Are you experiencing symptoms similar to those of an allergy? If so, do you know exactly what you are allergic to?

Identifying the allergens that trigger your reactions is essential to regaining your everyday comfort. Fortunately, allergy tests and advice from your pharmacist can help you better understand your allergy symptoms and develop the right habits to manage them every day!

What is an allergy, and how is it triggered?

An allergy is an excessive reaction of the immune system to a normally harmless substance called an allergen. When the body comes into contact with this allergen, it triggers the release of histamine (a naturally occurring organic substance) and other inflammatory agents, which cause common allergy symptoms.

In order for such a reaction to occur, the body must have been exposed to the allergen at least once, which “programs” the immune system to react upon subsequent exposure.

What are the signs and symptoms of an allergy?

Allergies can cause a wide range of symptoms, which vary in nature and severity.

The most commonly observed or experienced signs and symptoms are:

• Nasal discharge;
• Sneezing;
• Nasal congestion;
• Dry cough;
• Watery eyes;
• Itching of the eyes, nose, palate or skin;
• Redness of the eyes or skin;
• Skin rashes, such as hives or small pimples.

In the case of severe allergies, such as those related to food, severe symptoms may occur, such as swelling of the lips, tongue or face, tightening of the throat, difficulty in breathing or swallowing, or anaphylactic shock.

 

What is anaphylactic shock?

Anaphylactic shock is the most serious form of allergic reaction. It occurs when the immune system reacts suddenly and intensely to an allergen (food, medication, insect bite, latex, etc.), affecting multiple body systems at the same time. This is a medical emergency requiring an epinephrine injection and a call to 911.

Serious symptoms: When should you call 911?

Call 911 and administer epinephrine immediately if you observe one or more of these signs:

• Difficulty breathing or wheezing;
• Tightness or swelling in the throat;
• A sudden drop in blood pressure (dizziness, fainting);
• Excessive pallor accompanied by cold sweats;
• Swelling of the face, lips or tongue;
• Confusion or loss of consciousness.

How long does anaphylactic shock last?

Symptoms of anaphylactic shock appear very quickly, often within minutes, and peak within 5 to 30 minutes. Even after treatment with epinephrine, they can reappear within 4 to 8 hours. This is why medical observation in hospital is always recommended following an episode.

 

What are the four main types of allergies?

There are four main types of allergies, classified based on how the body comes into contact with the allergen.

1) Respiratory allergies

These allergies are caused by inhaling substances such as pollen, dust mites, animal dander, or mould. They mainly cause congestion, runny nose, sneezing and sometimes asthma.

2) Food allergies

Food allergies occur after ingesting certain foods, such as peanuts, nuts, soy, eggs, milk, or seafood. Unlike simple food intolerance, these conditions involve an immune system reaction and can cause severe symptoms, ranging from hives to anaphylactic shock.

3) Contact allergies

These skin allergies manifest as skin reactions, such as eczema or hives, caused by contact with cosmetics, soaps, detergents or latex.

4) Drug allergies

They manifest as reactions to certain medications, such as antibiotics or ibuprofen. They should not be confused with simple intolerance, as the treatments are different.

What are the most common allergens?

Many substances can trigger an allergic reaction. Here are the most common ones.

Pollen

Different types of pollen can be a factor depending on the time of year: pollen from trees and shrubs in the spring, from grasses such as hay or lawn grass in the summer, or from ragweed in late summer and early fall. That's why we refer to them as seasonal allergies (allergic rhinitis).

Food

Affecting approximately 300,000 people in Quebec, food allergies can range from a mild reaction to a very serious one. In the worst cases, they can cause anaphylactic shock and even death.

Medications

While some people are genuinely allergic to medications like penicillin, others have an intolerance that manifests as nausea, diarrhoea, or stomach upset.

Animal dander

Dander is made up of small allergenic particles carried by animal hair or feathers. It is mainly found on dogs and cats, but other animals may also be a source, such as horses, rabbits, birds, or hamsters.

Mites

Invisible to the naked eye, these microscopic arachnids can be found in various places around the house, such as bedding, mattresses, cushions, furniture, or curtains. Unlike pollen allergies, dust mite allergies are present year-round.

Mould

These are microscopic fungi that grow in damp, dark, and poorly ventilated places, such as bathrooms, basements, or air conditioners. Mould releases spores into the air that cause allergies. Like dust mites, they can cause symptoms in any season.

Plants

Some outdoor or indoor plants can be allergenic. This is the case with poison ivy, a widespread weed that often causes a severe skin reaction known as allergic contact dermatitis.

Metals

Metals with allergenic potential include nickel, chromium and cobalt. They most often cause cutaneous (skin) symptoms.

Sun

People with sun allergies may develop itching, redness, rashes, and swelling in areas where their skin has been exposed to the sun.

 

Allergy tests: How do they work?

Although allergy tests are not performed directly at the pharmacy, your Jean Coutu-affiliated pharmacist can refer you to the appropriate resources.

How does an allergy test work?

The most common allergy test is the skin test performed on the forearm. A small amount of allergen is applied to the skin using control products to observe any symptoms. Redness, swelling or itching at the point of application may indicate an allergic reaction.

The test takes 15 to 20 minutes to read by a health care professional. In some cases, blood tests or patch tests may be necessary to complete the evaluation.

Where can I get allergy testing in Quebec?

If you experience any allergy symptoms, it is best to consult your pharmacist first. Suitable products, such as an antihistamine, nasal spray, skin cream or an injectable device like EpiPen®, may be recommended.

If your symptoms are more severe than usual, consult a specialist, such as an allergist or an immunologist, who can determine the type of test best suited to your situation.

How much does a full allergy test cost?

The price may vary depending on the type of allergy test, the number of allergens tested, and the region where you live. Skin tests are often covered when prescribed by a doctor.

In private clinics, a full test can cost between $150 and $400. However, blood tests and patch tests may incur additional costs, especially if they involve a detailed analysis of IgE antibodies (immunoglobulin E).

What are the basic principles of allergy management?

First, it is important to identify the cause of the allergy. If you experience symptoms whose origin is unclear, be sure to pay attention to the context in which they occur.

Here are a few examples of questions to ask yourself:

• Where are you and what are you doing when allergy symptoms appear?
• Are you around animals, plants, or trees?
• Are you in a humid environment?
• Have you been exposed to sunlight?
• Have you eaten something different or ingested an unusual substance?

You should also think about how your allergies appear:

• Do your symptoms come and go?
• Are they short-lived, or do they last for several days or weeks?
• Do they only appear at certain times of the year?

These are all important questions to ask in order to identify the cause of your allergies.

The foundation of allergy management is to avoid any contact with the allergen in question. In the case of a food or drug allergy, exposure must be avoided at all costs. In the case of certain allergens, it can be difficult to avoid contact entirely (e.g., pollen, dust mites, mold, or sunlight); in such cases, it is important to minimize exposure as much as possible.

How do I treat an allergy?

There is no complete "cure" for allergies, but there are several options for managing them. Avoid the offending allergen, that's the first step! However, there are other options for relieving allergy symptoms, such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, or topical treatments.

In some cases, desensitization by regular intake of allergen extracts is recommended, under the supervision of a specialist. This approach can significantly reduce allergic reactions over the long term.

How can your pharmacist help you if you have allergies?

If you are experiencing allergy symptoms, your pharmacist can help by advising you on which products may relieve or alleviate your symptoms, such as antihistamines, which are the most commonly used medications for allergies. Depending on your situation and needs, your pharmacist may also recommend a product in the form of a nasal spray, eye drops, cream, ointment, or an epinephrine injection device (e.g., EpiPen^®), as well as prescribe various treatments to relieve your allergy symptoms.

Although your pharmacist cannot make a medical diagnosis, they can still help you identify the cause of your allergy symptoms and recommend steps you can take to feel better, as well as ways to avoid or reduce exposure to the allergen. Make your pharmacist your ally to regain control over your allergies!