PharmEasy Blog

Allergies or Cold? Understanding if Allergies Can Cause a Sore Throat

Key Highlights:

• Allergies and cold often get confused due to their similar symptoms.
• Allergies can cause a sore throat, mainly due to postnasal drip.
• You can differentiate allergies from cold or flu by understanding the symptom timeline.
• Allergy-induced sore throat can be treated using medications, natural remedies, and allergy shots.
• If the sore throat isn’t from allergies, there might be other reasons that require attention.
• Always consult a doctor when symptoms are severe or persist for too long.

Introduction

Not sure if your sore throat is from allergies or a cold? Let’s explore. This piece provides insight on whether allergies can cause a sore throat and how to tell the difference. Are you ready to learn more? Let’s dig deeper!

Did you know?

The Link between Allergies and Sore Throat

Understanding allergies will help figure out the link with sore throats. Same goes for the common cold. Why? You’ll find out soon.

1. Understanding Allergies

Did you know that allergies are an overactive immune response? These responses are towards harmless substances that our body mistakenly sees as threats.

The science behind allergies

So what happens during an allergic reaction? Simply put, allergens trick your immune system to make antibodies. These then prompt the release of inflammation-causing chemicals, thus causing allergy symptoms.

Common allergens and their effects

Common allergens such as pollen, mold, and pet dander can cause symptoms. These can include sneezing, itching, and yes, a pesky sore throat, mainly due to postnasal drip.

2. Symptoms of Allergies

How can you tell you’re having an allergic reaction? Knowing the unique symptoms of allergies can give you a headstart in dealing with them.

General symptoms of allergies

Typical cuts across runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezes, and watery eyes, triggered by allergies. Doesn’t this also sound like a common cold or flu?

How allergies present as a sore throat

Allergies can result in a sore throat. How? Your body produces extra mucus in response to allergens. This drains down your throat causing discomfort.

3. Examining Cold

Moving on, let’s understand the common cold and how it differs from allergies.

Understanding the common cold

A cold is a viral infection. It affects the nose and throat. Quite different from an immune overreaction, right?

Cold symptoms and sore throat

A cold brings about symptoms like coughing, sneezing, a stuffy nose, sore throat, and mild body aches. Note, a sore throat from a cold results from the viral invasion. Interesting, huh?

Here’s a brief table that sums up the key differences between allergies and a cold:

 AllergiesCold
Nature of ConditionImmune overreactionViral infection
SymptomsItchy eyes, Runny nose, Sore throat due to postnasal dripMild headaches, Body aches, Sore throat due to viral infection

Allergic bronchitis, allergic rhinitis and allergic pharyngitis can all occur due to allergies. Soreness in the throat due to allergy can be managed by an anti-allergic medication or inhaler. Warm saline gargles and steam inhalation may also help in reducing the discomfort.

Dr. Arpit Verma, MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Also Read: Identifying and Treating White Spots on the Throat: A Comprehensive Guide

Allergies, Cold, or Flu?

How do you tell them apart, from allergies, cold, or flu? Look at their symptoms and the timeline.

Contrasting symptoms

Each condition has unique symptoms. For example, itchy eyes mostly occur in allergies. Fever and body aches likely indicate the flu.

Timeline of the onset of symptoms

The onset and duration of symptoms are different too. Exposure to an allergen can cause allergies to last a while. A cold appears a few days after being exposed to its virus and resolves within a week or so. Distinct, right?

Here’s a simple table highlighting these differences:

 AllergiesColdFlu
Time to onsetImmediate1-3 days1-4 days
DurationWeeks-months1 week1-2 weeks
FeverRareRareCommon
Body achesNoMildCommon

Getting a sore throat due to allergies is the body’s way to tackle the allergic reaction. Typically such a sore throat should go away with home remedies within a few days; if it persists, monitor the associated symptoms of rashes, joint pain, etc. and consult a physician in such cases.

Dr Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology

Treating a Sore Throat Due to Allergies

Treatment for allergy-induced sore throat can include medications, natural remedies, even allergy shots.

1. Role of Medications in Allergy Treatment

Medicines can help manage allergy symptoms including a sore throat.

Overview of common medications

Your doctor may prescribe anti-allergic medications that can help relieve symptoms. Nasal sprays and decongestants can be helpful too.

How they help in a sore throat

So, how do they work on a sore throat? They suppress the allergic response or reduce nasal blockage. This cuts down the excess mucus that triggers a sore throat.

2. Natural Remedies for Allergy-induced Sore Throat

Certain natural cures can soothe a sore throat and help ease other allergy symptoms, too.

The importance of hydration

Staying hydrated is beneficial. It keeps the throat moist and thins the mucus—a relief for postnasal drip.

Role of warm liquids

Have you tried soups or hot teas for your sore throat? Warm liquids can be comforting. And don’t forget about gargling warm salt water—it can soothe a sore throat!

Understanding Neti pots

Heard of Neti pots? They use a saline solution to clean out your sinuses, relieving blockage. Don’t use it too often though.

3. The Role of Allergy Shots

For some, allergy shots or immunotherapy are helpful. This treatment lessens your immune system’s response to allergens over time.

Preventing a Sore Throat Due to Allergies

Did you know prevention is better than cure? Reduce exposure to known allergens, stay hydrated, keep your living area clean. This can help avoid a sore throat from allergies.

Here’s a summary of these allergy treatments:

Allergy TreatmentDescription
MedicationsAntihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays reduce histamine reaction and nasal congestion.
Natural RemediesHydration, warm liquids, saline nasal irrigation provide relief from a sore throat.
PreventionLimiting allergen exposure, staying hydrated, cleanliness.

Allergic pharyngitis (also known as irritant pharyngitis, irritating pharyngitis) is a condition in which the patient’s throat mucosa is irritated and affected by a number of allergic factors such as mold, pollen, smoke, air, food, animal hair, cause the mucosa to become inflamed, red and heavily infected.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka – MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)

If the Sore Throat is Not from an Allergy

What if your sore throat is not due to an allergy? Other causes may take place. Conditions like tonsillitis, strep throat, acid reflux, or dry air may be to blame. Each with its own range of treatment methods.

Here’s a quick rundown of other causes and potential treatments:

Possible Causes of Sore ThroatTreatment
Bacterial or Viral InfectionsAntibiotics for bacterial infections, rest and fluids for viral infections.
Acid RefluxOTC medications, dietary and lifestyle changes.
Dry AirUse a humidifier, stay hydrated.
SmokingQuit smoking, consider using nicotine replacement therapy.

When to See a Doctor

Allergy symptoms, including a sore throat can be managed effectively with the doctors advice. Should symptoms be severe, cause pain, breathing difficulty, high fever or other unusual signs, see a doctor right away. This could be indicating a much serious condition that needs immediate medical help.

A summary of when to get medical help:

When to see a doctor
For symptoms lasting more than a week.
For severe symptoms.
For difficulty in breathing or swallowing.
For high fever.
For unusual symptoms.

Conclusion

Handling allergies can seem tough. Yet, with the right information about allergies and symptoms like a sore throat, managing them is easier. Notably, knowing when a sore throat is due to allergies or possibly a cold, flu is vital for effective treatment. With knowledge, preventive steps, and right treatment, allergies don’t have to disrupt your life anymore. Stay informed and stay healthy!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

How do I know if my sore throat is from allergies?

Other symptoms can help make it clear. Itchy eyes and prolonged symptom duration often point towards allergies. Muscle aches, fever, and sudden start may mean a cold or flu.

How do you get rid of a sore throat from allergies?

Using medicines like antihistamines and decongestants, applying natural remedies and staying hydrated can help. Remember to check with your healthcare provider for the best treatment.

How long does an allergy sore throat last?

A sore throat caused by allergies can continue as long as you’re exposed to the allergen.

Does Covid sore throat feel like allergies?

A sore throat due to Covid-19 might feel like one due to allergies. But, other symptoms like fever, body ache, loss of taste or smell can point towards Covid-19. Always consult a healthcare provider if unsure.

References:

  1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Allergic Rhinitis – PMC [Internet]. [cited 2023 Jul 21]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4324099
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Symptoms of COVID-19 [Internet]. [cited 2023 Jul 21]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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How To Steer Clear Of Skin Allergies! By #AllergyFree- A Sanofi India Initiative

Our skin is one of the most sensitive parts of our body and most exposed as well. It is easy for the skin to come in contact with various allergy-causing agents, which triggers reactions. 

While there may be multiple symptoms for skin allergy – irritated skin is the most common among those. To delve into what is skin allergy or what causes it, it will help if we look at the different types of skin allergies to understand it better. We are often unable to differentiate between types of allergies but knowing them helps us discuss with our doctors better.

Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, affects children more than adults. A common skin allergy symptom of eczema is dry, red, irritated and itchy skin. Urine infection, your skin may have small, fluid-filled bumps that ooze a clear or yellowish liquid.

Also Read: White Patches On Skin: Causes, Symptoms And Home Remedies

Hives, also known as urticaria, are red bumps or welts that appear on the body. Differentiated into two types, acute urticaria and chronic urticaria, the former one only lasts for no more than six weeks, whereas the latter stays a little longer than six weeks. Although chronic urticaria’s cause is yet unknown, acute urticaria is predominantly caused by exposure to an allergen in food, medication or by an infection.

The best way to prevent allergies is to avoid allergens. You can also take antihistamines or other medications daily to help control your symptoms and reduce your allergic reaction. If you have animal allergies, avoid petting, hugging or kissing animals. Don’t allow them in your bedroom or on your furniture. Regularly vacuuming rugs, carpets and other surfaces helps remove dust, animal dander, pollen and other allergens. High-efficiency particulate (HEPA) air filters can also help. These air purifiers remove airborne allergens from your environment.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Contact dermatitis is a reaction that appears when the skin comes in contact with a foreign material that acts as an irritant or an allergen. Symptoms present themselves as rashes, blisters, itching or burning. Detergents, soaps and excessive exposure to water can cause contact dermatitis. Metals can also be one of the skin allergy causes, stainless steel and other alloys used in jewellery, adhesives, nail polish, topical medications, plants and latex gloves can act as allergens. It is usually presented by red and itchy skin.

At times, an allergen only causes a skin reaction when it is exposed to sunlight called photoallergic contact dermatitis. It can occur due to cosmetic products such as shaving lotion, sunscreen and perfumes.

Also Read: Baking Soda Bath: Research-Based Benefits and How to Do It Properly

Skin allergy management

As allergies cannot be cured, prevention is the best way for skin allergy treatment. Determining or identifying the cause of your rash is important, so you can avoid it. Wearing Gloves can protect against skin allergy on the face, but if you are already infected, try to ease the symptoms and prevent further infection. Fight off the urge to scratch it as it will only worsen the problem and spread infection. Here’s a list of some skin allergy medication and home remedies that can help relieve the itching and stop the swelling:

Most skin allergies aren’t life-threatening, but a condition called anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) can make it difficult to breathe resulting in fatal consequences. While this is usually rare in skin allergies, it’s best to talk to your doctor for a better allergy diagnosis and work out a management plan.

Also Read: Coping Strategies For Stress-Related Eczema On Hands: An Overview

For more information on how you can identify and manage your skin allergies, visit –  https://bit.ly/3pMnxFf

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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Is It A Cold Or Is It An Allergy? By #AllergyFree- A Sanofi India Initiative

You sneeze for the first time that day. What’s the first thing to cross your mind? Is it just an irritation? Or the onset of a cold? And then the sneezes continue. For much longer than it’s expected. Is it still a cold or something else? What if it’s an allergy? If asked, can you differentiate between a cold and an allergy? It’s a question that puzzles many but only a few can answer.   Although the duration of symptoms can be a huge giveaway, there are also multiple factors that can help you differentiate between the two.

So, what defines cold and allergy?

Firstly, the causes of either are totally different. A person gets cold when a virus enters the body. Different viruses can lead to different things and there are hundreds of them out there.

A person can be infected with cold on exposure to the people with the same infection” The virus responsible can generate immune response such as coughing, sneezing, stuffy nose etc. Cold is highly contagious. A cold usually lasts for a week and most of the times the symptoms subside beyond this period”. In other words, our immune system erroneously considers substances such as dust, pollen, mould, etc. as harmful substances. These are termed “Allergens”.  

But allergies are different, they are the result of an overactive immune system. In other words, they occur when your immune system considers a harmless material as harmful such as dust, pollen, mould, etc. As soon as an allergen enters your body, the immune system releases certain chemicals as a response. These chemical substance triggers symptoms just as during a cold such as sneezing, coughing, swelling in the passageways of nose etc.  

Common cold is caused by a virus infection, while allergic rhinitis is a specific immune system response to an allergic trigger. Allergic rhinitis symptoms like repeated sneezing, postnasal drip and nose stuffiness begin immediately upon exposure to a trigger, while common cold symptoms do not start until 2-3 days after virus exposure.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

What’s the difference between cold and allergy?

Although some of the symptoms of cold and allergy are similar to each other. While a cold can only cause discomfort lasting a couple of days, an allergy can be much severe and sometimes fatal. Here’s how you can differentiate between them:

  

Nasal Allergies

Cold

Symptoms

Sneezing & itchy eyes

Clear nasal discharge that turns into yellow or green.  

Duration

Only until the individual is exposed to the allergen and a few hours after it.

Lasts only a week or two.

Sneezing

Rapid & multiple times in sequence.

Not as frequent.

Season

Summer, Monsoon, Spring.

Most common during winter.

Nasal discharge

Thin, watery or clear.

The thick residue is usually yellow or green.

Fever

Never.

Rarely.

Also read: Debunking Myths: Does Your Heart Really Stop When You Sneeze?

Cold urticaria is a rare condition that causes an allergic reaction to cold temperatures. It usually triggers a rash or hives after exposure to cold air, water, food or drink. Get yourself tested and take precautions whenever you come across any weather changes.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.

Cold and allergy management

While cold can be prevented through personal hygiene and avoiding contact with those infected. It’s best to drink a lot of fluid until the symptoms subside if you do get infected. If it’s the flu, it’s advisable to take proper medication to treat it in a better way.  

However, an allergy can be prevented by avoiding triggers when possible or ensuring the environment around you is hygienic. Allergy treatment doesn’t exist, but it can be managed with certain steps. Determining the allergy types via allergy testing is essential as it helps to manage them better. Understanding the difference between cold and allergy can be confusing, but if your symptoms last for more than two weeks, it’s recommended you seek proper medical attention to determine the allergy.

Also Read: Montair Lc

For more information on how you can identify and manage allergies, visit http://bit.ly/allergy_free

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Allergy March – Have You Heard Of It? By #AllergyFree- A Sanofi India Initiative

Very common in children, an allergy march is when a kid starts to get allergies in a specific order. It’s a condition that starts from eczema, then food allergies and hay fever, eventually leading to asthma.  A lot of times people misunderstand mild symptoms which may lead to severe ones, but the development of these diseases is strongly influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. So, let’s look at how this allergic march or atopic march develops in children.

Allergic sensitization

The first stage is allergic sensitization, where a child shows IgE reaction to the food proteins during the first weeks or months. Most commonly developed from egg or cow’s milk, these strong IgE antibodies that respond to food proteins can be considered as triggers for atopic reactivity. Reaction to environmental allergens comes at a later stage as the outdoor allergens require exposure as well.

Atopic dermatitis (eczema)

Dry, red, irritated and itchy skin is the most common symptom during atopic dermatitis. The skin develops small, fluid-filled bumps that ooze a clear or yellowish liquid. Gender difference also plays a role here as the reactions in boys are seen quite early in life, whereas the reactions in girls persist later in adulthood. The elevated rate of total IgE levels and a high degree of sensitization to food protein, has led to the misunderstanding that eczema triggers food allergy. But in most cases, the sensitization is only a complication of atopic march rather than a trigger to another condition.

Food allergy

Food allergy symptoms are far and many but most certain foods such as peanuts, tree nuts, fruits, vegetables allow a risk and potentially life-threatening anaphylactic reactions with significant IgE-responses. So far, the only treatment of food allergy in children is an elimination diet, which is necessary to be carried out for a few years. But high IgE levels from egg or cow’s milk have a less favorable outcome and longer persistence of the disease.

Rhinitis

Seasonal allergic rhinitis generally doesn’t show up during the first two years of life. However, it’s possible for children to develop specific IgE-antibodies years before they manifest into something severe. An early reaction in children to grass or pollen allergens can indicate a high risk of rhinitis manifestation in the latter years of life. In some cases, children suffering from allergic rhinitis are known to be at high risk for future asthma manifestation.

Also Read: What Happens If You Eat Mold: Decoding the Potential Health Risks

Asthma

Signs of asthma can be observed during an early stage of a child’s life. A majority of cases show symptoms of asthma such as asthmatic wheezing but very rarely does it persist throughout school-age and adolescence. The wheezing is not because of allergen-specific sensitization but because of virus infections such as RSV or rhinovirus, and the pattern may change later during school-age. Persistent wheezing shows a connection to indoor allergens like house dust mites and mold etc.

Allergy march management

Prevention of allergic diseases and symptoms is the best possible way to fight off the allergic march. Early prevention is recommended which heavily relies on the prevention of triggers in healthy infants. Allergy prevention can be done with certain measures such as avoidance of early allergen contact from foods and inhalants and avoidance of pollution mainly indoor pollutants such as cigarette/tobacco smoke. It’s not necessary that if your child has eczema, they are certain to get the allergy march. It just means there’s a higher chance of it happening if the signs do show up seeking medical attention as soon as possible for the necessary allergy diagnosis.

For more information on how you can identify and manage allergies, visit http://bit.ly/allergy_free

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Are allergies curable? – By #AllergyFree- A Sanofi India initiative


Unfortunately, there’s no cure for allergies. We expect a typical diagnosis to be followed by medications which help our body get back to normal with time, eventually getting rid of the discomfort. But as far as allergies are concerned, the medications only help in stopping the symptoms and not the allergy itself. Although some natural remedies for allergies can help manage the symptoms, they cannot cure them completely.

Why is it hard to cure allergies?  

Allergies are recurrent in nature. It’s all about how your body functions during an allergic attack. An allergy happens because the immune system mistakes a harmless foreign particle to be harmful. The immune system, therefore, becomes overactive when an allergen enters the body. This leads to the releasing of chemicals (histamine) from the immune system. Normally these chemicals protect the body from viruses but during an allergy, it leads to unpleasant reactions. That is what makes allergies so hard to treat. An immune system has a specific way of reacting to things and it’s not only challenging but also impossible to change that process.

How can allergies be managed?

Managing allergies can be difficult. Seeking medical attention is probably the best way to get a proper allergy diagnosis. Identifying allergy types through allergy testing is important as it helps in receiving proper medication.

It’s easier to manage allergies by avoiding the triggers altogether. For instance, if you have a food allergy, refraining to consume that particular food item helps in keeping the allergy at bay. Something like a food allergy can be managed easily but what if you’re allergic to dust mites, mold or pollen? Limiting the exposure to the allergen is the best way to prevent yourself from discomfort. While regular vacuuming and dusting keep the dust mites away, limiting yourself indoors or wearing a mask during pollen high count seasons can help manage the respective allergies.

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Here are some allergy home remedies that help in preventing and managing allergies.

If these remedies for allergies fail, you should seek the help of your doctor and work out an allergy management plan. Setting up an appointment every few months is advisable, so you can discuss if the symptoms have gotten worse or better or you’ve become prone to a new allergy. The medication for your allergy can be increased or decreased depending on the severity of your condition. Although allergies may not have a cure, there are plenty of ways in which you can manage them.

For more information on how you can identify and manage allergies, visit http://bit.ly/allergy_free

Also Read: What is the Cause of Nipple Pain? Understanding and Managing Discomfort

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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It’s Time To Knock Out All Allergies! By #AllergyFree- A Sanofi India Initiative


 

Allergens are everywhere and you need to be mindful before coming in contact with them! Be it trees, grass, weed, pets, dust; an individual is prone to get an allergy anytime and anywhere. You can surely determine & beat them with allergy testing, but we’ve put down a few allergy tips on how you can beat them:

Nasal allergies can be avoided by:  

Hygiene

Keeping the breeze away

A gorgeous day can ruin your mood in a split-second if the pollen count is high. Especially during some seasons, the pollen count can be at its maximum, so ensure you stay indoors to keep the allergens away and take essential allergy care.

Covering your face

Rinsing them out

A nasal rinse cleans mucus from your nose and can give you relief from various signs & symptoms of allergies. It also can whisk away bacteria and thin mucus and cut down on postnasal drip. With some easy steps, you can get rid of the bacteria-  

Do check with your doctor how to do this before trying it at home for the first time.

Skin allergies can be avoided by:  

Blog_Subheading

Washing it out

Each time you step out, you encounter millions of pieces that can trigger allergies.  

Avoid

Food allergies can be avoided by:  

Eating right

A healthy diet always helps in allergy management when it comes to food allergies –

Know your triggers

It’s better to know what the problem is before taking some of the steps. Make an appointment with your doctor who can help you identify your allergy triggers. It will make it easier to manage or avoid them.

For more information on how you can identify and manage allergies, visit http://bit.ly/allergy_free

Busting The Myths On Allergies – By Sanofi India

Myths and misperceptions about allergies are widespread. Do not let this misinformation restrict you from finding the right solutions.

Here are the most commonly believed allergy myths and the reality of it.

Myth 1: Allergies are harmless

Fact: While some allergies may cause mild reactions, others may cause much more severe ones like acute respiratory problems or something life-threatening like anaphylaxis. If untreated, certain allergy types can affect your quality of life.  

Myth 2: Allergy and cold are the same

Fact: Allergy can be far worse than cold. While a cold can only cause mild discomfort lasting a couple of days, allergies can be more severe. Itchy eyes are usually a symptom of allergies, while a cold could be accompanied by fever.

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Myth 3: There’s a cure for every allergy  

Fact: Unfortunately, there’s no cure for allergies but with proper allergy management, anyone can lead a normal and active life by managing their allergies.

Myth 4: Moving to a different region can get rid of allergies

Fact: Although moving away can temporarily relieve you, the chances are less for you to be completely allergy-free. In fact, you may be prone to develop new allergies.

Myth 5: You cannot be allergic to natural food.  

Fact: Here’s an interesting allergy fact, some of the most allergic foods are natural and unprocessed food items such as milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, fish and shellfish.

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Myth 6: Short-haired pets won’t give you pet allergies

Fact: A protein on the fur causes the allergy and not the fur itself. Brushing your pet’s hair can cause the pet dander to be airborne. Short-haired pets are only favoured because less hair means less dander but doesn’t eliminate the fact that you won’t get allergies at all.

Also Read: What Causes Dry Nose at Night: Investigating Potential Causes and Solutions

Myth 7: You can’t get a pet allergy if you don’t own a pet.

Fact: Animal allergens, especially cat & horse allergens can be carried on clothes and fibre. This can trigger reactions in people who do not own pets themselves but are still in danger to get affected by allergens by coming in contact with animals.

Myth 8: Flowers cause pollen allergy

Fact: People can be allergic to the natural scent of the flower and it’s not pollen. Trees, grass and weeds spread pollen allergy and not the flowers. This is because the pollen from flowers has less chance to be airborne as birds and bees help in pollination unlike the former.

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Myth 9: You can’t get rid of house dust mites

Fact: Regular vacuuming and washing of carpets, linens, upholstery, mattresses can help you reduce dust mites which in turn can help limit your allergic reactions.

Myth 10: Allergies are hereditary

Fact: Although, there’s a slight chance your kids may get an allergy because of you, it doesn’t mean they’ll definitely get it. There are several allergens present indoors and outdoors and one can easily develop allergies to any of those.

Myth 11: You can outgrow allergies

Fact: Although some allergies can be outgrown with time, many of them can persist for life.

For more information on how you can identify and manage allergies, visit http://bit.ly/allergy_free 

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

Know About Your Food Allergies – By Sanofi India

Food is an essential part of our lives and something we can’t live without (quite literally). Every individual has a favourite or two but imagine being told to refrain from eating it. Yes, you heard it right, your doctor asks you to give up your favourite food because you’re allergic to it. A tough one to swallow, isn’t it?

A food allergy cannot be identified as food intolerance. Food allergies are caused by proteins found in food to which your immune system overreacts. The fighting response from the body can lead to diarrhoea with other symptoms such as nausea and streaming eyes. Diagnosing food allergies can be challenging, but we’ve put together a few points to help you manage them.

Common items that give you food allergies 

Food allergy signs depend on how your body reacts to the food. While some may experience the same signs and symptoms, often they aren’t the same as another person. Although any food can cause an allergy, here’s a list of triggers that cause a food allergy 90% of the time:  

Food Allergy Symptoms

Food allergies can display several symptoms such as: 

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Food allergies are dangerous but can be avoided and managed if proper care is taken.

Can kids get food allergies?

Yes, kids can get food allergies and in fact, they are more prone to it. One of the best solutions is to find what your kid is allergic to. You should consult your doctor to help you identify the food that is causing an allergic reaction in your child. If you’ve determined the ingredient that your kid is allergic to, make sure they don’t consume anything which has that particular ingredient. Giving a heads up to their teachers and guardians is always helpful to keep the allergies at bay.

Also Read: Osteomalacia: Understanding the Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Food allergy diagnosis

 Food allergies usually cause some reaction every time you consume a trigger food. Although symptoms vary from person to person, you may not experience the same symptoms every time. Food allergies can affect the skin, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system causing a potentially life-threatening reaction.

To ensure you get the proper food allergy treatment, it’s important to let the doctor know about your medical history and your symptoms. 

Although there’s no specific food allergies treatment available, you can always avoid certain food items if you’ve had a problem/reaction before. If food allergy symptoms persist, please consult a doctor/physician to get the necessary medical attention.

For more information on how you can identify and manage allergies, visit http://bit.ly/allergy_free 

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

Types Of Allergies You Ought To Know About – By Sanofi India

An allergy is a reaction/response by the immune system when it gets exposed to certain foreign substances known as allergens. Allergens can be found anywhere! In some individuals, the body responds and tries to fight them. 

Broadly, the allergies can be distinguished into the below types: 

The indoor and outdoor allergies can be further segregated into different allergy types that individuals suffer from. Typically, the eyes, nose, lungs, skin and gastrointestinal tract of the body are prone to allergic symptoms. Although the various allergic diseases may appear different, they all result from an exaggerated immune response to foreign substances in sensitive individuals.

According to AAFA There are many types of allergies like dust allergy, food allergy, drug allergy, insect allergy etc. Some allergies are seasonal and others are year-round. Some allergies may be life-long. It is important to work with your health care provider to create a plan to manage your allergy. Avoiding your allergens is the best way to prevent an allergic reaction.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

1. Indoor Allergies

What is it: Allergic reaction triggered from a protein found in a pet’s fur, skin flakes, saliva or urine.

Management:  There’s no need to get rid of your furry friends. With proper diagnosis by a doctor, pet allergy can be managed easily.

What is it: All paints give out fumes and chemicals which can act as allergens for some individuals in case of inhalation of fumes or direct contact with skin.

Management: Wearing a mask, gloves can help prevent it. Rinsing it off from the skin can help soothe it as well as keeping the area well ventilated is advisable.

What is it: It’s not the dust, but the tiny organisms living in it called dust mites that can trigger an allergic reaction. Apart from dust mites themselves, bed mites, pollen, cockroaches can also trigger a dust allergy!

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Management: Vacuuming frequently to keep the surroundings clean can help manage dust allergy in a better way.

What is it: A person gets mold allergy when they inhale mold spores causing various symptoms such as itchy eyes, coughing, etc. Favourable to grow in damp areas, it’s pretty common for mold to exist in one’s bathroom or kitchen.

Management: It is challenging but not impossible. Personal hygiene and cleanliness can help manage mold allergies.

Sinus rinsing can remove dust, pollen and other debris, as well as help to loosen thick mucus. It can also help relieve nasal symptoms of sinus infections, allergies, colds and flu. Plain water can irritate your nose.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.

2. Outdoor allergies

What is it: Rapidly increasing air pollution is one of the major causes of allergy. Among the various sources of pollution are emissions from factories and industries, automobiles, crop burning and tobacco.

Management: Unfortunately, it’s tough to control pollution but can be managed/prevented by wearing a mask or staying indoors. Individuals need to contribute to a reduction in air pollution by simple methods like planting trees, walking instead of using vehicles whenever possible, etc. 

What is it: Tiny pollen released from the plants, weeds and grass during pollination lead to pollen allergy.

Management: The ratio of pollen increases in certain seasons, so one can avoid going to places where they can inhale them or wear a mask while going outdoors.  

What is it: Inhalation of mold spores that dwell in cold and damp places like gardens or backyards can be one of the many reasons for mold allergy.

Management: Stay indoors on days when mold content is high and keep away from uncut fields and raking leaves.

Most of the allergies mentioned above manifest as nasal allergies or allergic rhinitis. There are also skin and food allergies that may show presence in different ways.

Also Read: Montair Lc

3. Food allergies

What is it: Often a general/harmless food item is mistaken as something foreign/toxic by our immune system, which leads to an allergic reaction.

Causes: The most common triggers of food allergies are peanuts, walnuts, pecans, soy, milk.

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Management: Determining the allergen is important and can be managed easily if you avoid consuming it. 

4. Skin allergies

What is it: A lot of materials can cause an allergic reaction when they come in contact with your skin.

Causes: Common causes of skin allergy are metals, gold, silver, insects, tobacco and even latex among many others.

Management: Topical ointments and moisturizers can be applied to the affected area to help manage the reaction. It is important to consult your doctor to get the right treatment for your skin allergies.

You must be cautious as allergies may have acute effects many times, it can be lethal for an individual. If you are suspicious about having an allergy, it’s best to reach out to a doctor/physician for an accurate allergy diagnosis.

Also Read: What is the Cause of Nipple Pain? Understanding and Managing Discomfort

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

Allergies Are On The Rise Among Children – By Sanofi India

Air pollution has become a major problem in India with 14 out of the 15 most polluted cities in the world located in the country! In most metros, it manifests as smog and has become a key reason for rising respiratory allergies such as rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma.    

Such allergies have a severe impact on children and adolescents as they are still developing their respiratory system at this age. Allergic rhinitis is the most common form of allergy that affects kids. Over the last decade, with a continuous increase in airborne allergens, including dust and pollen, cases of allergies among children have increased tenfold.

The Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP), has noted nearly 15-20% increase in allergy patients in the last decade. According to doctors, protected upbringing of urban kids is making them prone to different types of allergies. Our diets tend to include more processed foods and less fruit and vegetables. It has been suggested that the increase in food allergy might be due to more allergenic foods, such as peanuts, in our diet.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Symptoms

Allergic rhinitis shares symptoms with the common colds, such as frequent or continuous sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, runny nose or nasal congestion. Unlike the common cold, allergic rhinitis is an over-reaction of the immune system and not a viral infection.

Impact of Allergic Rhinitis on Children

Timely Identification is Critical

Prevention

Newer generation medicines and lifestyle management are crucial to managing allergies. Seek medical intervention when early symptoms of allergies are detected.

Also Read: Constipation in Kids: A Research-Based Guide for Parents

Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.

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