Allergies and high blood pressure are two common health concerns that affect many people worldwide. While they may seem unrelated, recent studies have found a potential connection between the two.
Allergies occur when the body's immune system overreacts to harmless substances such as pollen, dust mites, or certain foods. This can trigger a range of symptoms, including sneezing, itching, hives, and swelling.
On the other hand, high blood pressure, or hypertension, happens when the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high, putting extra strain on the heart and blood vessels.
Let’s look more into how allergies can cause high blood pressure, what antihistamines are safe for high blood pressure and the best allergy treatments for those with high blood pressure.
Can allergies cause high blood pressure?
Yes, allergies can cause high blood pressure. While allergies and high blood pressure might not seem to have much in common, recent research suggests that they may be linked. According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, individuals with allergic rhinitis (a type of allergy that affects the nose and sinuses) were more likely to have high blood pressure than those without this condition.
It's important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between allergies and high blood pressure. However, if you have allergies and high blood pressure and are concerned about your blood pressure, it's a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider. They can recommend lifestyle changes or medications to help manage your allergies and prevent any potential complications related to high blood pressure.
What is the link between allergies and high blood pressure?
So, what is the possible explanation for this link between allergies and blood pressure? One theory is that the inflammation that occurs in response to allergies may also affect the blood vessels, causing them to become stiffer and less flexible, which can increase blood pressure. Another possibility is that the stress of dealing with allergies can trigger a release of hormones, such as cortisol, which can also raise blood pressure levels.
Allergic Reactions
When one is facing an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction, it can cause a lot of stress and anxiety on the body, resulting in raised blood pressure. Typically, blood pressure will return to normal after the reaction, but if reactions are happening frequently, it can become an issue.
Medications
Some allergy medications can interfere with your preexisting conditions, such as hypertension, and increase your blood pressure. Even if you don’t have a history of hypertension or high blood pressure, taking a decongestant everyday can raise blood pressure due to the constriction of blood vessels.
Do allergy medications cause high blood pressure?
Yes, some allergy medications can raise blood pressure. Certain types of allergy medications, such as decongestants like Sudafed, can raise blood pressure in some people. Decongestants work by narrowing blood vessels, which can increase blood pressure. This effect is usually mild and temporary, but people with high blood pressure should talk to their doctor before taking these medications.
There can be ways to avoid this, specifically in your allergy medication. Look for allergy medications without the ingredients pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, these are what can raise blood pressure. When choosing an over-the-counter allergy medication, beware of combination allergy medications that also contain decongestants. These products typically have the words sinus, cold, congestion, or decongestant on the label. They also might be labeled with the letters D, PD, or PE after the name.
Do antihistamines raise blood pressure?
Antihistamines, another common type of allergy medication, are generally not known to cause high blood pressure.
It's important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the potential relationship between allergies and high blood pressure. If you are concerned about the effects of your allergy medication on your blood pressure, talk to your healthcare provider. They can recommend alternative treatments or adjust your medication regimen to minimize any potential side effects.
Can I take allergy medicine with high blood pressure?
If you have high blood pressure, you should talk to your healthcare provider before taking any allergy medication. Some allergy medications, particularly decongestants, can raise blood pressure and may not be safe for people with hypertension. The best allergy medicine for high blood pressure is the one your healthcare provider recommends.
If you do need to take allergy medication and have high blood pressure, it's important to monitor your blood pressure regularly and report any changes to your healthcare provider.
What antihistamines are safe for high blood pressure?
In general, newer, non-sedating antihistamines are preferred for people with high blood pressure. These medications are less likely to cause drowsiness and other side effects, and are less likely to interact with other medications that you may be taking for high blood pressure.
Examples of non-sedating antihistamines that are generally considered safe for people with high blood pressure include:
- Loratadine (Claritin)
- Fexofenadine (Allegra)
- Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
- Levocetirizine (Xyzal)
- Older, sedating antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), may cause drowsiness and other side effects that can be more pronounced in people with high blood pressure. However, they may still be appropriate in certain situations, such as for short-term relief of severe allergy symptoms.
Again, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new medication, including antihistamines, if you have high blood pressure. They can help determine the best treatment approach for you based on your individual needs and medical history.
Best allergy treatments for those with high blood pressure
The best allergy medicine for adults with high blood pressure depends on several factors, including the type and severity of your allergy symptoms, your medical history, and any other medications you are taking. It's important to talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new medication, including allergy medication, if you have high blood pressure.
That being said, here are some options that are generally considered safe for people with high blood pressure:
- Non-sedating antihistamines: These medications, such as loratadine (Claritin), fexofenadine (Allegra), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and levocetirizine (Xyzal), are less likely to cause drowsiness and other side effects than older, sedating antihistamines. They are generally safe for people who have allergies and high blood pressure.
- Nasal corticosteroids: These medications, such as fluticasone (Flonase) and mometasone (Nasonex), are sprayed into the nose to reduce inflammation and relieve allergy symptoms. Because these work to decongest in just your nose, rather than throughout your body, these are a better choice than oral decongestants.
- Allergy shots: Allergy shots, or subcutaneous immunotherapy, are a long-term treatment that involves receiving regular injections of small amounts of allergens to build up immunity. They are safe for people with high blood pressure, but may take several months to become effective.
How Aspire Allergy & Sinus can help
By treating your allergies at the root cause, you can decrease your risk of high blood pressure. With our long-term allergy treatments we can help treat your allergies for good! This way you don’t have to take an allergy medication or decongestant everyday, decreasing your risk of high blood pressure. Here are some of our long-term treatment options:
- Allergy drops, also known as sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), are a type of treatment for allergies that involves placing small amounts of allergens under the tongue to build up immunity over time. The drops contain a customized mixture of allergens based on the specific substances to which the individual is allergic. The goal of allergy drops is to gradually desensitize the immune system to the allergens, reducing the severity of allergy symptoms over time. Allergy drops are considered a safe and effective treatment for allergies, with fewer side effects than some other treatments like allergy shots. They can be particularly useful for people who are unable to tolerate or do not want to receive allergy shots, such as young children or people with needle phobias.
- Allergy shots, also known as subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), are a type of treatment for allergies that involves receiving regular injections of small amounts of allergens to build up immunity over time. The goal of allergy shots is to reduce the severity of allergy symptoms over time, and in some cases, to eliminate them completely. Allergy shots have been shown to be effective for treating a variety of allergies, including seasonal allergies, pet allergies, and allergies to dust mites, molds, and certain foods.
- ExACT Immunopolasty is a type of treatment for allergies that involves injecting small amounts of allergens directly into the lymph nodes. This approach is designed to improve the effectiveness of allergen immunotherapy and reduce the amount of time required for treatment. ExACT is designed to boost the immune system's response to allergens, leading to a reduction in allergy symptoms over time. By reducing allergy symptoms, you can decrease your intake of allergy medications and reactions that lead to high blood pressure.
Are you tired of relying on temporary solutions for your allergies and sinus issues? Don't let these symptoms hold you back from living your life to the fullest. At Aspire Allergy & Sinus, we understand the impact that these conditions can have on your quality of life. That's why we offer personalized treatment plans designed to address the root cause of your symptoms and provide long-term relief. Our team of allergy specialists uses the latest diagnostic tools and treatment options to help you find relief from your allergies and sinus issues. Don't wait any longer to take control of your health. Schedule your appointment today and start living your best life, allergy-free!
FAQs
Allergies and Blood Pressure: Everything You Need to Know? ›
An inflammatory response to allergens increases blood flow to the affected area. Inflammation can also constrict blood vessels and arteries that lead to major organs like the heart and kidneys. This stiffening of the arteries can lead to elevated blood pressure, and is harmful if left untreated.
Can allergies affect your blood pressure? ›In general, allergies do not directly increase blood pressure. However, if you take certain medications for your allergies, they may affect your blood pressure; thus, your allergies can indirectly affect your blood pressure.
Can allergies feel like high blood pressure? ›Allergic reactions or attacks can cause anxiety in even the healthiest person, and one of the symptoms of anxiety is an increase in blood pressure. This increase is temporary, however, and once the allergic reaction subsides, the blood pressure should also fall.
What should you take for allergies if you have high blood pressure? ›Second-generation antihistamines that are not combined with decongestants are the best choice for people with hypertension. These include oral medications like: Cetirizine (Zyrtec) Fexofenadine (Allegra)
What happens to BP in allergic reaction? ›Histamines, the substances released by the body during an allergic reaction, cause the blood vessels to expand, which in turn causes a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Fluid can leak into the lungs, causing swelling (pulmonary edema). Anaphylaxis can also cause heart rhythm disturbances.
Do sinuses cause high blood pressure? ›“When you're fighting an infection such as a sinus infection, your body may respond with increased temperature or heart rate,” he says. “In turn, that may lead to elevated blood pressure.”
Can allergy medicine lower blood pressure? ›However, medicines containing decongestants — including Allegra-D, Zyrtec-D and Claritin-D — could increase your blood pressure and heart rate or interfere with your heart medication.
Can Benadryl lower your blood pressure? ›It's possible for Benadryl to cause low blood pressure. Taking Benadryl with blood pressure medication could cause your blood pressure to decrease to a level that's too low. It's also important to note that Benadryl is available in combination cold products that can increase blood pressure.
Can antihistamines lower BP? ›Even at lower doses, they can produce dizziness, lowering of blood pressure, and sedation carrying over to the next day. This can cause older adults to fall with related injury risks.
Can inflammation cause high blood pressure? ›Research has shown that inflammation can cause high blood pressure, per research in Current Opinion in Physiology in 2021.
Does Zyrtec affect high blood pressure? ›
Antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) aren't known to raise blood pressure when used alone. Antihistamines are part of many combination over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold products. They may be combined with a medication that can raise your blood pressure.
What can I take for allergies that won t raise blood pressure? ›Examples of these are Allegra, Claritin, and Zyrtec. These will not affect your blood pressure at all. You may also see another version that advertises itself as not only good for allergies but good for relieving stuffy nose and sinus issues, too. Examples of these include Allegra-D, Claritin-D, and Zyrtec-D.
What is the best sinus medicine for high blood pressure? ›Coricidin ® HBP is the #1 selling† brand of powerful cold medicine specially formulated for those with high blood pressure. Nasal decongestants in common cold medications may raise one's blood pressure.
What are the 4 types of allergic reactions? ›Type I: reaction mediated by IgE antibodies. Type II: cytotoxic reaction mediated by IgG or IgM antibodies. Type III: reaction mediated by immune complexes. Type IV: delayed reaction mediated by cellular response.
Can a histamine reaction cause high blood pressure? ›In more severe cases of histamine intolerance, you may experience: abdominal cramping. tissue swelling. high blood pressure.
Can an allergic reaction cause and hypertensive crisis? ›Anaphylaxis can present with normal, low, or elevated blood pressure. The scarcity of corroborating reports in the literature on anaphylaxis presenting with high blood pressure makes this entity unfamiliar to clinicians, leading to underdiagnosis and delayed treatment.
Why do I suddenly have high blood pressure? ›High levels of stress can lead to a temporary increase in blood pressure. Stress-related habits such as eating more, using tobacco or drinking alcohol can lead to further increases in blood pressure.
Can anxiety cause high blood pressure? ›Anxiety doesn't cause long-term high blood pressure (hypertension). But episodes of anxiety can cause dramatic, temporary spikes in blood pressure.
Can dehydration cause high blood pressure? ›When you're dehydrated, sodium levels in your blood typically rise. Your system responds by releasing more of a hormone called vasopressin, which works to help your body hang on to water. Vasopressin also can cause your blood vessels to tighten, or constrict, which makes your blood pressure rise.
Can I use Flonase if I have high blood pressure? ›FLONASE Allergy Relief has a well-established safety profile. FLONASE Allergy Relief is NOT associated with: Higher blood pressure and is not contraindicated in patients with hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, liver disease, or kidney disease.
Why are antihistamines bad for high blood pressure? ›
They may raise your blood pressure. They also keep some high blood pressure drugs from working the way they should.Be careful, because many allergy medications contain antihistamines and a decongestant.
Does Claritin raise or lower blood pressure? ›Claritin. Claritin is a brand name for the drug loratadine, which doesn't usually raise blood pressure. Claritin-D, a combination of loratadine and pseudoephedrine, can elevate blood pressure.
Does magnesium lower blood pressure? ›“Consuming diets with adequate magnesium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure (hypertension).
Does melatonin lower blood pressure? ›Single melatonin intake can lower BP, but only when melatonin is taken during the day, when general SCN neuronal activity is high and endogenous melatonin levels are low. This effect could be mediated via an immediate inhibition of SCN–neuronal activity inducing a state resembling nocturnal SCN output.
Which is the safest antihistamine? ›Second-generation antihistamines are considered to be safer than first generation antihistamines because they don't cause drowsiness and interact with fewer drugs.
Is it OK to take antihistamines with blood pressure tablets? ›While some allergy medications are safe to take with high blood pressure, many are not. For example, allergy medications that contain a decongestant should always be avoided, as well as some antihistamines. Additionally, there is also a risk of drug interactions that can lead to dangerously high blood pressure.
What autoimmune causes high blood pressure? ›Autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis are associated with an increased risk for hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
How can you tell if you have high inflammation in your body? ›Some of the most common signs of chronic inflammation include: Body discomfort, including joint stiffness, tendonitis and muscle pain. Sleep disorders like insomnia, sleep apnea and persistent fatigue. Weight gain or unexplained weight loss.
How can I reduce inflammation and high blood pressure? ›- Tomatoes. ...
- Sweet Potatoes. ...
- Blueberries. ...
- Pistachios. ...
- Yogurt. ...
- Leafy Greens. ...
- Flaxseeds. ...
- Beans, Peas & Lentils.
You should not use Zyrtec-D if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, severe high blood pressure (hypertension), severe coronary artery disease, if you are unable to urinate, or if you are allergic to hydroxyzine (Atarax, Vistaril). Do not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days.
Do allergy pills raise blood pressure? ›
Many allergy medications include decongestants that can raise blood pressure, create palpitations and interfere with some other heart medications. Medications that often can be safely used by people with significant allergies include nasal corticosteroids.
What is the number one side effect of Zyrtec? ›The most commonly reported side effects include somnolence, dizziness, and headache. Use these dosage charts for infants and children under 12 years old: Zyrtec Dosage Charts (Infants & Children)
Can seasonal allergies cause a spike in blood pressure? ›An inflammatory response to allergens increases blood flow to the affected area. Inflammation can also constrict blood vessels and arteries that lead to major organs like the heart and kidneys. This stiffening of the arteries can lead to elevated blood pressure, and is harmful if left untreated.
Is mucinex OK for high blood pressure? ›Will Mucinex raise blood pressure? No, Mucinex does not raise blood pressure. It does not have any ingredients that affect blood pressure. Therefore, it is considered safe in people with high blood pressure.
Does Flonase help with sinus pressure? ›Yes, the active ingredients in FLONASE Headache & Allergy Relief can help to alleviate sinus congestion and pressure caused by allergies.
Does mucinex help with sinus pressure? ›A decongestant will shrink the mucus membranes that have swollen in your sinuses. This will help the trapped mucus drain out—meaning you'll breathe easier and feel more comfortable. Nasal sprays, such as Mucinex® Sinus-Max® Full Force® Nasal Spray, can help ease congestion and provide relief.
What daily medicine is good for sinus pressure? ›Oxymetazoline
Oxymetazoline is a nasal spray. People can use it to relieve sinus pressure if they have a cold or allergies, including hay fever. Afrin, Dristan, Nostrilla, and Vicks Sinus Nasal Spray are all types of oxymetazoline.
Common allergy triggers include: Airborne allergens, such as pollen, animal dander, dust mites and mold. Certain foods, particularly peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, eggs and milk. Insect stings, such as from a bee or wasp.
What are 5 allergy triggers? ›- Dust mites.
- Cockroaches.
- Pollen.
- Molds.
- Animal allergens (pet dander)
- Rodents.
But sometimes, exposure to an allergen can cause a life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis . This severe reaction happens when an over-release of chemicals puts the person into shock. Allergies to food, insect stings, medications and latex are most frequently associated with anaphylaxis.
How can I flush histamine out of my body? ›
Drinking plenty of water every day is essential for all bodily functions, including the regulation of histamine levels. Water does aid in the removal of histamines from the body as more that 95% of excess histamines are removed from the body through the urine.
What is the strongest natural antihistamine? ›- Antihistamines.
- Stinging nettle.
- Quercetin.
- Bromelain.
- Butterbur.
These include: Flushing, difficulty regulating body temperature, sudden excessive sweating. Hives, rashes, swelling, itchy skin, eczema. Racing heart, palpitations, arrhythmia.
Can inner ear problems cause high blood pressure? ›Research published in the NCBI found that 44.4% of people with tinnitus also had hypertension. The connection between the two conditions relates to the delicate network of vessels in your auditory system.