What are Allergies?

Allergies are the ultimate example of good intentions gone wrong. While they aim to fight invaders to keep you safe, they occasionally cause uncomfortable reactions that disrupt your way of life. Even everyday allergies to pollen can be a huge source of trouble, as they may prevent you from participating in activities you'd otherwise find enjoyable.

Thankfully, a variety of strategies are available to make allergies more manageable. First, however, combating this problem means understanding: what are skin allergies — and how do they work? Likewise, it's important to grasp the distinctions between skin reactions and seasonal concerns such as hay fever. This allergy 101 guide provides a much-needed starting point on your path to better understanding allergies.

What Causes Allergies?

Your immune system is constantly on alert for dangers that can potentially compromise your health and wellbeing. Typically, this process works as intended, allowing the immune system to detect, and rid your body of harmful viruses or bacteria.

On occasion, the immune system determines that something harmless could potentially be a threat. In this situation, the immune system acts like how it would for a more realistic danger. The result? The swift production of an antibody known as immunoglobulin E (IgE). This triggers the release of histamines which cause inflammation in specific areas.¹

Allergies are a common complaint throughout Canada. Research reveals that 20 percent of patients receive a diagnosis of allergic rhinitis — inflammation of the nose commonly caused by pollen or mold.²

Types of Allergens & Allergies

A variety of items and conditions can prompt allergic responses. These stimuli are typically referred to as allergens. Common examples include: ¹

• Pollen

• Ragweed

• Mold

• Pet dander

• Dust mites

• Insect bites

While all these substances or situations can spark an allergic reaction, this response will look different depending on the type of allergen. Some allergens (such as insect bites, poison ivy, or some pets) cause skin reactions such as hives, itchiness, or rashes.³

Allergic Contact Dermatitis: A reaction that occurs due to the skin coming in contact with an irritant or allergen (e.g. poison ivy). Symptoms can include a swollen or hive-like rash, blisters, itching or burning.⁴

Allergies such as Allergic Contact Dermatitis or hives caused by insect bites can be addressed with Benadryl® Allergy Caplets, and, of course, by limiting exposure to those specific allergens.

While seasonal allergy symptoms can vary significantly, they often involve symptoms such as congestion, runny nose, or watery eyes. Hives are also possible, as is general itchiness.¹ Sinus issues can be addressed by taking Extra Strength BENADRYL TOTAL® Allergy & Sinus, while other symptoms of hay fever will see relief upon taking Extra Strength BENADRYL® Nighttime Caplets.

Why Do My Allergies Get Worse at Night?

Have you ever noticed that your allergies seem manageable during the day but become far more of a hassle when the sun goes down? This is terrible timing, as discomfort from allergic reactions can keep you from getting the sleep you need.

A variety of issues may up the ante for nighttime allergy symptoms. Often, increased exposure is to blame, particularly for those who are allergic to mold or dust mites. Unfortunately, both problems are common in bedrooms, where sheets and duvets can carry dust mites.⁵ Meanwhile, the seldom-cleaned space beneath the bed tends to attract mold.

Allergy Myths

Many people suffer reactions without knowing what causes allergies or how they evolve over time. This lack of knowledge has prompted a variety of harmful misconceptions, many of which prevent people with allergies from seeking the relief they need.

The following are among the most common — and the most problematic — allergy myths:

• Allergic skin reactions are usually only seen in children. Unfortunately, allergies can appear at anyage. Many adults who are fortunate enough to avoid them throughout childhood may suddenly begin to experience skin and airborne allergic reactions seemingly out of nowhere.⁶

• Short-haired breeds are okay for people with pet allergies. Don’t confuse pet hair and fur with allergens – the real culprit is dander (dead skin cells) and other allergens such a dust and pollen that pet fur can collect.⁷

• Your allergies will disappear if you move to a different region. If you’re suffering from symptoms of Hay Fever/Allergic Rhinitis – moving to another region will likely not help your itchy, runny nose, as triggering allergens can still be around wherever you are. In fact, it’s possible to be exposed to a new set of allergy triggers when moving.⁸

Managing Your Allergy Symptoms

Allergy symptoms do not need to get in your way indefinitely. A variety of strategies allow you to limit reactions from everyday allergies. Typically, the process of getting allergy symptoms under control involves two main approaches: limiting exposure and using antihistamines to address symptoms. We delve into both options below:

Reducing Exposure to Allergens

The cliché about an ounce of prevention being worth a pound of cure applies to allergies. The more you can reduce your exposure to allergens, the less likely you are to suffer symptoms. While it may be difficult to avoid allergens completely, these strategies should help:

The cliché about an ounce of prevention being worth a pound of cure applies to allergies. The more you can reduce your exposure to allergens, the less likely you are to suffer symptoms. While it may be difficult to avoid allergens completely, these strategies should help:

• Observe your allergy patterns: Where do your symptoms typically occur? Are they consistently worse during certain seasons or in specific locations? Once you have an idea which situations are most likely to trigger your allergies, you can take action to avoid these scenarios.⁹

• Delegate outside chores that result in allergen exposure to somebody else: How you delegate tasks will depend on the types of allergies you suffer. Offer to trade tasks such as pulling weeds or mowing the lawns for indoor alternatives.¹⁰

• Wash exposed clothing as soon as you set foot indoors: Clothes should be washed and dried inside, as drying on the line can expose clothing to pollen.¹⁰

• Thoroughly clean your entire home, paying particular attention to your bedroom: Bedding should be washed on a regular basis.¹⁰ Don't forget to clean beneath the bed and in any other dark, neglected areas that could attract mold such as basements.¹

• Keep pets out of the bedroom: Allergies to pet dander shouldn't prevent you from enjoying life with a four-legged friend. It’s recommended to limit exposure by having pets sleep outside of your bedroom and not let them up on any furniture.¹¹

Relieve Symptoms with Over-the-Counter Medications

While the solutions outlined above can dramatically reduce your exposure to common allergens, you will inevitably come into contact with them at some point. When this happens, it helps to be prepared with over-the-counter medications that can ease your most annoying symptoms. OTC antihistamines are especially helpful, as they block the body's natural histamine response, thereby limiting inflammation in typically affected areas.¹ Visit Benadryl.ca for their full lineup of allergy products. If you’re looking for fast and effective symptom relief, Benadryl^® provides it in topical, liquid and caplets format.

Allergies may be a common complaint in Canada, but they don't need to stop you from enjoying your favorite locations or activities. Your efforts to address this problem will ultimately lead to fewer symptoms, better sleep, and a generally improved quality of life.

If you need more information, don't hesitate to seek further guidance from a trusted doctor or another medical professional. You will never regret tackling your allergies head-on and experiencing life free of the most annoying allergic symptoms.