Allergy and Hay Fever Medications
- What are allergies?
- What causes allergies?
- What are the risks of allergies?
- What medical treatments are used for allergies and hay fever?
- Antihistamines
- Decongestants
- Anticholinergic nasal sprays
- Corticosteroid nasal sprays
- Antiallergy eye drops
- Leukotriene inhibitors
- Mast cell inhibitors
- For More Information
- Web Links
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Authors and Editors
What are allergies?
An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system responds to a foreign substance in an abnormal fashion. The immune system normally protects the body from harmful agents like bacteria and toxins. The body's abnormal response to a harmless substance (called an allergen) is called a hypersensitivity, or an allergic reaction. Generally, these reactions are due to interactions between the allergen and the family of proteins, IgE, resulting in activation of cells in the body called mast cells and basophils.
Next: What causes allergies? »
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Allergies & Asthma
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Allergy and Hay Fever Medications
Indoor Allergens Overview
Most people with asthma or hay fever or other outdoor allergies think of their home as a haven where they can escape their allergies. Unfortunately, houses and apartment buildings harbor their own allergens (agents that cause allergy symptoms). The inside of your home actually traps allergens, making them impossible to avoid.
- Although many allergens in your environment can trigger allergic symptoms, house dust is the main culprit in indoor allergies. What is house dust?
-
It varies depending on the type and age of your home, the temperature and
humidity in the home, what you keep in the home (everything from food to
clothes to furniture), and who lives in the home (human, pet animal, and
plant).
- Some dust is present in every home, regardless of how often or how thoroughly the house is cleaned.
- House dust is an airborne mixture that might contain fine particle...
-
It varies depending on the type and age of your home, the temperature and
humidity in the home, what you keep in the home (everything from food to
clothes to furniture), and who lives in the home (human, pet animal, and
plant).
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Allergic Rhinitis »
Allergic rhinitis is a common health problem for which many patients do not seek appropriate medical care.
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