Antihistamines Vs. Decongestants and Capsules Vs. Tablets

It's that time of year... you have sniffles or drainage... what are your options? Most don't really know the difference but it is VERY important to know how they work to treat cold symptoms. One keeps you awake, the other one makes you drowsy. It's also important to know who should -- and should not take decongestants and antihistamines.

Runny and itchy nose

If it's running... and clear drainage... take an antihistamine 

Antihistamines are frequently included in nighttime cold medicines as they make most people drowsy.

 But for many people, antihistamines may help relieve sneezing and runny nose from a cold.

When your nose and sinuses are affected by a cold virus, special cells in your nose and sinuses release a chemical called histamine. This causes the tissues in your nose to itch and swell and to alter the mucus it secretes so that the mucus becomes clear and runny. Antihistamine cold medicines block histamine from interacting with the nasal tissues, thus preventing sneezing and runny nose.

According to WEBMD - only the older antihistamines, such as brompheniramine and chlorpheniramine, are effective at relieving cold symptoms. Their main side effect is drowsiness, which makes them difficult for some people to take during the day. That's why antihistamines are often included in nighttime cold medicines. Newer antihistamines like Allergra and Claritin have not been shown to work against cold symptoms.

Besides being drowsy, other common side effects of antihistamines include dry mouth, dizziness, and headache.

 STUFFED UP and CAN'T Breathe?


DECONGESTANTS(Caution if you are cardiac patient)
Stuffy nose? Can't breathe... take a decongestant

Decongestants and antihistamines come in many forms including as ingredients found in multi-symptom cold relief drugs. 

Decongestants are often found in daytime cold medicines because they may keep you awake. Decongestants constrict the blood vessels... so you can breathe easier ...which is why it raises BLOOD pressure

When you have an allery or the cold virus, the tissues in your nose swell and increase their production of fluid and mucus. As a result, you might feel fullness or pressure in your nose and head. That's congestion, and it can cause you to have trouble breathing through your nose. Decongestants reduce swelling in the nasal and improve airflow so you can breathe through your nose.



Decongestants can also increase blood pressure, so people with high blood pressure or heart disease should use them cautiously. There are decongestant-free cold medicines available if you have high blood pressure.

Decongestants come in pill form or nasal sprays. Nasal spray decongestants do not usually keep you awake and may be helpful at night for congestion. But remember, you should not take them for more than three days as you may have an increase in congestion once you stop them if you use them longer.

FROM WEBMD

The following over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestant drugs are taken for relief of both cold and allergy symptoms.
Type of Decongestant or Antihistamine Cold Medicine
Brand Name(s)
Symptoms
Treated
Possible Side Effects
Antihistamine (tablets, caplets, or liquid) Benadryl
Chlor-Trimeton
Dimetane
Tavist
Itchy, runny nose and eyes; sneezing; itchy throat Drowsiness or grogginess, upset stomach, dry mouth, impaired coordination and judgment, urinary retention, loss of appetite, excitability (in children)
Decongestant (tablets or caplets) Sudafed Congestion and pressure in head, nose, and ears Lightheadedness, wakefulness, nervousness, restlessness (jittery and shaky), increased blood pressure and heart rate; irregular heart beat
Antihistamine/
decongestant
(tablets, caplets, or liquid)
Actifed
Chlor-Trimeton D
Dimetapp
Drixoral
Tavist D
Itchy, runny nose and eyes; sneezing; congestion Possible antihistamine and/or decongestant side effects
Antihistamine/
decongestant/
pain reliever
(tablets, caplets, or liquid)
Advil Cold and Sinus
Comtrex Day/Night
Tylenol Allergy Sinus
Itchy, runny nose and eyes; sneezing; congestion; headache Possible antihistamine and/or decongestant side effects
Decongestant nose spray Afrin
Neo-Synephrine
Dristan Nasal Spray
Nasal stuffiness Might lead to "rebound" congestion from dependence on the medicine if used for more than three days
Antihistamine eye drops Visine-A (Formerly OcuHist) Itchy, watery eyes; eye redness Temporary stinging in the eyes or blurred vision; "rebound" redness of the eyes if overused

 

What Medicare Won't Tell You

Interesting article from Yahoo Finance

Click here

Beginner's guide to Android phones and tablets

Did you get a new Android phone for Christmas? This guide will show you everything you need to know to use it.

In this guide to  Android phones and tablets  a lot of your questions will be answered. ..f they haven't covered your question, don't hesitate to drop them a line at ask@tecca.com; they will answer it in their to answer it in our weekly Ask Tecca column.

If you're looking for Android app recommendations, check out  Android App of the Week column. They  showcase the best and most interesting apps out there, making sure they bring extra utility and fun to your Android-based gadget.

Watch the Video 

How to Back-Up Your Digital Photos

Many of us now have our precious digital family photos on our computer..because HARD DRIVES FAIL without warning. 

If you're someone who keeps your photos on the camera, take them off... one mess up and you'll lose them all... loose the camera and they're gone.

This video has a lot of great tips.

http://www.5min.com/Video/How-to-Backup-Your-Digital-Family-Photos-256977306

Have last minute shopping to do? 3 Apps for your Android Phone

http://www.tecca.com/tips-and-tricks/just-show-me-3-great-shopping-apps-for-your-android-phone/

ShopSavvy - scan and shopsavvy will pull it up and ShopSavvy will show you online pricing and local pricin

Google Shopper - also gives you daily specials in your area

BLACKFRIDAY - plan what you are going to buy, where, how.... can create shopping list of items you plan to purchase.

Restaurant.com - Money saving tips

Many savvy diners already know about Restaurant.com, the website that sells dining gift certificates at a fraction of their value. There are some tricks you should know to maximize the value of their deals.

For example, signing up for their email list gets you access to discounts on the site’s already low prices. You can get a $25 gift certificate that normally sells on the site for $10 for a price as low as $2 through the newsletter.

Along with the money-saving tricks, the site has some traps to be careful of too. Read the terms of the offers very closely before you buy in. Usually there’s a minimum spending amount on food, and some gift certificates are only valid on certain nights.

Although it is against Restaurant.com’s policies, some restaurants will inexplicably fail to accept the certificates. The safe move is to call the restaurant before buying from Restaurant.com, and double-check before you get seated too.

 

My Favorite Cheese Ball - Impressive Too

One of Paula Dean's creations and it doesn't even have a pound of butter in it!



The recipe can be found on the FOODNETWORK SITE by clicking here

Last Minute Gifts for Men

Apple TV is now $99!

Because it is small - fits in the palm of your hand, you won't even have to deal with an unsightly box next to the TV.

If he's not someone who is glued to his TV set, he can save money with Apple TV by canceling his cable subscription and only downloading movies and TV shows he wants to watch. Apple TV allows you to rent movies and TV shows at your leisure, and also allows you to stream iTunes music and movies from your computer to your TV.

ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS - filled with tons and tons of buy  one get one coupons and some coupons! 
 

Gift Certificates

Maybe he has a gadget he has been longing for... don't overlook your local hardware store for gift certificates... or his favorite coffee shop, Amazon.com, gym, etc.


Noise Canceling Headphone


Enhance your listening experience and reduce unwanted ambient noise by 87.4 percent with the MDR-NC7 noise canceling headphones. Featuring a convenient, foldable and swivel design, these headphones are perfect for travel or the daily commute.The MDR-NC7 reduce up to 87.4% (9 dB at 300 Hz) of ambient noise when the noise canceling circuit is switched on, ideal for loud, noisy environments like planes, buses, dorms, etc.

How to Dress your Holiday Table

Decorating Outside of your Home for Chrismas

Spinach Stuffed Mushroom Recipe - Easy!

How to Make French Onion Soup

Decorating Fireplace Mantel for Christmas

Wrap Gifts with Wax Paper - Inexpensive

How to Make Sugar Cookies

How to wear the Infinity Scarf



Sweating - The benefits and what you can do to prevent it

You vs the Flu - Things to do to Avoid the Flu

Preparing for the Common Cold





A tsp of honey is as effective as a cough suppressant.

Write down what meds you are taking when.... and make sure you don't double dose.

Go to www.webmd.com and search COLD MEDICINE for more information.

From the website "doctorsecrets.com"

COMMON COLDS are a nuisance, but not life threatening. And being viruses, we don't have any 'antibiotics' against them. (Antibiotics only work on another group of germs called bacteria). Luckily, the common cold lasts only for 5 to 10 days. So for those ten days we try to make life as pleasant as possible by treating the symptoms of the common cold rather than the cause.
Common Cold / Flu Treatment

Fever - acetaminophen based syrups or tablets are used to lower body fever.

Runny nose/ Sneeze/ Dry cough - antihistamines and/or pseudoephedrine syrups and tablets can dramatically slow a pouring nose, sneeze and cough.

Sore throat - the acetaminophen used in fever control also eases the pain of sore throats. Gargled aspirin and liquid anesthetics can also calm a sore throat. The anesthetics work quick and last for about 30 minutes - long enough for you to eat or drink comfortably - but for long term relief gargled aspirin is better but takes much longer to work.

These medications can be bought without a prescription to ease your misery, but consult with your pharmacist before purchase.
MLA Citation for School Reports, Links, and Presentations: DR. "Common Colds Symptoms, Common Cold Treatment ." Doctor Secrets! 10/23/2011. < http://www.doctorsecrets.com/your-medicine/common-cold-symptoms-treatment.html >