allergy guide

8/14/2019 allergy guide

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ALLERGYguideIts time to simplify allergy care.

Tips and advice from your pharmacist.

#201172 Rev 4/06 Form #1913


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Keep windows closed in your house and carto reduce exposure to pollens.3

AllergiesAt-A-GlanceThe symptoms may be familiarthe runny nose,watery eyes, wheezing or sneezing that can goalong with allergies. But what are allergies?What causes them? And how do you begin totreat them?

Allergies are your bodys over-reaction tocommon things found in the environmentcalled allergens. Allergens can include

pollen or mold spores. They might includethe dead flakes of skin or saliva fromhousehold pets called animal dander.Dust is a common allergen, as arecertain foods or drugs.1 And whilehaving allergies may be hereditary, theallergen that triggers your symptomsmay be completely different than thoseof your family members.2

The good news is that allergies can becontrolled and treated. You begin by:

Learning what triggers your allergies

Working with your healthcareprofessional and pharmacist todiagnose and relieve your allergies

Making lifestyle changes to reduceallergens around you.1

Did you know?The long or short of itis: no matter whatthe length of yourpets fur, your pet

produces dander.2

Rite Aid Pharmacists:Helping You To Better Health

Rite Aid is committed to providing the everyday products and services thathelp our valued patients lead healthier, happier lives. An important part ofthat quality service is found in patient education. Thats why Rite Aid hasworked together with the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma &Immunology (AAAAI) to obtain information to help develop this allergy guide.

The AAAAI is the largest professional medical specialty organization in theUnited States dedicated to advancing the knowledge and practice of allergy,asthma and immunology. Much of the information included in this guide hasbeen provided by the AAAAI. As Rite Aid continues its mission of ensuringcustomers receive the quality service that really makes a difference, theAAAAI has been an invaluable resource in helping us further that mission.The AAAAI does not endorse any particular pharmacy or commercial productwithin this booklet; it is dedicated to providing comprehensive educationalinformation regarding allergies and allergic conditions.

Sources: 1. American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.How to Help Your Allergies

and Asthma. 2.American Academy of Allergy,Asthma & Immunology.Patients & Consumers Center:

Tips to Remember:Prevention of Allergies and Asthma in Children. 3. American Academy of Allergy,

Asthma & Immunology.Patients & Consumers Center:Tips to Remember:O utdoor Allergens.


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Im sneezing, my heads stuffed up.

Many people may not realize they have allergies, often thinking that theircongestion and runny nose may be a cold. Left untreated, allergies can causemore serious conditions like sinusitis or ear infections. It is important to distinguishbetween allergies and colds, enlisting the help of a physician when appropriate.

A cold is caused by a virus, where as an allergy is the bodys response to a specificallergen. Allergens are often common, usually otherwise harmless substances suchas pollen, mold spores, animal dander, dust, foods, insect venoms and drugs.

Understanding Allergy SymptomsAllergy symptoms can be caused by a number of very different allergens.So how do you determine whether you have allergies and, if so, what youreallergic to?

What if your head is stuffy and youre sneezing?

What if youre experiencing dry and itchy skin?

The charts on the following pages can guide you. Just remember, this informationis intended to help you educate yourself on common allergic conditions, andshouldnt replace professional diagnosis. Consult your healthcare professionalwith any questions or concerns about the symptoms that may be affecting you.

Your doctor is there to make sure you receive proper diagnosis and treatment.

Sources: 1.American Academy of Allergy,Asthma & Immunology.Patients & Consumers Center:Tips to Remember:What is Allergy Testing?

2.Am erican Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.How to Help Your Allergies and Asthma.

By understanding your allergies and how to treat them, soon you andyour family will be on your way to a healthier, more allergy-free lifestyle. 2

Testing for AllergiesIn order to treat your allergies, your doctor may first ask to perform anumber of simple allergy tests. This will better help you understand justwhat allergens affect you, determine the right treatment, and guide anylifestyle changes that may further control your allergies. 1

The most common types of allergy tests are skin tests and blood tests(also called radioallergosorbentor RAST tests). Because different

allergens are made up of different proteins, these allergy tests use theseproteins to help demonstrate which of them are causing your symptoms.For skin tests, this can be done by pricking or scratching the skin with a tinyquantity of an allergen protein, or by injecting this protein under the skinwith a syringe using a technique called intradermal testing. For bloodtests, your doctor will take a blood sample and introduce theallergen there.1

The results for skin tests are usually available very quicklyoften within15 minutes of testingwhile the results of blood tests are more involvedand therefore, may take slightly longer.1

By knowing the allergies that affect you, you take one step closer to a more

allergy-free day!

Avoid fresh cut grass and raking leaves they stir up pollens and molds. 1

Colds

Allergies

AcuteSinusitis

ChronicSinusitis

- Fever- Aches and pains- Allergy symptoms

Symptoms usually take afew days to hit full force.

- Runny or stuffy nose- Sneezing- Wheezing

- Watery and itchy eyes

Symptoms beginalmost immediately afterexposure to allergen(s).

- Profuse, thick, colorednasal drainage

- Bad tasting,post-nasal drip

- Cough- Head congestion or

headache- A plugged up nose- A feeling of facial swelling- Toothache

- Constant tiredness- Fever

Chronic sinusitissymptoms are similar tothose of acute sinusitis,however, patients usuallydo not have a fever.

Symptoms should clearup within several days toa week.

Symptoms last as longas you are exposed tothe allergen and until the

reaction triggered bythe allergen ends. If theallergen is present year-round, symptoms maybe chronic.

Symptoms may last for3-4 weeks.

A diagnosis of chronicsinusitis is made whensinusitis symptomspersist for more than4 weeks.

Virus

Allergens such as pollen,mold spores, animaldander, dust, foods, insect

venoms and possibly drugs.

Acute sinusitis is oftencaused by a bacterialinfection. It usually developsas a complication of a viralrespiratory infection, such asthe common cold, especially ifsymptoms last more than7 to 10 days.

The inflammation seen

is usually triggered byinadequate draining. This may beseen due to allergies, viral or bac-terial infections orphysical problems in the nose.

Factors such as allergiesor bacterial infection alsoplay a major role in chronicsinusitis by producinginflammation in the sinusmembranes.

Symptoms Duration Triggers or Causes

Sources: 1.American Academy of Allergy,Asthma & Immunology.Patients & Consumers Center:Tips to Remember:Outdoor Allergies.


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You can reduce the risk of childhood food allergies bydelaying the childs exposure to potentially-allergenic foodlike milk, wheat, corn, egg, fish, and peanuts.1

Sources: 1. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Patients & ConsumersCenter: Tips to Remember: Prevention of Allergies and Asthma in Children

Allergy Preventionin Children

Did you know you can reduce the chance that yourchild develops certain allergies? While allergies do run

in families, there are steps you can take to delayoreven preventyour child from developing allergicreactions to foods or the environment.1

To reduce the risk of food allergies, delay your childsexposure to foods that are commonly known to beallergens by introducing them in stages. For instance,begin your infants diet with breast milk for the firstfour to six months, and you can prevent potentialallergic reactions while strengthening your childsimmune system. If breast-feeding isnt possible,consider using partially pre-digested, proteinhydrolysate formulas over milk- or soy-basedchoices, which may cause allergic reactions.1

Between six to twelve months of age, introducesolid foodslike vegetables, rice, meat and fruit.Each food should be introduced one at a time sothat foods causing a reaction can be identifiedand eliminated. After one year, you may add milk,wheat, corn, citrus and soy. By age two, eggs maybe introduced and at age three, fish and peanutsmay be added as well.1

To reduce the risk of environmental allergies, control

dust and animal dander by taking the preventativemeasures discussed in Top Ten Tips to Allergy-Proofing in this guide.

By taking measures the moment you bring yourchild home from the hospital, you really can helpyour child get off to a healthier, happier and moreallergy-free start.1

My skin is really dry and itchy, what do I do?

Whenever you have an unusual rash, be sure to contact your family physician orallergist. They can help determine the cause, whether it is allergies, irritants, oranother trigger. Most importantly, your physician and other health care providerscan offer a support system and assist you in managing your skin condition.

You may have more than just dry skin.

There are several skin conditions that share symptoms similar to those of dryskin. They include eczema, hives or urticaria, and dermatitis.

Eczema is a common allergic skin reaction often seen on the face, elbowsand knees that appears as an itchy, bubbly rash. It is often caused by over-heating or sweating, contact with irritants such as wool, pets or soaps,emotional stress, food and infections.

Hives or urticaria are red, itchy, swollen areas of the skin that can range insize and appear anywhere on the body. Hives are often caused by a viralinfection, drug, food or latex, or reactions to medicines and foods.

Allergic contact dermatitis is best identified by an itchy, red, blisteredreaction and occurs where the offending agent-such as a plant or chemical-

comes in contact with the skin. Reactions can occur 24-48 hours after contact.For all three of these allergic skin conditions, preventing the itch is the pri-mary goal of treatment. There are some self-treatments that you may findhelpful for relieving itchy skin:

Applying cold compresses Lubricating the dry skin with cream or ointment Removing "irritants" that aggravate the condition Relieving symptoms with oral antihistamines or topical

anti-inflammatory medications (see the shopping guide)

Common treatments include over-the-countermedications and in some cases, prescriptions.Please see the following page for Rite AidPharmacist recommendations. If you have anyquestions, please consult your Rite AidPharmacist or doctor.

Sources: 1.Ame rican Academy of Allergy,Asthma & Immunology.Patients

& Consumers Center:Tips to Remember: Outdoor Allergens.

Did you know?Pollens from plants withbright flowers, like roses,usually dont triggerallergies. Their pollenis larger and harder toinhale.1


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Remember, these

products are listed for

educational purposesonly and are not intended

as a substitute for medical

advice or diagnosis.

Please consult your

healthcare professional

with any questions about

your symptoms or the

treatment options that

may be right for you.

Shopping forAllergy Relief

There are so many over-the-counter allergy medicationsavailable today, choosing the right one can be veryconfusing. Do you need an antihistamine or adecongestant? How do you find the proper treatmentfor you? The following chart suggests a number ofproducts that can be effective to treat common allergies

and their symptoms.And if you have anyquestions, make sure you consult your doctor orpharmacist. They can help you understand the differencesbetween similar products, and start feeling better soon.

Did you know?You can get up-to-datepollen counts for your areaonline at www.pollen.com.

Sources: 1. American Academy of Allergy,Asthma & Immunology. Patients &

Consumers Center: Tips to Remember:Traveling with Allergies and Asthma.

The above products have not been reviewed orapproved by the AAAAI.

Avoid tobacco smoke, which can worsenallergy and asthma symptoms.1

Symptoms What To Use How It Works Rite Aid Pharmacist Recommends

- Runny nose

- Sneezing- Wheezing- Watery and itchy eyes

- Runny nose- Stuffy nose- Sneezing- Wheezing- Watery and itchy eyes

- Stuffy nose

- Watery and itchy eyes- Redness

- Watery eyes- Runny nose- Sneezing

- Itchy skin /rash / hives

Oral Antihistamines

Oral Antihistamines/Decongestants

Oral Decongestants

Nasal Decongestants

Nasal Strips

Eye Drops

Nasal Mast CellInhibitors

Moisturizing Creams

Anti-inflammatoryOintments and Creams:Topical Corticosteroids

Topical Antihistamines

Oral Antihistamines

Blocks histamine, which causes many allergy symptoms,

such as itching of the eyes and nose, runny nose, andsneezing.

Blocks histamine to relieve allergy symptoms, includingitching of the eyes and nose, runny nose, and sneezing.Narrows blood vessels and reduces blood flow in theaffected area, which helps clear congestion andimproves breathing.

Narrows blood vessels and reduces blood flow in theaffected area, which helps clear congestion andimproves breathing.

Same as above. Do not use more than 3 days becauserebound congestion can occur.

Drug-free strips that lift the sides of the nose to openthe nasal passages.

Narrows blood vessels and blocks histamine in the eyeto relieve symptoms.

Prevents mast cells from releasing histamine and othertriggers of inflammation. It does not stop inflammationonce it has begun. You should start treatment before theallergy season begins and use daily.

Lubricates dry skin.

Acts against most causes of inflammation by decreasingthe formation, release and activity of histamine andother triggers of inflammation.

Includes some local anesthetic activity torelieve itching.

Blocks histamine, one of the most importantmediators of the allergic response.

Diphenhydramine: Rite Aid Complete Allergy, Benadryl

Loratadine: Rite Aid Loratadine, Claritin

Diphenhydramine/ pseudoephedrine: Benadryl D

Brompheniramine/ pseudoephedrine: Rite Aid Cold and Allergy DiBrommElixir, Dimetapp Cold and Allergy Elixir

Loratadine/ pseudoephedrine: Rite Aid Lorata-D, Claritin-D

Phenylephrine: Sudafed PEPseudoephedrine: Rite Aid Pseudoephedrine, Sudafed

Oxymetazoline: Rite Aid 12-Hour Nasal Spray, AfrinPhenylephrine: Neo-Synephrine

Rite Aid Nasal Strips, Breathe Right

Naphazoline and pheniramine: Rite Aid Eye Allergy Relief Drops, Visine A,Naphcon A

Cromolyn Sodium, Nasalcrom

Rite Aid Oatmeal Lotion, Aveeno, Eucerin

Hydrocortisone cream, lotion and ointment: Rite Aid Hydrocortisone,Cortizone 10

Diphenhydramine combination products: Rite Aid Anti-itch Cream (Spray orGel), Benadryl Topical

Diphenhydramine: Rite Aid Complete Allergy, BenadrylLoratadine: Rite Aid Loratadine, Claritin


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Did you know?

Allergies may havesymptoms that aresimilar to those ofa cold.5 Please referto page 4 to learnthe difference.

Sources: 1. Doctors Questions Document, from Rite Aid. 2. American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.Allergic Rhinitis. 3. American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. Patients & Consumers Center: Tips to Remember: Prevention of

Allergies and Asthma in Children. 4. American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. Patients & Consumers Center: Tips to Remember:Outdoor Allergens. 5. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. How to Help Your Allergies and Asthma.

Top Ten Questionsto Ask Your Doctor

Think you may suffer from allergies? Your healthcare professional can help youdetermine whether you do have allergies, what allergens trigger them, andwhether over-the-counter or prescription medications, if any, are appropriate.Some questions to ask your doctor could include:

1. What are the treatment choices for my allergies?1

2. Would allergy shots be helpful in my case? 2

3. How can I prevent or minimize my exposureto allergens?1

4. How can I tell whether my children haveallergies, too, or if they will develop them?1

5. What can I do to prevent my child fromdeveloping allergies or asthma?3

6. Will my medications make me sleepy or

cause other side effects?1

7. Will my medications react with other drugs Im taking?1

8. How much medication should I take, and how often?1

9. When should I stop taking medication?1

10. Are there other symptoms of allergies I should look for?1

Remember, your Rite Aid Pharmacist and doctor are there to support the healthof you and your family, so dont hesitate to share your concerns about allergies,as you would with any other medical condition.

Did you know? Moving to another region may help youavoid old allergiesbut also develop new ones!4

When the humidity is high, stay indoors and useair conditioning. This can lessen your exposureto dusts and pollens.3

Sources: 1. American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. How to Help YourAllergies and Asthma. 2. American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. Patients &Consumers Center: Tips to Remember: Prevention of Allergies and Asthma in Children. 3.American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. Patients & Consumers Center: Tipsto Remember: Outdoor Allergens.4. American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.

Allergic Rhinitis. 5. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Patients &Consumers Center: Tips to Remember: Sinusitis.

Top Ten Tipsto Allergy-Proofing

Did you know there are some simple lifestyle changes you can make to reduceyour exposure to the allergens that affect you and your family?

1. Reduce the clutter in your home that collects dust.1

2. Use zippered, allergy-proof plastic covers on mattresses, box springs andpillows to reduce dust mites in areas where you sleep.1

3. Wash bedding in 130 degree water1 every seven to ten days.This helps kill dust mites found in sheets and blankets. 2

4. Clean your home weekly to remove dust, molds and pet dander.1

5. Consider replacing wall-to-wall carpeting with washablethrow rugs to reduce dander, molds and dust mites.1

6. Keep pets outside the bedroom and bathe them weekly,to reduce exposure to dander.1

7. Use a dehumidifier to keep your house dry and reducethe growth of molds.1

8. Request that family and guests refrain from smokingin your car and home.1

9. Keep windows closed and use air conditioning onhigh-humidity or windy days.3,4

10. Dry clothes and bedding through an electricclothes dryer instead of hanging them outside.Pollen and molds could collect on them.3

Did you know?An allergy is a realmedical conditionthat deservestreatment, and isnot in your head.5

allergy guide

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