Allergy and Asthma Prevention

Contributed by: Shannon Williams, Pharm.D. Candidate

Drake School of Pharmacy

Text Box: Your eyes itch, your nose is running, and you're sneezing. You may have what is known as allergies. Allergies affect millions of Americans each year. There are, however, things that you can do to relieve allergy symptoms or avoid getting the symptoms, even though you can't actually get rid of the allergies themselves. What Are Allergies? Allergies are abnormal immune system reactions to things that are typically harmless to most people. When you're allergic to something, your immune system mistakenly believes that this substance is harmful to your body. These substances are called allergens, which are harmless things such as pollen, mold spores, animal dander, dust, foods, insect sting poison, and drugs. The body will produce histamine to protect its self, which causes sneezing, wheezing, coughing or other symptoms. Future exposure to that same allergen will trigger this immune response again. This means that every time you come into contact with that allergen, you'll have an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions can be mild, like a runny nose, or they can be severe, like difficulty breathing. An asthma attack, for example, is often an allergic reaction to something that is breathed into the lungs in a person who is susceptible. What Are Some Things That People Are Allergic To?
Some of the most common aller

Text Box: gens are Pollen, Mold, Dust, Pet dander (cats, horses and dogs), Pollution, Various foods, Aerosol sprays, Perfume and Cologne. How Can I Control My Allergies?
Controlling allergies means three things: Knowing what you are allergic to. Your allergist/immunologist can help you figure out what allergens are causing your allergies and asthma. Getting medicine, if you need it. Your physician or pharmacist will work with you to decide which, if any, medicine you need. The most complete way to avoid allergic reactions is to stay away from the substances that cause them (called avoidance). Simple things, like dusting, vacuuming, and keeping your house clean, will help get rid of allergens. Avoidance
Avoidance can help protect people against non-food or chemical allergens, too. In fact, for some people, eliminating exposure to an allergen is enough to prevent allergy symptoms and they don't need to take medicines or go through other allergy treatments. Here are some things that can help you avoid airborne allergens: Keep family pets out of certain rooms, like your bedroom, and bathe them regularly. Remove carpets or rugs from your room (hard floor surfaces

Text Box: don't collect dust as much as carpets do). Don't hang heavy drapes, and get rid of other items that allow dust to accumulate. Clean frequently (if your allergy is severe, you may be able to get someone else to do your dirty work!) Use special covers to seal pillows and mattresses if you're allergic to dust mites. Minimize outdoor activity when pollen counts are high. Peak pollen times are usually between 10 am and 4pm. If you're allergic to pollen, keep windows closed when pollen season's at its peak (spring and fall), change your clothing after being outdoors - and don't mow lawns. Avoid damp areas, such as basements, if you're allergic to mold, and keep bathrooms and other mold-prone areas clean and dry.

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