medication, though, is frequently inadequate since OTC drugs cannot adequately treat the more intense inflammation that develops in the nose. At this stage, anti-inflammatory medications are required, usually in the form of intra- nasal steroid sprays (sprayed into the nose).

The combination of an antihistamine (with or without a decongestant) and a topical nasal steroid spray will usually afford good relief with minimal side effects. Other classes of medications have also been used. For example, leukotriene receptor antagonists, cromolyns and anticholinergic agents are all types of medications used to treat nasal allergies. The following article presents aspects of these medication types in more detail to understand their role in the treatment of nasal allergy.

This is a simplified overview of nasalallergy symptomsand the treatment(s) used to reduce or stop these symptoms.

The above table simply shows the overview of treatments; the following sections provide additional information about these treatment types and helps explain some of the details about these treatments.

Throughout this section on nasal allergy management, the various treatments will be referred to as "controllers" or "relievers" of symptoms. Controllers are used to prevent symptoms by interfering with the underlying causes of the inflammatory response or the actions of chemical mediators. Examples of controllers include:

• Drugs that block the attachment of histamine to special receptors on cells (antihistamines)
• Drugs that prevent mast cells from releasing chemicals (cromolyn)
• Drugs that prevent or reduce inflammation that arises from anallergic reaction(steroids)

Other medications, called relievers, are used to alleviate symptoms without affecting the inflammation. They are also called "rescue" medications and in general provide only temporary relief. Relievers should only be used alone for mild or intermittent symptoms. Examples include:

• Drugs that narrow (constrict) the blood vessels in the nasal membranes, thereby helping "shrink" swollen tissues and relieve congestion (decongestants)
• Drugs that reduce mucous production by blocking the nerve supply to the mucous glands (anticholinergics)

术语“抗组胺剂”是两个w的组合ords; "anti-" means against, and "histamine" is a naturally occurring chemical that is released by the mast cells. Histamine is responsible for many of the signs and symptoms of allergic reactions, for example, swelling of the lining of the nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes. Histamine is released from histamine-storing cells (mast cells) and then attaches to other cells that have histamine receptors. The attachment of the histamine to the receptors causes these cell to be "activated," releasing other chemicals which produce the effects (symptoms, see previous section "Nasal allergy symptoms: an overview of treatments") that are associated with nasal allergies.

Human cells have three different types of histamine receptors (H1, H2, and H3). Histamine works by attaching itself to these receptors on the surface of cells and thereby causing its effects. It is mainly through the H1 receptors that histamine causes symptoms of nasal allergy. Antihistamines compete with histamine to attach to these same H1 receptor sites, thereby preventing histamine from binding to them. This action prevents histamine from causing allergic symptoms because the antihistamines that bind do not activate the cells.

Histamines can cause symptoms of swelling, sneezing,itching(nose, throat, roof of mouth), and a runny nose through the nostrils or down the back of the throat (post-nasal drip)。Antihistamines are effective in treating the sneezing, post-nasal drip, anditching. They usually begin working between 30 to 60 minutes after being taken. However, histamine is only one of the many chemicals involved in the allergic reaction, which explains why relief from antihistamines is usually only partial.

Antihistamines have an interesting history. Bovet and Straub at the Pasteur Institute discovered the first antihistamine in 1937. It was too weak, however, and caused many side effects. In 1942, phenobenzamin (Antegan) was the first antihistamine used to treat allergies. Within a few years,diphenhydramine(Benadryl) and tripelennamine (PBZ) were formulated. These were the first and oldest generation of antihistamines

Many of the older antihistamines are now available OTC. Many different preparations are available, and are derived from six separate chemical classes. Although these inexpensive OTC drugs are helpful in controlling milder symptoms, they also cause various side effects. Drowsiness and reduced mental alertness are particularly common (seen in up to 50% of those taking the medications). Cells that line the blood vessels in the brain regulate which chemicals can enter the brain. These cells are referred to as the blood brain barrier. The reason these drugs induce sleepiness is that they are able to cross the blood brain barrier. The next table lists some common first generation antihistamines; these are widely available and may help people with nasal allergiessleepat night, but should not be used by people who need to be alert (driving vehicles or doing any action that involves high mental concentration) because they can be sedating.

Asking the pharmacist for a generic version of the doctor's brand name suggestion or prescription requires caution. Check that the generic name and strength is the same as the medicine the doctor recommended or prescribed.

The second generation antihistamines are often referred to as "non-sedating." In general, this group of antihistamines is more expensive, has a slower onset of action, is longer acting, and induces less sleepiness. However, even some of these can be slightly sedating, so the persons taking these medications should use them with caution (see table below). Two of the earlier second generation antihistamines,terfenadine(Seldane) andastemizole(Hismanal), were found to have unacceptableheartside effects and are no longer available on the market.

Antihistamines perform best when taken regularly or before an allergic reaction begins. The second generation antihistamines may take up to an hour or more to become effective. They should be taken well before an expected allergic exposure, such as a visit to a friend who has a cat and the person may be allergic to cat dander.

Since the first generation antihistamines can penetrate the brain tissue, they generally cause more side effects than the second generation drugs, which usually cannot enter the central nervous system. Drowsiness is the most noticeable side effect, but this is sometimes desirable. For example, it may be useful when nighttime symptoms prevent restfulsleep. During the day, however, this effect can cause problems.

Be cautious about driving a car or operating a machine when using OTC antihistamines. Do not take any tranquilizers or drinkalcoholalong with these drugs. The combination may promote more drowsiness. Also, a person should check with the doctor before taking an antihistamine if they haveglaucomaor thyroid, heart, or prostate problems because the antihistamines may make these problems worse.

The first generation antihistamines may also cause troublesome anticholinergic effects such as heartpalpitations,difficulty urinating,constipation,口干, and nervousness. These side effects usually occur when the medication is taken at higher than recommended doses.

The second generation of antihistamines currently on the market has few, if any, significant side effects at the recommended doses.

抗组胺药可用于鼻腔症状patients withasthma. It was previously thought that these drugs would dry up the airways in the patient's bronchial tubes and aggravate theasthma. However, there is no good evidence supporting this notion. Improving nasal allergy symptoms may benefit patients withasthma.

Nasal stuffiness or congestion occurs as a result of swelling of the nasal membranes. Histamine opens the blood vessels and encourages fluid leakage from them, thereby causing the tissues to become "congested." This reaction reduces the space inside the nose through which we breathe and results in the typical "blocked" or stuffy nose. While antihistamines can control many symptoms ofallergic rhinitis, they are not very helpful for treatingnasal congestiononce it has already occurred. At this point, decongestants can be a very useful addition (see next section).

Decongestants act on a receptor on the blood vessels. When the decongestants act on the receptors, the blood vessels shrink which in turn reduces the blood flow to the area and lessens the leakage of fluid into the tissues. The result is a nasal passage that feels more "open."It is important to remember that decongestants do NOT help with an itchy, sneezing, and runny nose.

Two forms of decongestants, oral and topical, are currently available. They are probably equally effective, although the topical nasal sprays or drops work more quickly (a few minutes compared to thirty minutes). Most preparations are OTC and are relatively inexpensive. Decongestants are frequently combined with antihistamines and are sometimes combined with mucous thinners (mucolytics).

The best use for topical decongestants, the nose drops and sprays, is for the quick, temporary relief of nasal stuffiness due to either allergic or non-allergic causes. They are helpful for relieving congestion in the Eustachian tubes, which equalize pressure between the inner ear and the nasopharynx. Decongestants are frequently used before air flights to prevent ear symptoms such as ear pressure during flight. They may also be useful in treating or preventingear infections. It is important, however, not to use these topical agents for longer than 3 to 5 days, since this may cause rebound congestion. Also, be careful to follow the daily use instructions - some decongestants need to be taken only twice a day while others may need to be used 3 to 4 times a day.

Nasal decongestants are effective in opening the entrances to the sinuscavities. This is particularly helpful in treatingsinusitisand relieving sinus pressure.

口头形式的减充血剂是首选choice for most cases of nasal congestion, particularly when people expect to use them for more than 3 to 5 days. They can also be taken for Eustachian tube blockage, infected ears, andsinusitis. Oral decongestants rarely cause rebound nasal congestion even if taken for long periods.

Topical sprays sometimes cause burning or dryness in the nose. The most notorious side effect of topical decongestants is rebound nasal congestion. The longer someone uses the spray, the less effective it becomes and the more they need to use it in order to obtain the desired effect (virtually an addictive quality if used excessively). After prolonged use, the spray begins to cause more congestion than it relieves. The only way to break this cycle is to stop the medication. If the cycle is not broken, permanent changes can occur on the nasal membranes, which lead to a condition known as rhinitis medicamentosa. Rhinitis medicamentosa refers to an inflammation in the nose that is caused by the use of medications. Symptoms include severe stuffiness, burning, bleeding, and dryness of the nose.

口服减充血剂的副作用更通讯on and potentially more dangerous. They can stimulate the nervous system causingpalpitations,insomnia, nervousness, and irritability. Some people may have trouble with urination and adecreased appetite. Although frequently mentioned, high官网地址bwinis not commonly caused or worsened by these drugs. However, any concerns regarding the side effects of these drugs should be discussed with the doctor.

Pharmacy shelves are packed with combination preparations. They are useful for runny, itchy, and stuffy noses and are available OTC or by prescription. The liquid preparations are convenient for children as well as the elderly who may need a lesser dosage than is available in tablet forms. 12- and 24-hour preparations are available to make taking the medications more practical. Interestingly, the stimulant effect of the decongestant may counteract the drowsiness effect of the antihistamine and make the combination well tolerated; however, this may not occur in everyone so caution is indicated.

Two broad categories of decongestants are available. Rapid release products need to be taken 3 to 4 times a day and provide a lower dose of both the antihistamine and decongestant. These medicines help people who are more troubled by side effects but they are less practical than the sustained release preparations, which need to be taken only once or twice per day.

Some combinations of these drugs may be more effective in some individuals, If an individual wants to try a new OTC antihistamine/decongestant combination, they should carefully read the label. Make sure the ingredients and the dosages are different from the ones they used to take. Otherwise, the person may be buying the same medication they took previously, only with a different name, color, shape, and price.

Steroids are naturally-occurring hormones that are produced by the adrenal glands. Thecorticosteroidshave potent anti-inflammatory effects and are very effective in treating allergic inflammation in the nose. They are a "controller" type medication and work best when used on a regular "preventative" basis. They are usually only available by prescription. With seasonal allergies, daily use of these sprays should begin 1 to 2 weeks before the allergy season and continue throughout the season. In people with relatively constant or perennial allergic rhinitis, particularly if symptoms have been unresponsive to OTC or other treatments, daily use of intranasal steroids has been found very effective in controlling symptoms, particularly nasal congestion. The addition of antihistamines to this nasal spray will likely give even better results.

Nasal steroids may also help improve the sense of smell, which is frequently diminished in allergic rhinitis. The medication may work by reducing swelling high up in the nose, where the area for smell is located. Decreasing the swelling allows more air (containing the odors) to reach the nerves that are responsible for the sense of smell.

Bag-like collections of fluid in the nasal membranes, callednasal polyps, are not uncommonly found in allergic rhinitis. Nasal steroids are helpful in shrinking nasal polyps and in preventing them from recurring.

Nasal steroids are available in two forms, aerosol and a spray pump (aqueous). The aerosol form resembles an asthma spray that delivers a predetermined dose of "dry" medication when activated. The more commonly used pump delivers a "water-based" spray, which may provide some moisturizing and soothing effect as well as an anti-inflammatory action. Patients who feel that the drip in their nose and throat increases when using the spray form may prefer the aerosol. In contrast, the spray is favored if the aerosol causes irritation or excessive drying of the nasal membranes.

In 1960, the first nasal steroid spray, Decadron Turbinaire, was introduced in the United States. Although very effective, too much of the drug was absorbed into the bloodstream, which resulted in side effects and limited its use. A different medication, beclomethasone (Qvar), was initially marketed in the 1970s and has been well tolerated. Others have been developed over the years, each having some variable effects on several types of cells that have a role in nasal inflammation.

Most of these intranasal steroids -budesonide, fluticasone,mometasone, ciciesonide, and fluticasone furoate - are faster acting and more potent than the other nasal steroids, with no significant difference in side effects.

The safety record of nasal steroids at the recommended dosages is excellent. Several studies conducted in the U.S., Canada, and Europe have documented the lack of significant systemic (general body) side effects. The common side effects occur locally in the nose, such as burning, stinging, dryness, and sneezing, and are usually reported with the use of dry aerosol sprays. Less common effects includeheadacheand mild nasal bleeding. The latter can be avoided by proper spray technique. Shallow nasal ulcers are rare and can also be avoided by the use of proper technique.

Oral or injectable corticosteroids are occasionally prescribed for a few days in cases of severe allergic rhinitis with almost total obstruction of the nasal passages. In these cases, antihistamines, decongestants, and certainly nasal sprays are not likely to help. After the nasal passages have opened, however, the nasal sprays can be used to prevent further swelling.

Ipratropium bromide spray (Atrovent)

Ipratropium bromide blocks the effects of acetylcholine, which is a chemical that, among other actions, signals the mucous glands in the nose to produce mucous. Allergic reactions can trigger excessive acetylcholine activity on the mucous glands. Ipratropium bromide occupies the same receptor on the glands as does acetylcholine and in this way reduces mucous secretion because ipratropium brobide does not stimulatemucussecretion.

Ipratropium bromide is available as a spray pump and comes in two strengths. It is only effective for runny noses and can literally "turn off the faucet." The drug does not help itchy or stuffy noses and does not usually take the place of an intranasal steroid, but rather is used along with it. Typically, two sprays 3 to 4 times per day in each nostril are required to control symptoms. Once improvement is seen, the dose can often be lowered to one spray 3 to 4 times per day or two sprays 2 times per day.

Side effects of ipratropium bromide are infrequent but include dry nose, nasal irritation, and nose bleeding. If accidentally sprayed into the eyes, the drug may cause temporaryblurred vision.

Ipratropium bromide nasal spray can dry up mucous, regardless of the cause. The spray may be effective in non-allergic rhinitis and even with the commoncold(usually at the higher 0.06% dose).

色甘酸钠鼻喷雾剂(色甘酸钠、Opticrom恐吓rocrom)

Cromolyn works to reduce nasal inflammation without the use of steroids. It acts on mast cells to stabilize them, thereby preventing the release of histamine and other mediators. Since cromolyn is strictly a "controller" medication, it must be taken before allergic exposure, usually at least 2 weeks prior, due to its slow onset of effectiveness. The drug tends to be more effective in younger people with higher levels of IgE. It is given at doses of one to two sprays in each nostril 4 times per day. Cromolyn appears to be helpful in reducing runny nose, sneezing, and congestion in milder cases, but may not be effective at all in more severe cases. The medicine became available OTC in 1997. It is a particularly well tolerated medication with minimal side effects (usually sneezing, nasal irritation, or stinging. Rare cases of nasal bleeding or residual bad taste are reported.) There are no systemic, or body-wide, side effects. Cromolyn nasal spray is safe forpregnancy, lactation, and children under the age of 6 years old.

Using a good technique in applying nasal sprays will help you achieve the maximum benefits from the medications and avoid certain side effects, such as nasal bleeding. The following are guidelines for proper spray technique:

• Clear your nasal passages with gentle nose blowing or a nasal decongestant for a few days when starting nasal steroids.
• Shake the container
• Place one finger over one nostril to close it off.
• Place the tip of the spray into the open nostril pointing away from the nasal septum (midline) and direct the spray straight back, not up into the tip of your nose.
• Activate the spray, sniffing in gently and deeply as you do so.
• Exhale through the mouth.
• Repeat these steps for the other nostril.
• Never "double" spray: always spray one nostril at a time and alternate nostrils each time.