Pros and Cons of allergy drugs

[athernet]

I have been taking tablets, eye drops and nose sprays for about 7 years all year round for hayfever/dust mite allergy. Are there any contra indications for long term use of these mild prescriptions? I've tried coming off them, but tend to get breathlessness, sinus pain, waking up gasping or eye redness and pain. Are any of these from withdrawal?

[sandybrown]

Toady the specialist talks about food allergy syndrome and oral allergy syndrome. If you can keep a food diary and write the reaction to eliminate the food that is giving you problems.

Some fresh veg and some fresh fruits to react in so many different ways. My allergy problems goes back to so many years, now days I do not eat any fresh veg or fresh fruits during summer months. There are other things vit C supplement can also give you blocked nose!

Are you on any other medication.

Give Zertik allergy tablet a try, NHS do not give prescription for Zertik allergy. You can buy Zertik allergy antihistamine at independent chemists.

[Erica74]

Hi i wouldn't think do as they are mild but as you have been using them for a long time I would suggest speaking with your doctor

[curleytop1 in reply to Erica74]

Hallo Athernet, Regarding your queries about long term effects from allergy-relief tablets, eye-drops, and nose sprays, I can only speak of my experiences in the UK. I would take all the medicines you are using to your local regular pharmacist and have him/her check them over and ask them to tell you if anything is likely to have a long term effect on your allergies. If you do not find your pharmacist is helpful, I would either see your general doctor (GP) for reassurance or ask to the the Practice Nurse, who could probably advise you.

[sandybrown in reply to curleytop1]

Since the 80's I have been using Zertik antihistamine, nose spray and eye drops on repeat prescription in UK. Now Zertik is not available on NHs therefore I but it on line!!! I use my medication from mid March to end August. Eye drops first few weeks, nose spray if required and antihistamine every day. I also use a lase red light in my nose for three minutes if necessary. When I was working this was a problem, now I am retired not much of a problem. If I went into a hot room and some strong smell it will start and can last for 1/2 hour, after that I am fine.

According to my GP it is under control therefore continue using it. I did read a research document on side effect of antihistamine.

There are lot of information on the Internet. A food diary can help to eliminate some food that gives problem. Thirty five years of experience on allergy.

[athernet in reply to sandybrown]

Thank you bala, that's reassuring

[athernet in reply to curleytop1]

Thank you curleytop, I have asked each doctor, and they seems a bit vague and say things like they probably aren't essential and I could cut down the nose spray first but I don't need to cut them down gradually. I read that some people get used to the sedative effect of the loratidine anti histamine and I wondered if that could be why I get some effects when I stop taking it

[curleytop1 in reply to athernet]

Hallo again athernet, I think that anti-histamines just keep unwanted symptoms of allergies at bay, they do not actually cure the symptoms or get rid of the allergies permanently. If you are unhappy to use them all you could cut down very gradually, as has been suggested, and see how that works, like try taking less of one of them or using it less often, giving it a few days to see if it will be alright for you to continue with the new regime. I feel that the more you stress about it all, the more likely you will be to have negative results, good luck and please let us know how you get on - Curleytop1.