Allergies

What is an allergy?

An allergy is an overreaction by your bodys immune system to something that is harmless to most people.

What is an allergy?

An allergy is an overreaction by your bodys immune system to something that is harmless to most people. Normally your immune system acts in defense against a foreign substance like a virus or bacteria. It will try to destroy anything it feels could harm the body. When it falsely identifies a harmless substance as an invader, it tries to protect your body. The resulting symptoms are an allergic reaction. Items that people are allergic to are referred to as allergens. In order for your immune system to create a sensitivity to an item, you must be exposed to that item at least once prior to developing the allergy. Your body goes through a sensitization period. This explains why it may take a few days for a person to develop allergy symptoms to a new pet, and why some people develop allergies after many years of exposure to a particular thing.

Who is at risk of developing allergies?

It is estimated that about 50 million North Americans are affected by allergies. Allergies can develop at any age and any time. They are commonly diagnosed in children but can also develop for the first time in adulthood. The strongest distinguishing factor for being at risk of developing allergies is heredity. If neither parent is allergic, then the chance of a child developing allergies is about 15%. If one parent has allergies, the chance increases to 30%; and if both parents have allergies, the chance of children developing allergies is over 60%. Though you may have inherited the tendency to develop allergies, you may not be allergic to the same things your parents are; and you may never experience allergy symptoms.

Another factor in developing allergies is environment. Persons can develop allergies after prolonged and repetitive exposure to an item.

What are the symptoms of allergies?

There are different types of allergic conditions. Symptoms vary depending on the individual, the specific allergen and how the allergen gets into your system.

Respiratory allergies - The most common allergies are respiratory allergies, which can be either seasonal or perennial. Both occur as a result of something in the air we breath. Symptoms of respiratory allergies include

Runny or stuffy nose
Sneezing
Itchy watery eyes
Itchy ears and throat
Red and swollen eyes

Respiratory allergies can also trigger asthma attacks in persons with asthma. These attacks can be quite severe and can include the following symptoms:

Coughing
Tightness or heaviness in chest
Shortness of breath
Wheezing

Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever, occur at the same time each year–often during the spring, summer or fall seasons when plants are releasing pollens and seeds into the air in order to reproduce. Depending on what you are sensitive to, you may only suffer from symptoms for a couple of weeks or you may suffer for several months. Perennial allergies are caused by allergens that are usually found indoors such as mold, dust mites and animal dander (skin flakes). These allergens are present year round and cause symptoms whenever a person comes in contact with them. Allergies from ingested substances - When food or medications are ingested, the allergens sometimes gain access to the bloodstream and can produce symptoms in areas both inside and outside the gastrointestinal tract. Reactions to ingested allergens can include:

Diarrhea
Stomach cramps
Tongue and throat swelling
Nausea
Difficulty breathing
Skin rashes or hives
Low blood pressure or anaphylactic shock

The most common ingested allergens are cows milk and other dairy products, shellfish, eggs, peanuts and other nuts, soy, wheat, MSG, sulphites (used as a preservative), tartrazine (a food dye) and some antibiotics. Severe reactions to ingested allergens such as peanuts can be fatal. Allergic contact dermatitis - This is an allergic reaction caused when your skin has contact with a substance your body is sensitive to. In most cases the skin acts as a barrier and the reaction remains outside your body, but occasionally some allergens such as latex can be absorbed by the skin and cause reactions in other parts of the body. Skin reactions to allergens can include:

Itching, redness or dryness of skin areas
Rash on face and around the eyes
Rash in elbow creases and behind the knees
Hives

Substances such as latex, plants, dyes, chemicals, metals, and cosmetics are known to cause allergic reactions upon contact with sensitive people. Allergies from injected substances - When an allergen is injected directly into the blood stream, it can cause severe and perhaps fatal reactions in very sensitive people. Insect stings and injected medications are allergens that can have such an effect. Reactions to ingested allergens can include:

Red and itchy skin
Tongue and throat swelling
Nausea
Diarrhea
Stomach cramps
Difficulty breathing
Low blood pressure or anaphylactic shock

Severe reactions can very quickly affect multiple organs all at once. They are not predictable because you can have a severe reaction one time and mild one the next. If you suspect that an allergy could potentially cause anaphylactic shock, visit an allergy specialist for confirmation.

How can I manage my allergies?

The best way to reduce allergy symptoms is to identify your personal allergens and avoid them as much as possible.

Seasonal allergies - These can be avoided by trying to stay indoors during periods of high pollen counts and using air conditioners in your house and car.
Perennial allergies - Exposure to mold and dust mites can be reduced by making some changes to your environment. Controlling the air quality and reducing humidity will have a great effect on the molds and dust mites in your home. Frequent cleaning, increased air circulation and reduced clutter also aid in this area.

If allergies are severe, removing carpets, enclosing mattresses in impermeable casings and weekly washing of bedclothes in hot water can substantially reduce your allergy symptoms. If you are allergic to animal dander and you have a pet, consider finding the pet a new home or keeping it outside. In any case, the pet should not be allowed in your bedroom.

Food/Drug allergies - It is important to be aware of what you are ingesting. Get into the habit of reading labels on packages and asking questions in restaurants. Make sure your health-care professionals are aware of your allergies and wear a medic alert bracelet. Severe allergies - Wear a medic alert bracelet and make sure everyone is aware of your allergy and what to do if a reaction should occur. Severe reactions are usually treated with an injection of epinephrine (adrenalin), antihistamines and/or steroids. An EpiPen® is a device that allows you to give yourself an injection quickly if necessary. If you should have to use one, you should also go to the hospital for observation just in case the reaction recurs. Can allergies be treated with medication? There are several medications available to treat allergies. Many antihistamines, decongestants and nasal sprays can be purchased without a prescription. They are very effective in reducing allergy symptoms but can react with other medication that you may be taking or can affect particular health conditions such as high blood pressure or pregnancy.

Consult your PharmaChoice pharmacist before purchasing such allergy medications. If you don't get relief from environmental changes and other allergy medications, you may need allergy shots. Allergy shots are given by a doctor after testing to confirm what your specific allergens are. If you wish to explore this form of medication, ask.

Allergic Reactions

They range from mild such as watery eyes and sneezing to life threatening such as anaphylactic shock, which occurs when the reaction results in a severe drop in blood pressure.