Q: I am 45 years old male suffering from chronic sinusitis and tonsillitis since childhood. I have tried everything the doctors have recommended but all in vain. The doctor also suggested that I should not go in for an operation since it is not a 100% cure and the problem may return after a few years subsequent to the operation. Finally, one doctor prescribed Altiva daily for 3 to 4 months and it has made my life comfortable. Now, I am taking Altiva for more than 2 years. Kindly advise me if there could be any side effects? In case I need to break this routine, then what are the other alternatives?

A:Altiva, or fexofenadine, is an exceptionally safe drug, and many patients have taken it for several years for such conditions as chronic urticaria and rhinitis without any side effects. If you have not yet tried nasal steroid sprays such as beclomethasone or fluticasone they are worth trying, as they reduce the inflammation in the nose and can be more effective in producing prolonged improvement than antihistamines such as fexofenadine.