Allergies are a very common problem presenting in pharmacy at this time of year. Most people with allergies experience mild symptoms, but for some, the symptoms can be life threatening. Fortunately, effective prevention and treatments are available, with the majority of these treatments available in pharmacy.
What causes allergies?
Your immune system is made up of special cells, proteins, tissues and organs. Its job is to defend your body against germs and viruses, and allergy is the result of mistaken identity. An allergen (a substance that causes an allergic reaction) enters the body and is wrongly identified by the immune system as a dangerous substance. In response, the immune system attacks the allergen.
When an allergen is found, a cascade of immune system reactions occur, including the release of chemicals – the most common of these is histamine. In small amounts, histamine causes itching and reddening of the local area. In large amounts, the nearby blood vessels become dilated and the area swells with fluid.
An allergen for one person may not be for another, everyone reacts differently.
Common allergens (or triggers) include:
- Food – such as crustaceans, eggs, fish, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, sesame and soy products
- Plants – pollen
- Medicines ¬¬– including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and herbal/complementary medicines
- Insects – such as dust mites and the venom from insects
- Moulds – such as mushroom spores
- Animal dander – such as the fur and skin flakes from domestic pets
- Chemicals – industrial and household chemicals and latex rubber
Allergies and the pharmacy
Allergies should be treated with care and concern. Most allergic reactions are mild to moderate and do not cause major problems – even though they may be a source of extreme irritation and discomfort for many people. Untreated allergies can worsen other chronic respiratory problems such as asthma, sinusitis, and skin disorders such as eczema and hives. For most people with allergies, avoiding or reducing contact with allergens is the first and most important step they can take. This relies on identifying the cause and then taking steps to reduce exposure to the allergen.
Medicines that help to relieve allergic symptom reactions are an important treatment category in pharmacy. They are important medicines for your customers as they provide relief from common allergy symptoms such as sneezing, blocked noses and watery eyes (with use of antihistamine tablets, nasal sprays and eye drops). Lastly, don’t forget to provide companion product options and lifestyle advice to your customers.
What about severe allergies?
Unfortunately, a small number of people may experience a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This potentially life threatening allergic reaction is to be treated as a medical emergency. A reaction usually occurs within 20 minutes of coming into contact with the allergen. In any life-threatening situation, your first step is to immediately dial 000 for an ambulance. You should then alert the pharmacist to the situation.
References
- SIRCPPK309 – Assist customers seeking to relieve common allergic symptom reactions
- http://www.webmd.com/allergies/guide/allergy-triggers
- http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Allergies
by Jane Larter, Pharmacist and Trainer & Assessor