Dealing with allergies

Whether it's triggered by the weather, the cat or your colleague's perfume, living with allergies is no fun — and in some cases it can be dangerous. 

Why does it happen? 

Allergies are caused by the immune system's reaction to an otherwise harmless substance. These substances are called allergens and the common culprits are grass pollens, dust mites, dogs and cats, chemicals and some food proteins. In people with allergies, these allergens stimulate the immune cells to produce a chemical called histamine. Histamine is responsible for the runny nose, itchy skin and scratchy eyes associated with allergy. In food allergies, the response can be so severe that the airway becomes inflamed and blocked, creating a potentially life-threatening situation. 

Is it an allergy? 

Food allergies are on the rise, affecting one in ten children and two percent of adults but it's easy to confuse food intolerance with allergy. People with intolerance might have headaches, bloating or mouth ulcers after eating certain foods but they don't have food allergies because their symptoms are not the result of an immune response. A skin prick test can tell you for sure if you have an allergy and identify the allergen responsible for your problem. 

Most common allergic conditions 

• Hay fever (allergic rhinitis)
• Asthma
• Food allergy
• Eczema 

Did you know? 

Hay fever is triggered by pollen and can strike at any time of year. It's possible to avoid symptoms by planting a low-allergen garden, wearing sunglasses when outdoors and keeping your car air-conditioner on recirculate

You can prepare for allergy season by asking your pharmacist or GP about treatments that can prevent or manage your allergy symptoms.

Most online weather reports provide pollen updates or allergy forecasts, so you can take evasive action (or your allergy medication) before you leave the house Anaphylaxis is an extreme allergic reaction triggered by certain foods, insect stings, latex and some medications. The response is immediate, severe and because symptoms may include rapid swelling of the throat, breathing difficulties and loss of consciousness, it requires emergency response. People with diagnosed anaphylaxis should carry an auto injector containing a single dose of adrenaline. These devices are potentially lifesaving as adrenaline is the fastest way to reverse the symptoms of anaphylaxis One in 10 Australians suffers from asthma and 80% of them also have an allergic condition like eczema (atopic dermatitis). Only 24% have a written asthma action plan, even though it is recommended in the National Guidelines.

Top tips

• See an allergy doctor. It's important to have your allergy professionally diagnosed before deciding on a management or treatment plan
• Be prepared. Have an action plan in place if you have asthma or severe allergy- and make sure you tell people about it
• Think ahead. Even it's impossible to avoid the allergens responsible for your symptoms, you can plan to minimise exposure and take your medication in advance.

Dr. Reddy's Hayfexo

New Hayfexo from Dr. Reddy's belongs to a group of medicines called antihistamines, which reduces the symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis (hayfever) and urticaria (hives).

Suitable for adults and children aged 12 years and over. Available only from the Pharmacy.

Available in 180 mg 70's, 180 mg 30's and 120 mg 30's formats. For more information, visit hayfexo.com.au.