What is allergen immunotherapy? Allergy immunotherapy involves exposing a person to various allergens over the course of years to sensitize them to the substance, reducing the autoimmune reaction that causes allergic symptoms. Ideally, immune therapy reduces dependence on allergy medication. Allergen immunotherapy is a treatment procedure for preventing/reducing allergic reactions to specific allergens. Immunotherapy reduces …
Read More »
Sinus Infection vs. Allergies: What’s the difference? Sinus infections are marked by nasal congestion, pressure and headaches. Both sinus infections and allergies (allergic rhinitis) cause symptoms such as runny or stuffy nose and fatigue. Sinus infection (known as sinusitis) is inflammation of the sinuses, caused by infection from bacteria, viruses, and/or fungi (molds). A sinus infection that lasts three to …
Read More »
What is Dymista? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Dymista is a prescription nasal spray used to treat symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis (inflammation of the lining of the nose) such as runny nose, stuffy nose, itching, and sneezing. Dymista contains two medicines, azelastine hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate, which are also available individually as nasal sprays. In Dymista, azelastine …
Read More »
What is EpiPen, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? EpiPen is an auto-injectable epinephrine-containing device used for self-administration during life-threatening allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Epinephrine, the medicine contained in EpiPen, is an excitatory chemical naturally made by our bodies. Epinephrine stimulates alpha and beta-adrenergic receptors found throughout the body. When injected during an allergic reaction, epinephrine works in …
Read More »
Deviated septum surgery (septoplasty) and turbinectomy facts Picture of the anatomy of the sinuses The following information is provided to help patients and their families prepare for deviated septum surgery (septoplasty) and turbinectomy (nasal airway surgery), and to understand more clearly the associated benefits, risks, and complications. Patients are encouraged to ask their doctor any questions or concerns to help …
Read More »
What is loratadine/pseudoephedrine? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Loratadine/pseudoephedrine is a combination of two drugs, an antihistamine (loratadine) and a decongestant (pseudoephedrine). Loratadine is a long-acting antihistamine that blocks the actions of histamine that causes some of the symptoms of allergic reactions. Histamine is released from histamine-storing cells (mast cells) and attaches to other cells that have receptors …
Read More »
What is chlorpheniramine, pseudoephedrine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Deconamine was a brand name medication that contains two different drugs, an antihistamine (chlorpheniramine) and a decongestant (pseudoephedrine). The antihistamine effects of chlorpheniramine account for its effect of reducing allergy symptoms. The decongestant action of pseudoephedrine is a result of blood vessel constriction in the nasal air passages, …
Read More »
What are antihistamine shots, and what are the medical uses for this type of drug? Antihistamine shots are prescription medications that are used for the rapid medical treatment of conditions such as: Allergic reactions (a severe allergy to a substance) Anxiety Nausea Vomiting Motion sickness To induce sedation when injected into a patient Antihistamine shots also are used to alleviate …
Read More »
Nosebleed definition and facts Picture of mustache dressing The definition of a nosebleed is simply bleeding from the blood vessels in the nose. The medical term for nosebleed is epistaxis. Nosebleeds are common due to the location of the nose on the face, and the large amount of blood vessels in the nose. The most common causes of nosebleeds are …
Read More »
What is flunisolide nasal spray, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Flunisolide is a synthetic (man-made) corticosteroid. It is administered either as an oral metered-dose inhaler for the treatment of asthma (Aerobid) or as a nasal spray for treating allergic rhinitis. Corticosteroids are naturally- occurring hormones that prevent or suppress inflammation and immune responses. When given as an …
Read More »
