Allergy Relief: Non-Prescription Options

Which type of allergies can effective non-prescription remedies provide symptomatic relief for?

Why are topical antihistamines not recommended despite their theoretical usefulness?

Which of the following is NOT an example of an allergy for which effective non-prescription remedies are available?

Who is the author of the article discussing non-prescription drugs for allergies?

What is the main reason given for the non-recommendation of topical antihistamines?

What causes true allergies?

What are common examples of allergies?

How does the immune system normally respond to foreign substances?

What is the process initiated when the body recognizes foreign substances in true allergies?

How do most allergies get treated?

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.