Student Health Center: Allergies

Self Care and Health Topics

Allergies

What is an Allergy?

An Allergy is a sensitivity or specific reaction to something inhaled, swallowed, or something that comes in contact with the skin. Allergic substances are called allergens. Common Allergens include: pollens, wool, dyes, medicines, feathers, molds, dust, food, insect stings, and animal dander.

What Causes an Allergy

When an allergen is absorbed into the body, the blood produces antibodies. The antibodies react with the allergens to produce histamines. Histamines cause inflammation in the nose, eyes, lungs, skin and digestive system, etc.

Common Reactions include:

Hay fever: sneezing, itching, nasal drainage, burning throat, etc
Allergic rhinitis: nasal congestion and drainage, and sneezing
asthma: coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing
Allergic dermatitis: itchy rashes, etc.
Contact dermatitis: rash caused by direct contact with substances

Treatment

FIRST: Try to identify the source(s) of the allergy and avoid them Avoid going outside when pollen counts are high. Early in the morning is the worst. Avoid active exercise outside during your worst seasons. Try indoor aerobic activities and swimming. Because most of us cannot avoid pollens, it helps to take a shower before going to bed. Clear bedroom of items that can collect dust. Consider purchasing an air filter. Eliminate foods that are known to cause problems.
NEXT: Over the counter antihistamines and decongestants can provide temporary relief. READ LABELS and follow precautions. If drowsiness is a problem, consider getting
medical advice.

When to Seek Medical Advice

When over the counter medications aren't helping/causing drowsiness
When your allergies are getting in the way of your studying, going to class, or functioning of your daily routine
When a secondary infection might have developed: Fever of over 101°F for 24 hours
Difficulty breathing
Yellow-green mucous from nasal passage or lungs for over 3 days
Anything else that doesn't seem right

Allergies vs. Cold

Itchy eyes, nose and throat are characteristic of allergies. Fever sore throat, muscle aches are characteristic of upper respiratory infections. Allergy symptoms usually disappear when treated with antihistamines, while fever, sore throat will not be affected. Allergy symptoms usually worse in the mornings during spring and summer when pollen counts are high. Also, allergies can come and go with the weather, lingering on and off. Upper respiratory infections are usually uninterrupted and gone in about 14 days.

Disclaimer: This site provides general educational information on health topics and about health services for Linfield Students. Its contents are not intended to diagnose, treat, or provide a second opinion on any health problem or disease. See your health care practitioner for specific medical assistance.