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Suggest Treatment For Severe Whole Body Itching While On Zaditor
Question: Hi there,
I'm a 36 year old who had some pretty severe allergies as a kid (dust mites, pollen, and cats especially) and got allergy shot for years. In adulthood, much of it has subsided, and I haven't had too many problems until now.
For whatever reason, this summer I have been extraordinarily itchy all over my body. It tends to move around, but the itchiest parts tend to be right under my lower lip, my neck, my upper groin, elbows, knees, sometimes back and sides, ears (including inner ear), as well as some sensitive openings. At various times I will be slightly red in patches with an almost rash-like appearance, while other times that goes away. Similarly, there have been periods where the skin (especially lower neck) feels almost scaly, but that too comes and goes. Other symptoms I've had include a sometimes runny or stuffed-up nose. I also had some backache (almost in the kidney area) issues, but that's largely resolved and I think may have been unrelated. I've considered it might be a supplement I'm taking, bodywash I'm using, detergent, etc., but can't find anything that seems causative, and I've even tried eliminating/changing things to see, so I don't think it's something I'm ingesting/using, but I can't rule it out completely. I do know the current pollen map shows very high levels in my area (northwestern Pennsylvania). I have several questions regarding this and what I might be able to do:
1.) Until recently, I was on Patanol eyedrops. Because my insurance changed and would no longer cover it, I switched to Zaditor briefly, and now I've discontinued all eyedrops to see how it works. My eyes themselves feel pretty good most of the time (and regular tear-type-eyedrops usually work if they feel dry), but I'm aware the two medications I named are technically antihistamines. Is it possible for an antihistamine EYEDROP to prevent bodywide itching (instead of mainly eye symptoms) and could this be why I'm experiencing more severe allergies than usual this year?
2.) I'm aware of recent studies showing anti-cholinergic drugs are bad for the brain and could be linked to dementia, so I'm hesitant to take antihistamines unless absolutely necessary. Is there something that is very safe that might ease these symptoms?
3.) I know that when you have an allergic reaction, it is inflammatory in nature. When I have this external inflammation/itching, does that necessarily mean I have internal inflammation too that could be harmful to internal organs, especially the heart, blood vessels, and other organs? Heart disease runs in my family, and while I'm trying to live a healthy lifestyle, it concerns me. I've seen recent studies that seem contradictory - allergic rhinitis is thought to actually decrease heart attack/stroke risk, while allergies in general (especially as a child) seem to increase that risk. IF internal inflammation is a concern while I'm itchy, etc., is it better to treat it with an antihistamine and does that resolve my internal inflammation concerns as well, or is it fine/not worrisome for internal organs as long as I can bear it to tough out the itching?
Thanks very much with your help in trying to sort out the answer to these questions.
I'm a 36 year old who had some pretty severe allergies as a kid (dust mites, pollen, and cats especially) and got allergy shot for years. In adulthood, much of it has subsided, and I haven't had too many problems until now.
For whatever reason, this summer I have been extraordinarily itchy all over my body. It tends to move around, but the itchiest parts tend to be right under my lower lip, my neck, my upper groin, elbows, knees, sometimes back and sides, ears (including inner ear), as well as some sensitive openings. At various times I will be slightly red in patches with an almost rash-like appearance, while other times that goes away. Similarly, there have been periods where the skin (especially lower neck) feels almost scaly, but that too comes and goes. Other symptoms I've had include a sometimes runny or stuffed-up nose. I also had some backache (almost in the kidney area) issues, but that's largely resolved and I think may have been unrelated. I've considered it might be a supplement I'm taking, bodywash I'm using, detergent, etc., but can't find anything that seems causative, and I've even tried eliminating/changing things to see, so I don't think it's something I'm ingesting/using, but I can't rule it out completely. I do know the current pollen map shows very high levels in my area (northwestern Pennsylvania). I have several questions regarding this and what I might be able to do:
1.) Until recently, I was on Patanol eyedrops. Because my insurance changed and would no longer cover it, I switched to Zaditor briefly, and now I've discontinued all eyedrops to see how it works. My eyes themselves feel pretty good most of the time (and regular tear-type-eyedrops usually work if they feel dry), but I'm aware the two medications I named are technically antihistamines. Is it possible for an antihistamine EYEDROP to prevent bodywide itching (instead of mainly eye symptoms) and could this be why I'm experiencing more severe allergies than usual this year?
2.) I'm aware of recent studies showing anti-cholinergic drugs are bad for the brain and could be linked to dementia, so I'm hesitant to take antihistamines unless absolutely necessary. Is there something that is very safe that might ease these symptoms?
3.) I know that when you have an allergic reaction, it is inflammatory in nature. When I have this external inflammation/itching, does that necessarily mean I have internal inflammation too that could be harmful to internal organs, especially the heart, blood vessels, and other organs? Heart disease runs in my family, and while I'm trying to live a healthy lifestyle, it concerns me. I've seen recent studies that seem contradictory - allergic rhinitis is thought to actually decrease heart attack/stroke risk, while allergies in general (especially as a child) seem to increase that risk. IF internal inflammation is a concern while I'm itchy, etc., is it better to treat it with an antihistamine and does that resolve my internal inflammation concerns as well, or is it fine/not worrisome for internal organs as long as I can bear it to tough out the itching?
Thanks very much with your help in trying to sort out the answer to these questions.
Brief Answer:
You need a local immunologist.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Thanks for posting your query on HCM.
From your description it is clear that you suffer from various allergies and presently it is manifesting as itchy lesions at various parts of your body. I will try and answer your queries one by one:
1. No just the use of anti histaminic eye drops may not cure your allergy at other parts of the body. Yes it has been observed that if allergy at one site is suppressed it may express itself at other parts of the body and as different symptoms. There is no suitable explanation for this.
2. Anti cholinergics and anti histamines are different class of drugs. Yes anti cholinergics are known to cause dementia but the incidence is not very common, it`s rather rare and not every person using these develop dementia. These are mainly used to treat asthma-an allergic disorder. Are you using them?
3. Yes external allergic reaction may be associated with some collagen vascular diseases. That`s why you have to consult a rheumatologist or an immunologist to rule out any other pathology. The heart disease in your family may not be related to the allergies but may be a separate entity.
To treat recurrent allergic reactions, a short course of oral steroids may be helpful to keep them under check for a long duration.
You may also get yourself tested for `atopy`. Here blood levels of IgE are tested and if considerably raised, a course of anti IgE andibodies like `Omalizumab` shots may help. But then these shots have to be taken under careful supervision of a immunologist/pulmonologist.
I hope this answers your queries.
You need a local immunologist.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Thanks for posting your query on HCM.
From your description it is clear that you suffer from various allergies and presently it is manifesting as itchy lesions at various parts of your body. I will try and answer your queries one by one:
1. No just the use of anti histaminic eye drops may not cure your allergy at other parts of the body. Yes it has been observed that if allergy at one site is suppressed it may express itself at other parts of the body and as different symptoms. There is no suitable explanation for this.
2. Anti cholinergics and anti histamines are different class of drugs. Yes anti cholinergics are known to cause dementia but the incidence is not very common, it`s rather rare and not every person using these develop dementia. These are mainly used to treat asthma-an allergic disorder. Are you using them?
3. Yes external allergic reaction may be associated with some collagen vascular diseases. That`s why you have to consult a rheumatologist or an immunologist to rule out any other pathology. The heart disease in your family may not be related to the allergies but may be a separate entity.
To treat recurrent allergic reactions, a short course of oral steroids may be helpful to keep them under check for a long duration.
You may also get yourself tested for `atopy`. Here blood levels of IgE are tested and if considerably raised, a course of anti IgE andibodies like `Omalizumab` shots may help. But then these shots have to be taken under careful supervision of a immunologist/pulmonologist.
I hope this answers your queries.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar
Hi there and thanks so much for getting back to me! A few followups:
1.) I guess what I'm asking re the eyedrops is if stopping them could have caused/exacerbated this? If I'm not having eye issues specifically, is there any reason to go on them?
2.) No, I'm not using an antihistamine at the moment, at least regularly. I might use Claritin if the itching is extremely uncomfortable. I mention anticholinergics because Claritin and other similar drugs are said to have some anticholinergic activity, and the dementia concern worries me, which is why I try to avoid taking them if I can stand not to.
3.) Is there definitely internal inflammation if I'm having these allergy issues, or is it just a possibility? Either way, I will consult my local physician (and see about a specialist referral if deemed necessary) to help figure this out.
4.) I've been dealing with this for a bit over a month on and off. As long as I get it resolved, is there likely any immediate short-term risk to my health (ie. heart attack, stroke, etc.)?
Thanks much for the advice on tests, etc. I might want to look into.
Just thought of another:
5.) Will use of an antihistimine like Claritin or Allegra help control inflammation, internal as well, and lessen the organ/blood vessel worries for the time being?
Thanks again.
1.) I guess what I'm asking re the eyedrops is if stopping them could have caused/exacerbated this? If I'm not having eye issues specifically, is there any reason to go on them?
2.) No, I'm not using an antihistamine at the moment, at least regularly. I might use Claritin if the itching is extremely uncomfortable. I mention anticholinergics because Claritin and other similar drugs are said to have some anticholinergic activity, and the dementia concern worries me, which is why I try to avoid taking them if I can stand not to.
3.) Is there definitely internal inflammation if I'm having these allergy issues, or is it just a possibility? Either way, I will consult my local physician (and see about a specialist referral if deemed necessary) to help figure this out.
4.) I've been dealing with this for a bit over a month on and off. As long as I get it resolved, is there likely any immediate short-term risk to my health (ie. heart attack, stroke, etc.)?
Thanks much for the advice on tests, etc. I might want to look into.
Just thought of another:
5.) Will use of an antihistimine like Claritin or Allegra help control inflammation, internal as well, and lessen the organ/blood vessel worries for the time being?
Thanks again.
Brief Answer:
No its unlikely that stopping eye drops could have resulted in your allergi
Detailed Answer:
1. No its unlikely that stopping eye drops could have resulted in your allergies elsewhere.
2. Do not worry about dementia while using anti histaminic eye drops. It`s a far fetched possibility. Eye drops are used locally and very little if any is absorbed in the blood.
3. No, skin allergies do not necessarily mean that you definitely have some internal inflammation. It`s just a possibility.
4. There is hardly any likelihood of having a heart attack or stroke related to your allergies.
5. Use of Claritin may help control inflammation where ever it may be but it`s a weak anti inflammatory and we have better drugs than anti histaminics eg steroids. You may use montair lc which is a combination of anti leukotriens and anti histamines.
From your description there doesn't appear to be any evidence to show damage to your vessels/internal organ but if you are still worried I suggest you consult your local physician/immunologist.
No its unlikely that stopping eye drops could have resulted in your allergi
Detailed Answer:
1. No its unlikely that stopping eye drops could have resulted in your allergies elsewhere.
2. Do not worry about dementia while using anti histaminic eye drops. It`s a far fetched possibility. Eye drops are used locally and very little if any is absorbed in the blood.
3. No, skin allergies do not necessarily mean that you definitely have some internal inflammation. It`s just a possibility.
4. There is hardly any likelihood of having a heart attack or stroke related to your allergies.
5. Use of Claritin may help control inflammation where ever it may be but it`s a weak anti inflammatory and we have better drugs than anti histaminics eg steroids. You may use montair lc which is a combination of anti leukotriens and anti histamines.
From your description there doesn't appear to be any evidence to show damage to your vessels/internal organ but if you are still worried I suggest you consult your local physician/immunologist.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar
Thanks very much for following up.
Allegra appears to not be anti-cholinergic, so I may give that a try.
I will also make an appointment with my local doctor and see if we can figure out what's going on. I'll also keep in mind the Montair LC and look into that!
Thanks for your help and easing my worries! =)
Allegra appears to not be anti-cholinergic, so I may give that a try.
I will also make an appointment with my local doctor and see if we can figure out what's going on. I'll also keep in mind the Montair LC and look into that!
Thanks for your help and easing my worries! =)
Brief Answer:
You are welcome.
Detailed Answer:
You are welcome.
You are welcome.
Detailed Answer:
You are welcome.
Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar
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