Allergies And Remedies

Most airborne allergens can be successfully treated with over-the-counter medication, but figuring out which product is right for you can be a frustrating trial and error process. Understanding the cause and nature of allergies, as well as the appropriate remedies, can assist you to select the medication that would work for you first time.

What is an allergy?

“Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance – such as pollen, bee venom or pet dander – or a food that doesn’t cause a reaction in most people” says the Mayo Clinic.

When the immune system mistakes a normally harmless substance for a dangerous invader, the antibodies that are produced identify the contact with that specific allergen as a dangerous invader that needs to be attacked. The antibodies will remain vigilant and ready to respond when that particular allergen is detected again.  Further exposure to the allergen triggers the antibodies to release a number of immune system chemicals, for example histamine, and these chemicals cause the allergic reaction and symptoms.

Histamine triggers nerves in the nose to bring on sneezing in an effort to get rid of the perceived invaders, while also triggering the nasal passages to fill with fluids to help fight the invaders. This battle against the perceived invaders causes inflamed mucous membranes and the production of lots of mucus, showing symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, watery or itchy eyes and a blocked, running nose.

Depending on the nature of the allergen, other responses by the immune system can inflame the skin, affect the airways, or the digestive system or even affect the cardiovascular system. People react differently to allergens and the reaction can range from a mild irritation to a potentially life threatening emergency.

The same foreign substance would not cause an allergic reaction in the majority of people.

Types of allergies and symptoms:

According to the Mayo Clinic, the substance involved in the allergy determines the symptoms –

• Hay fever affects many people and the first symptoms are usually sneezing, followed by itching of the eyes, roof of the mouth or the nose. The next phase is a runny, blocked nose and the eyes can become watery or even red and swollen.
• Food allergies can result in a serious condition, ranging from a tingling in the mouth, to swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat, or to the occurrence of hives, or even to a serious life threatening condition called anaphylaxis. (See bullet point about anaphylaxis below for more information.)
• Insect sting allergies can range from swelling at the site, to itching or hives on the skin all over the body, to tightness of the chest and wheezing, or in severe cases to anaphylaxis.
• A drug allergy, such as for penicillin for example, can show on the skin as a rash, itchiness, or hives. It can also lead to swelling of the face or wheezing in the chest, or in severe cases to anaphylaxis.
• Anaphylaxis is a serious and potentially life threatening reaction that can occur within minutes (or longer) of exposure to a substance that your body is highly allergic to, such as certain foods (for example peanuts or shellfish) or insect stings (for example bee stings). Anaphylaxis occurs when the immune system is triggered to release a flood of chemicals that can cause the body to go into shock.   Symptoms can include a skin reaction (rash, hives, itching, paleness), blood pressure that drops suddenly, a rapid and weak pulse rate, constriction of the airways, loss of consciousness, and nausea and vomiting. Immediate emergency medical treatment, comprising of an injection of epinephrine, is required.

Remedies:

Treatment for an allergic reaction to airborne allergens works in two ways, either by taking an antihistamine to block the effects of histamine, or by suppressing the response of the immune system even before it releases histamine, by using corticosteroid nasal sprays, says Harvard Medical School.   These drugs are available over-the-counter without a prescription.

Antihistamine is classified as either first-generation or second-generation drugs. The first-generation such as chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine can cause drowsiness or confusion in some people.  Second generation drugs are less likely to cause drowsiness, such as fexofenadine, loratadine or cetirizine.

Watery or itching eyes can be treated with antihistamine eye drops, such as ketotifen.

If antihistamine medication does not provide relief, corticosteroids nasal sprays can be more effective in clearing congestion, sneezing fits or a runny nose.  Nasal steroids takes time, at least two weeks, to be fully effective.

Decongestant nasal sprays, such as pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, narrow the blood vessels and can provide relief by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages. Decongestant nasal sprays should not be used for longer than two or three days, as they can have side effects such as increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, or cause anxiety.

All other types of allergies require medical attention, especially in extreme cases.

Sources:

Allergies.  Published 6 January 2018.  Mayo Clinic.  (www.mayoclinic.com)

Do I have chronic allergies?  Published 14 April 2018.  WebMD.  (www.webmd.com)

Best over-the-counter treatments to ease seasonal allergy symptoms.  Updated 16 July 2018.  Everyday Health.  (www.everydayhealth.com)

Best over-the-counter allergy medication.  Pharmacist Answers.  Published 4 November 2017.  (www.pharmacistanswers.com)

Choosing an over-the-counter allergy medication.  Published March 2019.  Harvard Health Letter.  Harvard Medical School.  (www.health.harvard.edu)

Anaphylaxis.  Published 5 January 2018.  Mayo Clinic.  (www.mayoclinic.com)

HEALTH INSIGHT

March 2019