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Allergies

What Causes Allergies?

Allergies happen when the body's defenses (immune system) recognize and respond to a foreign yet normally harmless substance called an 'antigen' or 'allergen'. The human body creates a line of defense such that every time it comes into contact with that allergen, an allergic reaction is triggered. Symptoms can range from sneezing, rash and/or itchy eyes to swelling of the throat and breathing passages that can be life threatening (known as an 'anaphylactic' reaction). The tendency to be an 'allergic' person is often inherited, but the particular allergies of child and parent are often not the same.

Allergy vs. Intolerance

It is important to make the distinction between a drug allergy and an intolerance so that a particularly important medication for treatment is not overlooked for the wrong reason. For example, a person may be intolerant of a particular antibiotic because it gives them an upset stomach, but this doesn't necessarily mean they are allergic to it.

Your PROfile® Pharmacist can help you make that distinction so that your allergies and intolerances are correctly listed on your patient medication record.

Avoiding Common Allergens or Triggers

The best way to deal with allergies is to avoid 'triggers'. Below are some common allergens and suggestions for avoidance.

Pollen

Keep windows closed and use a filtered air conditioner during pollen season.

Dust

Vacuum floors with a HEPA filtered machine and dust surfaces with a damp cloth.
Minimize the amount of upholstered furniture in the house and avoid stuffed animals.
Remove carpets wherever possible, especially in the bedroom.
Use shades instead of blinds throughout the house.
Make sure the dryer is vented.
Use a cover for the bed mattress, boxspring and pillows.
Wash bedding weekly in hot water (130ºF) and dry in a hot dryer.

Moulds

Make sure bathrooms and kitchens are vented and/or have windows to allow humidity to escape.
Keep damp areas clean to prevent mould growth.
Use fungicide (e.g. equal parts household bleach and water) on sinks, shower stalls, and garbage pails to kill indoor moulds.
Remove houseplants (a common source of mould).
Keep humidity below 50% if possible.

House Pets

Remove fur or feather bearing pets from home if possible.
Keep fur or feather bearing pets out of the bedroom.
Wash pets regularly.

Drugs

Make a list of all medications that you are allergic or intolerant to and show it to all health professionals.
Wear identification (e.g. Medic Alert) to inform people of serious allergies (phone 1-800-668-1507).

Medication

Antihistamines prevent the effects of the chemical 'histamine' that is responsible for many of the symptoms caused by allergic reactions. Unlike the original antihistamines, more recent products (2nd generation) do not cause drowsiness.

Your PROfile® Pharmacist can help you choose the antihistamine that best suits your needs.

Decongestants do not prevent or slow down the allergic reaction, but they can reduce symptoms caused by congestion. People with high blood pressure, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, enlarged prostate or glaucoma should speak with their doctor before using a decongestant. Many products contain an antihistamine plus a decongestant for added relief.

Corticosteroid Nasal Sprays relieve inflammation in the nasal passages. To be effective they must be used on a regular basis. This type of medication is the first choice for severe allergic rhinitis and is available by prescription only.

Oral Corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone) are usually reserved for severe allergic reactions, and are used for short periods of time only.

Corticosteroid creams and ointments are used for relief of the inflammation that results from allergic eczema.

Preventive medications such as cromolyn and nedocromil help to prevent the release of histamine caused by an allergen. These medications must be taken on a regular basis for effectiveness.

Allergy Injections containing small amounts of the allergen can 'desensitize' the reaction to certain allergy triggers (e.g. ragweed, grasses, house dust).

Epinephrine (Epipen, Twinject) should be carried by anyone who has a history of an anaphylactic (severe and life threatening) reaction. Allergens most likely to cause such a reaction include foods (e.g. peanuts), drugs (e.g. penicillin) and insect stings.

This medication is to be injected as soon as the reaction is recognized, followed by immediate medical attention.

Allergic rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal passages) is the most common of all allergies, affecting approximately 20% of the population. Symptoms can be either seasonal or chronic.

Seasonal allergic rhinitis is caused by:

Tree pollen (mid March to early June)
Grass pollen (mid May to mid July)
Ragweed (early August to early October), and
Outdoor moulds (early August to early October)

Chronic (year-round) allergic rhinitis is caused by allergens such as dust mites, animal dander, cockroaches, and indoor moulds.

Prepare a Treatment Action Plan

Your PROfile® Pharmacist will help you to create a treatment action plan based on your circumstances. Non-drug measures are described on the other side of this brochure.

Since allergic rhinitis is a chronic condition, a “non-drowsy” antihistamine (e.g.loratadine, fexofenadine,cetirizine,desloratadine) may be more appropriate than one that has the potential to cause sedation (e.g. diphenhydramine,chlorpheniramine).

If relief from symptoms is not satisfactory after one week, an appointment with the doctor should be made. Also, people with severe allergic rhinitis (interferes with daily activities or with sleep) should see their doctor to discuss their action plan, which may include a nasal corticosteroid, available only by prescription.