This brother used to be allergic to seafood. Every time he forced himself to try seafood like shrimp, he had to pay with a total rest of about two days. Not only symptoms of redness and itching, the body also became hot. Well, since this allergy is very close to our daily lives, there's nothing wrong with friends, we equip ourselves with a little knowledge about allergies.
Come Know Allergies
In general, allergy is a reaction of the immune system to foreign objects that are considered dangerous. Note friends, this is only considered, not necessarily also foreign objects are dangerous.
This reaction from the body's immunity occurs in objects or substances that enter the body or even just touch it. For example, allergic to insect bites, dust, drugs, certain foods, animal hair, and pollen. Besides cigarette smoke can also cause allergies you know.
People who have allergies will usually react to allergens commonly called allergens. The reaction for each allergen is different, depending on the level of resistance to the allergen. There are mild and those that are severe. In mild allergies reactions such as sneezing, shortness of breath, skin rashes, runny nose, coughing, itching and watery eyes. At a later stage allergies can cause swelling in parts of the body that come in contact with allergens.
How do you deal with allergies?
Because allergies are the body's reaction to certain objects, the easiest way to overcome them is to avoid contact with allergens that can trigger the body's reaction. However, this method is certainly not easy, friend. Perhaps to avoid certain foods can be done. However, to avoid dusty spaces, to meet suddenly with certain animals, hmmm it feels rather difficult. Unless we are always in a sterile environment and isolated from the outside world. 🙂
Then, what if allergy symptoms finally appear. When symptoms are seen, then the most effective way to overcome them is to immediately take an anti-allergic drug, commonly called an antihistamine.
Antihistamines themselves, apparently there are also two groups of friends. There are first generation antihistamines and there are also second generation. The difference between these two generations lies in the effects caused after consuming them. First generation antihistamines have a higher sleepy effect than the second generation. Hence, second generation antihistamines are more sought after in the market. On the market, antihistamines themselves are available in many brands. First generation antihistamines, for example, the CTM group and diphenhydramine. Whereas second generation antihistamines such as cetirizine and loratadine drugs.
Overcoming Allergies with Cetirizine and Loratadine
After we know more about what are allergies and symptoms, now let's friends know more about drugs to deal with the symptoms. As previously explained, there are two second-generation antihistamines that friends can use to relieve allergies.
- Cetirizine
An antihistamine that has a mild drowsiness effect. The way cetirizine works by inhibiting the performance of histamine compounds produced by the body that cause allergic symptoms. Cetirizine has the active ingredient Cetirizine Dihydrochloride which is more comfortable because it does not interfere with the patient's activities. Is to reduce the effects of sedation (drowsiness) and some are mild anti-inflammatory properties. Cetirizine can reduce the symptoms of major allergic rhinitis such as runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose, watery eyes. Can reduce allergic symptoms such as bumps more quickly. Safe given in the long run. Its use is enough once a day.
- Loratadine
Long-acting tricyclic antihistamines, Does not cause drowsiness or sedation. Reduces symptoms related to allergic rhinitis such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy nose, and burning sensation in the eyes. Reducing the symptoms and signs of chronic urticaria and other allergic dermatological diseases. Like cetirizine, loratadine can be taken once a day only when there are allergic symptoms that appear.
Between these two drugs, which one is better? What is the difference between the two? If the question is which is better, of course it is tailored to the needs of each person. To be sure, both of these drugs are drugs that are prescribed so their use must be careful. Must follow the usage instructions stated on the package. Although both are useful in dealing with allergic symptoms and include second generation antihistamines, there are some differences from cetirizine and loratadine.
Here are the differences between cetirizine and loratadine
- Cetirizine can reduce allergic rhinitis symptoms greater than loratadine.
- The rate of reduction of urticaria symptoms in cetirizine is higher than loratadine. In cetirizine redness of red bumps reaches 95 percent while with loratadine reaches 70 percent.
- Reduction of allergic symptoms in the form of reddish rash by using cetirizine reached 90 percent, while with loratadine reached 62 percent.
- Estimated reduction in effects after consuming cetirizine is faster than using loratadine. When using Loratadine takes 24 hours, then with cetirizine can be faster. For children 2-12 years, it is recommended to use Loratadine.
What about the side effects of using the antihistamine cetirizine and antihistamine drugs? As previously explained, these two allergy medicines are prescribed drugs. Therefore, friends need to be careful and peruse every instruction on the packaging. If the effects caused after consuming cetirizine or loratadine are quite disturbing, it is better for friends to immediately consult a doctor.
Cetirizine, for example, has the side effects of fatigue, palpitations, insomnia, restlessness, hyperactivity, vision problems and urination disorders. While Loratadine can cause headaches and dizziness as if fainting. Even so, everyone's reaction will of course be different to the use of this drug.
What about the use of cetirizine and loratadine when breastfeeding? Although it is very useful in dealing with allergic symptoms, the use of cetirizine and loratadine for nursing mothers and also pregnant women needs to be a serious concern.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, mothers are usually prohibited from consuming certain drugs. Although it is not uncommon to find cases of mothers who have allergies while breastfeeding. Moreover, according to some studies loratadine and cetirizine can affect breast milk so that it can harm the baby.
Besides friends or relatives who have allergies whether breastfeeding or not, still have to tell the doctor or pharmacist when taking other drugs, before consuming these two types of antihistamines. The reason, the use of antihistamines also has contraindications to the content of several other drugs.
So how are friends. It turns out that when peeled, there are also many things we need to know about this allergy. And certainly like the wise words that are always delivered, prevention is better than cure.
So, if friends or relatives have allergic symptoms, the best thing to do is to avoid interactions with allergens that cause allergies. If you already have and produce new allergic symptoms, then you can take medicine. The choice can be cetirizine or loratadine, just tailored to the needs of each friend. And of course with the knowledge of your doctor or pharmacist. Also read a lot about health information blogs.