Triggers/Causes
There are a number of products available that can bring relief from the symptoms of an allergic reaction. We look at the main ones:
Oral antihistamines
These work by blocking the effect of histamine on the body and can be used to relieve sneezing, runny and itchy nose and itchy eyes.
Oral antihistamines
These work by blocking the effect of histamine on the body and can be used to relieve sneezing, runny and itchy nose and itchy eyes.
There are many available on the market, but they can generally be separated into two groups:
Sedating antihistamines - Containing ingredients such as chlorphenamine (e.g. Piriton Allergy Tablets). They can cause drowsiness so should be taken with caution by people driving or operating machinery. However the side effect of drowsiness could be useful if the symptoms are troublesome at night.
Non-sedating antihistamines - Containing ingredients such as cetirizine (e.g. Piriteze Allergy Tablets, Zirtek Allergy Relief), loratadine (e.g. Clarityn Allergy) and acrivastine (e.g. Benadryl Allergy Relief). These tend not to cause drowsiness and their action lasts for longer which means they don’t have to be taken as frequently.
Sodium cromoglycate
Sodium cromoglycate is available in the form of nasal sprays (e.g. Rynacrom) and eye drops (e.g. Optrex Allergy Eye Drops). They work by preventing the release of histamines and other chemicals and help to relieve itchy, red eyes and a runny nose. These products should be used daily to prevent the symptoms from reoccurring.
Corticosteroid nasal sprays
Beclometasone dipropionate (e.g. Beconase Hayfever) and fluticasone propionate (e.g. Flixonase Allergy Nasal Spray) work by reducing the inflammatory process and are effective against all allergy symptoms, from itchy, watery eyes to sneezing and nasal congestion caused by airborne allergens such as pollen. These products need to be used regularly.
These products can take a few days to become effective, so it is better if patients start using their medication before they come into contact with the allergen, if possible.
Sodium cromoglycate is available in the form of nasal sprays (e.g. Rynacrom) and eye drops (e.g. Optrex Allergy Eye Drops). They work by preventing the release of histamines and other chemicals and help to relieve itchy, red eyes and a runny nose. These products should be used daily to prevent the symptoms from reoccurring.
Corticosteroid nasal sprays
Beclometasone dipropionate (e.g. Beconase Hayfever) and fluticasone propionate (e.g. Flixonase Allergy Nasal Spray) work by reducing the inflammatory process and are effective against all allergy symptoms, from itchy, watery eyes to sneezing and nasal congestion caused by airborne allergens such as pollen. These products need to be used regularly.
These products can take a few days to become effective, so it is better if patients start using their medication before they come into contact with the allergen, if possible.
Nasal decongestants
Xylometazoline (e.g. Otrivine) and oxymetazoline (e.g. Vicks Sinex) can be recommended to relieve a blocked up nose. However, these products should not be used for more than five days or they can cause rebound congestion - when the patient stops using them, their blocked nose returns.
Xylometazoline (e.g. Otrivine) and oxymetazoline (e.g. Vicks Sinex) can be recommended to relieve a blocked up nose. However, these products should not be used for more than five days or they can cause rebound congestion - when the patient stops using them, their blocked nose returns.
Oral decongestants
Pseudoephedrine (e.g. Contac Non-Drowsy, Sudafed) and phenylephrine containing products (e.g. Beechams All -in-One Tablets) can also be used to relieve a blocked nose.
Anaphylactic shock
This can sometimes be treated by an immediate injection of adrenalin. Some patients who know they are susceptible to anaphylactic shock may carry an injection device with them.
This can sometimes be treated by an immediate injection of adrenalin. Some patients who know they are susceptible to anaphylactic shock may carry an injection device with them.
<PRACTICE POINT>
List the symptoms you would expect to see in sufferers of:
Hayfever
A cat allergy
An allergy to eating shellfish.
What would you recommend for each of the above?
What would you recommend for each of the above?
For more information on treating allergies, see the module on Allergy in the e-learning section of the website.