Allergic responses: Know how to react

MANILA, Philippines — Did you know that there’s an entire day dedicated to allergies? Yes, the government has declared July 8 as National Allergy Day in the Philippines.¹ It sounds kind of quirky at first, until you realize that there’s a whole world full of things that people could be allergic to. So instead of wishing for a holiday, July 8 is when we take a second glance at everyday, seemingly harmless things like peanuts, shellfish, dust mites, and pollen, and know that somewhere out there, a person is sneezing.   

One in five people either have allergies or allergic symptoms, and their reactions can range anywhere from an itchy nose to a swollen tongue, or something more dire. If you’re not an allergy sufferer yourself, you probably know someone who is. Allergies are so ingrained in our everyday lives, that it almost seems trivial to fuss about it.    

But only those who are allergic to fur can sense a cat a mile away. Only those with allergies to dust mites know the feeling of being woken up by their own sneeze. And only those with food allergies understand too well the dread that comes with eating out at a new place or ordering an unfamiliar, exciting new dish. (They have also perfected the art of grilling the waiters on every ingredients used in their specials menu.)  

To put it simply, only those with allergies know what it’s like to suffer from allergies. It can be scary and stressful at times, but most of all, it’s a hassle.   

Allergic reactions

What do you do when your friend suffers from an unprecedented allergy attack?  

      A. Take a picture and post it on social media with the caption: “Eek! Help! #AllergicAkoSa”  

     B. Look away and pretend you didn’t notice. It’s rude to stare 

     C. Run to the nearest drugstore and pick up some antihistamines  

For some people, allergies are just part of the daily grind. But that doesn’t mean these guys are always prepared when an allergy strikes. As a bystander or a companion witnessing an allergic reaction, it’s best that you know what to do in that kind of situation. If your answer to the question above was anything other than C, then read on.  

The first thing to do is to look for the nearest drugstore and pick up antihistamines like Cetirizine HCI, the active ingredient of Benadryl One. It’s a no-drowse, fast acting medication meant for allergy relief. If your friend tends to experience recurring sneezing or get itchy, then Benadryl One will help relieve the discomfort. Now, if your friend contracts a more serious reaction like anaphylaxis ^2,3, rush him to the nearest hospital or call an ambulance as soon as you discover this. You’ll know that your friend is suffering from anaphylaxis if he is having severe facial swelling (which is termed as angioedema), difficulty speaking and/or breathing air.   

Every day is Allergy Day

While there is one day a year that is dedicated to allergies, just remember that everyday is allergy day for allergy sufferers. So in lieu of National Allergy Day, we encourage every person who has allergies to take charge of their health, and strive to prevent allergies from getting in the way of day to day life. It’s heartbreaking to think that you won’t be able to enjoy the company of furry critters or taste the warm goodness of buttered hipon all because of allergies. Luckily, there are antihistamines like Benadryl One and other medications that can help prevent and alleviate some of the hassles of an allergic reaction. That means allergy sufferers have the option to live a life without hassle or hesitation. — Rappler.com 

Sources:

1. http://www.gov.ph/banner-artwork/national-allergy-day/
2. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/264419.php
3. http://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/what-is-anaphylaxis/knowledgebase/quality-of-life-of-people-with-allergy