What causes an allergy?

Exposure to the allergen provokes the body to produce histamine, which causes symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes or coughing. It is not known what makes the body react in this way. The tendency to be allergic to things is thought to be inherited. So, if one or both of your parents have an allergy, it is likely that you will, too.

Some common allergens that cause hay fever symptoms are:

• grass pollen
• tree pollen

You might also get allergy symptoms from:

• dust mites
• cat or dog dander
• household chemicals
• hair dye
• latex
• mould spores
• tattoo ink

Some people experience food allergies. Common food allergens are:

• tree nuts
• peanuts
• shellfish
• eggs
• dairy foods
• soy
• mustard
• wheat
• sulphite

With a severe food allergy, even very small amounts of protein from the food allergen can cause an allergic reaction.

Insect bites and stings may also cause an allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to an insect bite in the past, it is likely to recur if you are stung again.

People can even be allergic to medications such as ibuprofen or antibiotics.

Allergies are getting more common in Canada. There are various ideas about why this might be. One is the hygiene hypothesis, which says that as hygiene has improved, our immune system has less experience with harmful substances, and so it overreacts to harmless substances.

What are the symptoms of an allergy ?

The physical symptoms of allergies can include:

• rhinitis: sneezing, congestion and itchy or running nose
• conjunctivitis: eyes symptoms like itching, redness and watering
• coughing, shortness of breath and wheezing
• contact dermatitis or a rash
• hives and swelling
• digestive problems like wind, abdominal pain, bloating or diarrhea

Mild allergy symptoms are not a problem and don’t interfere much with daily life. Many people manage a mild allergy by avoiding the allergen or reducing their exposure to it. You can treat some of the symptoms with over-the-counter meds like decongestants and skin creams. And there are some over-the-counter meds available that can treat the allergy itself.

Moderate or severe allergy symptoms may prevent you from working, going to school or sleeping. An allergy that interferes with your daily activities, or that seems to be getting worse merits a consultation with your GP. They will give you further advice on avoiding allergens, and can prescribe an allergy medication suitable for a more serious allergy.

If an allergic reaction progresses to anaphylaxis, or the person is having trouble breathing or has swelling of the mouth and throat, this is an emergency. Get medical help immediately if you suspect anaphylaxis. Other symptoms of anaphylaxis include light-headedness, collapse, confusion and bluing of the skin.

Diagnosing an allergy

It is not unusual for people to have an idea of what triggers their allergies. Your GP will want to know about your symptoms, and about their timing. They may refer you to an allergist for testing. A skin test for allergies involves scratching the skin with a small amount of the most common allergens. A rash confirms that you have an allergy to that substance. There are also blood tests for allergies.

Food allergies may be confirmed by an elimination diet. It’s best to get medical advice before trying an elimination diet.

What to do if you have an allergy

If your allergy is interfering with your normal activities, or seems to be getting more severe, see your GP.

With a mild allergy, you can often manage it by avoiding the allergen and by relieving the symptoms with over-the-counter preparations. But if you can’t work out what is causing your allergy, or you can’t avoid it – for example, your allergen is a substance that you work with, speak with a doctor. Getting your allergy diagnosed will help you to ask for accommodations at work or school.

How will a doctor treat my allergy ?

There are many meds for allergies. Some relieve the symptoms of an allergic reaction, and others block the reaction from occurring.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines stop allergic reactions from occurring. Some antihistamines are taken as soon as you notice the symptoms of an allergic reaction; others are taken before exposure to an allergen.

There are plenty of oral antihistamines, which are usually given in tablet form or sometimes as a liquid. These include:

• Chlorpheniramine
• Diphenhydramine
• cetirizine
• Loratadine
• fexofenadine
• Desloratadine
• bilastine

Antihistamine nose sprays are also available, for example:

• levocabastine
• olopatadine

In the past, antihistamines have had a reputation for causing drowsiness, but there are many allergy meds that won’t put you to sleep. If you think your antihistamine is making you sleepy, speak with your doctor or pharmacist to see if there is an alternative.

Some antihistamines are best avoided if you have other medical problems, but your doctor or pharmacist can advise on that.

Decongestants for allergic rhinitis

Decongestants are used short-term to relieve nasal congestion. You can get sprays like ipratropium, or liquids and tablets for a blocked nose. Saline sprays are also used to relieve the congestion caused by allergic rhinitis.

Steroids to treat allergies

Steroids relieve the swelling caused by an allergy. You can get allergy steroids as drops, creams, sprays, inhalers or in tablet format.

You can expect a prescription of corticosteroid nasal spray if antihistamine does not help your hay fever or allergic rhinitis. Such steroid nasal sprays include budesonide, ciclesonide, fluticasone, flunisolide and mometasone.

Epinephrine autoinjector for anaphylaxis

People with severe allergies are advised to carry a pair of epinephrine autoinjectors which can be used to treat anaphylaxis, giving time to seek medical help. Note that anaphylaxis is an emergency, and you must seek medical help, even if an epinephrine pen has been used successfully.

How do I get medications for my allergies?

Some drugs used to treat allergies are available over the counter at your local pharmacy. Examples of these include decongestants, saline sprays and some antihistamines.

But medications for more severe allergies are available only with a prescription. Your doctor can prescribe the right meds to relieve your allergy symptoms so you can get on with your life. They may also advise on avoiding exposure to your allergen.

In Canada you can depend on NX Pharmacies for your allergy meds. We serve all areas of Canada and can fill your prescription of allergy medication. We can help with renewals and refills. Our discretion is assured, and you can depend on us for authentic Health Canada-approved medications.

Even if you’ve been successfully managing your allergy for years, you can still benefit from the support of a doctor or pharmacist. Science moves on and there may be new treatments available; or new advice about avoiding exposure to your allergen.

If something changes with your allergy, particularly if you get a more severe reaction than usual, talk to your GP. And if your meds stop working, or you start to get uncomfortable side-effects, ask for a medicines review. Your pharmacist may also be able to advise on managing side-effects of your allergy meds.

Immunotherapy for allergies

If avoidance of allergens and meds are not enough to control your allergies, then your doctor may try immunotherapy. This treatment involves exposing you to very small quantities of the allergen in the hope of weakening the immune response.

How to manage allergy with lifestyle changes

Your GP may recommend some lifestyle changes to alleviate your allergy symptoms. Ask for support if you need help with implementing any of these lifestyle changes.

It is not possible to avoid many common allergens completely, but you can minimize your allergy symptoms by reducing your exposure. Improved ventilation can help with airborne allergies, and small tweaks to cleaning routines may be helpful.

Avoiding exposure to pollen

Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis is caused by tree or grass pollen. It’s most common to be affected with a pollen allergy in spring and summer. Some weather forecast services offer a pollen count, which can help you plan your day. Be aware that pollen levels tend to be higher in the early morning, evening and at night.

Keep pollen out of your bedding by drying indoors, and keep your doors and windows shut. And when you come in from outside, shower and wash your hair.

Reduce exposure to mould

Deal with any damp in your home if you think you may have a mould allergy, and keep your living space warm, dry and well ventilated.

Avoid drying clothes inside the house as this can promote condensation creating a damp environment in which mould will flourish.

Stay away from compost heaps, log piles and any decaying vegetation, as these will be full of mould spores that could trigger your allergy.

House plants may also be a source of mould spores, so move them into a well-ventilated space or get rid of them.

Avoiding a dust mite allergy

If house dust mites set off your allergies, you’ll want to reduce your exposure to dust. That might mean getting someone else to clean your house.

Carpets, curtains and soft furnishings harbour more dust mites than hard floorings, blinds and leather or plastic furniture. You can buy allergy-reducing covers for pillows, mattresses and duvets.

Cleaning with a damp cloth and a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter will help suppress dust mites, too. Avoid dry dusting, as it just throws dust (and dust mites) into the air, where you will end up breathing them in.

Managing a pet allergy

Keep pets out of your bedroom if you suspect a pet allergy. Try to groom your pets outside the home, and maintain a good grooming schedule so that dander does not build up. Keep their bedding well washed so that it is not a source of hair or dander.

If your pet allergy is very severe, you may have to consider parting ways with your pet.

Managing an allergy to insect bites and stings

You can take steps to avoid getting stung or bitten by insects. For example:

• avoiding insect nests and get any near your home professionally removed
• cover or move food waste bins so they are not near your living space
• wearing clothing with good coverage and apply an insect repellent
• do not use perfumed products with a fruit or flower scent

Avoiding exposure to latex

Latex particles in the air can trigger an allergic reaction or even anaphylaxis. It is a material commonly used in medical and dental supplies, so you may need to warn your healthcare provider that you have an allergy. It is also commonly found in many everyday products, from toys to erasers to footwear. People with a latex allergy commonly have a medical identification bracelet so that anyone caring for them in an emergency will be aware.

Managing a food allergy

With a food allergy, you will need to get used to asking questions about what you’re eating. It’s a good idea to check labels carefully, and to decide how you want to manage the risk of exposure to your allergen. You may need to educate the people who cook for you, and serve you food. The non-profit Food Allergy Canada has advice to help you eat with confidence.

Medication allergy

If you think a medication you have been prescribed, including antibiotics or ibuprofen, is causing an allergic reaction, stop taking it and let your doctor know straight away. In case of anaphylaxis, contact the emergency services. People with an allergy to a medicine may want to wear a form of medical identification, such as a bracelet so that healthcare professionals will be aware of the allergy in an emergency situation.

Living with the risk of anaphylaxis

People with an allergy that puts them at risk of anaphylaxis will want to carry a pair of epinephrine autoinjectors at all times. By sharing information about what to do in case of anaphylaxis with friends, colleagues and teachers, you can help them to take care of you should the need arise. And wearing a medical alert bracelet will let healthcare professionals help you in an emergency.

The pharmacists at NX Pharmacies understand how important your epinephrine autoinjectors are, and will ensure that we fill your prescription promptly so that you are never without your emergency medication. You can also set up renewals to ensure you get a reminder when your epinephrine pens are about to expire.