AboutNeal Okerson Expertise I should be able to answer most questions about anatomy and physiology of heart and lungs. I also enjoy answering questions about understanding diseases. I should also be able to explain the goals and objectives of various pulmonary related treatments. Not an M.D., but worked in the field (Certified Respiratory Therapy Technician) since 1990. Registered Respiratory Therapist since 1995. B.S. degree in Health Education (1987). Currently working (since 1993) as the Director of Clinical Education in an AMA approved Respiratory Care Program in Western KY.
Question Hi.
I'm kind of sensitive to dust and develop allergic colds rather quickly if I'm exposed to dust for more than a few minutes or so.
Unfortunately, I work in the computer hardware repair industry and come across dust practically every day; every time I open up a computer and have to check the innards, I have to first blow away the dust. This causes a sneezing fit, and if I'm exposed to more than a few in a day, I develop an allergic cough.
As a result of this, I always carry some Benadryl or similar anti-histamine, typically a diphenyhdramine hydrochloride containing syrup or tablet. I only consume it if it gets really bad; I certainly do not consume the drug every day. I do wear a mask, but that offers only so much protection.
Anyway, my question is this. Sometimes, when the sneezing/coughing gets really bad, I have to consume Benadryl or another anti-histamine for more than a few days, and I end up with a regular-type of (probably viral?) cold or cough, with congestion/phlegm. This doesn't happen very often, but it does happen, say, once in 6 months.
So my question is this: are anti-histamines essentially responsible for lowering overall immune response? ...and is this the possible reason i.e. intake of anti-histamines, for allergic colds developing into regular, run-of-the-mill microbial ones? I don't take more than the recommended dosage for a day if I do develop an allergic cough.
If I remember correctly, histamines have something to do with antigens and antibodies. I don't remember what, though.
Btw, it isn't as bad as it probably sounds. I don't have a cold every day or anything. It just gets bad at certain times.
Thanks for your time.
Answer I suspect that any possible progession from allergy into a cold would be because - when we have allergy problems we wipe the nose and eyes quite often. This offers a great opportunity to transfer a cold virus from a hand to the respiratory tract.
