Use of NasalCrom in Allergy

Use of NasalCrom in Allergy

NasalCrom is an intranasal, mast cell stabilizer that plays an important role in the treatment and care of allergic rhinitis. Before going into detail about the medication, we should know about the disease.

Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is caused by the entry of foreign objects (allergen) such as pollen into the human body. Other foreign objects such as food can also cause allergic rhinitis, but pollen remains the main culprit. It is interesting to note that allergic rhinitis reaches severity during seasonal changes. Many people battle with allergic rhinitis when the season changes.

Symptoms

The symptoms of allergic rhinitis are as follows:

  • Sneezing
  • Coughing
  • Itchy throat
  • Itchy eyes
  • Itchy nose
  • Stuffed nose
  • Runny nose
  • Dark circles
  • Fatigue
  • Hives

People will experience one or all of these symptoms when suffering from allergic rhinitis. Some people experience these symptoms severely than others. The most important thing to remember is that fever is not a symptom of rhinitis. If you have a fever, consult your doctor as it might be a viral or bacterial infection.

What Causes Allergy?

When an allergen comes in contact with the body, the body releases a chemical called histamine that protects your body from allergen and in turn causes allergic rhinitis.

Histamine is found inside the mast cells. Mast cells are a part of the immune system and neuro-immune system. During an allergic reaction, the pollen activates the mast cell, and histamine is released. Allergen binds to the IgE that is coated upon the mast cell surface. It should be noted that mast cells only activate when two or more allergens bind to IgE.

Types of Allergic Rhinitis

There are two types of allergic rhinitis:

  • Seasonal – occurs during spring and autumn when the pollens are in excess in the air.
  • Perennial – these allergies remain year-round.

Risk Factors for Allergic Rhinitis

Many risk factors exaggerate allergic rhinitis. Asthma and Eczema being the main factors, but there are others such as:

  • Perfume
  • Smoke
  • Humidity
  • Hairspray
  • Air pollution
  • Wood smoke

Diagnosis of Allergic Rhinitis

Diagnosis of Allergic Rhinitis
Diagnosis of Allergic Rhinitis

Many tests are performed to plan a good treatment plan for you by the doctor.

The most common test is Skin Prick Test. This test is easily done and mostly accurate. The doctor or physician will put the different items on your skin and then look for any skin changes. A small bump may appear if you are allergic to that substance.

If your symptoms are not severe, then opening the window and wearing a mask will be enough for you to prevent an allergic reaction. The use of a dehumidifier is seen to relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis considerably.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is the best way to control allergies that allergy medicines cannot control. Severe allergies can be treated with immunotherapy. Immunotherapy shots are given before the allergy season starts. If you are suffering from perennial allergy, then shots are given annually or quarterly.

Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis

Many home remedies are being used for the treatment. These remedies are good for many people, but allopathic medicine is playing an important role.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines relieve many symptoms of allergic reaction. Antihistamines can subdue hay fever, conjunctivitis, and reaction to insect bites. These medicines are easily available in pharmacies. There are two types of antihistamines:

  1. Sedating antihistamines – chlorpheniramine
  2. Non-sedating antihistamines – Cetrizine

Mechanism of Action of Antihistamines

As we have discussed before, the release of histamine develops that allergic rhinitis. Antihistamine blocks the release of histamine. Thus, it blocks many symptoms of allergic rhinitis that are caused by the release of histamine.

Antihistamines are available in oral dosage form and ophthalmic dosage form. Before taking any medication, consult your general physician or ask the pharmacist.

Examples of Antihistamines

  • Chlorpheniramine
  • Cetirizine
  • Levocetirizine
  • Loratidine
  • Desloratadine

Decongestants

Decongestants are being used in allergic rhinitis to treat stuffy nose. They should be used for a shorter period. If used for a longer time, they can worsen the symptom. For example:

  • Pseudoephedrine
  • Phenylephrine

Mast Cell Stabilizers

Mast cell stabilizers are used for the treatment of allergic reactions. These prevent the degranulation of mast cells, stabilizes the cells, and prevent the release of histamines into the body. The difference between antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers is that antihistamines block the action of histamines on the body. In contrast, mast cell stabilizers prevent the degranulation of mast cells.

Mechanism of Action of Mast Cell Stabilizers

The accurate mechanism of mast cell stabilizers is unknown, but it is believed that these drugs affect the calcium channel. They block the calcium channels that are responsible for the degranulation of the mast cells.

Cromolyn sodium is the best mast cell stabilizer. It is available in oral form, inhaled form, internasal form, and ophthalmic form.

NasalCrom is cromolyn sodium in nasal form.

Cromolyn sodium is derived from Ammi visnaga. Cromolyn sodium prevents mast cells from activating an allergic response.

The side effects of cromolyn sodium are as follows:

  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
  • Flushing
  • Nausea
  • Rash
  • Abdominal pain

These side effects are more or less tolerable. If the situation worsens, immediately call your general physician. Cromolyn sodium falls under category B drugs to use during pregnancy.

How to Use NasalCrom?

NasalCrom is a mast cell stabilizer. It is available in the form of an inhaler. The dosage is three to six days per day. It is effective if taken before the allergic reaction begins. The medication works best before you get exposed to an allergen. It is recommended to use this medication as per the advice of your physician. Do not try to self-medicate. The full effect will be shown after four weeks, so it is recommended to take the medication regularly and continually.

Conclusion

Although NasalCrom is proven effective in the treatment of allergic reactions. One should use it with caution and per the advice of their physician. In case of any side effects, contact the physician immediately. If NasalCrom does not suit you, you can take cromolyn sodium in oral form.

485 Comments. Leave new

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Fill out this field
Fill out this field
Please enter a valid email address.