Allergies

Allergies are common, both seasonally and year-round. Although there is no cure, you can get symptomatic relief.

Symptoms

  • Red, swollen, itchy, watery eyes
  • Runny, itchy, stuffy nose
  • Scratchy throat
  • Sneezing, wheezing or cough

What happens during an allergic reaction: Your immune system reacts to harmless substances as if they were harmful.

What you can do: Learn about your allergies, record your symptoms, determine when they occur, and what sets them off.

Causes

Pollen – Allergies to pollens from grasses, weeds or trees occur seasonally, usually in the spring, early summer or early autumn. The following tips can help you limit your reactions:

  • Avoid activities that stir up pollen.
  • Keep the windows in your car and rooms closed, especially at night.
  • Use air conditioning, whenever possible.
  • Stay inside when pollen counts are high, if you can.
  • Keep animals out (animal dander worsens allergic reactions).
  • Go out when the pollen count is lowest (early morning and late afternoon).

Dust – Dust contains allergens (pollen, mold spores, dust mites and animal dander).

  • Keep your bedroom free of dust.
  • Avoid things that collect dust (carpets, upholstery and blinds).
  • Enclose your mattress in a washable cover and keep it clean.
  • Keep windows closed and use air-conditioning, when possible.

Animal Dander – Keep furry and feathered pets outside or out of your bedroom, at least.

Molds and Mildew – Spores from molds and mildew multiply during damp weather. The following actions suppress mold spores and mildew:

  • Keep rooms dry and well ventilated. 
  • Clean surfaces with bleach.

Antihistamines

These drugs block the action of histamine, cutting down on allergic reactions (stopping itching and drying up a runny nose). Some helpful tips about taking antihistamines follow:

  • If you can predict your exposure, take them ahead of time
  • Non-sedating antihistamines have fewer side effects (e.g. Loratadine, sold as Claritin, Alavert, allerclear, etc) are available without a prescription.
  • Medications containing  Chlophenirame,  Diphenhydramine or Brompheniramine are more likely to cause dry mouth, drowsiness, and reduced cognitive performance
  • Read ingredients on labels (single ingredient medications are usually best), or ask your pharmacist for a recommendation
  • Nasalcrom nasal spray may be a good non-prescription alternative

Decongestants

To constrict blood vessels and cut down on nasal secretions, you might try decongestants. Keep in mind the following tips about using decongestants:

  • Avoid nasal sprays as a decongestant.
  • Oral decongestants (e.g., Sudafed) may keep you awake or make you drowsy.
  • If you have problems with high blood pressure or rapid heart rate, consult a physician before taking decongestants.

Talk to a clinician

Talk to your doctor if your allergies don’t respond to over-the-counter antihistamines or if medications cause unwanted side effects.

Medical emergencies

Severe allergic reactions can trigger medical emergencies. If you have the following severe allergic reactions, go to Vaden Health Center IMMEDIATELY:

  • Wheezing
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Tightening throat
  • Swelling of face, lips or tongue (such as those experienced after food, an insect sting or certain drugs

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