ALLERGIES: CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, AND TREATMENTS

The immune system’s primary role is to defend against harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses, but it can sometimes overreact to harmless substances, known as allergens. An allergic reaction is how your body responds to allergens. When encountering an allergen for the first time, your immune system creates specific antibodies for it, essentially building immunological memory. Upon subsequent encounters, these antibodies recognize the allergen and initiate the process to eliminate it.

Allergens can enter the body through various pathways:

1. Inhalation, such as tree pollen.
2. Injection or sting, like a medication injection or insect sting.
3. Ingestion, such as food allergens or pill-form medication.
4. Contact, such as latex gloves.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON ALLERGIES?

Food allergies are a matter of great concern as they can have life-threatening consequences if not treated promptly. Individuals with food allergies should carry an epinephrine auto-injector with them at all times.
Typical symptoms of respiratory allergies involve a runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, watery eyes, and itching in the nose, eyes, or roof of the mouth. Additionally, respiratory allergens can trigger or worsen asthma symptoms, leading to shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

Drug allergies typically arise after taking or receiving medication, and the drugs most prone to triggering allergies encompass antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, contrast agents used in medical imaging, epilepsy medications, narcotics, and chemotherapy drugs.
Frequent symptoms of drug allergies encompass skin reactions like redness and hives. In severe cases, anaphylaxis can occur. It’s important to note that many times, individuals mistakenly attribute side effects of a drug to an allergy.
Should you experience symptoms following medication, it’s advisable to consult your pharmacist. They will assist in determining the appropriate steps to take. Although medication allergies are relatively rare, they necessitate immediate attention.

Allergic reactions to insect stings, especially venom from bees, wasps, red ants, and hornets, can be extremely severe. Typically, they result in intense itching and swelling at the site of the sting and have the potential to induce anaphylaxis, which may even lead to a fatality. Symptoms manifest rapidly, including breathing difficulties, facial and throat swelling, swallowing challenges, increased heart rate, dizziness, and a drop in blood pressure.
For individuals with an allergy to insect stings, it is crucial to carry an epinephrine auto-injector at all times, and it’s advisable to have two if you plan outdoor activities that take you far from the nearest hospital.

Although less recognized, latex allergies can be equally severe. Items like balloons, condoms, rubber household gloves, elastic bands, and certain medical devices (such as gloves, syringes, and injectable drug vials) are produced using liquid derived from rubber trees. Reactions to latex can vary from mild skin irritation, known as contact dermatitis, to the life-threatening condition of anaphylaxis.

HOW LONG DOES AN ALLERGIC REACTION LAST?

HOW DO YOU AVOID AN ALLERGIC REACTION?

If you have allergies, make sure to communicate this information to all your healthcare providers. In certain situations, they may need to implement specific precautions to prevent allergen exposure.

CAN ALLERGIES BE TREATED EFFECTIVELY?

For allergies that could lead to anaphylactic reactions, such as food or insect stings, epinephrine is administered through an auto-injector. In such cases, it’s crucial to contact emergency services since medical supervision is required for several hours to monitor for delayed reactions.

When dealing with expected allergies that occur on specific occasions, like visiting a friend with a cat, an antihistamine is commonly recommended. It should be taken before exposure to the allergen, and various prescription and over-the-counter options are available.

Long-term exposures to allergens like dust mites or pollens often require treatment with intranasal corticosteroid sprays or antihistamines. These measures are typically combined with strategies to minimize exposure to the allergen.

Desensitization or immunotherapy treatments are potential options for mitigating certain allergies to animals and pollens. They aim to cure or significantly reduce the allergies over time.

Navigating the array of available allergy treatments can be challenging. It’s highly advisable to discuss your allergy concerns with your doctor or pharmacist. They can recommend suitable products based on your specific allergy and overall health. In some provinces, pharmacists are authorized to prescribe medications for allergy symptom relief, so be sure to seek their guidance. Your pharmacist is here to assist you!