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Allergy
The different antihistamine medications available at your local pharmacy

When you get a runny nose and bleary eyes during summer it’s due to the body incorrectly reacting to airborne pollen as a threat and releasing histamine to destroy it. However, there are many other reasons why people get allergies. In fact, it’s estimated that ¼ of people in the UK are affected by an allergy of some kind or another. You can find out what you’re allergic to using the pharmacy’s allergy testing service, which checks for the 10 most common allergens, such as tree pollen, mould and dog fur.

Once you’ve got your results, the pharmacy staff will also be able to recommend the most appropriate medication. This is a rundown of the antihistamine over-the-counter (OTC) medication that’s available at your pharmacy:

Tablets – The older types of antihistamine tablets (e.g. Piriton or Phenergan) are known to cause drowsiness, whilst newer types, such as Benadryl, Zirtek or Clarityn, cause less or none at all. These means you can get on with the rest of your day’s work without worrying about nodding off at your desk.

Nasal spray – OTC and prescription only (e.g. Rhinolast) nasal sprays are available for rapid relief from sneezing, itching and a runny nose. The OTC sprays, such as Beconase or Flixonase, contain corticosteroids which reduce inflammation. If you suffer from hay fever, it’s best to start taking doses of nasal spray a couple of weeks before the pollen season arrives. Nose drops, such as Sudafed decongestant, are also available for treating blocked noses.

Eye drops – For relieving bleary eyes you can try antihistamine eye drops, such as Optrex or Rapitil. It’s advised to take these regularly to prevent allergic reactions.

Remember that the pharmacy’s staff are there to help you in choosing the best medication. Due to the shortage of allergy experts in the UK you might have to wait months to see a specialist on the NHS. But pharmacies can offer you immediate assistance because their staff are trained to be able to advise you on common allergies and what type of antihistamine is best for you. So if you need any allergy treatment advice, pop down to your pharmacy because they’ll be happy to help.

Useful links

http://www.allabouthealth.org.uk/content/allergy?tid[]=12
http://www.allabouthealth.org.uk/health-advice/allergy
http://www.allabouthealth.org.uk/health-advice/quick-and-effective-testing

Quick and effective testing
Selected pharmacies offer an allergy testing service to help you identify which airborne allergen is causing your symptoms allowing you to manage your symptoms more effectively.

The test is a simple finger-prick blood test carried out by specially trained pharmacy staff in a private consultation area. It takes about 20-30 minutes to complete the test, you can choose to wait for the results, or return later in the day whatever is more convenient for you.

What does the test cover?
The test will identify whether you are allergic to any of the 10 most common allergens carried in the air and found in and around our homes.

• Cat fur and skin
• Dog fur and skin
• House dust mite
• Mould
• Cockroach debris
• Mugwort weed pollen
• Olive tree pollen
• Silver birch tree pollen
• Timothy grass pollen
• Wall pellitory weed pollen

Please note the test does not check for food intolerances or allergies, or skin allergies.

How can the test help me?
Along with your test results, you will get tailored advice and product recommendations to help prevent and limit your allergic reactions as well as manage your symptoms.

For example, the Pharmacist will be able to tell you what product to take and when you should start taking this. Or they could make recommendations on simple steps you could take to limit your exposure to the cause of your allergy.

Where can I be tested?
Our online Pharmacy finder will help you find the most convenient store location by showing those stores offering the service near your postcode be that home or work.

Can I really manage an allergy to pollen?
As well as some suitable over the counter remedies there are some simple steps you can take that will help relive your symptoms these include some obvious steps and others more subtle:

• Avoid walking in fields and tall grass when the weather is dry and sunny
• Avoid tobacco smoke which is an irritant and may increase symptoms
• Dry washing inside so that pollen doesn’t collect on the fibres of your clothes
• Vacuum carpets regularly and avoid having them in bathrooms
• Keep doors and windows closed during the pollen season

What happens when I take the test?
After you have completed a consultation with your pharmacist which will look at your current medical history and current potential allergens, you will then be able to take the test. This involves a simple finger prick test and will provide immediate results so that you can take action to manage your allergy.

How long does the test take?
The test should take about 20 minutes but you should also allow time for the initial consultation and to discuss your results with your pharmacist afterwards.

The test results were clear, so am I free from allergies?
If no lines appear it could indicate that you are not allergic to any of the ten airborne allergens you’ve been tested against. However this does not mean that you don’t have any allergies, while some possibilities could have been eliminated your Pharmacist may refer you to your GP for testing against a more comprehensive range of allergens.

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