Latest news with #PurviParikh
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The FDA Just Discovered A New Uncomfortable Side Effect For This Popular Allergy Med
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Allergy season is in full swing, and chances are, if you're one of the 25 percent of adults who suffer from seasonal sniffles, you're reaching for your trusty meds. Zyrtec is a super popular over-the-counter option because it's pretty darn reliable to treat your symptoms. But, as with any other drug, it's important to keep Zyrtec side effects in mind so you can get all the benefits while minimizing any potential downsides. Zyrtec is an antihistamine and it blocks histamines to stop allergic reactions, says Virginia Boomershine, an ambulatory clinical pharmacy regional senior manager for Banner Pharmacy Services. Histamines are the culprits behind all those pesky allergy symptoms, like itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, scratchy throat, and sneezing. The good news is there are fewer side effects from Zyrtec compared to first-generation antihistamines such as Benadryl (which you actually shouldn't be taking at all), and it's relatively safe even at higher than standard doses for most people, says Jennifer Toh, MD, an allergist and immunologist at ENT and Allergy Associates. Below, docs share *all* the possible side effects you might experience on the med. Take note: most of the entries below include the word "rare." That's because side effects on Zyrtec are uncommon. Any side effects are typically mild, and a majority of people can take the medication with no issues, adds Purvi Parikh, MD, an allergist and immunologist at Allergy & Asthma Network. Keep reading to find out whether this medication is right for you and what you can do about the potential side effects. Meet the experts: Jennifer Toh, MD, is an allergist and immunologist at ENT and Allergy Associates. Purvi Parikh, MD, is an allergist and immunologist at Allergy & Asthma Network. Virginia Boomershine is an ambulatory clinical pharmacy regional senior manager for Banner Pharmacy Services. Maria Shtessel, MD, is an assistant professor of medicine, division of clinical immunology at Mount Sinai. Robert Eitches, MD, is an allergist at Tower Allergy. It's best to be aware of potential Zyrtec side effects—especially if you're planning on popping the stuff on the reg over the next few you've ever slept 14 hours after popping a Benadryl, you're well aware that some allergy meds can seriously knock you out. That's not as common with Zyrtec, but 11 to 14 percent of people do report feeling sleepy after taking it, making it the most common side effect reported, says Boomershine. Since the effects of Zyrtec last 24 hours, drowsiness can hit at any time. Avoid alcohol and be careful about driving if the med hits you with the sleepies, per the Zyrtec you have an allergic response, your tissue secretes more fluid (hello runny nose and watery eyes). Antihistamines, therefore, dry you up, which means that dry mouth is a possibility—but only a small one. Less than 10 percent of Zyrtec poppers will wind up with dry mouth, says Boomershine. Drinking water will help, she says, as will switching to an alcohol-free mouthwash, as that ingredient also dries you can be a rare potential side effect and may disappear after your body adjusts to the medication, per the Mayo Clinic. Give it time, but always check in with your doctor if you're concerned. And, just like with drowsiness, hold off on driving if you're feeling may cause insomnia because the medicine can block acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter, says Dr. Parikh. Acetylcholine is involved in the initiation of REM sleep (i.e., the sleep stage most commonly associated with dreaming), so if those neurons are inhibited, you may have trouble falling and staying asleep. Luckily, this side effect is rare. It can also turn kids into little insomniacs, says Boomershine. Having them take the long-acting med earlier in the day won't help either since it lasts all day. Talk to their pediatrician about making a incredibly rare, according to the National Institutes of Health, but keep it on your radar anyway. While you may be taking Zyrtec to prevent allergy symptoms, it's possible to have a potentially deadly allergic reaction called anaphylaxis from the medication itself. (FYI: This is a risk with all medications, not just Zyrtec.) If you develop hives, swelling, shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness, call 911 immediately. (Psst: Looking for the best allergy med, according to allergy doctors? Get their verdict here.)If you experience a sore throat while taking Zyrtec, it's likely because your mucous membranes, the inner lining of your body and organs, become drier, causing the tissue in your mouth to also feel more parched and lead to a sore throat, says Dr. Eitches. And coughing can be an instinctive response to try to moisten the mouth. To combat this, stay hydrated. But if this side effect becomes too severe, Dr. Eitches suggests switching to a different is a very rare side effect that happens due to a drug's anticholinergic effect, which means the drug blocks neurotransmitters that affect how the body functions. In this case, certain receptors that help gut motility are blocked. This side effect was much more common with older, first-generation antihistamines such as Benadryl, says Dr. Patel. It's not as common with Zyrtec, but if this does happen to you, Dr. Eitches recommends trying a different antihistamine, adding fiber to your diet, and staying well-hydrated to get things moving is another super rare side effect of Zyrtec, but it is possible, says Dr. Parikh. Remember acetylcholine? Turns out blocking it may also trigger anxiety and fast heart rate because acetylcholine regulates heart contractions and blood pressure as well. You should stop feeling antsy once you discontinue the medication, but if quitting it is not an option, talk with your doctor about other drugs that can help you manage your allergies, notes Dr. of May 2025, the FDA issued an alert that discontinuing Zyrtec after long-term use may result in severe pruritus (or, itchiness) within a few days. It's rare, but can sometimes require medical intervention. "I always counsel my patients who have been on Zyrtec for long periods of time to taper the medication off slowly," says Maria Shtessel, MD, an allergist and immunologist at Mount Sinai. "For example, [they can start by] taking it first every other day, and increasing the days between doses slowly before completely stopping."Yep. "When taken in the recommended doses, antihistamines can be taken daily. This is especially true with Zyrtec, since it doesn't show decreasing effectiveness if used daily," says Sima Patel, MD, an allergist at New York Allergy & Sinus Centers. Still, it's probably worth holding off on medication that you don't need, says Dr. Patel. So if you aren't having allergy symptoms or they get milder during a certain time of the year, that's probably a good time to take a Zyrtec break. "We always want the least amount of medication to control symptoms. However, starting allergy medications two weeks prior to your symptomatic season is best to help prevent symptoms," Dr. Patel depends on whether you experience any side effects, says Robert Eitches, MD, an allergist at Tower Allergy. If your problems are only during the day time and you aren't really prone to side effects, then go ahead and take it during the day. But if you experience side effects like drowsiness, Dr. Eitches recommends taking your dose at night before bed. "That way you wake up in the morning relatively clearer too," he says. If it makes you sleepy, the side effect will have likely worn off by the time you wake up, and since the medication can provide relief for 24 hours, you'll still experience relief during the is safe for most people, but there are some individuals who should stay away. Children under 2, anyone with a history of an allergic reaction to Zyrtec or hydroxyzine/piperazine derivatives, and those with severe renal impairment shouldn't take Zyrtec, says Dr. Patel. If you are pregnant and breastfeeding, Dr. Patel recommends speaking to your doctor before using it. The medication is "primarily eliminated from your body through the kidneys," says Dr. Parikh. So, if your kidneys aren't functioning properly, the medication can accumulate and build up in your blood, which may cause additional damage to your kidneys and severe side effects. Additionally, if you take any medications that can cause sedation, such as benzodiazepines, you should talk with your doctor before taking Zyrtec, says Dr. Parikh, because combining the two may cause worsened side effects. Other antihistamines are typically okay to take with Zyrtec as long as they don't make you too sleepy, she adds. And it's always a good idea avoid alcohol when you're on Zyrtec. When in doubt, go to your doctor with any questions before you take Zyrtec to quell allergy symptoms. You Might Also Like Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Air quality advisory due to haze in NYC region takes some by surprise
NEW YORK (PIX11) — An air quality advisory is in effect for much of the New York City region, meaning people with respiratory issues are advised to take extra precautions. The notice has taken some locals by surprise. The cause of the warning is wildfires burning in the Great Plains of Canada, which are sending smoke east and south to our region. More Local News Dr. Purvi Parikh of the Allergy Asthma Network specializes in treating respiratory conditions. She said that Wednesday's air quality is a real concern. 'For someone that has to work outdoors all day, for example,' the pulmonologist told PIX11 News. 'That prolonged exposure could even set you up for long-term problems if you already have an underlying respiratory condition, or you're elderly, or have a heart condition. So it's really important as much as you can, to limit exposure and protect yourself,' Dr. Parikh continued. Various people that PIX11 News encountered on Wednesday had not heard about the advisory. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State Daniel Huie was getting ready to ride a Citi Bike. 'I went running this morning,' he said, but added that he'd pay closer attention to air quality conditions going forward. The advisory did not apply when he'd gone running. It's in effect from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Dr. Parikh said that while the advisory is for people with respiratory issues, everybody should take precautions when the air quality levels reach the triple digits. They're forecast to be at least 105 on Wednesday. The higher the number, the more potentially dangerous the air is. 'For the most part, you should be okay,' Parikh said about the general population. 'But anything that are non-mandatory reasons to be outside, I would still limit because why expose yourself to prolonged levels of unhealthy air?' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CNET
03-06-2025
- Health
- CNET
Humidifier vs. Purifier: We Asked Medical Experts Which Is Better for Allergies
Spring is a common time for both indoor and outdoor allergies, which makes it essential to take measures that can make your environment as healthy and safe as possible. There are a few home tech gadgets to consider when trying to protect yourself from indoor allergies. We spoke to allergy and medical experts, and they both say an air purifier or humidifier can be effective. Humidifiers, though, if used improperly, can cause more harm than good. "If there is too much humidity in a room, it can promote the growth of dust mites and mold," said Brian Greenberg, an allergist, immunologist and scientific advisor to 1MD Nutrition. "Air purifiers filter the air of allergens, so they are more effective at reducing and preventing allergy symptoms," says Dr. Purvi Parikh, an allergist with Allergy and Asthma Network. Here's what you need to know. Air purifiers purifiers and humidifiers work in very different ways. Air purifiers are generally considered very helpful for environmental allergies. "In general, air purifiers work by taking air in through a variety of filters and then sending it out particle-free. There are five basic types of filters -- electrostatic, ionizer, ozone, UV and HEPA. HEPA air purifiers are the most effective and are made by a wide range of companies," said Dr. Greenberg. The better the filter inside the air purifier, the stronger the airflow and the more the filter can remove from the surrounding environment. Typically, these filters need to be replaced or cleaned periodically for optimal function and to notice a substantial reduction in allergy are devices that either boil water or spray a fine mist of water into the environment in small droplets or vapor so that the air has a higher moisture level. Those who suffer from allergies often experience uncomfortable nasal passages and itchy eyes anyway, and dry air can exacerbate these feelings, as well as trigger asthma symptoms and eczema. For this reason, people living in dry environments sometimes experience symptom relief when they incorporate a humidifier into their environment. Do air purifiers really help allergies? Michael Heim/EyeEm/Getty Air purifiers have been studied and found effective at reducing some indoor allergens. "Air purifiers filter the air of allergens, so they are more effective at reducing and preventing allergy symptoms," says Dr. Parikh. The key metric to consider is the total size of the space relative to the recommended size for the air purifier for allergies that you've chosen. A small desktop purifier may have a negligible impact on a large open-plan office. Still, a robust air purifier in each room where you spend time can keep the space's particulates down to a noticeable degree if you have indoor allergies. It's also worth making sure that you place it in the best location for an air purifier where you'll benefit from it most. An excellent first step is to consider the space where you typically suffer most from indoor allergies, such as the bedroom while sleeping. Try an appropriately sized air purifier with a HEPA filter with the doors closed in that space for a few nights when you typically have indoor allergies, and see if your breathing and other symptoms are improved. At a minimum, air purifiers don't have any significant downsides, though some can emit a noticeable sound. Would a humidifier help with allergies? Humidifiers add moisture to the air, either by heating water to create steam (often called a warm mist humidifier) or by spraying tiny droplets of room-temperature water into the air (often called a cool mist humidifier). "In extremely dry climates, that can be helpful to moisten the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, preventing dryness and irritation," explains Dr. Greenberg. "They can, however, create some issues. If there is too much humidity in a room, it can promote the growth of dust mites and mold. And, the water chamber itself needs to be cleaned out daily; otherwise, it can become a mold reservoir." In general, humid air makes things like mold and mildew more likely to grow, meaning that a humidifier may actually make indoor allergies worse if you boost the humidity of the space too high. If you are choosing a first step for reducing indoor allergy symptoms, an air purifier will be a lower-maintenance solution. Adding a humidifier can help in very dry environments but requires some maintenance to avoid growing additional allergens. Skaman306/Getty Images If your indoor allergies have been tied to mold, you can still use a humidifier with these precautions: Most humidifiers designed for home use need to be cleaned weekly, with the water chamber itself emptied daily if all the water isn't used. This can be done according to the instructions that come with your humidifier, though many people use a weak acid like vinegar to remove mineral buildup and discourage growth in the humidifier's parts. On a monthly basis, it's recommended to do a full disinfecting cycle, like a scrub with a bleach solution or hydrogen peroxide. Time this cleaning cycle such that you never mix vinegar and bleach, making a dangerous chemical reaction you do not want to breathe. Consider using distilled water to discourage growth and mineral deposits on the humidifier that can be hard to clean. Give humidified areas in your home a chance to "dry out" between uses. If you use a humidifier to sleep during allergy season, for instance, you risk less mold growth if you let the humidity drop during the day by leaving the humidifier off and the door open to the rest of the home. The best solutions for indoor allergiesMinimizing indoor allergies doesn't stop at adding a humidifier or air purifier. Some major benefits can be gained by modifying your indoor environment in other ways: If you have central heating and cooling, checking and changing your filter every month removes some allergy-inducing particulates, reducing how hard your air purifier would need to work and making your air conditioner more efficient at the same time. Don't underestimate the impact of regular cleaning practices. "Wash your bedsheets once a week in hot water, clean and vacuum one to three times per week," said Dr. Parikh. She also mentions that keeping vigilant about leaks can prevent mold growth, and removing rugs and carpets in favor of easy-to-clean hard surfaces can further lower allergens. Keeping the windows closed during high pollen season can reduce pollen allergies, and keeping pets out of sleeping areas can help prevent pet-dander-related allergies at night. Encasing mattresses and pillows can discourage mold and dander from getting trapped in these upholstered materials, releasing them into your sleep air space. The Asthma & Allergy Friendly certification offers suggestions on air cleaners, filters, bedding options, and encasings that meet independent testing standards. Still, many other brands also exist that can help you reduce exposure to allergens in your mattress and pillows. According to Dr. Parikh, putting stuffed animals in a high-heat dryer for 20 minutes every week can diminish microbial growth and reduce allergen potential for children who play with them. Expert allergy tips The same behaviors that boost your immune system in other contexts can also be helpful for environmental allergies. Good sleep, regular exercise and eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins will only benefit your indoor allergy journey. That being said, some allergens generate a strong response even in people who have taken appropriate steps to boost their immune system's health. LeafyPod Some people find that, if they aren't allergic to common house plants, adding indoor plants helps keep the air fresh in their homes. Environmental changes, as mentioned in this piece, are a major factor in reducing indoor allergies, but medical treatment can also help. "If you're very allergic, allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots) with a board-certified allergist may be a great treatment for you to desensitize yourself to your indoor allergens and thus become less allergic over time," said Dr. Parikh. Talk to your medical professional about whether your particular allergies are likely to respond well to allergy shots and whether that's the best next step. The bottom line Levoit If you suffer from indoor allergies, it's wise to experiment with environmental changes that can reduce symptoms or help your medication more effectively reduce your suffering during particular times for springtime allergies. Air purifiers can have a positive impact, reducing total particulate matter in your air if you size them appropriately to your space and opt for a highly effective filter like a HEPA filter. Humidifiers and allergies are a more complicated combo, with careful use potentially reducing the dry airway symptoms brought on by very dry environments. Casual use of a humidifier without proper maintenance can potentially increase humidity to the point where mold and dust mite growth increases. Failing to clean a humidifier properly can put minerals and mold spores into your air. With proper maintenance and an eye to reasonable humidity, however, even a humidifier can help mitigate the impact of indoor allergens.
