What is allergy?
Allergy is an overreaction of the immune system
to a normally harmless substance.

Allergic individuals are often sensitive to more than one airborne allergen.  Furthermore, the same airborne allergen can cause a number of symptoms.  For example, inhaling pollen can trigger nasal, eye, and lung symptoms in the same individual. Another example is dust mites which can trigger respiratory symptoms as well as worsen eczema.

The list above includes allergens.  Cold air, exercise, viral infections, sinusitis, smoke, and other indoor and outdoor irritants can also trigger symptoms in allergy and asthma patients.

Substances that cause allergic reactions are called allergens.

• Pollens
• Outdoor molds
• House dust mites
• Animal dander
• Indoor molds
• Cockroach allergen
• Insect venoms
• Medications
• Food
• Latex

What is an allergic reaction?
The immune system responding to a FALSE ALARM and reacting to allergens that are normally harmless to most people.

The immune system defends against attackers which are recognized as "foreign."  During this recognition process, the body distinguishes between its "self" and "nonself" and ordinarily does not attack "self."  An autoimmune disease is an example of the body attacking "self."

When the body identifies "nonself" molecules or a "foreign" invader, it can attack the intruder with an array of weapons.

The immune system is protective when it responds to "foreign" invaders such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites.

When the immune system responds to normally harmless "foreign" invaders such as house dust mites or pollens, it sets up an allergic reaction. 

Symptoms such as sneezing, wheezing, runny nose, or hives occur when the allergic individual is exposed to a "foreign" substance that the body falsely identifies as harmful.

Can an allergy develop at any age?
YES! Even though you have never experienced an allergic reaction before, the body can develop an allergy at any point in life.  It is associated with the body's recognition that the substance is "nonself" or a "foreign" invader that is harmful. 

The body makes specific antibodies (called IgE) against these perceived harmful "foreign" substances, such as bee venom or oak pollen.

Is allergy inherited?
A genetic link exists for allergy.  Individuals inherit the capacity to become allergic.

Allergic Rhinitis Medications

Commonly used allergic rhinitis medications.  All are not listed.
Corticosteroid Nasal Sprays anti-inflammatory controller medicines	beclomethasone flunisolide fluticasone	generics	Sniff gently.   Do not blow nose for 15 minutes after using nasal spray.   Alternate sides between each spray, if doing more than one spray in each nostril.
	budesonide	Rhinocort AQUA
	mometasone	Nasonex
	triamcinolone	Nasacort AQ
Antihistamine Nasal Spray	azelastine	Astelin
Anticholinergic Nasal Spray	ipratropium	Atrovent
OTC Decongestant Nasal Spray		Afrin is an example.	This category gives quick relief. However, limit the use of OTC decongestant nasal sprays to several days in a row. Chronic use leads to a rebound effect that worsens symptoms.
OTC Saline Nasal Spray			Saline nasal sprays can be used as needed.
Oral Antihistamines non-sedating or low-sedating category	desloratadine	Clarinex / Reditab Clarinex Syrup	These are commonly prescribed oral antihistamines.  You also can get combination antihistamine and decongestant by prescription.
	fexofenadine	Tabs Allegra Suspension
	levocetirizine	Xyzal Tabs
	cetirizine loratadine	Zyrtec Claritin	These are now over-the-counter.