Andrew Moore asked:


Allergies are quite common today with practically everyone suffering from some form of allergy or the other. It is the overreaction of the immune system to antigens like bee stings, some food, insect stings or pollen that triggers an allergy. There are different types of allergic reactions that manifest itself in different ways in the body.

Allergies are generally mild with mild symptoms that go within a few days of getting rid of the trigger of the allergen. Occasionally, there are cases of people suffering from anaphylaxis which is a life threatening condition where there is difficulty in breathing and loss in consciousness.

One type of allergic reaction is seasonal allergic rhinitis, or hay fever. This is an allergic response to pollen and other microscopic substances that exist at certain times of the year. There are also conditions where allergic rhinitis works out to be perennial, or year round.

One of the types of allergic reactions is allergy to insect stings, which is very common. Some people however will not be aware of their allergy to insect stings until they are stung by an insect. More often than not, it is the second sting that triggers an allergy reaction while the first sting produces only a normal sting reaction. However if you have an allergy to insect stings, the severity of the reaction varies from person to person.

Allergy to latex is another of the types of allergic reactions where the person is allergic to substances made of natural latex. One of the main sources of this allergic reaction is rubber gloves while sometimes, latex that is used in other products like condoms and medical devices can trigger a reaction.

Mold allergy is an allergy that does not have a defined season as mold and fungi grow in all weather and thrive both indoors and outdoors. However some forms of outdoor mold tend to thrive in higher concentrations from spring to late fall. There are some people who suffer from allergy to cosmetics. With cosmetic allergy, you experience skin irritation because of some ingredients in the cosmetics like fragrances and preservatives. The two types of allergic reactions here are irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis.

Some people are allergic to pets; where it is not the pet’s feathers or fur that triggers a reaction. It is the invisible flakes of animal skin called dander that triggers sneezing, watery eyes and stuffy noses in some people. When you suffer from food allergies, it means that some food likes peanuts and jalapeños trigger an allergic reaction.

Symptoms here are like symptoms for different types of allergic reactions like hives, swelling of the throat and tongue, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea and a drop in blood pressure.

People suffering from allergic must know how to get first aid if it happens to them. Friend and family will be helpful if they know what it is. You will not know when it will be helpful.

Abhishek Agarwal asked:


Millions of Americans suffer from one respiratory disorder or the other, which can impact their lives in serious ways. A respiratory disorder can be acute or chronic. Acute disorders can be easily treated and last for a short time. On the other hand, chronic disorders are not only difficult to treat but can also leave a person disabled for life.

What is Allergic Bronchitis?

Allergic bronchitis is a type of respiratory disorder. It is commonly referred to as allergic asthma. The immune system of a person suffering from allergic bronchitis is highly sensitve and so hyperactive that it attacks even hamless foriegn substance that enter the body. To put it in other words, the immune system labels a harmless entrant into the body as “dangerous” and produces antibodies to fight against it.

In allergic bronchitis, irritants and allergens inflame the bronchi and lower parts of the respiratory system. The condition lasts as long as the person is exposed to the allergens. In addition, allergic bronchitis is closely associated with asthma and respiratory allergy and can lead to conditions such as hay fever and allergic rhinitis.

In most cases, allergic bronchitis causes mild to moderate suffering. However, it is important to realize that allergic bronchitis can become very dangerous and even cause death. This is because some people are extremely sensitive to allergens. This extreme sensitivity can lead to suffocation caused due to the blocking of airways by inflamed tissues. People in this condition are in great danger. They need immediate hospitalization and medical care.

You know you are a victim of allergic bronchitis when you suffer from breathlessness, runny nose, red or swollen eyes, hyperventilation, tight chest, tickling in throat, persistent sneezing or coughing, headache, nausea, and so on. As soon as you recognise these symptoms, seek the help of a medical practitioner.

Treatment of Allergic Bronchitis

The importance of consulting a physician as soon you notice symptoms of allergic bronchitis cannot be overstressed. The doctor will conduct the required steps to find out which type of allergen is responsible for your particular problem. The test involves injecting an allergen directly under the skin and observing the way your body reacts to it.

Your doctor might even ask you to see an allergist. Allergists perform a series of tests in order to understand the nature of your allergy to a particular allergen. In addition, allergists can also teach you how to prevent the relapse of allergic bronchitis.

Treating mild or moderate allergic bronchitis is fairly simple. You need plenty of knowledge about the disorder, and you also need to know the particular type of allergen responsible for your problem. Once you know, it is easy to just avoid the allergens responsible for your problem. The medical treatment for this condition is anti-histamine medication.

Prevention of Allergic Bronchitis

It is easy to manage and even prevent allergic bronchitis. As mentioned previously, the easiest way is to determine the particular allergen causing your problem and just stay away from it. In addition to this, it pays to know a few things such as the following.

The summer season can aggravate this condition simply because during the summer, there are plenty of allergens in the air.

Remember to bathe your pets regularly and free their fur from any allergens. A lot of allergens are frequently found in the fur of animals.

Take special care of yourself if you are suffering from allergic bronchitis. As already said, the condition can get dangerous.

Keep some anit-histamine medication with you while travelling. You never know the type of allergens you might come across in an unfamiliar location. Having some anti-histamine with you will help you easily control any allergic reaction that might come up.

Be assured that it is possible to live a full, happy, and productive life even with allergic bronchitis. It is very important to keep yourself informed about your condition, ways of treating it, and way of preventing it. Be in touch with your allergist and your doctor. They are the best people to give you all the information you require about allergic bronchitis and to teach you how to live with the problem effectively.

Neelima Reddy asked:


Itchiness, watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and redness are some of the common symptoms that majority of the people experiences as allergy symptoms.

The most effective way to fight against particular allergen is immunotherapy or allergy shot, but some people will get frightened to get allergy shot.

Allergy shots hold a little amount of substance that fights against the particular allergen. For example, if the person is allergic to pollen, a small amount of substance called pollen will be added to the shot.

A small amount will be given so that the body will get used to fight against the allergen and if the body comes in contact with that substance next time, body will be familiar with that.

Who are not eligible to take allergy shot?

Allergy shots are not safe for everyone. Although most of the people experienced positive results from these shots, they are not suitable for all. People who are suffering from asthma, heart attack, and respiratory problems, pregnant women, and children under age of five are not recommended to receive allergy shot.

Alternatively, certain individuals are experiencing some side effects such as:

• Feelings of shock when the shot is initially injected

• Lightheadedness

• Nausea

So, for these reasons, the patient should stay in the doctor’s office for at least fifteen to twenty minutes after receiving the shot.

Benefits of allergy shots:

• Allergy shots improve allergic rhinitis, hay fever, bee sting allergies, drug allergies, and eye allergies.

• In some cases, allergy shots improve asthma symptoms also. The most common reaction to allergy shot is swelling at the place where the shot is given.

The success of this immunotherapy varies from person to person depending on the severity of the person’s allergy and the number of substances the person is allergic to.

In addition to the traditional allergy shots, there are new approaches to immunotherapy procedures to treat allergies.

Oral immunotherapy works similar to the allergy shot. In this method, increasing doses of allergen will be given to slowly build up the patient’s tolerance. The only difference with oral immunotherapy from allergy shot is with oral immunotherapy extract of allergen is used as drops. In this method, generally the drops are placed under the tongue and then swallowed.

Intranasal immunotherapy method involves intranasal administration of grass and house dust mite allergen extracts, which reduces the nasal symptoms such as “nasal allergy”.

The side effect with intranasal immunotherapy is nasal irritation. When compared to the traditional allergy shots, intranasal immunotherapy has no long lasting benefits.

Rush immunotherapy involves quick build up to the maintenance dose of extract. In this method of treatment, during early phase increasing doses of allergen will be given every few hours rather than a few days. Since there is a great risk involved with this rush immunotherapy, this should be done in hospital under close supervision.

Some people will experience severe reaction to the allergy shot, which is called “anaphylaxis”. In case of bad reaction with this shot, physicians will do appropriate treatment to stop this reaction.

Since allergy shots are not good for everyone, talking to the physician before taking this shot is more advisable. Visit Allergy Symptoms

Sajid Latif asked:


What is allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis is inflammation of the nose resulting from an allergy. It affects five to 10 per cent of the population. A very common form is hay fever.

What causes allergic rhinitis and what are the risk factors?

An allergy is a response by the body’s defence system (the immune system) to something that is not a harmful infection. Such ‘harmless’ substances (allergens) include pollen, cat hair, animal dander, the house dust mite and mould spores.

It is not known why people develop allergic rhinitis. It is more common in people from families with eczema and asthma and there is probably an inherited factor that affects the way the immune system reacts to allergens.

What are the symptoms and complications of allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis results in a runny, itchy and blocked nose. On lying down at night the fluid in the nose drips down on to the back of the throat and causes bouts of coughing, which can be uncomfortable and disturb sleep.

How do doctors recognise allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis is usually diagnosed on the basis of the symptoms and their seasonal nature if it is hay fever or their association with a particular allergen such as cat hair.

Year-round allergic rhinitis due to mould spores or house dust mite is more difficult to diagnose as there are other similar forms of rhinitis that do not result from allergy. More than one allergen may be involved

What is the treatment for allergic rhinitis?

Self-care action plan

A self-care action plans to avoid the allergen and so minimise the symptoms of allergic rhinitis includes:

Keeping windows closed and using an air ioniser (for pollen)

Regular vacuuming using a vacuum cleaner with a pollen filter (all allergens)

Damp dusting, so preventing dust from being dispersed into the air (for house dust mite)

Use of special bed and pillow coverings and regular laundering of bedclothes

Medicines

A variety of medicines can be bought at the chemist to treat allergic rhinitis. Probably the most effective is a beclomethasone nasal spray. This acts to stop the inflammation in the nose, but takes a few days to produce this effect and so needs to be started before the symptoms become too severe. Once the symptoms are severe it may be sneezed straight out again.

Although allergic rhinitis is common in young women, none of these medications is recommended for use during pregnancy. All should be avoided if possible during pregnancy and increased efforts should be made to minimise exposure to the allergen as outlined in the self-care section of this factsheet. If the symptoms remain a problem, a doctor should be consulted.

Hyposensitisation

This involves giving gradually increasing doses of the substance that causes the allergy and in the process making the immune system less responsive to it. This should only be carried out under close medical supervision as occasionally this treatment causes a life-threatening allergic response that must be treated immediately with an injection of adrenaline.

Complementary therapy

Some complementary therapies (homoeopathy, osteopathy and acupuncture) claim to have beneficial effects on hay fever, but the explanations for their effect are not consistent with the traditional medical understanding of hay fever. Shiatsu, the Alexander technique and aromatherapy may help to improve general well-being and symptoms.

Navneet Brar asked:


Getting desperate to breathe in the real sense?

Want to eat all that you crave for?

Want to do anything to get rid of a handicap-like inhalers and medicines?

Do not worry!

Here is a complete guide to free you from this trap FOREVER!

But first of all, let’s join to gather the needed information about your problem Asthma!

Asthma is a chronic condition in which narrowing of the nasal or air passage causes periodic attacks of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. These changes occur with the changes in the environment, including weather, allergens (such as dog or cat dander or dust), foods, or respiratory infections (flu, colds).

Asthma is also popularly known as Bronchial asthma, Exercise induced asthma – bronchial.

Causes of Asthma:

1. Inhaled allergens like pet dander, dust mites, cockroach allergens, molds, or pollens

2. Respiratory infections

3. Exercise

4. Cold air

5. Tobacco smoke and other pollutants

6. Stress

7. Food

8. Drug allergies

9. Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-

inflammatory medications (NSAIDS)

10. An individual and/or family history of allergies such as Hay Fever (allergic rhinitis) or Eczema

11. strong emotions

Asthma attacks can last from minutes to days and become really dangerous if the flow of the air becomes severely restricted.

Recent researches show that asthma occurs in 3-5% of adults and 7-10% of children. Usually, half of the people with asthma develop this disease before age 10, and the rest before age 30. These symptoms can decrease over time, especially in children.

Asthma Symptoms:

1. Shortness of breath

Your chest feels tight and you start feeling that you can’t catch your breath anymore or get all the air you need.

2. Frequent Coughing

If you cough very frequently every day or if this cough starts interrupting your sleep at night that won’t quit, it could be a symptom of asthma.

3. Wheezing attacks

A whistling sound heard when a person with asthma is breathing. It happens when mucus causes the small passageways in your lungs called alveoli start to narrow. It happens all of a sudden and not constant. It may worsen at bedtime or early morning or by breathing cold air or by exercising.

4. Intercostal Retractions

These retractions stand for the inward movement of the muscles in the spaces between the ribs. The reduced pressure in the chest cavity is the reason for this pulling of the muscles. This is a sign of difficult breathing.

5. Tightness in the Chest

This can be quite threatening to the asthma sufferer. It gives the feeling of a steel band or a weight that is keeping your lungs from fully expanding as your breathe in.

6. Pallor or Cyanosis

Pallor is a whitish color and cyanosis is a bluish color in the lips and face. If either one of these is followed with severe shortness of breath, are danger signs of asthma attack. You need to get help right away if you notice this symptom.

7. Anxiety or Discomfort

A feeling of intense fear and uneasiness occurs when you find it difficult to breathe. If your anxiety is accompanied by short of breath and / or pallor or cyanosis, then undoubtedly, its time to get emergency help.

8. Fast pulse rate

If you find that your pulse is running extremely fast and you are sweating badly, then do not waste even a single moment and visit your doctor.

If you notice any of these symptoms in you or any of your near and dear ones on a regular or ongoing basis, then you might consult a doctor about whether you have asthma. And if already an asthma sufferer then do not waste time and immediately visit your doctor. Your doctor will diagnose your symptoms.

May God bless you!

Mihail Fortomas asked:


Allergic rhinitis, more commonly known as “hay fever,” happens when you breathe in something you are allergic to. The inside of your nose becomes inflamed or swollen.

When this happens, the body’s immune system overreacts to specific particles such as plant pollens, molds, dust mites, animal hair, industrial chemicals, tobacco smoke, foods, medicines, and even insect venom.

Allergic rhinitis affects 40 million people in the United States and is an extremely common condition, affecting approximately 20% of the population. While allergic rhinitis is not a life-threatening condition, complications can occur and the condition can impair one’s quality of life leading to a number of indirect costs. Recently, the total direct and indirect cost of allergic rhinitis was estimated at around $5 billion annually.

What are the symptoms of allergic rhinitis?

Signs of allergic rhinitis are similar to signs of a common cold. But, unlike symptoms for the common cold, allergic rhinitis can last for more than 8-10 days. Symptoms include: -stuffy or runny nose -sneezing -itchy or watery nose -itchy or watery eyes -coughing (caused by clear mucus running down the back of the throat) -feeling of a ‘permanent cold’ that never goes away -headaches and earache -constant sore throats and postnasal drip -sleep disturbances and snoring -loss of taste and smell -poor concentration

Children who have allergic rhinitis might have dark circles under their eyes known as Allergic shiners” (related to nasal congestion). They may also use either the palm or the back of their hand to push their nose up as they try to stop the itching (called the “allergic salute”).

What causes allergic rhinitis?

Like our previous discussion, allergic rhinitis is caused by substances that trigger allergies, called allergens. These allergens are found both indoors and outdoors. When allergic rhinitis is caused by common outdoor allergens, like mold or trees, grass and weed pollens, it is often referred to as seasonal allergies, or “hay fever.”

Allergic rhinitis may also be triggered by allergens found in your house like animal dander (tiny skin flakes and saliva), indoor mold, and cockroach or house dust mite droppings.

If you experience symptoms during spring, you may be allergic to tree pollens which we will discuss in detail further on.

To know for certain what causes your symptoms, an allergist or immunologist can perform skin tests to determine what you are allergic to.

What are my choices or treatment?

Over-the-counter antihistamines and nose sprays can help at first, but they can have a number of unpleasant side effects. These antihistamines can make you feel tired and drowsy while nasal sprays can make your stuffiness worse.

Doctor-prescribed nose sprays and antihistamines are different types of medication and are very helpful for controlling long-term symptoms. Some are safe for young children and all are safe for adults.

Consultation with an allergist will determine the medicine and treatment that is right for you.

Can I do anything to avoid getting allergic rhinitis? As prevention is worth a pound of cure, there are some things you can do in your house that might make your symptoms better if not avoid them altogether:

For those who have rhinitis, it may be best not to have pets. But if it cannot be helped, make sure to wash your pet (especially if hairy and furry) once a week. Keeping them out of the bedroom and off the furniture will help as well.

Put pillows and mattresses in sealed plastic covers that keep out dust mites, and wash sheets in hot water weekly. Washing machines at the local Laundromat will have hot enough water to kill the dust mites.

Keep windows closed. If possible, get an air conditioner and run a dehumidifier, so that there will not be so many pollens and molds getting in the house.

What are allergy shots?

For some patients, allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, are very helpful, and safe. Allergy shots help how your body handles allergens by injecting into your body small amounts of the substances causing your allergy. Over the period of the therapy, your body will learn to accept the allergen without overreacting to it (which is the reason for the allergic reactions).

Your doctor may talk to you about allergy shots if your allergy symptoms are very bad and if they happen for most of the year. You can also consider this if you are constantly around the allergens (such as pollens and dust mites) and if in spite medicines, you are still symptomatic.

Chris Marshall asked:


Seasonal Allergies usually occur during spring, fall and summer. Winter is not a common time for Allergies because there are not as many plants in bloom during this time due to the cold weather. When plants bloom and flourish, so do seasonal Allergies but this does not mean that this allergy is caused mainly by plants. The weather can also play a big role in triggering seasonal allergies.

Seasonal Allergies Due To Pollen And Dust

Pollen is one of the main causes of seasonal Allergies as well as dust and mold spores. These are common occurrences during spring and summer as well as during fall. The pollen from plants can cause serious hay fever in some individuals who are highly sensitive to the allergens they contain. Pollen tends to become airborne when the right season comes and these cause allergic reactions in individuals.

There is actually little that you can do about being allergic to pollen, dust and mold spores. Seasonal Allergies are usually controlled and not eliminated with the use of antihistamines. Although, not all areas of the city may have pollen, mold spores or dust, chances are, whenever you go around the city, you will encounter airborne mold spores, pollen and dust separately. If you are sensitive to any of these allergens, then you are highly likely to have an allergic reaction.

What To Expect From Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal Allergies usually manifest themselves as sneezing, runny noses, itchy eyes and other allergic rhinitis symptoms. You might initially think that you have a cold but actually there is a great deal of difference between the two. Seasonal Allergies are usually not accompanied by fever whereas a cold is and a cold usually lasts for around 10 days compared to seasonal Allergies that last for as long as you are exposed to the allergens.

Seasonal Allergies also react well to antihistamines whereas colds to decongestants. Allergies that rely on seasons also occur during summer, spring and fall compared to a cold that usually occur during winter. Allergies are also dependent on the individual’s reaction to allergens while colds can be transmitted from one person to another.

As stated earlier, these kinds of Allergies react well to antihistamines. Some may need stronger medication to control but the key is to lessen your exposure to the allergens. Allergens updates are also posted by the government to help out those who are sensitive to hay fever and other allergens.

Raily Arena asked:


Hay fever, also known as Allergic Rhinitis, is a common form of allergy that people have been suffering from for many decades.  Health experts estimate that about 50 million people chronically suffer from this type of nasal allergy.  If you frequently experience symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, postnasal drip, red, swollen eyes and frequent colds, you could have Allergic Rhinitis.  Oftentimes, it takes only small particles such as pollen to affect the human body in many ways.  Some of these effects include:

- Throat itchiness that may be intermittent or continuous

- Laryngitis or hoarseness due to pollen affecting the larynx

- RAD or Reactive Airway Disease, a prolonged respiratory irritation characterized by difficulty breathing, chest tightness, wheezing and coughing

- Asthma attacks – often times, your doctor will diagnose RAD before he diagnoses asthma

- Postnasal drainage, which could lead to sore throat because of fluids flowing into and irritating the throat

- Nasal salute, particularly in young children; characterized by a red crease across the nose due to constant rubbing, wiping and scratching

- Allergic conjunctivitis, which can lead to redness, itchiness and teary eyes

- Darkened areas around the eyes

- Headaches

- General fatigue

Why symptoms occur

When exposed to foreign substances such as allergens, the immune system becomes hyper-sensitive and the body reacts.  This is the same kind of reaction that happens when the human body is invaded by microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses.  Once the body is exposed to these types of allergens, it produces substances called histamines which causes inflammation, production of mucus and other symptoms associated with hay fever.

Causes of hay fever

Although pollen is the most common cause of allergies that lead to hay fever, there are other substances that can trigger symptoms as well.  These include dust, molds, pet dander, insects and food.  Although hay fever symptoms can easily be detected, proper diagnosis by a qualified physician is the best way for correct assessment of the condition.

Testing for hay fever allergies

The most common method of determining allergies is skin testing, wherein a minuscule amount of allergen is introduced into the skin to produce a reaction.  The doctor will then try to determine if cross-sensitivity is present, such as when allergies are caused by varying substances with similar protein structures.

Controlling symptoms

As a first step, people with allergies are adviced to avoid or at least minimize contact with substances and items that may trigger an attack.  It’s also important to be aware of your environment and to perform tasks necessary to reduce allergens, avoid work that might aggravate your sensitive skin and protect your body.  With the correct knowledge and treatment regarding Allergic Rhinitis, there is no reason why it cannot be managed efficiently.

Alien asked:

The word ‘allergic’ is often used loosely and has become almost a part of our general conversation. In a way it has become synonymous with ‘dislike’. Many ailments which cannot be immediately diagnosed are incorrectly attributed to allergy. Infact, allergy is an unusual response of the body caused by substances like foods, pollens, house dust, feathers, fungus, insecticides, drugs, and chronic infection.

The common allergic diseases are allergic rhinitis and hay fever, and the common cause is pollen. Allergy is due to abnormal antibodies of the IgE type which are formed only in some -susceptible individuals. Normally the antibodies are supposed to be protective. But the abnormal antibodies are fixed on special allergic cells called mast cells and on coming into contact with an allergen such as a pollen, release chemical agents such as histamine, serotonin, and slow-reacting substances. The release of these substances produce symptoms of allergy characterized by a running nose, itching, rash, and breathing difficulty.

Treatment

The management of allergic reactions includes specific treatment aimed at removing the cause, blocking allergic reaction by immuno-therapy, and symptomatic treatment. Some examples of allergen-avoidance are stopping use of such drugs, installation of air filters in air conditioners, keeping pets out of living room and removing dust collecting furniture and carpets.

Specific Treatment

Specific treatment consists of removal of the offending agents. This is done by ‘allergen testing’. Various extracts of possible offending agents are available and these are injected into the skin to detect the causative agent. However, in most cases it is difficult to identify the causative agent, but if it is found, desensitization of the individual can be carried out by injecting its doses. It has been found that through desensitization, the abnormal antibodies, that is, the IgE antibodies, are reduced or completely abolished, and protective antibodies, that is, the IgG anibodies are developed.

Symptomatic Treatment

The aim of symptomatic treatment is to check the release or antagonize the action of released chemical mediators of allergic reactions. The most important of these chemical mediators is believed to be histamine. For this reason antihistaminics are employed in almost all cases of allergy. Sometimes decongestants are combined with antihistaminics to enhance effects. Only in extremely severe cases are corticosteroids used.

Uses of Antihistaminics

Besides their use in allergy, antihistaminics are useful for prophylaxis and treatment of motion (travel) sickness and vomiting during pregnancy or following radiation. They are beneficial in the symptomatic treatment of Parkinsonism but ineffective in bronchial asthma. They are quite often used to treat common cold. In this condition anti-cholinergic effects of these drugs afford symptomatic relief by decreasing secretions of nose and respiratory passages.

Adverse Effects: The most common adverse effects are drowsiness and sedation which interfere with daytime activity, mental alertness, and reflex actions. Other side-effects include giddiness, ringing in the ears, weariness, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, rapid pulse, a slight fall in BP, constipation, abdominal pain, dryness of mouth, urinary hasitancy and blurring of vision. Very high doses may induce fever. These adverse effects are more common in elderly people.

Precautions

Alcohol is forbidden with these drugs as sedation of a dangerous level may occur.

Driving and operating any kind of machine should be avoided after taking these drugs as they cause drowsiness.

If taken after a meal, the intensity of side-effects can be minimized.

Drugs containing chlorcyclizine and meclizine which are also antihistaminic, should not be self used by a pregnant woman. These may cause some adverse effects on the foetus.

Ointments containing these drugs should not be used for a prolonged period; allergic reactions have been found to be more common on local application of these drugs. (At times these anti-allergic drugs, when taken orally or more commonly, when applied on the skin, may cause allergic reaction. Is this not a paradox?)

Other Drugs for Symptomatic Treatment

Ketotifen (Ketovent, Ketotif)

This drug stabilizes the cell membranes of mast cells and thus prevents the release of histamine. Besides having antihistaminic properties, it is useful in preventing an attack of asthma. It does, however, cause drowsiness, a dry mouth, dizziness, nausea and weight gain.

Cromolyn Sodium (Ifiral, Fintal)

Used as eye drops (2%) in allergic conjunctivitis, nasal spray (2%) in allergic rhinitis and metered dose inhaler (1 to 2 mg/puff) in bronchial asthma.

Nedocromil

This drug is used 2 puffs, twice a day, in place of cromolyn.

Topical steroids like flunisolide (SYNTARIS) and budesonide (BUDECORT) are nasal spray.

Non-Sedative Antihistaminics for Symptomatic Treatment

These new generation anti-allergic drugs do not reach the brain and do not produce sedation (cetirizine causes some sedation) which is common adverse effects of all the drugs available in this group. These are therefore used more widely. They do not impair psychomotor activities such as driving and do not enhance effects of alcohol or diazepam. They are useful in allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, urticaria, drug allergies and atopic eczema. They are not effective in motion sickness, vertigo and should not be used in pregnancy. These agents are less effective than older drugs in common cold.

Decongestants Used in Symptomatic Treatment

These agents reduce the swelling of mucous membranes (shrinking effect) in allergic diseases by constricting small blood vessels. Some drugs are used by mouth such as pseudoephedrine (PSEUDAFED 60 mg tab) and phenylpropanolamine. The latter is rarely used alone.

Steve Marshal Caldwell asked:

Allergy is the most common condition through which every individual suffers at least once in his lifespan. Allergy is caused by the naturally occurring substances known as allergens. When these allergens react with your body, it release the histamines to control the effect of the allergens, hence allergy is caused. Pollen, dust, and bee venom are the types of allergens. Allergy is the result of excessive activation of certain white blood cells called mast cells and basophils by a type of antibody known as IgE, resulting in an extreme inflammatory response. Another definition of allergy explains it as an abnormal reaction by an individual’s immune system against a normally harmless substance. Some common well-known allergic reactions are allergic conjunctivitis, allergic rhinitis, asthma, food allergies, hay fever, hives, and eczema.

Allergies are categorized in the different types on the basis of the body parts they affect and on the basis of allergens. Different types of allergies are as follows:

1. Food Allergy

Food allergy is the one of the most common type of allergy. You can not decide that who is allergic to which food item. The most common symptoms of the food allergies are runny nose, itching, urticaria, vomiting, nausea, coughing, and angioedema. When this reaction becomes severe it is called as anaphylaxis. Children suffer from the food allergic reactions the most because there immune system is not well developed and they take that food for the first time.

2. Gastrointestinal Tract Allergy

Gastrointestinal tract allergy is caused when you eat any item or inhale any item that contains allergens. The allergen enters the gastrointestinal tract and causes the irritation of the tract. Abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, and diarrhea are the symptoms of the gastrointestinal tract allergy.

3. Pet Allergies

Many individuals are allergic to pets. Allergens are found in the skin, hairs, saliva, and urine of pets. These allergens cause the eyes, nose, and skin allergies. Rashes, such as eczema and hives (urticaria) and irritation of eyes and nose are the symptoms caused by the pet allergies.

4. Tree or Grass Pollen Allergy

Maximum number of individual suffers from the allergies caused by the pollens that are released by the trees and plants during the flowering season. These allergies are generally called as the seasonal allergies. It is called as the allergic rhinitis. Sneezing and coughing are common symptoms caused by pollen allergy.

5. Dust Allergy

Dust allergy is caused when the dust particles (allergens) enters your nose, eyes, ear, and skin. Dust allergy is the one of allergies that can lead to the dangerous consequences. Swelling of nasal mucosa, impaired hearing due to entrance of allergens in eustachian tube, dead skin as the pores of the skin are filled with dust, and redness of eyes are the common symptoms of the dust allergy.

6. Smoke Allergy

Air pollution is growing day by day because of the smoke released from the different places. Some individuals are allergic to smoke released from vehicles, some are allergic to smoke released from factories, and some individuals to the smoke from cigarettes. These allergic show the symptoms like coughing, bronchoconstriction, wheezing and dyspnea, sometimes outright attacks of asthma.

7. Insects Stings and Bites Allergies

Allergies are caused when the insects stings or bites. Throat swelling, hives over the entire body, difficulty breathing, nausea, diarrhea, and shock are some of the symptoms caused by insect bites. Rashes on the skin are also noticed on the part where the insect bites.

8. Latex Allergy

This is the allergy seen among the individuals who are allergic to the rubber latex. Latex allergy may cause allergic reactions ranging from sneezing or a runny nose to anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition. Doctor should be consulted immediately in case of severe allergic reactions.

9. Clothes Allergy

Yes, it is true that some people are allergic to clothes. Laundry detergents can cause people to break out in an itchy rash; some individuals are particularly allergic to cotton or nylon and they get red rashes on their body when they wear those clothes. Even eczema is noted in some cases.

10. Hay fever

A very common allergy caused by the pollens or anthers released by the trees or plants during the flowering season and by the release of leaves during the shedding season. Sneezing, itchy nose and/or throat, nasal congestion, and coughing are common symptoms of hay fever. You can also notice fever in the individual suffering from the hay fever.

11. Medicines Allergy

Some cosmetics or some medicines cause allergic reactions on the people either externally or internally. Antibiotics are the most common medications that cause the allergies. If you suspect a medicine allergy, talk to your doctor first before assuming a reaction is a sign of allergy. Note: Please take the medications only and only after taking the permission from the doctor.

12. Chemical Allergy

Dyes, household cleaners, and pesticides used on lawns or plants can also cause allergic reactions in some people. Sometimes even the harmful chemicals are released in the water bodies by some chemical factories and thus cause the allergic reactions when we drink that water or wash the face with that water. Please note that this is the most severe case of allergy.