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Commonly asked questions about
allergies.**
Q. What are allergies?
A. Allergies result when your immune system reacts to foreign substances ("allergens") such as pollen or pet dander. Even though an allergen might not be harmful, your immune system makes antibodies to fight it, triggering the release of substances such as histamines that cause allergy symptoms.
Q. What are allergies?
A. Allergies result when your immune system reacts to foreign substances ("allergens") such as pollen or pet dander. Even though an allergen might not be harmful, your immune system makes antibodies to fight it, triggering the release of substances such as histamines that cause allergy symptoms.
Q. What are some allergy triggers?
A. If you have nasal allergies, some of the most common triggers are:
A. If you have nasal allergies, some of the most common triggers are:
- Tree pollen
- Grass Pollen
- Weed pollen (especially ragweed)
- Mold
Q. Am I more likely to have allergies at certain times of
the year?
A. Seasonal allergies coming from outdoor allergens such as pollen can start in early spring and continue into the fall with allergens like ragweed. Indoor allergies such as dust mites and pet dander can cause problems all year long.
A. Seasonal allergies coming from outdoor allergens such as pollen can start in early spring and continue into the fall with allergens like ragweed. Indoor allergies such as dust mites and pet dander can cause problems all year long.
Q. What's the difference between a cold and an
allergy?
A.
A.
| Symptoms | Cold | Allergy |
| Cough | Usually | Sometimes |
| Aches/Pains | Sometimes | Rarely |
| Tired/Weakness | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Itchy Eyes | Rarely | Usually |
| Sneezing | Usually | Usually |
| Sore Throat | Usually | Sometimes |
| Fever | Sometimes | Never |
| Runny/Stuffy Nose | Usually | Usually |
| Duration | 3-14 Days | Weeks |
Q. How can I avoid allergy "triggers"?
A. There are some things you can do to reduce your exposure to triggers:
A. There are some things you can do to reduce your exposure to triggers:
- Limit going outside, especially on windy or dry days
- Take a shower or bath to wash away pollen before going to bed
- Keep your windows and doors shut tight
- Use the air conditioner in your house or car
Q. How can I minimize allergens in my home?
A.
A.
- Dust often with a damp cloth that traps allergens
- Vacuum twice a week
- Wash bedding frequently and wrap pillows and mattresses in allergen-proof cases
- Keep pets out of your bedroom to reduce pet dander
- Set home humidity levels at 30-50%
- Keep windows closed
Q. Will my children suffer from allergies if I do?
A. If a person has allergies, their child has a 50% chance of suffering too. That percentage increases to 66% if both parents have allergies.
A. If a person has allergies, their child has a 50% chance of suffering too. That percentage increases to 66% if both parents have allergies.
Q. Why am I allergic to my pets?
A. The real culprit is an allergen found in the animal's saliva or urine, which they transfer to their skin and fur. Cats may cause more allergy problems than dogs because they tend to lick their fur or skin a lot, spreading the allergen onto their bodies.
A. The real culprit is an allergen found in the animal's saliva or urine, which they transfer to their skin and fur. Cats may cause more allergy problems than dogs because they tend to lick their fur or skin a lot, spreading the allergen onto their bodies.
Q. Should I get rid of my pet if I'm allergic to it?
A. Many people can manage their pet allergies by taking an antihistamine and attempting to reduce allergens by keeping their pet outside, containing the animal within one room or using an air filter.
A. Many people can manage their pet allergies by taking an antihistamine and attempting to reduce allergens by keeping their pet outside, containing the animal within one room or using an air filter.
Q. Which type of medication can help relieve my
symptoms?
A. Antihistamines treat itchy eyes, runny nose and sneezing. Allergy eye drops help reduce itching, swelling and redness of the eyes. Oral spray and decongestants are formulated to relieve nasal and sinus congestion.
A. Antihistamines treat itchy eyes, runny nose and sneezing. Allergy eye drops help reduce itching, swelling and redness of the eyes. Oral spray and decongestants are formulated to relieve nasal and sinus congestion.
Q. Will my allergy medicine make me drowsy?
A. Some allergy medicines may cause drowsiness, so it's important to check the package if you are concerned. Effective non-drowsy treatment options are also available. As with all medications, be sure to read all package information and follow the dosage directions.
A. Some allergy medicines may cause drowsiness, so it's important to check the package if you are concerned. Effective non-drowsy treatment options are also available. As with all medications, be sure to read all package information and follow the dosage directions.
Q. Are there any non-medicated remedies I can try?
A. Consider rinsing your sinuses with a saline solution or neti pot to help flush thick mucus and irritants from your nose.
A. Consider rinsing your sinuses with a saline solution or neti pot to help flush thick mucus and irritants from your nose.
* Source: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
** These answers are meant to serve as a guide. They are
not a substitute for medical advice and have not
been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Always follow specific dosage and
frequency
information listed on product labels.
