uesions? Answers about allergies begin here A11Hf CORNf ROF Featuring health information from WIC # Book Expiration Date: 06/01 /16

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1 ' uesions? Featuring health information from Answers about allergies begin here A11Hf CORNf ROF WIC # Book Expiration Date: 06/01 /16

2 Allergy relief tips from WebMD Contents Allergy basics... Page 4 If you have an allergy, welcome to the club. About 50 million Americans Allergy prevention... Page 10 Allergy treatment... Page 14 - or 1 in 5 people are allergic to pollen, food, pets, medications, Children's allergies... Page 22 and more. Learn about your allergy, including how to recognize symptoms, avoid allergy triggers, and most importantly, how to find relief. Other allergies... Page 26 Sources Page 30 Information from WebMD except where indicated. WebMD does not endorse any products or treatment. 2 I WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved. Health information from WebMD I 3

3 Who's most at risk for developing allergies? Allergies affect men and women of all ages, and you can develop an allergy at any time. You may even find yourself suddenly allergic to something that v ' never bothered you before. Experts aren't sure why some people have allergies and others don't, but there seems to be a family connection. People with a family history of allergies are more likely to develop them. So if you have allergies, your children will most likely have them, too. How do I know if I have allergies? If you always sneeze when you pet a cat or feel sniffly at the start of spring, What causes allergies? Blame your allergies on something called allergens. When people with allergies come in contact with an allergen, like pet dander, pollen, mold, or dust, their immune system reacts. It thinks that allergen is harmful and responds by creating inflammation in your skin, sinuses, airways, or digestive system. That triggers symptoms like itching, sneezing, wheezing, and watery eyes. you could have an allergy. But how do you know for sure? The best way to find out is to see your doctor or an allergist. They will ask about your medical history, do a physical exam, and run tests. To help your doctor give you the right diagnosis: Make a list of your symptoms. Based on these, your doctor may be able to rule out other causes like a cold, virus, or other illness. 4 Health information from WebMD I 5

4 Track the timing. If you're sneezing for a few weeks every few months, or if your symptoms are particularly bad in the morning, this may be another clue that you have allergies. How do I know if I have a cold or allergies? The symptoms are so similar that you might get them confused. Here's how to tell the difference: Note anything new. Are you using a new detergent? Did you change your skin care routine? Pay attention to any changes in your diet and lifestyle. Symptoms They may help your doctor find what's triggering your symptoms. Runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, wheezing, watery or itchy eyes. Runny or stuffy nose, sneezing. You could also have a sore throat, body aches, and fever. Watery eyes are rare. When symptoms start w "' Featured Product Begin shortly after being exposed to an allergen. Usually develop over several days. How long symptoms last Could last a long time, as long as you're exposed to your allergen. Symptoms tend to clear up within a few days. 6 Health information from WebMD I 7

5 a factor in how and when you react. Mold, for example, reaches its peak in July in warm states and October in cold states, but it can be found year-round in the South and on the West Coast. Year-round: If you have year-round hay fever, you are probably allergic to something indoors, such as dust mites, mold, cockroaches, or pet dander. What is hay fever? Also known as allergic rhinitis, hay fever is the most common type of allergy. It can be seasonal, meaning it only happens at certain times of the year (mostly in the spring or fall), or yearround. Symptoms include stuffy nose, runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and itchy throat and can range from mild to severe. w Featured Product Well ~"'~ - Seasonal: If you have seasonal hay fever, you're probably allergic to something outdoors, like mold or pollen. Ragweed is to blame for 75% of hay fever. Where you live can play Indoor & owiloar Alle:rgles 8 Health information from WebMD I 9

6 Cut down on dander. Keep pets out of the bedroom. Vacuum carpets frequently, and replace carpet with hardwood, tile, or linoleum Keep dust mites at bay. These little critters thrive in bedding, carpeting, and upholstered furniture. Use allergen-proof covers on mattresses, box springs, and pillows. Zippered plastic covers also work. Wash ~- bedding weekly in hot water (130 F) and dry in a hot dryer to kill dust mites. Keep humidity levels low in your house by using air conditioning or a dehumidifier. Replace wall-to-wall carpeting with flooring. Get a grip on mold. Get rid of mold in your house by using water and detergent. In some cases, you can use a 5% bleach solution, but don't mix it with other cleaners. Repair What can I do to reduce allergens in my home? Take care when cleaning. Vacuuming and dusting can stir up dust, which can trigger an allergic reaction. To avoid this, wear a mask when cleaning. If possible, leave your home for a few hours after cleaning to avoid allergens you've stirred up. indoor or outdoor leaks. Use a dehumidifier, and clean it often. Keep pollen out. Use an air filter in your house to eliminate pollen from the air, and clean your home regularly. Use the air conditioner, and change the filter often. Also, keep windows and doors in your home closed. Also, make sure that your vacuum has a HEPA filter or special double filter bags to catch dust. 10 Health information from WebMD I 11

7 Avoid tracking pollen in your home by leaving your shoes at the door, changing your clothes, and showering and washing your hair immediately after going inside. Pets can bring in pollen, too. So keep your cat or dog out of the bedroom. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from pollen. Roll up the car windows and use the air conditioner when you drive. Have someone else do the yard work. What can I do to protect myself from outdoor allergens? You don't have to stay indoors round the clock, there are some precautions you can take: Avoid going out when allergens are at their peak, usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Check the allergy forecast (download an allergy forecast app or visit a weather web site that tracks allergens) and stay indoors when pollen and mold counts are high or the wind is gusting, which could kick up dust and pollen. Consider wearing a facemask when you're outside to limit how much pollen you breathe in. 12 Health information from WebMD I 13

8 prescription. Work with your doctor or pharmacist to find out which medication is best for you. Here are some of the most common: Steroid Nasal Sprays This medication is usually a doctor's first choice for allergy treatment. These sprays reduce swelling in the nasal passages and prevent and treat runny, stuffy noses, sneezing, and itching. While steroids are effective for allergies, they must be taken regularly, often daily, even when you aren't feeling allergy symptoms. Side effects may include bloody nose What does treatment for and nasal irritation. allergies involve? There's no cure for allergies, but Featured Product there are many treatments available. w You can avoid your allergens as much as possible, take medications, use alternative treatments, and try immunotherapy, also called allergy shots. What medications can help my symptoms? There are many medications that can help you gain control over your allergy symptoms. Some are available over the counter, while others need a 14 Health information from WebMD I 15

9 Antihistamines When you come in contact with allergens, your body releases histamines, which bring on sneezing, itching, a runny nose, and watery eyes. Antihistamines block this response. One of the most common medicines used for allergies, antihistamines are available over the counter and by prescription. They come in different forms, including liquids, pills, and nasal sprays. They help relieve rashes, hives, sneezing, itching, and runny nose. Some may make you sleepy, so don't take them if you need to drive. Check with your pharmacist for advice on nondrowsy antihistamines and ones that work for longer periods of time. pharmacy counter. You will have to ask your pharmacist for it. Nasal spray and eyedrop decongestants should be used for only a few days at a time. Using them for longer can make your symptoms come back worse. You shouldn't take decongestants if you have blood pressure or heart problems, thyroid disease, diabetes, or prostate problems unless your doctor says you can. Most people don't have side effects. Rarely, you may have headaches, trouble sleeping, and feel irritable when you take them. Allergy Shots This is also called allergy immunotherapy and is only available from your doctor. Decongestants Another popular way to treat allergies is with a decongestant. These reduce swelling and can help with stuffiness. They come in nasal sprays, eyedrops, liquids, and pills and are available over the counter and with a prescription. The only over-the-counter decongestants in pill form are phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine. Though it doesn't require a prescription, pseudoephedrine is stocked behind the The shots can help your body get used to your allergens. It can't cure your allergies, but your symptoms can get better for a long time, and you may have fewer allergic reactions. Allergy shots have to be taken every few days to weeks for several months. They are a good option for people with hay fever or pet allergies when other medications haven't worked. Side effects include redness, swelling, or irritation around the site of the injection. 16 Health information from WebMD I 17

10 Allergy Tablets These are like allergy shots without the injections. Instead, a small dose pharmacist before you combine them. Some medications can interact with others and make side effects worse. of your allergen is given as a tablet that you hold under your tongue for a couple of minutes before swallowing it. It helps boost your tolerance for an allergen and improves your symptoms. Your doctor will prescribe the tablets. At first, you'll take them in the office, but eventually you can take them at home. Side effects tend to be mild and include itching in the mouth and stomach problems. You'll need to keep an epinephrine auto-injector handy in case you have a severe reaction. Auto-injectors are syringes loaded with medication that can help stop a severe allergic reaction and are small enough to carry with you at all times. How can I reduce side effects from medication? Follow a few simple strategies to manage side effects: Follow the directions. Read medication labels and instructions carefully to know when, how much, and how often to take your medication, and whether it should be taken with food. List all your meds. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all of the medications you're taking, including supplements and over-thecounter drugs. Mention past problems. Tell your doctor if you've had any problems or unpleasant side effects from past medications. That will help your Can I use these treatments together? Some of these treatments can be used together. Antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays, for example, are often taken together. Always read medication doctor decide which medications you should and shouldn't take. Limit alcohol. If you're taking antihistamines, don't drink alcohol. It can increase side effects like drowsiness or even make you sick. labels and check with your doctor or 18 Health information from WebMD I 19

11 ragweed, some supplements may make your symptoms worse. It's best to talk to your doctor before taking supplements. Nasal irrigation: Pour a saline solution into one nostril and let it flow out the other to wash out mucus and allergens. All you need is a bulb syringe or neti pot and the saline solution. Make sure you always use distilled or sterile water, boiled and cooled tap water, or water passed through a special filter. What are some ways I can treat my allergies without medicine? You might have heard that there are ways to get relief from your allergy symptoms without taking medication. Here are some that may work for w Featured Product your allergies: Acupuncture: With this technique, tiny needles are inserted into your skin, which may help people with mild hay fever by quieting the parts of the immune system that trigger allergic reactions. Well ru ~tu~ Well ~r ~"P'#J. ~~--~~ Natural Slnus. R~tlef,..,...,ame NeilMed* NASAFLO Herbal supplements: Experts aren't sure that taking supplements like bee pollen, butterbur, or goldenseal can help allergies. If you decide to try them, use caution. Some of the plants used to make supplements are distant cousins to ragweed. So if you are allergic to 20 Health information from WebMD I 21

12 and summer, evenings are particularly bad. And follow the same advice for adults for protecting your home from indoor and outdoor allergens. Medications can also help. But remember that treating children is different from treating adults. If your child's symptoms aren't responding to over-the-counter medicine recommended by your pharmacist, make an appointment with your pediatrician to see if other treatments like prescription medications and allergy immunotherapy might help. What's the best way to treat my child's allergy symptoms? Children's allergies are often confused with other conditions like ear, nose, and throat infections. If you don't know what's causing your child to sneeze or wheeze, see your pediatrician or allergist. They will examine your child to find the cause of the symptoms and suggest treatments. Featured Product Well at w~~ When pollen counts are highest, consider limiting your child's time outdoors. In late summer and early fall, that's usually in the morning. In spring 22 Health information from WebMD I 23

13 Can I use adult allergy medicine for my child? No. Only give medication to your child that is clearly labeled for his or her age group. There are a few over-the-counter and prescription medications that are OK for children as young as 6 months old. You'll need to know the child's age and weight to calculate the correct dose to give. Your pediatrician or pharmacist can help you figure out which medications and how much, if any, are best for your child. 24 Health information from WebMD I 25

14 Medicated lotions and creams such as calamine lotion and cortisone cream can help with rashes and are available over the counter. Antihistamines can help with itching. Eczema. Also called atopic dermatitis, this allergy causes the skin to become inflamed and irritated. It can be triggered by certain foods, pet dander, dust mites, sweating, or coming in contact with something irritating, like wool. Besides avoiding your allergens, the key is moisturizing your skin and not scratching the rash. Creams, lotions, What are some other types of allergies? Drug allergies. People with and ointments, including some with steroids and other medications, can help treat and prevent flare-ups. allergies to certain medications (like antibiotics, aspirin, and ibuprofen) will have a reaction like a skin rash, itching, wheezing, swelling, even trouble breathing after taking them. Antihistamines may be able to control some symptoms, but you may also need an epinephrine auto-injector. Avoiding the medication is crucial. Contact dermatitis. When your skin comes in direct contact with something you're allergic to, like perfumes, dyes, metals, or latex, you may notice a rash, blisters, itching, and burning. It's important to identify your allergen so you can avoid it. w Featured Product ~ NEOSPORIN. ECZEMA ESSENTIALS'"..._...,... Cllnic.:SllV shown to: I.j I 1' c"l -' I ' ' - " ; ',.;..' I '., - '. ' ' ; t.... tr l -- ~~ ' '... '".- '- ' ' n -'. ttas4 w.- -, _, 26 Health information from WebMD I 27

15 Insect allergies. Stinging insects like bees, hornets, wasps, yellow jackets, and fire and harvest ants can cause a variety of allergic reactions, including pain, itching, and swelling around the bite or sting. Mosquito bites can also cause a mild reaction with a small itchy welt. Treat stings and bites with ice or a cool washcloth to stop swelling. Calamine lotion or baking soda mixed with water can help relieve the pain. Use a spray or cream containing hydrocortisone or antihistamine for itching. In some people, stings can lead to a lifethreatening reaction called anaphylaxis, which should be treated immediately with an epinephrine auto-injector and You can also try over-the-counter artificial tears or antihistamine eyedrops. If you still have symptoms, talk to your doctor. Food allergies. Eight foods cause 90% of food allergies: Milk, soy, eggs, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish. Reactions tend to happen more in young children than adults. Fortunately, some children will outgrow them. Symptoms usually appear within a few minutes to 2 hours of eating the food and can be mild, like a rash, itching, or swelling, or life-threatening, like trouble breathing and swelling of the throat or tongue. Life-threatening reactions should be treated immediately with an epinephrine auto-injector. Then call 911. then by calling 911. Allergy shots may be helpful for people with insect allergies. Featured Product Eye allergies. Itching, redness, burning, and watery eyes can be caused by outdoor allergens, like pollen, or indoor allergens, like pet dander and mold. Other irritating factors, like smoke and STERtLE ORIGINAL PRESCAIPT10N STAENGTH perfume, can trigger an eye reaction. Don't rub your eyes. Sunglasses can help protect your eyes from outdoor allergy triggers. ~."'C. wom In mtn-.tff For II" 3,..,.&dear 30-dlY IUPP.,. 28 Health information from WebMD I 29

16 Sources: 1. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: "Allergy Shots."American Academy of Allergy,Asthma & Immunology: "Alternative Therapies." 2. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma &Immunology: "Colds, Allergies and Sinusitis - How to Tell the Difference." 3. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: "Hay Fever Medications." 4. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: "Indoor Allergens: Tips to Remember." 5. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: 11 0utdoor Allergens: Tips to Remember." 6. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: "Over-the-Counter Allergy Nasal Spray Triamcinolone - What Does It Mean for Patients." 7. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: "Prevention of Allergies and Asthma in Children: Tips to Remember." 8. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma &Immunology: "Stinging Insect Allergy: Tips to Remember." 9. American Academy of Pediatrics: "Caring For Insect Bites and Stings." 10. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: "Allergic Rhinitis." 11. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: "Contact Dermatitis." 12. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: "Food Allergies." 13. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: 11 Hay Fever Medications." 14. FamilyDoctor.org: "Antihistamines: Understanding Your OTC Options." 15. Gui, Y. North American Journal of Medical Sciences, August Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: "Allergy Facts and Figures." 17. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: "Allergy Overview." 18. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: "Rhinitis and Sinusitis" 19. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: "Gardening with Allergies." 20. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: "Over-the-Counter Medications." 21. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: "Sublingual lmmunotherapy." 22. Johns Hopkins Sinus Center: 11 Sublingual lmmunotherapy." 23. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: "Complementary, Alternative or Integrative Health: What's In a Name?" 24. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: "5 things to know about complementary health approaches for seasonal allergy relief." 25. National Eczema Association: "Treatment." 26. NIH Senior Health: "Taking medicines." 27. FDA: "Is Rinsing Your Sinuses Safe?" 28. FDA: "Allergy Relief for Your Child." 29. Up to Date: "Complementary and alternative therapies for allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis." WebMD does not endorse any products or treatments. e at Walgreens brand products have proudly carried our founder's last name- a man who was passionate about making wellness simpler, easier and within everyone's reachfor more than I 00 years. Try Walgreens brand for value you can trust. Walgreens pharmacist recommended* 100 /o satisfaction guaranteed To learn more, visit Walgreens.com/WalgreensBrand *Walgreens Pharmacist Survey Study, November 2014.

17 at From antihistamines to eye drops, Walgreens brand offers a wide assortment of high-quality allergy relief solutions that cost less. Well at Wa~Bllr4 Walgreens pharmacist recommended* 100 /o satisfaction guaranteed To earn more, visit Walgreens.com/WalgreensBrand *Walgreens Pharmacist Survey Study, November 2014.