How to Use Zyrtec to Treat Asthma

If you have allergy-induced asthma, you're familiar with the symptoms of both allergy and asthma. Your seasonal or environmental allergies may cause respiratory itching, inflammation and mucus production. Inflammation of the airways may cause asthma symptoms, like coughing and breathing difficulties. Control your asthma by toning down your allergies with an anti-histamine that is less likely to cause drowsiness, such as Zyrtec. Read on to learn more about how to use Zyrtec to treat asthma.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Physician diagnosis
• Emergency inhaler
• HEPA filter
• Zyrtec prescription
• Asthma diary or list of triggers

Target Your Allergies

1. Consult a health care provider about the link between your allergies and asthma. She may quiz you about your known allergies or give you a series of allergy tests.
2. Determine which allergies are seasonal or ever-present, such as sensitivity to grass-seed pollen or mildew. Anti-histamines such as Zyrtec will help to control or prevent your symptoms. This will reduce your risk for an asthma attack.
3. Determine which allergies you can treat by avoidance. You can quit smoking or use a HEPA-filter vacuum cleaner to limit dust in your environment.
4. Detect allergens that need to be eliminated completely from your environment, such as dander from pet dogs or cats or ingredients in paint or solvents.

Manage Your Asthma

5. Take Zyrtec in tablet or liquid form as prescribed by your doctor. You can take it with or without a meal.
6. Maximize the effectiveness of your Zyrtec program by doing what you can to treat allergies caused by your environment. Avoid smoky or dusty places. Keep fish and reptiles instead of cats and dogs.
7. Use Zyrtec regularly to maintain the appropriate level of protection against allergies and asthma. Get a refill before your supply is gone.

Tips & Warnings

• Allergies are a proven source of asthma breathing disorders.
• Allergy symptoms include itchy, watery eyes and nose, sneezing and hives. Zyrtec can treat these problems.
• Zyrtec is one of several new-generation anti-histamines. Your doctor will prescribe and monitor the effectiveness of anti-histamines taken daily for chronic allergies.
• If Zyrtec causes dry mouth, try gum, hard candy or bits of ice as a remedy.
• Zyrtec is not an emergency asthma reliever. It should be used in conjunction with corticosteroids prescribed by a doctor. For an asthma attack, use a fast-acting inhaler or seek immediate medical attention.
• Like other anti-histamines, Zyrtec can increase the effect of other drugs or make some people drowsy. Read all the precautions about potential side effects on the medication label.