Can Allergy Cause Heart Attack

Allergy Medication Side Effects

That pill you swallowed to relieve your allergy symptoms can cause chest pain. If you take allergy medications that include the decongestant pseudoephedrine you know how well it works.

What you might not know is that tightness in the chest is one of the many side effects of pseudoephedrine.

Talk to your doctor about alternative medications that do not contain this ingredient if you are sensitive.

What Tests Can Diagnose Anaphylaxis

An allergist may recommend testing your skin and blood. These tests can confirm the substances that cause severe reactions. A skin test places a small amount of the allergen on your skin to see if it causes a reaction. A blood test that measures tryptase can be helpful if obtained within one to three hours of the allergic reaction.

What Is The Best Way To Treat Allergies

Reaching for over-the-counter allergy medicine isnt the best solution, since as I just mentioned they can affect your blood pressure and heart rate. Plus, while they may help to relieve symptoms temporarily by drying up mucous membranes, theyre not going to address the root cause of the problem.

Fortunately, there are some highly effective alternative approaches for allergy relief that also support the underlying inflammatory response.

• Keep allergens out of your home. While we cant avoid allergens outdoors, we can help to mitigate the number of irritants in our homes. When you come inside, change your clothes and take a shower to remove any pollen that you may have tracked in. I also recommend using a good high-quality HEPA-grade air purifier, especially in the bedroom, keeping it on 24/7 during the pollen season.

• Flush out irritants with a neti pot. This can help open up the airways and reduce irritation caused by things like pollen, pet dander, and dust.

• Eat an anti-inflammatory diet. Especially during peak allergy seasons or situations, I recommend you eliminate as much sugar as possible. Sugar is notorious for creating inflammation. Instead, eat more anti-inflammatory omega-3 rich foods in your dietsuch as wild-caught salmon, walnuts, and chia seeds. Plus, olive oil is an excellent anti-inflammatory food choice.

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Do Different Allergies Cause Different Symptoms

Substances which cause an immediate release of allergy chemicals such as histamine into the bloodstream cause generalised symptoms . However, some substances cause a local reaction, depending on which part of the body they first come into contact with.

Some people, for example, have a type of allergic reaction to certain foods that only causes symptoms in the mouth and throat. This involves itching, tingling, and swelling of the mouth, lips and throat. Fresh fruit, vegetables and nuts commonly cause this. It can be confused with anaphylaxis. It has the potential to be serious, as swelling in the mouth and throat can affect the ability to breathe, but this is rare. The symptoms start within minutes of eating and tend to settle completely within an hour. An ambulance should be called immediately if you feel faint, have difficulty breathing or feel like your throat is closing up.

Another example is pollen, which may cause localised symptoms such as stuffy nose, itchy eyes and wheezing.

Allergies And Heart Diseasethe Surprising Connection

06/02/2021 | 7 min. read

Dr. Stephen Sinatra

Most of us have experienced the misery to some degreethe sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and mucous overload that comes along with allergies. Ive experienced severe allergies myself, having spent much of my adult life in the Connecticut River Valley. I enjoyed the beautiful views, but not the coughing and sneezing.

Allergies are on the rise and recent seasons have shaped up to be some of our toughest yet. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, allergies affect over 50 million people in the United Statesand that number is growing.

What concerns me as a cardiologist is that allergies arent as benign as they may seem. Left unchecked, they can take a serious toll on lung health and even lead to heart disease.

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Diagnosis Of A Heart Attack

Tests to help diagnose a heart attack include:

• a blood test to measure levels of enzymes released into the blood when the heart muscle is damaged
• cardiac catheterisation a tube, or catheter, is threaded into the coronary arteries via a blood vessel in the groin. A special dye is then injected into the coronary artery. This outlines the artery while movie x-rays are taken. Narrowings and blockages within the artery are outlined by the dye
• electrocardiogram a reading of the hearts electrical impulses.

What Allergy Medicines Can I Safely Take If I Have Heart Disease Or High Blood Pressure

Oklahoma Heart Institute Director of Interventional Laboratories, Dr. Wayne Leimbach, shares insights on allergies, heart disease and high blood pressure on our blog today.

Springtime brings not only beautiful weather and beautiful flowers, but it also brings high pollen counts and suffering to people with allergies. Many people often ask what allergy medicines can I safely take if I have heart disease or high blood pressure. Many allergy medications include decongestants that can raise blood pressure, create palpitations and interfere with some other heart medications.

Medications that often can be safely used by people with significant allergies include nasal corticosteroids. In addition, antihistamines are very effective. The antihistamines include fexofenadine , cetirizine , loratadine and diphenhydramine .

Often manufactures will include a decongestant with the antihistamines in order to provide additional control of the runny nose often seen with allergies. Manufacturers will often indicate which of the antihistamines also contain a decongestant by adding the letter D to the name of the medicine. These decongestants can be phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine or oxymetazoline.

Therefore, advertised medicines such as Allegra, Zyrtec, or Claritin should be safe for most patients with heart disease and allergies however, Allegra-D, Zyrtec-D, Claritin-D could cause problems for patients with allergies and heart disease.

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So Why Are Decongestants Bad For Your Heart

You reach for a decongestant to help clear a runny, stuffy nose. A decongestant eases congestion by constricting the blood vessels in your nasal passages. This dries up nasal mucus.

But these medications can also abnormally stimulate the heart and blood vessels throughout the body. This can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, or skipped beats. And it can interfere with your heart medications, Dr. Kaminski says.

If you have a heart condition, heart palpitations can last several hours after you take a decongestant. It is a dangerous and worrisome feeling that should be avoided at all costs.

How Does Mold Cause Heart Damage

In healthy individuals, exposure to mold typically causes only minor symptoms and those are often respiratory in nature a runny nose, a cough, sneezing, maybe a sinus infection or bronchitis. There are always exceptions and even previously healthy folks can become seriously ill due to mold exposure, but those with pre-existing health problems are at greatest risk.

Organ damage, including damage to the heart, occurs when the immune system is unable to fight off a mold-related infection. Infection can travel through the bloodstream and affect one or more of the bodys vital organs, including the heart. Sometimes a widespread infection occurs, affecting many body systems at once, a condition known as sepsis. A high fever is usually present, along with other symptoms.

Mold can cause a number of heart problems, including myocarditis , endocarditis , damage to the heart muscle and damage to the heart valves. While most types of mold can lead to heart problems, a few types are known for being particularly dangerous in this regard, including aspergillus, paecilomyces and phialophora.

If you experience symptoms of a possible heart attack, including chest pain, neck or shoulder pain, a heartburn-like sensation, dizziness, sweating and shortness of breath, you should go directly to the nearest emergency room or call 911 . Heart attacks are life-threatening and you need immediate medical attention.

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Congestion Can Cause Brain Fog

A stuffy, swollen nose can make it difficult to think clearly, often causing a hazy or tried feeling. Many have termed this feeling brain fog, and it results from the congestion and pressure in your nasal and sinus air passages. Without treating allergy symptoms, and sometimes contributing sinus issues, the inflammation, irritation, and runny nose at the root of this issue will keep making you feel foggy.

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Can Zyrtec Cause Heart Palpitations

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Although palpitations may be caused by a heart problem, they also occur because of stress, fatigue, or use of alcohol, caffeine, or nicotine. Many medicines, including diet pills, antihistamines, decongestants, and some herbal products, can cause heart palpitations. Nearly everyone has palpitations from time to time.

Also Know, what are the side effects of Zyrtec? Common side effects of Zyrtec include:

• drowsiness,
• nausea,

Subsequently, one may also ask, can Zyrtec cause heart problems?

Decongestants can raise blood pressure or stimulate fast heart rhythms. Therefore, advertised medicines such as Allegra, Zyrtec, or Claritin should be safe for most patients with heart disease and allergies however, Allegra-D, Zyrtec-D, Claritin-D could cause problems for patients with allergies and heart disease.

What medications cause heart palpitations?

Common stimulants include:

• tobacco
• alcohol
• over-the-counter medications such as pseudoephedrine, which is found in cold preparations and some herbal medications, including ma huang and.
• illicit drugs including: cocaine, amphetamine, PCP, and marijuana, among others, also can cause palpitations.

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Carry Epinephrine For Emergencies

Kits containing fast-acting, self-administered epinephrine are commonly prescribed for people who are at risk of anaphylaxis. Make sure that you carry an epinephrine kit with you at all times, and that family and friends know of your condition, your triggers and how to use epinephrine. Consider wearing an emergency medical bracelet or necklace identifying yourself as a person at risk of anaphylaxis. Teachers and other caregivers should be informed of children who are at risk for anaphylaxis and know what to do in an allergic emergency.

This page was reviewed for accuracy 1/29/2018.

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Symptoms Of Food Intolerance

Symptoms of food intolerance can include:

• nervousness

• persistent dizziness or collapse
• becoming pale and floppy .

Several factors can influence the severity of anaphylaxis, including exercise, heat, alcohol, the amount of food eaten, and how food is prepared and consumed.To prevent severe injury or death, a person with anaphylaxis requires an injection of adrenaline . People who are considered by their doctor to be at risk of anaphylaxis are prescribed an autoinjector which contains a single fixed dose of adrenaline. They are designed to be used by non-medical people and should be administered into the outer mid-thigh muscle in the event of a severe allergic reaction. Adrenaline autoinjectors are also available directly from a pharmacy.

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When Should I Use My Epinephrine Injector

If you think youre having an anaphylactic reaction, dont wait to use your injector. And dont take an antihistamine instead to see if that helps. Use your injector immediately. Your life depends on taking quick action. You also need to call 911 or get to a hospital. Even after you inject yourself, you need medical evaluation and treatment.

If youre not sure youre having an anaphylactic reaction, its better to inject yourself. The risk of an unnecessary injection is less than the risk of not getting the medicine in time.

If you inject yourself without needing to, you may increase your blood pressure and heartbeat for a few hours. Call your provider or get medical help if that happens.

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Allergy Medication And Cardiac Risk

Spring is here! You know what that means: beautiful weather, outdoor games andpollen. Every year, thousands of people across the country suffer from allergies. The signature symptoms of seasonal allergies include a runny nose, itchy eyes and sometimes a throbbing headache. Pollen is everywhere, especially in Georgia. A yellow dust coats your cars, homes and pets bringing with it an uncomfortable spring spent coping as best you can. When seasonal allergies strike, many people scramble to find help over the counter at the drugstore.

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How Can I Best Cope With Allergies

If you know you have severe allergies to food or other things, prepare ahead of time:

• Carry your injector: Have your epinephrine injection kit with you at all times.
• Have ID: Wear jewelry or carry a card that identifies your allergy. This ID can save your life in emergencies.
• Dont wait to inject: Use your epinephrine injection promptly if you come into contact with your allergen.
• Tell your providers: If you have drug allergies, tell your healthcare provider before any test or treatment. That includes dental care.
• Educate loved ones: Tell family and friends about the allergy and your triggers. Make sure they know how to recognize anaphylaxis symptoms. Also explain how to use the injector, so they can help you in case of a reaction.

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If My Child Has Allergies What Should I Do

If your child has allergies, help keep them safe:

• Educate them about the allergy.
• Make sure they carry their injector with them and know how to use it.
• Inform staff at your childs school of the allergy and share the treatment plan with them.
• Educate any adults who care for your child about the allergy and how to use the injector.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Anaphylaxis is when you have a severe allergic reaction to an allergen, such as a certain food or insect bite. Anaphylactic shock can be life-threatening. If you notice anaphylaxis symptoms, inject yourself with epinephrine right away. Then call 911 or get to the emergency room. Prompt anaphylaxis treatment can save your life. Make sure to carry your injector wherever you go. Try to avoid triggers. If you have allergy symptoms that are hard to control or you went into anaphylactic shock, talk to your healthcare provider.

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/13/2021.

References

How Allergies Can Cause Body Aches And Pain

When your immune system reacts to allergens, it triggers a process called an inflammatory response. This inflammatory response, or inflammation, is a vital defense mechanism in your body. For example, when you get injured and start bleeding, the inflammatory response brings cells to the affected area to help clot your blood and form a scab to begin the healing process.

However, when your body produces inflammation in response to an allergenmistakenly thinking it’s a threatit can cause annoyingsometimes life-threateningside effects.

During inflammation, chemicals are released by the immune system that bring white blood cells to the affected area to fight off the harmful substance. Pain can also be part of the inflammatory response. Some of the same chemicals that help fight off allergens also activate nerves in the body that causes pain in joints throughout your body.

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Controlling Allergies Will Improve Academic Performance

To provide symptomatic relief to children suffering from seasonal allergies, its best to begin with natural methods of prevention and treatment:

• Choose times and places for outdoor activities on the basis of pollen count. Spring vacations and weekend outings should be arranged in locations with fewer flowering trees and grasses, when possible.

• Help children wash their hair and change clothes when they come inside from playing. Launder the clothing to remove any lingering pollen.

• If pets have been playing outdoors, dont let them into the childs bedroom. Keep bedroom windows closed, and use air conditioning if cooling is needed. The relief of an allergy-free space each night can make a big difference during pollen season.

• Natural allergy remedies such as butterbur and astragalus have been found effective against seasonal allergies, according to the U.S. Governments National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. These and other herbal remedies are worth trying before turning to pharmaceutical options.

When working to ease the effects of seasonal allergens, consider the health of the entire body, including the childs brain. Academic success depends on a healthy and well-balanced brain brain health begins with a well-nourished body that isnt struggling against allergy attacks.

Dangers Of Allergy Meds For Your Heart

Have high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems, or another heart condition? Heres what you need to know about allergy drugs.

Allergy medications might seem harmless enough they’re sold over the counter , so that makes them safe, right?

Not necessarily.

Though allergy drugs can stop the misery of seasonal bouts with pollen, hay fever, and grasses, some can aggravate a heart condition, or be downright dangerous when mixed with blood pressure drugs and certain heart medicines.

“If a patient has allergies or a cold and is considering OTC medications, it is always recommended to talk with the pharmacist on site, or to ask your physician for recommendations in the context of the other medications that are prescribed,” says L. Kristin Newby, MD, MHS, a cardiology professor at Duke Medicine in Durham, North Carolina.

“Some OTC medications for example, those containing pseudoephedrine or similar components may cause increases in heart rate or blood pressure that could exacerbate some cardiac conditions,” explains Dr. Newby.

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