Allergies | Penn State Student Affairs

Allergy Information

Allergies can present with itchy eyes, nose and throat, persistent runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, nasal congestion, cough, wheezing, and sometimes frontal headache.

Causes

These symptoms occur when the body mistakenly identifies certain things as dangerous and reacts to them as if they were germs or viruses. Your allergy began when for some reason your body became sensitive to a particular substance called an antigen or allergen. In the process, air-borne allergens cause the immune system to produce Immunoglobulin (IgE) antibodies to fend off these “foreign intruders.” These IgE antibodies attach themselves to mast cells lining the nose, eyes, and air passages. This causes the release of histamine which swells the nasal membrane and causes sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy, watery eyes. It is suspected that the tendency to develop allergies is inherited.

Common Allergens

Common allergens include dust mites, animal dander, molds, mildew and fungi, inhalants, and plant pollens. Spring pollens include trees, while summer pollens suggest grasses, and fall allergies, weeds.

The mucosal membranes of people with allergies seem to be more susceptible than normal to the effects of tobacco smoke, weather changes, air pollution, emotional stress, alcohol, and infections. These triggering factors add to what doctors call your “allergic load”, the number of allergens your body can handle at any given time. If you exceed your allergic load, symptoms develop.

Diagnosis

Once suspected, your clinician may recommend medication to decrease symptoms. Allergy testing is usually not required but may be beneficial if medications are not helpful.

Tips for Allergy Sufferers

During peak allergy season keep house and car
windows closed; use air conditioning, which cleans, cools and dries air.
Stay indoors when the pollen count or humidity is high and on windy days when dust and pollen are stirred up.
Minimize outdoor activity when pollen is most usually emitted (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.). Shower after being exposed to allergens.
Eliminate exposure to cigarette smoke.
Vacuum frequently, particularly in the bedroom, and don’t forget the mattress.
Use Dacron or foam pillows instead of down – wash these frequently. Consider using allergen-impermeable covers.
Remove dust collectors such as rugs, drapes, stuffed furniture, and stored blankets from your bedroom.
Regularly wash damp areas of your home to prevent growth of mildew.

Tips for Eye Symptoms

You should not rub your eyes because that can cause mechanical mast cell degranulation and worsening of symptoms.
Frequent use of artificial tears throughout the day can help to dilute and remove allergens.
· Allergens can adhere to contact lens surfaces, so avoiding use of contact lenses can be helpful when symptoms are severe.
· During acute episodes of itching, use frequent artificial tears and cool compresses

Treatments

Nasal irrigation and saline sprays: Saline is available in a standard nasal spray, although this is not as effective as using larger amounts of water in a rinse or irrigation. Saline nasal sprays and irrigation kits can be purchased over the counter. Saline mixes can also be purchased or patients can make their own solution. [In a clean container, mix 3 heaping teaspoons of iodide-free salt with 1 rounded teaspoon of baking soda and store in a small airtight container. Add 1 teaspoon of the mixture to 8 ounces (1 cup) of lukewarm distilled, sterilized, or boiled water. Use less dry ingredients to make a weaker solution if burning or stinging is experienced.] Nasal irrigation with warmed saline can be performed once per day, or twice daily for more severe symptoms. If you are also using medicated nasal spray it is best to use the saline rinse first.

Oral Antihistamines: For runny nose, sneezing, and cough. The most effective oral antihistamines are first-generation, although they tend to cause drowsiness. Examples of first-generation antihistamines are *brompheniramine (generic for DimeTapp), *chlorpheniramine (generic for Chlor-Trimeton and Singlet), *diphenhydramine (generic for Benadryl), and *doxylamine (generic for NyQuil and Alka-Seltzer Plus Night-Time Cold Medicine).

The newer oral antihistamines may not be as effective but are non-sedating. Examples are *loratadine (Claritin), *fexofenadine (Allegra), *Levocetirizine (Xyzal), and *cetirizine (Zyrtec).

Nasal Antihistamines: Nasal sprays that can be used daily or when needed to relieve symptoms of post-nasal drip, congestion, and sneezing. These sprays start to work within minutes after use.

Oral Decongestants: Used for stuffy nose and congestion. The only effective oral decongestant currently available is *pseudoephedrine. You must ask the pharmacist for this medication (regulated because of illegal use to make methamphetamine), although no prescription is required. Decongestants purchased off the shelf contain phenylephrine and are much less effective. Oral decongestants may produce rapid heart rate, blood pressure elevation, nervous stimulation, and restlessness which may interfere with sleep.

Nasal Decongestants: An alternative to oral medication. One example is *oxymetazoline hydrochloride (generic Afrin). This can rapidly relieve nasal obstruction. When the decongestant effect of the drug wears off, nasal obstruction rapidly returns. Therefore, while this can be very effective, limit use to 3 days in a row. Overuse by just a few days can result in “rebound” obstruction and mucosal damage.

* Available over-the-counter

Other Treatments

Leukotriene inhibitors: Medications that were once used for asthma treatment. They are anti-inflammatory medications and have been found to be effective in some individuals with nasal allergies.

Ipratropium: Nasal atropine, is effective for the treatment of severe runny nose. It is a prescription medication and needs to be applied 2-4 times daily.

Cromolyn Sodium: Nasal spray is effective in seasonal allergic rhinitis by preventing the mast cells from releasing inflammatory substances. Adverse effects are relatively rare. It must be used several times daily.

Immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual): Generally reserved for those individuals who fail to sufficiently respond to the above treatment methods. This process is typically started by an allergist and administered over 3-5 years.

Eye drops for allergy treatment

Antihistamine-decongestant eye drops are available over-the-counter and are relatively inexpensive. These drugs are only recommended for short-term use (no more than three days) since regular use of decongestants may cause rebound congestion. Examples are naphazoline HCL/pheniramine maleate (generic for Naphcon-A or Visine-A).

Antihistamines with mast cell stabilizing properties work within 1-3 days. The antihistamine action is quick acting whereas the mast cell stabilizing action is more delayed. These products are indicated for mild and moderately severe allergic symptoms. Examples are ketotifen fumarate (generic for Zaditor or Alaway), alcaftadine (generic for Lastacaft), or olopatadine (generic for Pataday) which is available over the counter. There are others available by prescription.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents are another option. They work quickly and are useful when swelling and redness are present. They are only available by prescription and are typically more expensive.

Steroid eye drops are used for severe symptoms and are typically prescribed by an ophthalmologist

Emergencies

In an emergency go to Mount Nittany Medical Center or call 911 for an ambulance.

This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. This information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis, or treatment by a healthcare professional. Approved by the UHS Patient Education Committee, reviewed 05/2022.

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