Hay fever sufferers are being warned about a potential interaction between certain antihistamine tablets and fruit juice. The warning comes from Dr. Greg, who notes that grapefruit, orange, and apple juices can reduce the absorption of some antihistamines, making them less effective.
The correct name for hay fever is 'seasonal allergic rhinitis'. The term originated in the 19th century when it was assumed that only grass pollens caused irritation, but tree and weed pollens are also triggers. The hay fever season stretches from early spring to late summer, although not all sufferers are allergic to all pollens.
There is no cure for hay fever, but there are three generations of antihistamine tablets. First-generation antihistamines like chlorphenamine (branded as Piriton) can cause drowsiness. Second and third generation treatments such as cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine, and acrivastine are generally less likely to cause drowsiness, although cetirizine can cause this in 10% of users.
The price differential between branded and non-branded options is wide. For example, acrivastine (Benadryl Allergy Relief) costs 41p per tablet, while supermarket own-brand versions can be as low as 7p per tablet. Nasal sprays, including antihistamine and corticosteroid sprays, are also available, with steroid-based sprays being particularly effective for congestion.
Dr. Sam White, lecturer in genetics and immunology at Nottingham Trent University, advises that oral probiotics with bacteria types lactobacillus acidophilus and lactobacillus rhamnosus GG can help reduce hay fever symptoms. Key to efficacy is an encapsulation formula to ensure most bacteria reaches the gut.
