allergy relief take a deep breath You re protected this allergy season

Transcription

1 allergy relief take a deep breath You re protected this allergy season

2 TAKE ACTION AGAINST ALLERGIES It s hard to be at your best when you re suffering from allergies. That s why Rite Aid has partnered with the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) to help you take control of your allergies. As the leading medical specialty organization on allergic diseases, the AAAAI is a trusted resource on allergy and asthma and provided much of the information in this guide. You can take action against allergies. Read on to learn about common allergens and the important changes you can make to prevent symptoms. Want to know more about controlling your allergies or asthma? First, talk with an allergist about your symptoms and treatment options. To find an allergist near you, visit Then visit your Rite Aid pharmacist to get the right advice about the recommended treatments and expert guidance on using them effectively. 2

3 Table of Contents 4 ALL ABOUT ALLERGIES 5 POLLEN: LITTLE Grains THAT CAUSE BIG PROBLEMS 6 FOOD ALLERGIES: Find Hidden Culprits 7 SKIN-SAVING TIPS 8 WATCH OUT FOR EYE ALLERGIEs 9 IS IT A COLD OR AN ALLERGY? 10 OVER-THE-COUNTER RELIEF 3

4 ALL ABOUT ALLERGIES Do you have allergies? If so, you re not alone. Allergies affect more than 50 million people in the U.S. Simply put, allergies are your body s overreaction to common substances found in the environment, called allergens. Allergens can be a number of things from pollen and mold to dust and pet dander. Certain foods and drugs can also be triggers. While there is no cure for allergies, they can usually be controlled and treated. Here s how: 1. Learn what triggers your allergies. 2. Work with your allergist, other health care professionals, and your Rite Aid pharmacist to diagnose and relieve your allergies. 3. Make lifestyle changes to reduce the allergens around you. 1 Did you know? Asthma affects millions of Americans. Many people have allergic asthma, which means that allergens make their symptoms worse. Could your asthma be triggered by allergies? Talk with an allergist to find out what s causing your asthma symptoms and to find the best treatment option for you. Get an interactive look at common allergy and asthma symptoms and find out what could be causing them with the AAAAI s The Virtual Allergist online tool. Visit virtual_allergist to learn more! 1 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, How to Help Your Allergies and Asthma. 4

5 POLLEN: LITTLE Grains THAT CAUSE BIG PROBLEMS Pollen can cause itchy or watery eyes, a stuffy, runny nose, allergic eczema, and asthma. Seasonal allergies are often caused by pollen from trees in the early spring, from grasses during late spring and early summer, and from weeds in late summer and early fall. In warmer places, pollination can be year-round. The further north you are, the later in spring the season starts. 2 Ease your allergens Try these tips to power over pollen: Close windows at night. Minimize early morning activity when pollen levels are high, between 5 and 10 a.m. Keep car windows closed when traveling. Try to stay indoors when the pollen count or humidity is high and on windy days when dust and pollen are blown about. Make sure you take any medications prescribed by your allergist regularly, in the recommended dosage. Your Rite Aid pharmacist can answer your questions about allergy medications. Keep up with pollen levels Pollen levels measure allergens in the air. If you have allergies, monitoring these levels can help you limit outdoor exposure at peak pollen times, and in turn, reduce your allergy symptoms. 3 Visit the AAAAI s National Allergy Bureau at to get the most up-to-date pollen levels in your area. 2 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Tips to Remember: Outdoor Allergens. 3 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Pollen: Little Cells That Cause Big Problems. 5

6 FOOD ALLERGIES: FIND HIDDEN CULPRITS People can be allergic to any kind of food. But according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, most food-allergy reactions are caused by the proteins of just a few common foods. Check out these common food allergens and some of the surprising products that may contain them: Milk: sherbet, canned tuna, and batter-fried foods Eggs: egg substitutes, salad dressings, pretzels, and soups Peanuts: chili, energy bars, baked goods, and egg rolls Soy: crackers, infant formulas, cereals, and sauces Tree nuts, such as walnuts and almonds: barbecue sauce, crackers, and cereals Fish and shellfish: Caesar salad dressing and Worcestershire sauce Wheat: imitation crabmeat, hot dogs, and ice cream Check product labels carefully to avoid potential allergens and to prevent reactions altogether. Signs of a reaction can occur within a few minutes to a few hours of eating. Symptoms may include: Itching of the face, mouth, or skin A metallic taste in the mouth Swelling of the lips and throat Vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain If you suspect you have a food allergy, see your doctor. Most allergic reactions can be easily treated, but some can be severe and even life-threatening. Coughing Tightening of the throat Hives Wheezing 6

7 SKIN-SAVING TIPS Red, scaly, itchy, blistered, or swollen skin any of these could signal a skin allergy. The most common allergic skin conditions are eczema, hives, and allergic contact dermatitis. 4 Watch out for the following: Year-round rashes. Certain foods, medications, environmental allergens, fragrances, latex, nickel, and even sunscreen can cause rashes any time of year. A diary of what you ve eaten or touched may help you and your doctor determine what might be causing an allergic reaction. Contact with certain plants. Poison oak, sumac, or ivy can all lead to skin rashes. Remember this saying: Leaves of three, let them be. Some people are also sensitive to grass or other plants. For protection, wear long pants and long sleeves if outdoor plants cause a reaction. Immediately wash skin, clothing, or any item that comes into contact with these plants to avoid future reactions. Plant oils left on gardening tools have been known to cause reactions a year later. Insect stings. It s normal for bee and wasp stings to cause a minor rash. But for people with stinging insect allergies, these stings can cause a severe reaction that may require emergency treatment. Always report the reaction to your doctor in case testing is needed. Get medical help right away if your reaction involves breathing problems, confusion, dizziness, or nausea. 5 Prepare for your allergies ahead of time by visiting your allergist for a treatment plan and your Rite Aid pharmacist for medications. 4 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Diseases 101: Skin Allergies. 5 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Prepare for Summer Skin Flare-Ups. 7

8 WATCH OUT FOR EYE ALLERGIES Do your eyes ever water, itch, hurt, or become red or swollen? You could have an eye allergy. Allergic conjunctivitis (or ocular allergy) occurs when membranes in the eyes and eyelids become inflamed. It can occur alone, or it may be associated with nasal allergy symptoms. Unlike pinkeye, it s not contagious. Look out for these signs Most people suffering from eye allergies have problems in both eyes. Symptoms may appear quickly, soon after the eyes have come into contact with the allergen. Small blood vessels widen and the eyes become pink or red. Other symptoms may include pain, swollen eyelids, a burning sensation, and sore or tender eyes. Choose the right relief Over-the-counter eye drops and oral medications are commonly used for short-term relief of some eye allergy symptoms. But they may not relieve all symptoms, and prolonged use of some eye drops could worsen symptoms. Prescription eye drops provide both short- and long-term targeted relief and can be used with an oral antihistamine for nasal allergy symptoms. 6 Store eye medications only as directed. Be sure to see your allergist or your Rite Aid pharmacist if you have questions. 6 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Eye Allergy: Causes and Treatment. 8

9 IS IT A COLD OR AN ALLERGY? Cold and allergy symptoms are so alike that many people, especially those with indoor allergies, may think they are just suffering from a common cold. So how can you tell the difference between an allergy and a cold? Use this chart to identify your symptoms. Just remember, it shouldn t replace professional diagnosis. Symptoms Duration Triggers or Causes Allergies Runny or stuffy nose Sneezing Wheezing Itchiness of eyes, nose, and throat Symptoms begin almost immediately after exposure to allergen(s). Symptoms last as long as you re exposed to the allergen and until the reaction ends. If the allergen is present year-round, symptoms may be chronic. Allergens such as pollen, mold spores, pet dander, dust, foods, insect stings, and some drugs Colds Fever Aches and pains Allergy symptoms Symptoms usually take a few days to hit full force. Symptoms should clear up within several days to a week. Virus Acute Sinusitis - Profuse, thick, - colored nasal drainage - Bad tasting, - postnasal drip - Cough - Head congestion or - headache - A plugged-up nose - A feeling of facial - swelling - Toothache - Constant tiredness - Fever Symptoms may persist for several weeks, especially if not treated. Acute sinusitis is often caused by a bacterial infection. It usually develops as a complication of a viral respiratory infection, such as the common cold, especially if symptoms last more than seven to 10 days. The inflammation seen is usually triggered by inadequate draining. This may be due to allergies, infections, or physical problems in the nose. Chronic Sinusitis Symptoms are similar to those of acute sinusitis, but patients usually don t have a fever. Chronic sinusitis is diagnosed when sinusitis symptoms last longer than eight weeks. Factors such as allergies or bacterial infection also play a major role in chronic sinusitis by producing mucus and swelling in the sinus membranes. 9

10 Over-the-Counter Relief Now that we ve covered different types of allergies and the many triggers, let s talk relief. This chart suggests products that can be effective in treating common allergies. Symptoms What To Use How It Works Runny nose Sneezing Watery and itchy eyes Oral Antihistamines Blocks histamine, which causes many allergy symptoms, such as itching of the eyes and nose, runny nose, and sneezing. Runny nose Stuffy nose Sneezing Watery and itchy eyes Runny nose Stuffy nose Oral Antihistamines/ Decongestants Saline Rinse Blocks histamine to relieve allergy symptoms, including itching of the eyes and nose, runny nose, and sneezing. Narrows blood vessels and reduces blood flow in the affected area, which helps clear congestion and improves breathing. Physically removes and thins out secretions. May rinse out allergens and irritants. Stuffy nose Oral Decongestants Narrows blood vessels and reduces blood flow in the affected area, which helps clear congestion and improves breathing. Watery, itchy eyes Watery, itchy, red eyes Runny nose Sneezing Itchy skin/rash/ hives Nasal Decongestants Nasal Strips Eye Drops: Antihistamine/Mast Cell Stabilizer Eye Drops: Antihistamine/ Decongestant Nasal Mast Cell Inhibitors Moisturizing Creams Anti-inflammatory Ointments and Creams: Topical Corticosteroids Topical Antihistamines Oral Antihistamines Same as above. Do not use more than three days because rebound congestion can occur. Drug-free strips that lift the sides of the nose to open the nasal passages. Blocks and prevents the release of histamine to relieve symptoms. Narrows blood vessels and blocks histamine in the eye to relieve symptoms. Prevents release of histamine and other triggers but does not stop inflammation once it begins. Start treatment before allergy season begins and use daily. Lubricates dry skin. Acts against most causes of inflammation by decreasing the formation, release, and activity of histamine and other triggers of inflammation. Includes some local anesthetic activity to relieve itching. Blocks histamine, one of the most important mediators of the allergic response. 10

11 Please note: This chart is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or diagnosis. Please consult an allergist or your health care professional for the best allergy treatment options. Products Available at Rite Aid* Rite Aid Complete Allergy, Benadryl: Diphenhydramine Rite Aid Loratadine, Claritin: Loratadine Rite Aid Cetirizine, Zyrtec: Cetirizine Chlor-Trimeton: Chlorpheniramine maleate Tavist: Clemastine Benadryl D: Diphenhydramine/phenylephrine Rite Aid Cold and Allergy Elixir, Dimetapp Cold and Allergy Elixir: Brompheniramine/phenylephrine Rite Aid Lorata-D, Claritin-D: Loratadine/pseudoephedrine Zyrtec-D: Cetirizine/pseudoephedrine Neilmed Sinus Rinse Kit Sudafed PE: Phenylephrine Rite Aid Pseudoephedrine, Sudafed: Pseudoephedrine Rite Aid 12-Hour Nasal Spray, Afrin: Oxymetazoline Neo-Synephrine: Phenylephrine Rite Aid Nasal Strips, Breathe Right Zaditor, Alaway, Claritin Eye, Zyrtec Eye: Ketotifen fumarate ophthalmic solution * Generally, antihistamines may cause drowsiness and should not be used if driving or operating machinery, while decongestants tend to keep people awake and may increase heart rate and blood pressure. Allergy relief products may interact with other medications or health conditions, so be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist what you are taking. Some allergy products, like nasal decongestants and some eye drops, should only be used for three days. Be sure to follow the labeled instructions. Remember, children should only be treated under the direction of their physician. These products are listed for educational purposes only and are not intended as a substitute for medical advice or diagnosis. Consult your health care professional with any questions about your symptoms or the treatment options that may be right for you. The named products have not been reviewed or approved by the AAAAI. Rite Aid Eye Allergy Relief Drops, Visine A, Naphcon A: Naphazoline and pheniramine NasalCrom: Cromolyn sodium Rite Aid Oatmeal Lotion, Aveeno, Eucerin Rite Aid Hydrocortisone, Cortizone 10: Hydrocortisone cream, lotion, and ointment Rite Aid Anti-itch Cream (spray or gel), Benadryl Topical: Diphenhydramine combination products Rite Aid Complete Allergy, Benadryl: Diphenhydramine Rite Aid Loratadine, Claritin: Loratadine Rite Aid Cetirizine, Zyrtec: Cetirizine Chlor-Trimeton: Chlorpheniramine maleate Tavist: Clemastine 11

12 Rite Aid is your go-to resource for allergy relief. Our proud partnership with the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology helps us deliver the information you need to stay protected this allergy season. # rev 1/10 form #2061