Allergies

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Allergies are when your immune system attacks certain substances called allergens. Your immune system protects your body from germs and other things that can make you sick. When you have an allergic reaction, your immune system attacks substances that usually do not make you sick. Allergic reactions can happen at any time, even in people who have not had allergies before. You may not have an allergic reaction the first time you are exposed to an allergen. You may develop an allergy after you have been exposed more than once.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Epinephrine: This is a hormone (body chemical) that is used to slow a serious allergic reaction. You can give yourself a shot of epinephrine. If you have had a serious allergic reaction before, you may want to carry epinephrine with you at all times. This medicine can save your life. Talk to your primary healthcare provider about getting this medicine.
  
  
• Antihistamines: These medicines may help decrease itching, sneezing, and swelling. You may take them by mouth or use drops in your nose or eyes.
  
  
• Decongestants: These medicines may help your nose feel less stuffy.
  
  
• Topical treatments: You may be given medicine to put directly on your skin to help decrease itching or swelling. Cold cloths or ice may also help your skin feel better. You also may be given nasal sprays or eye drops.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him if you are taking any vitamins, herbs, or other medicines. Keep a list of the medicines you take. Include the amounts and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits.

Manage your allergies:

• Use nasal rinses: Caregivers may suggest that you rinse your nasal passages with a saline solution. Daily rinsing may help clear your nose of allergens.
  
  
• Quit smoking: If you smoke, you should quit. Your allergy symptoms may decrease if you are not around smoke.

Avoid allergy triggers:

The best way to prevent an allergy attack is to stay away from allergens.

• Seasonal allergies: Do not go outside when pollen counts are high. Your symptoms may be better if you go outside only in the morning or evening. Use your air conditioner, and change air filters often.
  
  
• Dust, fur, or mold allergies: Dust and vacuum your home often. You may want to wear a mask when you do so. Keep pets in certain rooms, and bathe them often. Use a dehumidifier (machine that decreases moisture) to help prevent mold.
  
  
• Latex allergies: Do not use products with latex in them. Be careful if you work in healthcare or in food preparation. Always tell healthcare providers about a latex allergy.
  
  
• Insect stings: Stay away from areas or activities that increase your risk for being stung. These include trash cans, gardening, and picnics. Do not wear bright clothing or strong scents when you will be outside.

Follow up with your primary healthcare provider or an allergist as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits. When you have an allergic reaction, write down everything you were exposed to in the 2 hours before the reaction. Take that information to your next visit.

Contact your primary healthcare provider or allergist if:

• You have tingling in your hands or feet.
  
  
• Your skin is red or flushed.
  
  
• You have stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Return to the emergency department if:

• You have trouble swallowing or your throat or tongue is swollen.
  
  
• You are wheezing or have trouble breathing.
  
  
• You feel dizzy or faint.
  
  
• You have chest pain or your heart is fluttering.

Copyright © 2012. Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.