Allergy Medicine That Doesn T Raise Blood Pressure
Allergies can be a real bummer, especially when you have high blood pressure. The last thing you want is to take medication that will raise your blood pressure levels even further. Fortunately, there are allergy medicines that don't raise blood pressure levels. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most effective allergy medications for people with high blood pressure.
What Are Allergies?
Allergies are a reaction of your immune system to a substance that it considers harmful. This substance is known as an allergen. Some common allergens include pollen, dust, pet dander, and certain foods. When you come into contact with an allergen, your body produces histamines. Histamines are chemicals that cause inflammation, itching, and other symptoms associated with allergies.
What Is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition in which the force of blood against the walls of your arteries is too high. This can cause damage to your arteries and increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.
Allergy Medications That Don't Raise Blood Pressure
As someone with high blood pressure, it's important to choose allergy medications that won't increase your blood pressure levels. Here are some of the most effective allergy medications that don't raise blood pressure:
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are a type of medication that block the effects of histamines, which can reduce symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and runny nose. Antihistamines are available over-the-counter or by prescription. Some common antihistamines that don't raise blood pressure include loratadine, cetirizine, and fexofenadine.
Nasal Steroids
Nasal steroids are a type of medication that reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, which can reduce symptoms such as congestion and runny nose. Nasal steroids are available by prescription only. Some common nasal steroids that don't raise blood pressure include fluticasone and mometasone.
Cromolyn Sodium
Cromolyn sodium is a type of medication that stabilizes mast cells, which are cells that release histamines during an allergic reaction. Cromolyn sodium is available over-the-counter or by prescription. It is most effective when taken before exposure to allergens.
Leukotriene Modifiers
Leukotriene modifiers are a type of medication that block the effects of leukotrienes, which are chemicals that cause inflammation and other symptoms associated with allergies. Leukotriene modifiers are available by prescription only. Some common leukotriene modifiers that don't raise blood pressure include montelukast and zafirlukast.
Conclusion
If you suffer from allergies and high blood pressure, it's important to choose allergy medications that won't raise your blood pressure levels. Antihistamines, nasal steroids, cromolyn sodium, and leukotriene modifiers are all effective allergy medications that don't raise blood pressure. Talk to your doctor about which medication is right for you.