Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: @NeilDenham1978 on 23/05/2011 11:01:04

Title: How do non-antihistamine products stop allergies?
Post by: @NeilDenham1978 on 23/05/2011 11:01:04

@NeilDenham1978 asked the Naked Scientists:
   
There is an advert for a product called Pirinase (I think) that claims not to be an antihistamine; how does it work?

What do you think?

Title: How do non-antihistamine products stop allergies?
Post by: CliffordK on 24/05/2011 04:38:22

Quote from: http://www.piriallergy.com/piri-range/pirinase.aspx

Pirinase contains a corticosteroid called fluticasone which treats the symptoms of hayfever and other airborne allergies.

Steroids are commonly used for the treatment of chronic asthma, and will help reduce inflammation.  It is probably ok for occasional use.  However, I would not use more than a couple of doses without consulting a physician. (Is this an over the counter or prescription med?)

In general, corticosteroids can have serious withdrawal symptoms, and generally must be tapered when discontinuing chronic usage.

And...  no, this won't make you look like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone.

Perhaps if this hay fever medication is weak enough, then some of the serious consequences of corticosteroids would be avoided.