10 Questions
Which type of allergies can effective non-prescription remedies provide symptomatic relief for?
Hay-fever and insect stings
Why are topical antihistamines not recommended despite their theoretical usefulness?
They might cause hypersensitivity reactions
Which of the following is NOT an example of an allergy for which effective non-prescription remedies are available?
Allergic asthma
Who is the author of the article discussing non-prescription drugs for allergies?
Professor Dr. Ahmed M. Sabati
What is the main reason given for the non-recommendation of topical antihistamines?
They may cause hypersensitivity reactions
What causes true allergies?
Recognition of foreign substances by the body
What are common examples of allergies?
Allergy to pollen, cosmetic agents, and nickel
How does the immune system normally respond to foreign substances?
By generating an appropriate response without significant disturbance
What is the process initiated when the body recognizes foreign substances in true allergies?
Inflammatory process and further production of antibodies
How do most allergies get treated?
By suppressing the disturbing symptoms
Study Notes
Allergy Overview
- Allergy refers to any abnormal reaction or hypersensitivity to substances to which one is exposed.
- Examples of well-known allergies include pollen, cosmetic agents, and nickel.
What Causes Allergy?
- True allergies are caused by substances that the body recognizes as foreign.
- Upon molecular recognition, an inflammatory process and further production of antibodies are initiated by activated lymphocytes.
- Lymphocytes and antibodies cooperate with non-antigen-specific cells, such as phagocytes, to eliminate the antigens.
- In normal circumstances, the immune system regulates itself to generate a response appropriate for the antigen encountered.
- In allergies, the control exerted by the immune system breaks down, initiating abnormal reactions.
Symptoms of Allergy
- Excessive rhinorrhoea, itch, and inflammation of the conjunctival and nasal tissues are observed in hay-fever.
Treatment and Cure for Allergies
- Allergies can resolve spontaneously, for example, hay-fever improves with age.
- In some cases, continuous avoidance of exposure to the allergen is necessary.
- Treatment is aimed at suppressing disturbing symptoms.
- Non-prescription remedies are available for the symptomatic relief of certain allergies, such as hay-fever and insect stings, but not for more serious allergies like allergic asthma.
Explore the effectiveness of non-prescription remedies for alleviating allergy symptoms, including hay fever and insect stings, but not for severe allergies like asthma.
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