Pharmacy
Sometimes the body misinterprets a harmless thing from the environment (eg, pollen) as danger and initiates inappropriately turbulent defensive reaction. Such hypersensitivity reaction is called allergy. The most common form of allergy is an allergy to pollen, which is also known as hay fever. It... read more
Sometimes the body misinterprets a harmless thing from the environment (eg, pollen) as danger and initiates inappropriately turbulent defensive reaction. Such hypersensitivity reaction is called allergy.
The most common form of allergy is an allergy to pollen, which is also known as hay fever. It usually begins in March and can last until the end of October, and it is caused by the pollen of grasses, trees and weeds.
In the year-round allergic rhinitis symptoms do not occur seasonally, but at any time of the year, and sometimes they are really full-year, with the change in intensity. This form of the disease is caused by allergens with which we are in contact throughout the year. The most common causes of the year-long allergic rhinitis are dust mite allergens, house dust, less frequently allergens of the furry pets or mold. The allergens of cats and a dog should be pointed out, and more rarely those of hamsters and mice. In some patients, allergic rhinitis can be a year-round with seasonal deterioration. These people are sensitive to year-round and seasonal allergens.
Signs of colds and hay fever are similar, so it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between them. The cold causes general symptoms, such as fever, cough and epidemiological data. The allergic rhinitis thus causes recurrence of symptoms during a particular season or after contact with the outside factor. Allergy symptoms are usually long-lasting and they calm down only with the use of proper medication, while the symptoms of colds cease spontaneously.
In the control of allergic diseases of the respiratory system different groups of drugs are used:
In cases of worsening of respiratory symptoms in patients with allergic asthma (shortness of breath, wheezing, rattling, choking) inhaled bronchodilators are used (they do not belong to the group of medicines which control allergic diseases) with possible brief application of high doses of corticosteroids.
The aim of the use of drugs in the treatment of allergic diseases is prevention and reduction of the symptoms to the extent that they do not interfere with the patient`s everyday life. Ideal result of therapy would be the lack of any symptoms. The therapy begins with a single or combination of drugs at lower doses. If necessary, the doses of already used drugs increase or new medications are added, until a satisfactory control of the disease is achieved. For seasonal allergens the therapy should always start a few weeks (at least 2 weeks) before the start of the season of flowering of plants which pollen causes sensibilization and continuously carry it out during the season.
For year-round allergens the therapy is carried out continuously with possible reduction of the dose or discontinuation of prophylaxis during summer when the exposure to allergens is lower due to a long stay in the open, and non-heating and airing of living space.