Allergies
Many suffer from allergies due to seasonal changes, pollen, and certain foods. They can be a major inconvenience, causing sneezing, watery eyes, and discomfort.
Riverside Pharmacy - Helping the local community in Rickmansworth, Chorleywood, Croxley Green, Maple Cross, Sarratt, Chenies and beyond.
What is an allergy?
An allergy is a reaction that the human body has to a substance or particular food.
Allergies:-
- are very common
- can affect more than 1 in 4 people in the UK at some point in their lives
- are particularly common in children. Some allergies reduce as a child gets older, although many can be lifelong
Most allergic reactions are mild and can be largely kept under control. However, severe reactions can occasionally occur, but these are uncommon.
Common allergies
Allergens are the substances that cause allergic reactions.
The more common allergens include :-
- grass and tree pollen – an allergy to these is known as hay fever(allergic rhinitis)
- dust mites
- animal dander (tiny flakes of skin or hair)
- food – particularly nuts, fruit, shellfish, eggs and cows' milk
- insect bites and stings
- medication – including ibuprofen, aspirin and certain antibiotics
- latex – used to make some gloves and condoms
- mould – these can release small particles into the air that you can breathe in
- household chemicals – including those in detergents and hair dyes
Symptoms of an allergic reaction
When there is exposure to an allergen, an allergic reaction usually occurs within a few minutes.
An allergic reaction can cause :-
An allergic reaction can cause :-
- sneezing
- a runny or blocked nose
- red, itchy, watery eyes
- wheezing and coughing
- a red, itchy rash
- worsening of asthma or eczema symptoms
Most allergic reactions are mild, but occasionally a severe reaction called anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock can occur. This is a medical emergency and needs urgent treatment.
If your allergy is particularly severe or it's not clear what you're allergic to, they may refer you to an allergy specialist for testing and advice about treatment.
How to manage an allergy
A variety of medicationis now available over the counter at the Pharmacy, to help control symptoms of allergic reactions.
These include :-
These include :-
- antihistamines – these can be taken when you notice the symptoms of a reaction, or before being exposed to an allergen, to stop a reaction occurring
- decongestants – tablets, capsules, nasal sprays or liquids that can be used as a short-term treatment for blocked nasal passages
- lotions and creams, such as moisturising creams (emollients) – these can reduce skin redness and itchiness
- steroid medication – sprays, drops, creams, inhalers and tablets that can help reduce redness and swelling caused by an allergic reaction
Looking for another service?
Our pharmacy offers a wide range of services to meet your needs. From prescription refills to medication counseling, our knowledgeable staff is here to assist you.