Ursula

[Guest guest]

I know Ursula, I was stumped on that one when they first tried it, as well.

It is complicated, but I will try to explain it how it was explained to me.

Zantac is as you know an H2 blocker, however, it also has antihistamine

affects working from the H2 receptors of the stomach, whereas the Zyrtec (or

other antihistamines) work as H1 receptors from the allergy component.

Anyone that is getting allergy testing should always stop their

antihistamines and Zantac prior to allergy testing. The thought is with

Mark, (particularly, since they do not know the source of the chronic uvular

edema) that anything could be causing it. So, if it is from a food verses a

virus (virus is what they strongly suspect) they would be covering all

basis...does that make sense? When has had anaphylactic reactions to

foods/antibiotics they always gave him Zantac as part of the protocol for a

number of days to help ward off delayed secondary reactions. There is a

strong relationship between vasculitis and angioedema. Angioedema of the

uvula/larynx can be life-threatening, so Mark is treated quite aggressively

with each episode. He has has so many attacks (literally hundreds) that it

is second nature to us. We have only had to use the Epi-pen about 6

different times. We have to call the physician each time, but we know the

meds to start with, Zantac being part of the protocal. Many times we have

to take him in for an exam of the throat and uvula. We are hopeful, that

this will lessen over time. One of the other boys with the Cd5-Cd19 PID has

the exact same condition and he has almost died several times, his attacks

have been far more critical then Mark's (you may remember me telling this

story about 1 1/2 years ago in another group). Anyway, I hope that I have

answered your question and not babbled too long.

Autumn (Mom to Mark Cd5-Cd19 PID and )