Allergy Medications

What is an Allergic Reaction?

Allergies are one of the most common conditions in the world. People can be allergic to anything from certain ingredients in food to medication. Some people may experience mild reactions but others can have serious, life-threatening reactions.

As there is no ‘cure’ for allergies, the key is to understand how to manage the condition well.

This might be avoiding what triggers the allergy or medication that can help ease symptoms.

Luckily, allergy remedies are fairly well understood and with appropriate management, you can live a comfortable life with minimal interference from your allergies.

An allergic reaction is what happens when your immune system reacts inappropriately strongly to an allergen, a substance that is usually not dangerous such as pollen or cat fur.

The actual allergic reaction can vary from person to person. Some people may experience a milder reaction such as sneezing or a runny nose when they come in contact with the allergen. Other people may experience life threatening symptoms such as anaphylaxis that requires emergency medical treatment.

Symptoms of Allergies

The severity and symptoms of allergies can be different for everyone. However, here is an overview of the most common mild and serious allergy symptoms.

Mild Symptoms

Mild allergic symptoms are usually not a medical emergency but they can be very uncomfortable. They can often be treated with over the counter allergy medicine called anti-histamines. Common mild symptoms include:

  • mild skin rash
  • hives
  • eyes tearing up
  • itchy feeling
  • runny nose
  • sneezing

Serious Symptoms

Serious symptoms of allergies are referred to as anaphylaxis. This is a medical emergency that requires an adrenaline injection or drip. You may also need oxygen and a short hospital stay. It is important to recognise when you are experiencing a serious allergic reaction so you have an action plan in place.

Serious symptoms of allergy include:

  • finding it difficult to breathe
  • loss of consciousness
  • face, lips, tongue, throat swelling
  • high heart rate
  • drop in blood pressure

How to Treat a Mild Allergic Reaction

Luckily, mild allergic reactions can usually be treated at home with over the counter medication. Here is a brief overview of what to do when you have a mild allergic reaction:

  • figure out what caused the reaction and remove it or avoid it if possible
  • take over the counter allergy meds. There are many different options for antihistamines such as Lortadine and Cetirizine.
  • a cold compress like a bag of frozen peas can help relieve areas that are swollen or itchy
  • stay hydrated
  • rest

If your symptoms do not get better after doing this then you should consult a medical professional.

How to Treat a Severe Allergic Reaction

Severe allergic reactions will need medical attention. If someone is experiencing a serious allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, here is a brief overview of what to do:

  • inject adrenaline. People at risk of anaphylaxis usually carry an EpiPen (an adrenaline injector) which is a prescription allergy medication
  • call for help immediately, medical attention is needed
  • help to calm down the person. Have them lie down and raise their legs.
  • if they are struggling to breathe, loosen their clothes if they are tight and avoid giving them something to eat or drink.

Prevention strategies

There are a number of things you can do to help prevent allergic reactions. This includes avoidance, lifestyle changes, and an action plan for what to do in case of an allergic reaction. Below is an overview of some suggestions:

  • figure out what triggers the allergic reaction. You can try an allergy test or keep an allergy diary to help you identify patterns.
  • once you figure out what triggers the reaction, try to avoid the allergen. For example, if you are allergic to shellfish, read food labels carefully and ask about ingredients at a restaurant.
  • stay healthy by eating a balanced diet, drinking enough water, and get regular exercise. This will improve your immune system and help reduce the severity of allergy symptoms.
  • have an action plan of what to do if you suddenly have a reaction. Carry antihistamines to take if you start noticing mild symptoms. If you are at risk of severe allergic reactions your doctor may give you prescription allergy medicine like an EpiPen.

FAQ

What is the Hayfever injection?

The hay fever injection, commonly known as Kenalog, contains a dose of corticosteroids designed to suppress the immune system and alleviate the symptoms of hay fever. By reducing the body’s immune response to histamines, it can effectively diminish the sneezing, itching, and other allergic reactions typically associated with hay fever. However, due to concerns over potential side effects and long-term health risks, the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) stopped offering Kenalog as a treatment option.

How to help Hayfever eyes?

Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, often causes itchy and watery eyes due to the body’s reaction to airborne pollen. This allergic response triggers inflammation in the conjunctiva, the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye, leading to symptoms such as redness, itching, and excessive tearing. To alleviate these discomforts, there are several products designed to help manage hay fever and allergy-related eye symptoms. One such product is Optrex Double Action For Itchy & Watery Eyes, which are formulated to soothe and relieve irritation caused by allergens. These drops can help reduce redness, itching, and watering, providing comfort to those suffering from hay fever.

Can you take paracetamol with Hayfever tablets?

Yes, it can be safe to take paracetamol with certain Hay fever medications like Piriteze Antihistamine , but you must read the information provided with each medication carefully. It’s critical to understand any warnings, contraindications, and potential interactions with other medications. If you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medicines, always consult a healthcare professional before mixing medications. This step is crucial to avoid harmful side effects or complications.

Can Hayfever cause swollen lymph nodes?

Yes, it is unusual, but possible, to get swollen glands with hay fever. Hay fever is an allergic reaction caused by exposure to pollen, which triggers the immune system to react and leads to inflammation. While the common symptoms, that can be treated with medication such as Benadryl One-A-Day , are sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes, some people may also experience swollen glands, especially in areas where inflammation is more pronounced. This swelling occurs because the immune system is activated, much like it would be during a cold or flu, causing lymph nodes to enlarge as they work to filter out allergens and other irritants. Although swollen glands are not a typical symptom of hay fever, they can happen, especially if the allergic reaction is severe or accompanied by other factors. If you notice swollen glands or any unusual symptoms, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and guidance on managing your symptoms.

Does Vaseline help Hayfever?

Yes, Vaseline can help alleviate hay fever symptoms by serving as a barrier against pollen. By dabbing a small amount of Vaseline around your nose or eyes, you can create a protective layer that traps pollen before you inhale it. This can be particularly useful for those who suffer from frequent sneezing, runny nose, or nasal irritation due to hay fever. Simply apply Vaseline around the nostrils to reduce the amount of pollen entering the nasal passages.

For those experiencing itchy or watery eyes, applying Vaseline around the eyes or on the eyelashes can also be beneficial. This method helps prevent pollen from reaching sensitive areas, potentially reducing irritation and discomfort. While this technique can be an effective supplementary measure for managing hay fever, it’s important to combine it with other strategies, such as taking antihistamines or using eye drops, as recommended by a healthcare professional. Remember, using Vaseline around the eyes requires caution to avoid direct contact with the eyes themselves.

How do antihistamines work?

As the name suggests, antihistamines block a signalling chemical called histamine that is released during an allergic reaction. Histamine causes the classic symptoms of itching, swelling, and production of mucus when it binds to receptors on some of your immune system cells.

Therefore by blocking histamine with an antihistamine, you can relieve or get rid of mild allergic reaction symptoms.

What’s the best antihistamine for itchy skin?

There are several antihistamines that are effective for itchy skin. Depending on the severity and whether or not the common side effect of drowsiness will bother you, you can choose the one that suits you best:

  • Cetirizine (also known as Zyrtec) is good for relieving itchiness and does not cause much drowsiness
  • Loratadine is non-drowsy and also very effective if you have itchy skin
  • Diphenhydramine is more for severe itchiness and can often make you very drowsy
Which antihistamine tablets are non-drowsy?

Drowsiness is a common side-effect of antihistamines and can have a significant effect on people’s day to day so it is understandable that you may want to avoid them. Here is a list of common non-drowsy antihistamines:

  • Certirizine
  • Loratadine
  • Fexofenadine
Do antihistamines help colds?

Antihistamines can help relieve some symptoms of colds such as sneezing or runny nose. However, as antihistamines are primarily for managing allergies, they are not as useful for symptoms such as cough or congestion. Therefore, while there is some benefit, antihistamines are not the most effective treatment for colds.

Can you buy antihistamine tablets over the counter in the UK?

Yes, many antihistamines can be bought over the counter. You will often find antihistamines such as cetirizine, loratadine, and fexofenadine in supermarkets or pharmacies. Ask a pharmacist if you are unsure which antihistamine is best for you or if you have any worries about them.

If you are prone to severe reactions, you may wish to consult a medical professional who may give you prescription allergy meds.

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