Side Effects of Antihistamines and Decongestants
The histamine in our body mainly helps the excretion of the irritant material from the affected area, be it the digestive system or the respiratory systems. The congestion also helps in the repair of damaged tissue. Congestion or inflammation normally increases the circulation of the affected area. The increased circulation brings in macrophages which engulf the harmful bacteria and irritant material, production of pus also helps as this is nothing but the collection of the debris produced in the defensive process.
Taking antihistamines lead to lowering of the allergic activity, so there is no sneezing or coughing, (both are cleaning activity of the body) there are additional side effects of these drugs as well. Antihistamines also cause mental confusion, dryness of the mucous membranes of the eye and mouth along with other mucous surfaces.
The first symptomatic side effect is drowsiness, though non-sedative antihistamines are also available now. The survey conducted regarding the side effects show that the use of this drug had resulted in upper respiratory infections of children accompanied by wheezing.
Decongestant drugs reduce the congestion of the lungs and respiratory passage but the discontinuation of these drugs cause rebound congestion and the severity of symptoms are more. This along with the drowsiness impairs the normal functioning of an individual.
Moreover, these drugs have a tendency to react with other drugs given to treat other symptoms in individual to give rise to complex symptoms. Thus it is always necessary to take advice from the family physician before consuming first generation antihistamines along with other medication. Patients suffering from glaucoma, enlarged prostate, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, thyroid disease, heart disorder and hypertension should always consult a doctor before taking antihistamines. In these disorders the use of these drugs gives rise to further complications which are difficult to handle.