Is It Safe To Take Cetrizine Frequently To Suppress Cold And Blocked Nose?

Posted on Thu, 13 Feb 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 13 Feb 2014 Answered on

Tue, 4 Mar 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello, I usually get allergy every two-three months and start sneezing 4-5 times continuously with running nose. If I dont take medicine like cetrizine within few hours then I get colds, blocked nose and possibly fever. 1) I just take 1 tab and it immediately suppress the allergy. Is it safe taking it? 2) Is there any other ayurvedic/allopatic medicines to help me out? 3) Why this happens? 4) I have notice this happens when I go to Railway stations and other crowded places. Also, I have noticed this happens in office where there is no open air and AC are installed. Please suggest.

Answered by Dr. Gyanshankar Mishra (49 minutes later)

Brief Answer: It seems to be seasonal allergic rhinitis. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for posting the query on XXXXXXX After going through your query, I would like to comment the following: 1. Considering your symptoms, you seem to be suffering from seasonal allergic rhinitis. 2. The triggers seem to be dust exposure, cold temperatures and winter season. You need to avoid all sort of exposure. 3. Detailed clinical evaluation with ENT specialist/ Pulmonologist is required. Investigations that may be required are peripheral smear of blood, serum IgE levels, Xray PNS and if chest complaints likke cough is there at times then chest Xray and PFT. 3. I normally prescribe anti allergy medications like Tb. Telekast F and azeflo nasal spray to be taken at night to my patients suffering from seasonal allergic rhinitis. The medications need to be taken for 3 months and then reviewed with the consultant. 4. Taking yearly flu vaccination helps. I hope I have answered your query. I will be glad to answer follow up queries if any. Please accept my answer if you have no follow up queries. Regards Dr. Gyanshankar Mishra MBBS MD DNB Consultant Pulmonologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Gyanshankar Mishra (42 minutes later)

Hi, Thanks for your reply. I there any way to increase immunity against these allergies?

Answered by Dr. Gyanshankar Mishra (6 hours later)

Brief Answer: Avoid triggers Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for the follow up query. After going through your follow up query, I would like to comment the following: 1. Most importantly avoid the triggers. 2. Vaccination helps your body resist these infections. 3. Increase the intake of antioxidants, vitamins eg. fresh fruits, balanced diet. 4. Perform regular exercises. 5. Regular medical follow up. I hope I have answered your query. I will be glad to answer follow up queries if any. Please accept my answer if you have no follow up queries. Regards Dr. Gyanshankar Mishra MBBS MD DNB Consultant Pulmonologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar