Allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a foreign substance such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, food, insect stings, medicines etc causing symptoms that can range from mild irritation to life threatening anaphylaxis including death

 

Avoidance of allergens

There is no cure for allergies but the symptoms which we get from exposure to allergens can be relieved.

• Reduce or completely avoid exposure to allergens
• Keep family pets out of the room or bath them everyday
• Remove blankets or carpets or rugs, other things from the room and dust them out every day and clean them once in a week
• Don’t keep heavy drapes or other stuff that allow dust to accumulate on them
• In case of dust mite allergy use special covers to cover pillows and mattresses
• In case of pollen allergy close the windows while at home in case of peak season for pollens, change the clothing if you return from outdoor
• In case of mold allergy keep the damp areas like bathroom clean and dry

Anaphylaxis reaction:

This is potentially a life threatening reaction which occurs in case of extremely sensitive people and to a wide range of substances such as insect venom, pollen, certain foods and medicines. Your lips and eyes can swell; throat can also swell causing difficulty in breathing and shock

• Keep an antidote ready at home if you are previously affected. Epinephrine is the commonly used and effective drug
• Keep an antihistamine pill such as Benadryl
• Call for local medical emergency number
• Make the person lie on back with feet elevated with some pillows or any soft material
• Loosen the clothing and provide with proper ventilation
• In case of stoppage of pulse give him CPR

Nasal rinse technique:

This is used in case of extreme nasal and sinus decongestion when symptoms are not reducing with the over the counter drugs

• Small pinch of baking soda or half a teaspoon full of un-iodized salt is mixed in 8 ounces of warm water in a clean glass and a solution is made.
• Take this solution and rinse your nose and mouth. If the symptoms are relieved then discard the solution if not repeat the procedure. 

Rashes:

Rashes are common in case of allergic reaction but in case of drug rashes contact the physician as soon as possible

• Take cold showers
• Apply cool compressors
• Apply calamine lotion
• Take an oral antihistaminic 

Insect stings:

Symptoms may include swelling, pain, redness, blisters and itching at the site

• Make a insect mesh surrounding your windows and doors
• Stay away from insect nests
• Remove the insect stingers within 30 seconds of the sting so that venom is not secreted into the skin
• Avoid squeezing the sac and try to remain calm and brush out the insects from the skin
• Elevation of the affected part and application of cold compressors
• Cleaning of blisters with warm water using soft detergents
• Use oral antihistamines

Medications:

These reduce body’s reaction to allergens or block the causable symptoms by chemicals

• Oral antihistamines: Reduce symptoms such as swelling, running nose, itching, watering in eyes. Loratidine, cetrizine, clemastine etc
• Nasal decongestants: Relieve nasal and sinus congestion symptoms. Pseudoephidrine, Claritin D etc
• Nasal sprays: Sneezing, running nose and sinus congestion can be relieved by these. Azelastine, olopatadine, Nasal crome
• Eye drops: Itching, redness and swollen eyes can be relieved by these. Ketotifen, naphazoline and olopatadine