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Daily Record
29-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Pharmacist warns of dangers of mixing hay fever pills with common medication
As the weather gets warmer, a pharmacist has issued a warning that people may be putting their health at risk by combing hay fever tablets with certain every day medicines A pharmacist has issued a warning that people may be unknowingly risking their health by combining hay fever tablets with everyday medications. Peter Thnoia, SuperIntendent Pharmacist at PillTime, is encouraging people to double-check medication ingredients as sales of allergy remedies surge with the arrival of warmer weather. He warns those taking sleeping tablets or tranquillisers, such as diazepam or zopiclone, that they face an increased risk of developing breathing difficulties when these drugs are combined with certain allergy treatments. "Hay fever is hitting the country hard, but taking these sedating-style tablets is a no-go if you're already taking medication to help you get to sleep", warns Peter. "Not only will they both combine to sedate you, but it can impact breathing, and make you short of breath. It can also lead to dizziness and in extreme cases people could even fall unconscious." The concern revolves around first-generation antihistamines – the older type of hay fever medication commonly sold under brand names such as Piriton and Benadryl. However, Peter suggests that safer alternatives are available. Non-drowsy antihistamines like loratadine, cetirizine, and fexofenadine are widely accessible and generally safe to take alongside sleep aids or tranquillisers. "These are becoming increasingly common on shelves and are less likely to cross the blood-brain barrier, so shouldn't cause the same sedative effects", he adds. Peter also warns that it's not just sleeping tablets that can create a harmful combination. Certain antidepressants, when mixed with drowsy hay fever tablets, can lead to sedation issues – and in the most severe cases can cause heart rhythm problems if taken over an extended period of time. He explains: "Tricyclic antidepressants – or TCAs, as they're known – are like sleeping tablets in that they're a powerful sedative, so anyone who takes them and then takes a drowsy hay fever tablet runs the risk of developing serious side effects. "Both medications are anticholinergic too, so taking both means people could start to see other issues, like dry mouth, blurred vision and constipation." Even SSRIs, the most commonly prescribed class of antidepressants - such as sertraline - may carry similar risks, particularly when combined with older-generation antihistamines." Peter added: "SSRIs are some of the most common antidepressants prescribed, so many people are surprised to see that they can react badly when combined with everyday tablets to tackle allergies. "Each drug under the SSRI umbrella will have a sliding scale of side effects when it comes to drowsiness, but each one will have sedative properties, which is why it's recommended that you go for a non-drowsy medication when suffering from hay fever." Peter also warns against mixing one particular substance with antihistamines that isn't a medicine but can have a dangerously similar effect. He said: " Alcohol significantly amplifies the sedative effect of first-generation hay fever tablets, which can result in severe impairment and lead to unconsciousness or serious accidents. "Even non-drowsy antihistamines can occasionally react with alcohol, depending on individual sensitivity, so it's best to avoid alcohol altogether if you're thinking of allergy medication."
The Courier
29-04-2025
- Health
- The Courier
Hay fever: Fife pharmacist's advice as warm weather arrives
With longer days and the arrival warmer weather, many of us will be heading outside to make the most of the sunshine. However, the increase in temperatures also means the pollen count will be higher – causing problems for those of us who suffer from hay fever. Often those affected will experience sneezing, itchy eyes and a runny nose. But you don't have to wait to see your GP to get relief right away. Independent prescribing clinical pharmacist Farzana Haq, who works in Fife, has shared her top tips on the best ways to manage flare-ups with the early onset of hay fever season. Hay fever is a common allergic condition that affects up to one in five people at some point in their life. People tend to suffer at different times of the year, depending on which pollen they're allergic to. According to the Met Office, pollen season can start as early as January and end as late as November. In the UK, tree pollen occurs typically from February to mid-May. Meanwhile, grass can lasts from mid-May until August, and weed pollen usually covers August to October. Ms Haq explains what hay fever sufferers can expect as the days get warmer. 'As temperatures rise, pollen levels, particularly tree and early grass pollen, are expected to increase and this can significantly worsen hay fever symptoms,' she says. 'Tree pollen levels remain high until mid-May, so those sensitive to birch, ash, and oak pollen are particularly at risk currently. 'However, as grass pollen season begins soon, individuals with general hay fever symptoms may also notice an early worsening. 'Sufferers may experience heightened sneezing, nasal congestion, and eye irritation, particularly on warm, dry, and windy days when pollen is at its highest.' Hay fever symptoms include: For most patients the most common treatment is antihistamine tablets. Ms Haq, who has been a registered pharmacist for 20 years, says people with hay fever should start taking antihistamines now. 'They should start antihistamines early, before symptoms become severe, as this can help reduce the allergic response and prevent worsening symptoms. 'Daily, regular use is advised rather than waiting for symptoms to flare up. 'The oral tablets are all antihistamines that can be split into older or newer ones. 'The older ones are effective but cause drowsiness. The newer ones are non-drowsy. 'Nearly all of these are available over the counter, but this depends on the active drug and its strength as well as the age of the patient. 'In some cases, they will need to be prescribed,' she adds. Hay fever treatments include antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays, mast-cell stabiliser eyedrops and allergy barrier sprays/balms. Ms Haq explains which antihistamines are the most effective. 'Piriton is an older antihistamine and while it's effective, it needs to be taken regularly throughout the day and can cause drowsiness. 'Whereas cetirizine, loratadine and fexofenadine are non-drowsy and are taken once a day so they are long-acting. 'Acrivastine, loratadine and cetirizine are all equally effective. In some patients, Acrivastine results in better symptom control due to three times a day dosing.' In recent years some hay fever sufferers have hailed Fexofenadine Hydrochloride as a 'wonder drug' in relieving symptoms. It is now available over-the-counter, after previously only being available to sufferers through prescription from a healthcare professional. Ms Haq says: 'Fexofenadine Hydrochloride is a highly effective non-drowsy antihistamine now available over the counter at 120 mg strength for individuals aged 12 and over. 'It is particularly beneficial for those whose symptoms are not well controlled with other second-generation antihistamines such as loratadine or cetirizine.' But Ms Haq warns that while it is effective, it can cause a side-effect in some people. She continues: ' Fexofenadine isn't brand new but, until late 2020 was only available on prescription. 'It is newer than the 2nd generation antihistamine (loratadine, cetirizine), and It is available in three strengths (30mg, 120mg, 180mg). 'It can, however, cause drowsiness in some people.' Finding suitable tablets is crucial in controlling symptoms because how a person responds is variable among the differing antihistamines. And more than one type may have to be tried to provide symptom control. Sometimes oral antihistamines are not enough to control all the hay fever symptoms, and other products can be added to take alongside them. Ms Haq says: 'Antihistamines remain a cornerstone of hay fever management. 'But for more persistent nasal symptoms, steroid nasal sprays such as beclometasone or fluticasone are recommended. 'Newer combination therapies, such as sprays combining an antihistamine with a corticosteroid, for example Dymista®, can offer enhanced relief, although these will require a prescription.' Ms Haq says if nasal symptoms are of particular concern, then steroid nasal sprays can be bought over the counter for those over 18 years of age. 'These contain anti-inflammatory drugs that can help with several nasal symptoms. Regular usage is essential for a full therapeutic effect which can take several days to achieve. 'For eye symptoms eye drops can be bought over the counter. They can stop allergic symptoms such as itchy, red and watery eyes from occurring.' Ms Haq often consults with parents whose children are exhibiting hay fever symptoms for the first time. Hay fever commonly affects school-aged children, with the average age of onset being 10. She said: 'Piriton liquid can be bought over the counter for children over one. 'Loratadine and cetirizine liquid for over two-year-olds. 'Eye drops are generally recommended for those over six. 'Steroid sprays will have to be prescribed by a clinician if the child is under 18.' Ms Haq explains: 'The exact reason why some people get hay fever is unknown but there does appear to be hereditary factors involved. 'So if a parent has it, their child may be more likely to get it. Hay fever is also a recognised risk factor for the development of asthma.' She adds: 'The best way to deal with hay fever symptoms is to avoid pollen where possible. 'The weather can affect the amount of pollen in the air (higher on warm, sunny days and often rises in the evening) so it's useful to be aware of high the pollen count is.' Ms Haq says people can also take other measures to avoid pollen. 'During high pollen periods, people should keep windows and car vents closed, especially during peak times like early morning and evening. 'Using air purifiers indoors and showering and changing clothes after being outdoors, can help reduce pollen exposure. 'Checking daily pollen forecasts can also help people plan activities.' Ms Haq says drug-free options such as nasal barrier sprays (e.g., containing cellulose powder) can help trap pollen before it enters. She continues: 'Saline nasal sprays can also rinse pollen out of the nose. 'Pollen filters fitted to cars and using HEPA air filters indoors have become increasingly recommended.' She adds: 'And face masks have also shown to reduce taking in airborne pollen, particularly during high pollen days.' Other measures include:
Yahoo
16-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Mum with rare condition suffers 'excruciating pain' when she showers or washes hands
A mum-of-one who is allergic to water says taking a shower or getting caught in the rain feels like someone has "taken a lighter to her body". Kendall Bryce, 25, has aquagenic urticaria - a rare condition which causes her skin to swell and break out in hives whenever she comes into contact with water. She says she feels pain whenever she tries to wash her hands or her body, and feels her throat "burning" when she drinks water. "It really is a daily struggle. I can only have a bath or take a shower twice a week because of how excruciating the pain is - so I constantly worry I stink," says Bryce, who is pregnant with her second child. "I've never been able to give my one-year-old son a bath. My mum has to do it for me." Recommended reading I'm allergic to more than 40 things including water (Yahoo Life) Minnesota woman's rare allergy turns exercise into a life-threatening risk: 'I'm allergic to working out' (The Independent) Parents And Kids With Allergies Are Going Through Hell – A New 'Allergy School' Hopes To Change That (HuffPost) Bryce, from Durham, is also affected by rain water and very humid days, meaning her life is "dictated by the weather". "I check the forecast every day and stay home if it's raining or going to rain. But if I get caught out by surprise - my body reacts and it's really painful," she says. Doctors have been unable to find any medication which works for Bryce, who says her GP "didn't have a clue what to do" about her condition. The stay-at-home mum is speaking out now in the hope that someone somewhere will be able to provide her with a long-term solution. Bryce first discovered her condition when she was 15, as she began breaking out in hives whenever she took a bath. Initially, she could treat her symptoms with Piriton - an antihistamine medicine - but her condition has since deteriorated, with her pain becoming so bad in the past few years her body can go into shock. "When it started, it felt a bit like I was getting nettle stings all over my body. But now it feels like someone has taken a lighter to my body. It's excruciating," she says. "I'll be in agony for about half an hour after washing - but it feels like it's two hours. I cry throughout. "It's actually so bad that my body can go into shock - so it's dangerous. It means my mum has to sit with my son whenever I have a bath." Click below to see the latest North East headlines Kendall was eventually referred to a dermatologist at the University Hospital of North Durham - who finally diagnosed her with aquagenic urticaria in 2021, but she is yet to find any effective medication. "At the moment, there are only so many things I can try as I'm pregnant. Once I give birth, we'll try more. But the thing is, the doctors just don't know what will help," she says. "I really hope an expert might get in touch and know what to do. At the moment, it all feels quite degrading. I just want a normal life where I can go out in the rain, have a shower, and give my son a bath." Aquagenic urticaria is a rare condition in which a person's skin develops red, itchy hives after exposure to water. Itchy hives appear on the skin, usually on the chest, abdomen, pelvis, back or arms after exposure to water, according to the Allergy Asthma Network. The condition, first reported in 1964, most often affects women. It commonly arises during or after puberty, with an average onset age of 19, Medical News Today reports, although it can occur later in life. To give an idea of just how rare it is, a 2020 study estimated the number of cases worldwide to be less than 100. People with aquagenic urticaria can experience hives when they come into contact with rain, snow, sweat and tears, and the temperature of the water makes no difference to their reactions. Symptoms normally start within 30 minutes of exposure to water, can last between 30 minutes and two hours, and usually go away on their own. Reactions do not typically occur when drinking water because the water doesn't touch the skin, the Allergy Asthma Network says, but some people may experience symptoms like swelling or irritation on the inside of the lips or mouth. It is not known exactly what causes aquagenic urticaria, but theories include an allergen or chemical in the water (rather than the water itself), or water interacting with something on the skin. While there is no cure, antihistamines are often recommended as medication, as well as topical creams which can form a barrier between the skin and water. Phototherapy, where UV light is used to reduce inflammation, has been used to treat aquagenic urticaria successfully in some patients, although relapses are still common. Doctors may also recommend asthma medication omalizumab, or prescribe selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
