Your may have been prescribed Cetzine as you may be diagnosed with Seasonal Allergic rhinitis, Perennial Allergic Rhinitis or Urticaria.
Allergic rhinitis or hay fever causes cold-like signs and symptoms such as a runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, sneezing, allergic conjunctivitis and sinus pressure. It is caused by an allergic response to outdoor or indoor allergens such as pollen, dust mites or tiny flecks of skin and saliva shed by cats, dogs and other animals with fur or even from feathers.
Medications for hay fever include nasal corticosteroids, antihistamines, decongestants, allergy shots (immunotherapy) and rinsing of sinuses.
Perennial allergic rhinitis is a chronic allergic condition that causes nasal congestion and a runny nose. The most common cause of perennial allergic rhinitis are dust mites and pet dander from cats and dogs. It can also be caused by any allergy that is present year round.
To treat perennial allergic rhinitis, using a dehumidifier, if you are allergic to dust mites can be helpful. Other actions suggested are getting rid of pets or limiting their access to bedrooms, regular and deep cleaning, dry cleaning or replacing carpets at home. Patients are recommended medications including antihistamines for controlling allergy symptoms and if required, immunotherapy.
Urticaria or hives is an outbreak of swollen, itchy, pale red bumps or wheals on the skin due to the body’s reaction to certain allergens. An allergic reaction triggers the body to release a protein called histamine. The histamine causes inflammation and fluid begins to accumulate under the skin causing wheals. When new outbreaks happen almost every day for 6 weeks or more, it’s called chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU).
Causes of Urticaria include stress or underlying autoimmune disorders like thyroid dysfunction, food allergies and viruses which can trigger hives.
Treatment for acute urticaria includes non-sedating antihistamines taken regularly for several weeks. Antibiotics may also be needed for chronic urticaria. Some other actions to prevent Urticaria include wearing loose, light clothing, avoiding scratching and using harsh soaps, avoiding known triggers and applying sunscreen when outdoors.
