Allergy Research Group
Getting help for allergies
Contact your GP if you think you or your child might have had an allergic reaction to something.
The symptoms of an allergic reaction can also be caused by other conditions.
Your GP can help find out if you have an allergy. If you have a mild allergy, they can offer advice and treatment to help manage the condition. They may refer you to an allergy specialist for testing and treatment, if your allergy is severe or the cause unknown.
Managing an allergy
The most effective way of managing an allergy is to avoid the allergen cymbalta online that causes the reaction.
For example, if you have a food allergy, check a food's ingredients list for the allergen before eating it.
Medicines that help control symptoms of allergic reactions include:
antihistamines – you can take these 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 used as a short-term treatment for a blocked nose
lotions and creams, such as moisturising creams (emollients) can reduce skin redness and itchiness
steroid medicines – help reduce redness and swelling caused by an allergic reaction
If you have a very severe allergy, you may need immunotherapy. Immunotherapy exposes how to purchase zofran you to the allergen in a controlled way over a period of time. Your body gets used to it and does not react to it so severely.
Causes of allergies
Allergies happen when your body's immune system reacts to a particular substance as though it's harmful.
The number of people with allergies increases every year. The reasons for this are not understood. It could be the result of living in a cleaner, germ-free environment. This reduces the number of germs our immune system has to deal with.
Allergies, sensitivities, intolerances
Allergy
A reaction the body has to a substance.
Sensitivity
The exaggeration of the normal effects of a substance. For example, the caffeine in a cup of coffee may cause extreme symptoms, such as palpitations and trembling.
Intolerance
Where a substance causes unpleasant symptoms, such as diarrhoea, but does not involve the immune system. People with an intolerance to certain foods can often eat a small amount without having any problems.What is an allergy?
An allergy is when your immune system reacts to something that is harmless to most people.
Substances that cause allergies are called ‘allergens’. Common allergies include:
food allergies (including fish and shellfish, nuts, eggs, wheat, dairy, soy)
cat and dog allergies
grass allergy
pollen allergy
dust mite allergy
mould allergy
allergy to some medicines
insect and mite bite allergies
latex (rubber) allergy
What is a hypersensitivity reaction?
A hypersensitivity reaction is an overreaction of your immune system to something that would not usually cause an immune response. This leads to allergy symptoms.
There are different types of hypersensitivity reactions.
Type I reactions usually develop within a few minutes of exposure to an allergen, but can occasionally develop over a few hours. They are mostly mild but can sometimes develop into a severe reaction called anaphylaxis.
Type II and III reactions are immune reactions where your body’s own immune system attacks parts of your body. This can cause autoimmune diseases that vary from mild to severe.
Type IV reactions are also called ‘delayed hypersensitivity reactions’. These reactions can happen from 12 to 72 hours after exposure to the allergen. For example, contact dermatitis, some lung conditions, type I diabetes and organ transplant rejection.
What are the symptoms of allergies?
Symptoms of allergies depend on what you are allergic to and how severe your allergy is. Symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening.
Some of the symptoms or conditions caused by allergies include:
hay fever (runny nose, itchy and watery eyes)
eczema (dry, red, itchy skin)
hives (a bumpy skin rash)
asthma (wheezing, coughing and difficulty breathing)
A severe type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis can cause:
difficulty breathing
noisy breathing
swollen tongue, lips and face
swelling or tightness in the throat
difficulty talking or a hoarse voice
wheezing and coughing
tummy pain and vomiting
dizziness
collapse
Watch this video from Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia for more information about how to recognise signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Anaphylaxis needs immediate treatment with an injection of adrenaline. If you or someone with you is having an anaphylactic reaction and they have an adrenalin autoinjector (brand names include EpiPen and Anapen), give them a shot of adrenaline.
See your doctor if you have mild or moderate allergy symptoms. There are treatments available and ways to manage allergies to help you feel better.
How are allergies diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and may do a physical examination. They will ask about your overall health and the health of your family.
Your doctor may suggest allergy testing. These tests can help find out what you are allergic to.
How are allergies treated?
Talk to your doctor about what treatments may suit you.
Your doctor may refer you to an allergy specialist for further treatment.
Medicines
Allergies can be treated with antihistamine medicines. These can be given as a tablet, nasal spray or eye drops.
Corticosteroid medicines are sometimes used to treat allergies. Depending on your symptoms, these can be given as a nose spray, inhaler, cream or ointment for your skin.