Introduction

In simple terms, allergy is a reaction or response by the immune system. The reaction is to a certain substance or product called as “allergens”. The allergens could be mold, pet dander, residue from mice and cockroach, pollen, food, drug or any other substance, which are harmless to the majority of people. The allergens could make a person sneeze, wheeze or even create rashes. Infact, the same substance would have been harmless to the person who is allergic now. Allergies can get complicated and can even upset day-to-day normal functioning.

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Causes

The human body produces antibodies to combat foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses. The antibodies encounter bacteria, viruses and parasites and kill them. This is a valuable function to keep the body safe. However, in case the immune system misidentifies harmless foreign substances and reacts to them the way it reacts to harmful foreign substances, allergic reactions take place.

How do the allergens enter the body? In a variety of ways like inhalation through nose and lungs, ingested by mouth, injections and absorption through the skin.

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Types of allergies

The different types of allergies are as follows.

1. Respiratory allergies

   Is caused by allergens such as dust, mold, mildew and pollen. The allergic reactions are sneezing, coughing, runny nose, dry and itchy throat and watery eyes.

2. Asthma

   The sources are almost the same as respiratory allergies besides odors and chemicals. When the allergens are inhaled, the lungs and airways get inflamed. The response is typically wheezing and difficulty in breathing.

3. Food allergy

   The most food considered, as allergens are shellfish, cow’s milk, soy, peanuts, wheat and berries. Minor symptoms, which can be treated, are into diarrhea and bloating. In severe cases, food allergies can lead to death.

4. Drug allergy

   Codeine, penicillin and sulfa drugs are the common drugs to which many people are allergic. Allergic symptoms are hives, digestive problems, or a rash. In severe cases, drug allergies can lead to death.

5. Skin allergy

   Foods, drugs, detergents, chemicals, pollen, stress and insect bites can result in skin allergy. You can notice the skin turning red, swellings or an itchy feeling.

6. Insect sting allergy

   When insects such as a bee, fire ant, wasp, hornet or yellow jacket stings, it releases poison into the person’s body. There are instances when an insect sting allergy has been fatal. Insect sting allergic symptoms are difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, throat or mouth tissue, wheezing or difficulty swallowing, dizziness, a sharp drop in blood pressure, hives that initially appear as a red, itchy rash and gradually spread to areas beyond the sting.

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Symptoms

Allergy symptoms vary from person to person. Symptoms of allergies can be categorized as moderate, mild and severe. In case you are unable to distinguish between allergy symptoms and cold symptoms, it is best to seek medical help. Your doctor can help determine the cause of symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment method. Common allergy symptoms are:

• Sneezing
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Stuffed nasal passage
• Chest Tightness or difficulty in breathing
• Itchy, Sore throat
• Ear pain
• Running Nose
• Fatigue
• Sleeplessness
• Fever
• Earaches
• Hives/Rash.

Severe allergy symptoms are:

• Problem in breathing
• Increase of heart rate
• Inability to speak
• Facial swelling
• Facial itching

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Diagnosis

Your doctor may ask many questions to determine the allergy type. Certain tests will be performed to determine the connection between the symptoms and a certain disease. Skin test and or blood tests are usually conducted for diagnosis of allergens. In cases where skin test is not feasible, blood test alone will be done. Small amount of blood is taken from the allergy sufferer. The blood is analyzed for IgE antibodies (allergic antibodies). If the blood test results in high levels of allergic antibodies, it indicates an allergic reaction.

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Treatments available

During the course of time, if you have realized that a particular substance or product results in allergic reaction, try to avoid the allergens. There are a variety of medications- both OTC and prescription medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, combination medicines, corticosteroids to relieve allergic symptoms. Allergy shots when taken over a period of time can gradually increase your ability to tolerate allergens.

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Antihistamine medications

Benadryl, Claritin, Chlor-Trimeton, Dimetane, Zyrtec, and Tavist, clarinex, Allegra. Ocu-Hist and OTC eye drop and Astelin a prescription nasal spray, Emnadine and Livostin - eyedrops also below to this category.

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Decongestants

Decongestant medications in the form of nasal spray, eye drop, liquid or pill form is recommended for allergy treatment. If required your doctor may prescribe decongestants along with antihistamines. Zytec-D, Sudafed tablets or liquid, neo synephrine and afrin nasal sprays and visine eye drops, clarifitn-D, Allegra-D below to this category of medication.

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Steroids

Steroids come in different forms. Pills, inhalers, nasal sprays, creams, eye drop etc. Your doctor may prescribe a steroid in addition to another allergy medication.

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Nasal steroids

Beconase, Flonase, Nasocort, Nasonex, Rhinocort , and Veramyst for nasal allergy symptoms.

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Inhaled steroids

Azmacort, Beclovent, Flovent, and Pulmicort for asthma. Advair, a inhaled drug is prescribed with another drug to treat asthma.

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Eye drops

Alrex and Dexamethasone.

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Oral steroids

Deltasone otherwise called as prednisone.

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Bronchodilators

Prescription medications such as ventolin, proventil, brethaire, tornalate, xopenx, alupent, metaprel and maxain belong to this class of medication.

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Mast cell stabilizers

These are available in form of inhalers for asthama treatment, eyedrops for allergic conjunctivitis and nasal sprays for nasal allergy symptoms. Intal, Tilade, Crolom, Alomide, alocril, opticrom, alamast, Nasalcrom below to this class of medication.

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Allergy shots or immunotherapy

Your doctor may recommend allergy shots in case you suffer from allergies for more than three months in a year. The shots help to increase levels of tolerance to comban allergens.

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Ways to cope with allergies

You are not alone. The number of allergy sufferers in the world is doubling every decade. Approximately, 20% of the US population suffers from allergies. Use these tips to cope with allergy and make life easier.

• Avoid exposure or contact with allergens.
• Track allergens – the substance as well as time.
• Seek medical support without delay.
• Be open with doctor and answer to questions in detail.
• Take tests suggested by doctor to identify specific allergens.
• Make lifestyle modifications wherever required.
• Keep your home dust free and well vacuumed.
• Ensure pets get frequent baths and are brushed well.
• Abstain from sharing beds with pets.
• Consult doctor to take allergy shots.
• Follow instructions from doctor.
• Consider a good air filtration system at home.
• Take medications without fail.
• Shower and change clothes after a visit outside home.
• Don’t feel tempted to eat foods that cause allergy.
• Take all precautions for another attack once cured.

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Ways to prevent allergy

The best way to prevent allergy is by removing the factors that may result in acne. Use these tips to prevent allergy.

• Avoid activities that can trigger allergic reactions/symptoms.
• Use hepa filtered vacuum and a steam cleaner regularly at home.
• Look for specialized allergy covers to keep mattress and carpets dust free.
• Opt for a good air purifier system.
• Change air filters every three months.
• Stay indoors on windy days or when pollen counts are high.
• Keep items in bookshelves/display minimal.
• Use a damp cloth to clean.
• Prefer all-natural cleaning products.
• Keep house smoke-free
• Take precautions to exposure to pollen and molds. Wear a mask.
• Keep away from foods that can have negative effect
• Follow a disciplined exercise regimen.
• Note down medications are allergens. Avoid them always.

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Medicines available at IDM

A variety of prescription medications are available for allergy treatment at www.internationaldrugmart.com. Buy allergy treatment medications Claritin (Loratadine), Zyrtec (Cetirizine), Allegra (Fexofenadine), Clarinex (Desloratadine), Astelin 0.1% Nasal Spray (Azelastin), Optivar (Azelastine), Beconase AQ (Beclomethasone), Flonase (Fluticasone), Advair-Diskus (Fluticasone-Salmeterol), Decadron (Dexamethasone), Deltasone (Prednisone), Brethaire (Terbutaline) and make incredible saving.

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Self-care tips

Here are few simple, effective allergy self-care tips that can reduce allergy breakouts and control future breakouts.

• Maintain a list of allergens
• Always remember to avoid allergens.
• Limit use of carpet and rugs on floor.
• Keep indoors during allergy seasons.
• Follow a disciplined fitness regimen.
• Drink at least 8 glasses of water everyday.
• Find ways to strengthen immune system.
• Develop healthy habits.
• Always keep body clean and fresh.
• 2 grams of Vitamin C a day protects against air pollutants.