What Is An Allergy
An allergy happens when a personâs reacts to substances known as allergens in the environment that are harmless to most people. These substances are found in many places such as dust mites, pets, pollen, insects, ticks, moulds, foods and some medications. Food allergies are a major source of complications leading to about 30,000 emergency room visits a year and 150-200 deaths.
Atopy, on the other hand, is the genetic tendency to develop allergic diseases. When atopic people are exposed to allergens they can develop an immune reaction that leads to allergic inflammation.
Is Ibuprofen Safe During Pregnancy
Ibuprofen, commonly known by the brand names Motrin and Advil, is a great pain reliever and fever reducer. But its best to stay away from it right now.
Heres why: While ibuprofen is actually pretty safe in the early parts of pregnancy, it can cause some serious problems for baby if you take it after 30 weeks or so. Ibuprofen can actually cause an important passageway in the babys heart to close when taken in late pregnancy. That passage needs to stay open while the baby is still inside the uterus and is meant to close up soon after birth. says Kelly Kasper, MD, ob-gyn and associate clinical professor at the Indiana University School of Medicine. If that passage closes before birth, it can cause serious problems, including heart or lung damage and death.
Because its potential side effects are so dangerous and because it can be difficult to remember what week of pregnancy youre in many doctors simply tell their patients to stay away from ibuprofen completely while pregnant. If you have a fever or need pain relief, take acetaminophen instead. Research has shown acetaminophen to be safe throughout pregnancy.
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
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Dealing With A Cold While Pregnant
A cold is a very common mild viral infection of the nose, throat, sinuses and upper airways. It can cause a blocked nose followed by a runny nose, sneezing, a sore throat and a cough. The cold will usually last for about a week as the body fights off the infection.
There is no cure for a cold, although you can usually relieve the symptoms of a cold at home by taking over-the-counter medication, such as paracetamol, and drinking plenty of fluids.
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Transient Neurological Symptoms In Newborns
Sometimes the effects of taking allergy medications appear only after the birth of the baby. These include neurological problems. The most common are lethargy, inactivity, hypothermia, prolonged jaundice, and marbling of the skin. The reason for this reaction is most likely a long-term effect of antihistamines on neurotransmitters.
What Is The Best Allergy Medicine For Kids
The best allergy medicine for kids depends on your childs age, symptoms and other health conditions. If your child is diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, treatment can include nasal sprays, such as cromolyn sodium or oral antihistamines, such as loratadine , fexofenadine or cetirizine for mild or episodic symptoms. Zyrtec has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for children older than 6 months of age. Claritin and Allegra have been approved for use in children age 2 and older. Zyrtec, Allegra and Claritin are available in a liquid syrup formulation that is specially dosed for children.
For children with severe allergy symptoms that are not relieved by oral medications, a steroidal nasal spray may be considered. Nasacort, Flonase and Nasonex have all been approved by the FDA for children over 2 years of age. The dose is typically one spray per nostril, once daily. Nosebleeds are a common side effect of these nasal sprays but are usually nothing to worry about. Coating the insides of your childs nostrils with a saline gel, like Ayr, may help prevent this side effect.
If you are looking for an allergy medicine for a child of toddler age or older who is experiencing itchy eyes, consider topical allergy eye drops, such as olopatadine , for kids age 3 and older, or ketotifen , for children age 2 and older. These are antihistamine medications that can relieve itchy eyes due to allergens for up 12 hours.
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Is It Safer To Skip Allergy Medication Altogether When I’m Pregnant
If your symptoms aren’t bad, your doctor may suggest other treatments instead. You could allergy-proof your home or rely on saline nasal sprays.
But if allergy symptoms are a big problem — making it hard to sleep, for instance — taking medication may be better for your health and your baby’s.
If you have allergic asthma, you need to take the medication as prescribed. Uncontrolled asthma can cause serious problems during pregnancy.
What Can I Take For Constipation
The increase in progesterone during pregnancy or pressure on your intestines from your uterus may affect your bowel movements. Colace Stool Softener is a good option for helping everything continue to run smoothly. You can also increase your fiber intake, eat more fruits and veggies and drink plenty of fluids to help with regular bowel movements.
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Shelve Certain Allergy Medications For Now
Certain oral decongestants are associated with an increased risk of birth defects. These are medications taken by mouth that relieve congestion. Avoid antihistamines that are combined with a decongestant. You can recognize those because they often have a D for decongestant after the name, like Claritin-D.
Nasal sprays, as prescribed or recommended by a doctor, are medications applied in the nose. That means their effects dont go throughout the body like oral medications. Its still recommended that pregnant people avoid nasal spray decongestants. There isnt enough evidence to show whether theyre safe.
If youve been considering starting allergy shots, put them off until after your baby is born. If you were already taking allergy shots when you became pregnant, you can continue.
Keep taking allergic asthma medication if you were prescribed it. Uncontrolled asthma can cause serious health issues during pregnancy.
What Is A Sinus Infection
Sinus infections are a type of infection that occurs when the nasal cavities become inflamed, swollen, and infected. While viruses are the most common cause of sinusitis, sinus infection causes also include bacteria and fungi.
Sinusitis is classified based on its duration and cause. The two types of sinus infection include:
- Acute sinusitis is a temporary inflammation of the sinuses, and most often follows a cold or allergies. With a compromised immune system, women may develop new allergies and get sick more often during pregnancy. During a bout of acute sinusitis, swelling blocks the sinus openings and prevents normal mucus drainage. This causes mucus and pressure to build up. Symptoms usually worsen, then peak and disappear.
- Chronic sinusitis occurs when the symptoms of sinusitis last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Unlike acute sinusitis, symptoms may come and go and vary in intensity. Continued symptoms will strain the immune system, which is important to avoid if youre pregnant and the immune system is weak as it is.
A combination of antibiotics, antihistamines, and decongestants is used to fight chronic sinusitis, although many of these medications may not be safe if you are pregnant. According to Robyn Horsager-Boehrer, M.D. at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, pregnant women should avoid taking unnecessary drugs during pregnancy.
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Watch The Pollen Count
The main culprit behind spring allergies is pollens in the air. Pollens primarily come from trees and grasses.
When pollen grains get into the nose, the immune system mistakenly labels them as foreign and releases antibodies to attack them. That leads to the release of chemicals called histamines into the blood. Histamines trigger runny noses, itchy eyes and other symptoms.
Avoiding triggers is your first and best option, although that isnt always easy. Check your citys daily pollen count. The higher the pollen count, the more severe the allergies. When the counts are high or when its windy, keep your windows and doors closed. If possible, stay inside.
Avoid Certain Allergy Medicine While Pregnant
There are a number of medications that are not safe to take during pregnancy. First among them are oral decongestants.
Oral decongestants are best avoided altogether during the first trimester because of an uncertain risk of several rare birth defects, says Ciara Staunton, a family nurse practitioner and owner of Staunton Primary Care in Cincinnati. However, Sudafed , which is locked up behind the pharmacy counter, can be used in the second and third trimesters in women without hypertension.
But Staunton warns that Sudafed-PE , the over-the-counter option, should never be taken during pregnancy. It is less effective than pseudoephedrine. But more importantly, its safety for pregnant women is questionable.
Ms. Staunton also recommends against using any herbal therapies during pregnancy. In the United States and most other countries, herbal medicines are minimally regulated and not monitored for adverse events.
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Can I Take Tylenol While Pregnant
Acetaminophen has long been considered one of the few drugs safe to take during pregnancy, but a 2016 study in the International Journal of Epidemiology found a link between acetaminophen and autism. While studies like this are scary, it doesnt mean women shouldnt take Tylenol. Its not a warning that women should stay completely clear of acetaminophen, says David Olson, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics and physiology at the University of Alberta. As with all medications during pregnancy, women should take the lowest dose possible of for the shortest period of time.
Common Root Causes Of Persistent Neck And Back Pain
Chronic pain in the back is normally age-related, yet can also arise from a previous injury. The most typical reasons consist of:
Arthritis of the back the steady thinning of the cartilage material inside the spinal column Back stenosis constricting of the spine canal that may lead to nerve pain Disc troubles, such as a herniated or bulging disc
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Treating A Cold Or Flu In Early Pregnancy
While it is usually recommended that women avoid medications during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, there are exceptions. Tylenol to prevent fever is recommended, as fever can be detrimental to a developing embryo.
This is not to suggest that all drugs have a potential for harm. In many cases, they donât. But, in others, we simply donât know. For this reason alone, you should adhere to your doctorâs advice to avoid all medications for at least the first 12 weeks.
Instead, make every effort to help your body recover by slowing down, resting, and avoiding stresses that can affect your immune system. You can do this by:
- Staying in bed, napping, and getting as much rest as possible
- Drinking plenty of water, soup broth, or juice
- Gargling with salt water to treat a sore throat or cough
- Sucking on ice chips to alleviate a sore throat and to help with hydration
- Using a humidifier to help relieve congestion
- Eating small, healthy meals regularly
- Taking your prenatal vitamins
Can Pregnancy Make Me More Sensitive To Hay Fever
Yes during pregnancy you may find that you are more sensitive to your allergy triggers and that they are more troublesome. While the exact reasons for this are not clear, it may be due to hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, and because during pregnancy your blood volume increases to support your growing baby.
If you do not have a history of allergy or hay fever and suddenly find you have symptoms, see your doctor to check for other conditions that may need to be treated.
Hay fever should not lead to serious breathing difficulties. If you feel you cant get enough air, your chest feels very tight, you are breathless, or you feel like youre being suffocated, seek medical advice immediately.
If you have unexplained breathing problems, especially if they are severe and come on quickly, call triple zero for an ambulance.
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What Trimester Can I Get A Perm
The risk arises from the question of how much of the substance is absorbed by the scalp. Therefore, a lady who wants to be the most conservative should refrain from obtaining a perm to keep a healthy pregnancy. As an OB/GYN, I cannot condone her willingness to take a risk, thus she should wait until after the first trimester.
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Pronounced Anxiolytic Effect Of Hydroxyzine
Taking such drugs causes transient hypotension in newborns, especially in the third trimester. CNS and respiratory depression in newborns are also common adverse outcomes. There are frequent cases of spontaneous abortions and fetal malformations.
Hydroxyzine crosses the placental barrier and thereby increases the concentration of the drug in the fetus. It is much higher than that of the mother, which is the most toxic and life-threatening for the baby.
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Can You Take Otc Antihistamines While Pregnant
Antihistamines can be prescription or over-the-counter. There is a common misconception among the population that if the drug is dispensed without a prescription, then it is harmless. This is fundamentally wrong! Always carefully read the instructions, and study the composition, contraindications, and features of the action of the components of the drug.
OTC drugs are no different from prescription drugs and can also be dangerous to the fetus. They are often used to relieve symptoms of asthma, swelling of the nasal mucosa, and rashes. Even topical ointments can be harmful if they have a high degree of penetration. Always consult your doctor before using a medicine.
Lifestyle Steps That Make A Difference
Since avoiding exposure to allergens is always better than trying to treat the symptoms they cause, follow these tips as much as possible:
Reduce exposure to allergens outdoors
When the pollen count is high, limit your time outdoors, especially on windy days. If youre used to exercising outdoors, try classes at a gym or follow one on your computer. Being outdoors in the afternoon is often less of a problem than in the morning, when pollen counts are higher. Wearing sunglasses can protect your eyes and a pollen mask can shield your nose and mouth.
Reduce exposure to allergens indoors
Keep pollen out by keeping windows closed. Use air conditioning, not a window fan that draws pollen inside.
Clean in a way that traps and removes allergens. A vacuum with a HEPA filter will capture very tiny particles. Damp dusting and damp mopping traps dust rather than spreading it around.
Encase pillows and mattresses in zippered cases to protect them from dust mites and other allergens. Wash the coverings in hot water 130 degrees or higher every week, along with sheets and pillowcases. Never hang linens and clothes outside to dry, where they could be a magnet for pollen traveling in a breeze.
If pet dander is a problem, be sure to keep your pets out of the bedroom. Close the air vents in your bedroom if you have forced-air or central heating or cooling so that particles cant travel through your house into your bedroom.
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Signs Of A Sinus Infection During Pregnancy
If youre pregnant and havent had much experience with sinus infections in the past, you might wonder what hit you. Chances are you have a sinus infection if you notice:
- Yellow or green drainage from your nose
- Nasal congestion
- Facial pressure
When these symptoms last more than a week to 10 days without any improvement, its probably a bacterial infection instead of a viral one, notes Ahmad R. Sedaghat, MD, PhD, an associate professor in the department of otolaryngology at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. In that case you may need to be prescribed antibiotics, so be sure to let your doctor know if your symptoms worsen.
While sinus pressure and pain in pregnancy might leave you feeling pretty under the weather, the good news is that the infection wont affect your baby.
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Types Of Cold Medications To Consider
Even after your first trimester, it is best to speak with your doctor about the types and brands of cold medications that are safe to take. Typically speaking, you should avoid any multi-symptom product, which could include ingredients that range from painkillers and decongestants to expectorants and cough suppressants.
Instead, get the drug to treat the symptom youâre experiencing. There are a number of over-the-counter drugs considered to be safe in pregnancy, such as:
- Anesthetic cough drops such as Chloraseptic or Cepacol lozenges
- Expectorants containing guaifenesin to help clear mucus
- Alcohol-free cough syrups containing dextromethorphan, such as Tussin DM
- Combination guaifenesin/dextromethorphan drugs
- Tylenol to treat fever and minor aches and pains
- Menthol rubs such as Vicks or Mentholatum ointment
When buying any over-the-counter cold or flu remedy, always read the label closely. In some cases, there may be ingredients you should avoid. In others, there may be ingredients you donât need.
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You Might Get An Allergy
You might be allergic to perm lotion, and you would not know about it if you are perming your hair for the first time.
For instance, you might develop rashes, skin irritation, or a burning sensation. Or, you might build a cough or something as serious as a lung infection. Those are not ideal conditions you should put your body through when pregnant.
To keep things safe, run a patch test on a small section of your hair. Then, only if things go well and smoothly, go ahead, and perm your entire hair.
