Discussion on Allergies

April 10, 2000

An expert in his field, Dr. Meltzer is a Professor of Pediatrics at U.C. San Diego, and a Co-Director of an Allergy and Asthma Medical Group and Research Center in San Diego. Dr. Meltzer has participated in over 400 research studies, published more than 250 articles and lectured extensively. He is also recognized in the physician's directory, The Best Doctors in America.

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Gazoontite: Hello and welcome to gazoontite.com's expert chat with Eli Meltzer, MD. An expert in his field, Dr. Meltzer is a Professor of Pediatrics at U.C. San Diego, and a Co-Director of an Allergy and Asthma Medical Group and Research Center in San Diego. Dr. Meltzer has participated in over 400 research studies, published more than 250 articles and lectured extensively. He is also recognized in the physician's directory, The Best Doctors in America. We are honored to have him here today to answer our questions. Please welcome Dr. Meltzer!

Dr Meltzer: Hello everybody, welcome to Springtime! It's a time when we see many patients have a flare up in their respiratory symptoms.eyes, nose, chest. But in fact, many people have symptoms year round, we call these perennial allergic symptoms. I look forward to speaking with you, and answering as many questions as I can.

Pahl: Dr Meltzer, I have a question about some of the prescription (all day) allergy medications that are being marketed on TV. I tried Claritin and it didn't do anything for me.is this often the case?

Dr Meltzer: Certainly everything we see on TV that is advertised is not going to be effective for every individual. Claritin has some advantages. It is a once a day, safe, antihistamine, that unlike many of the over the counter antihistamines, does not cause sedation. However, it only affects the symptoms of itching, sneezing, and nasal drainage. If your main problem is nasal congestion, or nasal blockage, generally an antihistamine of any kind will not be of adequate help, so we have to individualize the treatment, and for some people Claritin is terrific, and for others it is inadequate. However, it is a very safe medication.

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