Cranberry juice is a widely used and enjoyed beverage that is high in antioxidants and can help treat urinary tract infections. Unfortunately, for people who are allergic to it, cranberry juice can cause an unwanted reaction. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include itching, hives and nasal discharge. If you experience difficulty breathing, seek medical help immediately, as this can be dangerous. If however, you have a mild allergic reaction to cranberry juice, you can take steps to treat the symptoms at home.
Step 1
Stop drinking cranberry juice and avoid any food products that contain cranberries. Your symptoms may be mild, however KidsHealth explains that the only way to avoid allergic reactions is to avoid the allergen itself. Fortunately, you can usually avoid cranberries and cranberry juice and substitute a different kind of juice such as apple or grape. Be sure to read nutrition labels to check for cranberries in other foods such as baked goods.
Step 2
Take an over-the-counter antihistamine medication. According to FamilyDoctor, antihistamines are used to decrease your body's response to an allergen. These medications stop substances known as histamines from attaching to cells in your body. Histamines are normally released by your body and cause allergy symptoms when they attach to your cells. Some common over-the-counter antihistamine medications are brompheniramine, diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine and loratadine. Some antihistamines may cause side effects such as dry mouth and drowsiness and may interact with other medications, so check with your doctor before using them.
Step 3
Use an over-the-counter decongestant to open your nasal passages, relieve sinus pressure and allow blocked fluids to drain. A common ingredient in decongestants is pseudoephedrine, which dilates the blood vessels in your nose. An allergic reaction often causes these vessels to swell and block your nasal passages, stopping fluids from draining and leading to pressure and headache. Some decongestant medications are also stimulants and can disrupt sleep if taken late in the day. In addition, decongestants can cause blood pressure elevation or can interact with other medications. Check with your doctor before using an over-the-counter decongestant.
Step 4
Apply an over-the-counter topical cream or gel that contains an antihistamine. People vary in how they react in response to an allergen and may develop itching and a rash. If you experience this kind of symptom after consuming cranberry juice, a topical cream for allergic itching can help reduce your discomfort. Monitor your skin for signs that your rash is spreading or hives are becoming more prevalent and see your doctor if this occurs.
Things You'll Need
- Over-the-counter antihistamine medication
- Over-the-counter decongestant
- Over-the-counter topical antihistamine cream or gel
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