@nimmy Cetirizine is a second-generation antihistamine (H1 receptor antagonist) that binds competitively to histamine receptor sites to reduce swelling, itching, and vasodilation. Cetirizine, in approved oral formulations, has a well-characterized systemic efficacy and safety profile with world-wide exposure representing more than 300 million patient-years.

@nimmy Dry eye disease was more prevalent in the ophthalmology patients than in the allergy patients (51.6% vs 37.5%). However, allergy patients with concomitant dry eyes were more likely to have more severe disease — defined as having more than 4 symptoms — than ophthalmology patients (42.6% vs 15.8%).

@diganto An immune system overreaction causes food allergies. For egg allergy, the immune system mistakenly identifies certain egg proteins as harmful. When you or your child comes in contact with egg proteins, immune system cells (antibodies) recognize them and signal the immune system to release histamine and other chemicals that cause allergic signs and symptoms. Both egg yolks and egg whites contain proteins that can cause allergies, but allergy to egg whites is most common. It's possible for breast-fed infants to have an allergic reaction to egg proteins in breast milk if the mother consumes eggs.

Hello, a 32 year old female friend of mine has complain of pain in the lower limb of approximately 5 months. She informs the Sports Podiatrist that she runs 5 days in every week, covering 5-7 km’s each run and has felt a gradual increase in symptoms over this 20 week period. She is training for a half marathon and covers a kilometer in approximately 4 minutes. She has never had Shin Splints before but has suffered with a lateral calf strain in her right leg. Over the last 3 weeks, she reports that these Shin Splints type symptoms have been apparent throughout day, with regular walking. She informs the Sports Podiatrist that the only thing that is different about her training is a change in the model of her running shoes. She has always ran in the Asics Gel Kayano, but decided to try a lighter, more minimal shoe and so she changed to an Asics DS Racer. Within a few weeks of using the new Asics, her Shin Splints started to develop and within the first KM of running her legs would hurt. Please let me know the treatment options for shin splints.

@prasoon Rifampin and its metabolites may color urine, feces, saliva, sputum, sweat, and tears a bright red-orange. This can create a great deal of anxiety for both patients and medical personnel unless they are forewarned of this "harmless" phenomenon. (Harmless is used here in a relative sense because those who have attempted to remove the stains from clothing may not consider it so). The rifampicin ingredient of Fixcom-4 can stain body secretions such as urine temporarily. There is no cause for worry. You must complete the anti-TB course.

@pratibha A runny nose is mucus being discharged out of the nose. It can be caused by colder outdoor temperatures, or by the cold, flu, or allergies. Treatment includes drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, and resting as much as possible. Some types of them can help relieve your runny nose and sneezing when you have a cold. They block a chemical your body makes called histamine that makes the tissues in your nose itch and swell. Most experts say that histamine isn't the major cause of a runny nose when you have a cold. Even so, some of the older antihistamines, such as brompheniramine and chlorpheniramine, can bring relief. Newer antihistamines like fexofenadine (Allegra) and loratidine (Claritin) have not been shown to work for cold symptoms.

Hi, I am 34 years old. I work in a school. Recently I have been diagnosed with diabetes. My family physician has suggested that I don't need to start medication. Only life style changes and eating habits modification will be needed. I am addicted to coffee. I drink coffee regularly. Is it safe to drink coffee in diabetes? Do I have to quit it to lower my blood sugar level? Please leave your valuable suggestion.

Hello, I am a school goer, I am 16 years old. During my examinations I stay up late for studying. But when the exams are over, I am not getting sleep. This sleep problem is bothering me very much. I have not informed this to my parents otherwise they will be worried. I have no history of illness. I drink coffee a lot. My friend told me that this might be the reason for my insomnia. Is drinking coffee linked to insomnia? Please comment.

@vatan The management of osteoarthritis (OA) represents a real challenge. This complex and multi-factorial disease evolves over decades and requires not only the alleviation of symptoms, i.e. pain and joint function but also the preservation of articular structure without side effects. Nutraceuticals are good candidates for the management of OA due to their safety profile and potential efficacy. However, they are not part of the treatment guidelines and published recommendations. Curcumin is the yellow pigment isolated from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa, commonly known as turmeric. Curcumin is a highly pleiotropic molecule with an excellent safety profile. Strong molecular evidence has been published for its potency to target multiple inflammatory diseases. However, naturally occurring curcumin cannot achieve its optimum therapeutic outcomes due to its low solubility and poor bioavailability. Nevertheless, curcumin presents great potential for treating OA and has been categorized as having preclinical evidence of efficacy.

@Abhik The occurrence of common cold is increasing nowadays. Symptoms include congestion, cough, headache, malaise, pain, postnasal drip, rhinorrhea, sinus pressure, and/or sneezing. Given Alisha's medical and medication history, she should avoid systemic decongestants containing pseudoephedrine or other active ingredients that cause vasoconstriction to provide symptom relief. These agents can cause increases in blood pressure and may exacerbate symptoms of hyperthyroidism. To err on the side of caution, it is prudent to recommend forms of nonpharmacologic relief of congestion in this case, including nasal decongestant strips, saline or a teapot, or topical camphor- or menthol-containing preparations that may help clear inflamed nasal passages.