Best Medicine For Allergies With High Blood Pressure
Having allergies can be a nuisance, but when you also have high blood pressure, it can be challenging to find a medication that won't worsen your condition. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects approximately one in three adults in the United States. It is a condition in which the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently high. The good news is that there are medications available that can help manage allergies without increasing blood pressure. In this article, we will discuss the best medicine for allergies with high blood pressure.
Understanding Allergies and High Blood Pressure
Allergies refer to the body's immune response to a substance that is usually harmless. When you have an allergy, your body sees the substance as a threat, and your immune system releases a chemical called histamine. This chemical causes symptoms such as runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing. Many allergy medications work by blocking the effects of histamine.
High blood pressure, on the other hand, occurs when the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is too high. This can cause damage to the blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other health problems. Certain allergy medications, such as decongestants, can raise blood pressure by constricting blood vessels.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are the most common type of medication used to treat allergies. They work by blocking the effects of histamine, thus reducing allergy symptoms. Antihistamines are generally safe for people with high blood pressure. However, some antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), can cause drowsiness, which can be dangerous for people with high blood pressure who are driving or operating heavy machinery.
Newer antihistamines, such as loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec), are less likely to cause drowsiness and are a better option for people with high blood pressure. These medications are available over-the-counter and can be taken once a day.
Nasal Steroids
Nasal steroids are another type of medication used to treat allergies. They work by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages, which can help reduce symptoms such as congestion and runny nose. Nasal steroids are generally safe for people with high blood pressure. However, they can cause irritation and dryness in the nose.
Examples of nasal steroids include fluticasone (Flonase) and mometasone (Nasonex). These medications are available over-the-counter and can be used once or twice a day.
Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists
Leukotriene receptor antagonists are a type of medication used to treat allergies and asthma. They work by blocking the effects of leukotrienes, which are chemicals that cause inflammation in the body. These medications are generally safe for people with high blood pressure. However, they can cause side effects such as headache and nausea.
Examples of leukotriene receptor antagonists include montelukast (Singulair) and zafirlukast (Accolate). These medications are available by prescription and are taken once a day.
Conclusion
It is important to manage both allergies and high blood pressure to prevent complications. When choosing a medication for allergies, it is essential to consider its effects on blood pressure. Antihistamines, nasal steroids, and leukotriene receptor antagonists are generally safe for people with high blood pressure. However, it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication.
Remember to take your medication as directed and report any side effects to your healthcare provider. By managing both conditions, you can improve your quality of life and reduce your risk of complications.
