Treating Allergy

An allergy is an exaggerated response between an oversensitive immune system and foreign substance – such as pollen, mould, dust, pet dander or pollutants – that usually does not cause reaction in healthy individuals with strong immunity. During an allergic reaction, the body releases histamine, a chemical that is known to cause inflammation.

It is commonly seen in people with poor immune system. Children and elders are vulnerable to allergies due to underdeveloped and weak immune system respectively. People with history of asthma are also prone to allergies.   

Signs and Symptoms

The two common types of allergies are allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and urticaria. Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the nose, which is characterized by the symptoms of sneezing, nasal congestion, post-nasal discharge, watery and itchy eyes, fever and cough. The symptoms of urticaria are skin rashes with itching, burning and redness.

Treating Allergy

Firstly, it is important to identify and avoid the substance that is triggering an allergic reaction. By avoiding allergen, you are not only recovering yourself from allergy but also preventing the condition. Allergy treatments include –

• Oral Medications – Depending on the type of allergy, your doctor will prescribe appropriate allergy medicines, which may include antihistamines, decongestants, leukotriene-inhibitor or mast cell stabilisers. Medications are quite effective in treating allergies quickly.
• Nasal Decongestants – These medicines work by reducing the swelling of blood vessels caused by inflammation. By constricting the swollen blood vessels, nasal decongestants help clear nasal passages so that a person can breathe freely.
• Immunotherapy – It is recommended in case of severe allergies that do not reduce even after oral drug therapy. This therapy involves a series of allergen extracts injections, which are given periodically.
• Epinephrine – In emergency cases, an emergency epinephrine shot is given.

At PharmacyOutlet, you can acquire a wide range of medicines that are useful in treating allergy. The only thing you need to is to consult a general practitioner before using any medicine for your allergy.