top of page
Abstract Surface

Allergies

Allergies are an overreaction of the body's natural defence system that helps fight infections. In an allergic reaction, the body recognizes substances that are harmless as being dangerous. It starts to fight them and this is what causes allergic symptoms such as: rash, itchy eyes, runny nose, trouble breathing, nausea and diarrhea. Basically allergies are the immune system being dramatic and we need to tell it to calm down. 

Types of Allergies

  • Food allergies 

  • Medicine allergies 

  • Allergies to insect venom 

  • Allergies to animals 

  • Allergies to natural rubber (latex) 

  • Allergies to cosmetics or other products such as creams or lotions 

  • Seasonal allergies 

Prevention

  • If you or your child has had a severe allergic reaction, talk to your doctor about getting a prescription for epinephrine. Learn how and when to give yourself an epinephrine shot, and have it near you at all times. 

  • If you've had a severe allergic reaction, wear a medical identification tag to alert others to your allergies 

  • If you know you have an allergy to a medicine, be sure any new doctor knows about your allergy before prescribing a medicine for you. 

  • Ask your doctor if immunotherapy might help you. For this treatment, you get allergy shots that have a small amount of certain allergens in them. Your body "gets used to" the allergen, so you react less to it over time. This kind of treatment may help prevent or reduce some allergy symptoms. 

Over-the-Counter Medication

  • Anti-histamine medicine, such as Claritin or Reactine (non-drowsy) or Benadryl (might make you drowsy) are helpful to control many allergic symptoms. These can be used on an "as needed" basis but sometimes your doctor may recommend you take them daily if your allergies are persistent (like during allergy season) 

  • Calamine lotion or hydrocortisone creams applied to the skin may help relieve itching and hives caused by allergies. 

See a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms during your treatment: 

  • Trouble breathing, wheezing or thightness in the chest 

  • Swelling of the throat, tongue, lips or face  

  • Hives develop or get worse 

  • Swelling gets worse 

  • You have signs of a skin infection  

  • Symptoms have not improved after 2 weeks of home treatment 

  • Symptoms become more severe or more frequent

bottom of page