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Allergy FAQ

May 11, 2021

What Are Allergies?

A: Allergic reactions are the body’s immune system overreacting to foreign substances (allergens). The symptoms of an allergic reaction can result in sneezing, coughing, runny nose and itching. Allergies can be just season (hay fever) or they may also be associated with chronic conditions such as sinusitis and asthma.

What Causes An Allergic Reaction?

A: Many ordinary substances can trigger allergic reactions, these are called allergens, the most common allergens are plant pollens, moles, household dust (dust mites), foods, and insect stings. An allergic reaction may occur anywhere in the body, but the most usual places are the skin, stomach, nose, throat, sinuses and lungs. This occurs when invaders are inhaled, swallowed or come into close contact with the skin.

How Are Allergies Diagnosed?
A: Allergies can be diagnosed with the help of an allergist or immunologist, they can simply diagnose your allergies using skin tests, this shows if your immune system reacts to specific allergens. Blood tests can also show the presence of antibodies that can indicate sensitivity
Can Allergies Be Cured?
A: Unfortunately you can’t cure all allergies, you can only control the symptoms with the help of medication and making changes to your surroundings. As certain places such as those close to grass and pollen can trigger an allergy attack.
What Are Allergy Medicines?
A: Allergy medicines are a class of drugs used to treat allergic reactions, they are known as antihistamines. When your body is encountering an allergy attack your body releases substances called histamines. These substances attach to cells in the body which causes these cells to shrink and leak fluid. The symptoms which arise during an allergy attack are itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. Antihistamines work by preventing histamines from attaching to the cells which cause the symptoms.
How To Treat An Allergic Reaction?
A: The treatment for an allergy depends on what you’re allergic to, your GP will be able to offer you the best advice for the course of treatment you may require. There are many different medicines you can purchase at you pharmacy to control your symptoms however. Medicines for mild allergies are available from pharmacies without the need for a prescription. Antihistamines are the main medicine for treating allergies, they can be used when you notice the symptoms of an allergic reaction. Or to prevent allergic reactions – for example taking them when you know the pollen count is high. Antihistamines come in tablets, capsules, creams, eye drops, liquids or nasal sprays. Decongestants can also be used as short term treatment for blocked nose caused by an allergic reaction.
Can An Adult Develop Allergies Later In Life?
A: yes, allergic reactions can develop at any age if your total allergen load reaches its maximum point then you will more than likely develop allergies. The age which people tend to develop allergies is more in the late teens.
Which Medicines Are Best For Treating Allergies?

A: Allergies can not be cured but instead managed in both adults and children, there are many safe antihistamines such as Fexofenadine, Loratadine, decongestants and allergy shots available. At Pharmacy ANSEO we have a wide range of effective antihistamines and decongestants available, from brands such as https://www.pharmacyanseo.ie/product/anti-hist-allergy-10mg-fc-tabs-cetirizine/, https://www.pharmacyanseo.ie/product/clarityn-10mg-tabs/, and https://www.pharmacyanseo.ie/product/lanes-olbas-inhaler-nasal-stick/

How Can You Tell The Difference Between Hay Fever And A Cold?
A: During the early stages it can be difficult to tell the difference between hay fever and the common cold, if you notice a regular seasonal pattern of symptoms such as itchy nose and eyes in the spring time each year this can be a good indication. Symptoms of hay fever will also respond well to antihistamine therapy unlike the cold.