Urgent warning to hay fever sufferers using over-the-counter drugs that ‘affect the heart and blood pressure’
A HEART health expert has issued a warning over common hay fever treatments that may affect blood pressure or cause palpitations.
Some over-the-counter drugs could be dangerous to people with heart issues, the specialist warned.
As the UK basks in warmer spring weather – with temperatures tipping into the 20s in some parts of the country – rising pollen counts might throw a damper on things for hay fever sufferers.
Warnings for ‘very high’ pollen counts are in place for the South West and South East of England, as well as the West Midlands today, according to the Met Office.
Meanwhile, the East Midlands, the East and North West of England and Wales will be buffeted ‘high’ levels of pollen.
Brits will get some relief over the weekend, but pollen counts are expected to climb again on Monday.
Many will likely flock to pharmacies for relief from their runny nose, streaming eyes, itchy throat and sneezing.
But people with pre-existing heart or circulatory issues should be cautious about their medication choices, Julie Ward, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation.
Some common treatments – including antihistamines and decongestants – could have an effect on your heart or blood pressure, so it’s worth consulting your doctor before taking them.
There are several types of medicines you can take to ease maddening hay fever symptoms – though the three main ones are steroid nasal sprays, antihistamines and decongestants.
Here are two types of treatments that are worth being wary of if you have heart disease or high blood pressure:
1. Decongestants
According to Julie, decongestants also require caution if you have a heart or circulatory condition.
This is because some contain drugs like pseudoephedrine – a common ingredient in products like Sudafed – which constricts blood vessels.
“This can raise your blood pressure and heart rate and cause palpitations,” Julie wrote.
If your heartbeat becomes noticeable and you have a fluttering or pounding feeling in your chest, you may be experiencing heart palpitations.
“Because of this, the NHS does not recommend decongestants for anyone with high blood pressure or a heart or circulatory disease,” the cardiac nurse went on.
“If you need a decongestant, talk to your doctor or pharmacist, and always read the medicine information leaflet before taking a hay fever medication as some combine antihistamines with decongestants.
“If you experience heart palpitations, which feel like your heart is racing or skipping a beat, after taking a hay fever medicine, stop taking it and consult your doctor.”
2. Antihistamines
Antihistamines like loratadine – sold under the name Clarityn – and cetirizine, known as Piriteze, are generally safe for people with high blood pressure and heart and circulatory diseases, Julie said.
They work by blocking chemicals in your blood called histamines that cause hay fever symptoms.
But another type of antihistamine, called fexofenadine – sold under the names Allevia or Telfast – can lead to a fast or irregular heartbeat.
You should talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking it, the nurse advised.
Risks of antihistamines
Most people can safely take antihistamines.
But speak to a pharmacist or GP for advice if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Are looking for a medicine for a young child
- Are an older person
- Are taking other medicines
- Have an underlying health condition, such as heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease or epilepsy
Like all medicines, antihistamines can cause side effects.
Side effects of antihistamines that make you drowsy can include:
- Sleepiness and reduced co-ordination, reaction speed and judgement – do not drive or use machinery after taking these antihistamines
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty peeing
Side effects of non-drowsy antihistamines can include:
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Feeling sick
- Drowsiness – this is less common with non-drowsy antihistamines but is still possible
Speak to a pharmacist or GP before taking antihistamines if you’re already taking other medicines as they may not mix, which could stop either from working properly or increase the risk of side effects.
Examples of medicines that could cause problems if taken with antihistamines include some types of:
- Antidepressants
- Stomach ulcer or indigestion medicines
- Cough and cold remedies that also contain an antihistamine
Try not to drink alcohol while taking an antihistamine, particularly if it’s a type that makes you drowsy, as it can increase the chances of it making you feel sleepy.
Source: NHS
Older antihistamines like chlorphenamine – known as Piriton – can also cause drowsiness.
If you already suffer from fatigue from a heart condition, these might not be the best choice for you.
Steroid nasal sprays like Beconase, Benacort and Pirinase, meanwhile, are considered safe for people with high blood pressure and heart and circulatory conditions.
These sprays are often the first port of call for people suffering from hay fever, as they reduce inflammation in the nose and sinuses.
“Make sure you stick to the recommended dose” if you’re taking them, Julie noted.
How to know if you have hay fever
Hay fever is usually worse between late March and September, especially when it’s warm, humid and windy. This is when the pollen count is at its highest.
Hay fever can last for weeks or months, unlike a cold, which usually goes away after one to two weeks.
Typical symptoms include:
- Frequent sneezing
- Runny or blocked nose
- Itchy, red or watery eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)
- An itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears
- Cough, caused by postnasal drip (mucus dripping down the throat from the back of the nose)
Less commonly, you may also experience:
- The loss of your sense of smell (anosmia)
- Facial pain (caused by blocked sinuses)
- Headaches
- Earache
- Tiredness and fatigue
If you have asthma, your asthma symptoms may get worse when you have hay fever.