Getting to grips with allergy relief solutions

Allergic diseases are increasing, and a third of South Africans will suffer from some form of allergic disease during their lifetime.

The most common allergies result in eczema, asthma, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), urticaria (hives), food allergy and anaphylaxis.

Some allergies are seasonal, particularly widespread in spring and summer, when reactions to allergens such as tree pollen are prominent.

Some allergies are perennial, or all-year round, and include allergies to things such as dust, mould, cockroaches, feathers and pet dander.

Seasonal allergic rhinitis (AR), also known as hay fever, is associated with specific seasons of the year, typically in spring.

With allergy season upon us, people may be looking for over-the-counter products to assist in the relief of their allergy symptoms, but may not be sure which treatments are best. Pharmacists will also make recommendations based on individual patients’ needs.

Dr Corli Lodder of the Allergy Clinic in Boksburg, Johannesburg, says educating consumers about antihistamines is very important, especially around the difference in first and second generation antihistamines.

Antihistamines are usually the first medication to try for the relief of allergy symptoms. When your body encounters an allergy trigger, such as pollen for example, it produces chemicals called histamines – an inflammation response.

These histamines cause the tissue in your nose to swell (making it stuffy), your nose and eyes to run, and your eyes, nose, and sometimes your mouth to itch. Sometimes you may also get an itchy rash on your skin, called hives.

Antihistamines reduce or block histamines, which is how they can reduce or stop allergy symptoms.

Furthermore, histamine and a substance called platelet-activating factor (PAF) both play an important role in allergies such as allergic rhinitis.

Antihistamines can be classified as first and second generation, and both can alleviate AR symptoms or other upper respiratory allergies.

‘First-generation bind non-specifically to the histamine receptors and can cause side-effects such as drowsiness and cognitive impairment.

‘It also causes poor quality of sleep. Even though it can make you drowsy and sleepy, the REM sleep cycle will be impaired, and fatigue can follow,’ explains Dr Lodder.

He adds that sometimes first-generation antihistamines used in combination with flu and cough medicine can lead to overdosing and even more side-effects.

Lack of concentration at school and work owing to cognitive impairment may also be a side effect of some first-generation antihistamines.

40% of allergy sufferers are children.

Because some second-generation antihistamines are less likely to cross the blood-brain barrier than first-generation antihistamines, they are associated with fewer nervous system effects, such as drowsiness.

‘Second-generation antihistamines are more specific in the binding of the receptor and are safe to use daily,’ Dr Lodder says.

It is for this reason that second-generation antihistamines are sometimes also referred to as ‘non-sedating’ antihistamines.

Some second-generation antihistamines are also appropriate for use in children.

Allergies such as allergic rhinitis are very common conditions and symptoms can cause significant disruptions in daily activities.

There are many effective treatments available, but patients are often confused and overwhelmed by product labelling and options.

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about a suitable option.

Go to www.gotallergies.co.za for more information.

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