OMHC Public Service Announcement

Spring is here and so are allergies. When you have allergies, an

allergy relief kit may be a useful addition to any home, car or even at

work. WebMd has created a list of applicable items that might be useful

to you. What you will need: eye drops, decongestants, nasal sprays,

antihistamines, bronchodilators, injectable epinephrine, skin creams and

lotions, medical information, dust-proof pillowcase.

* Eye Drops – When your allergies leave you red-eyed and itchy, eye

drops may help. They can ease inflammation and itching, tearing and

swelling. Antihistamine eye drops like ketotifen used before you go

outside can prevent symptoms. Also, try artificial tears to flush out

allergens.

* Decongestants – If stuffiness and congestion are your biggest

problems, include decongestants. Nasal tissues usually swell during an

allergic reaction, and decongestants can help. They are available over

the counter as pills and may come with an antihistamine.

* Nasal Sprays – Steroid nasal sprays are often the first choice to

treat allergic rhinitis. If allergies have your nose feeling dry, try

nasal saline spray. Decongestants also come as nasal sprays, but these

shouldn't be used for more than three days straight because they many

make symptoms worse.

*Antihistamines – Antihistamine pills can give you powerful relief for

allergy symptoms, including runny nose, sneezing, and itchy water eyes.

They work by blocking a substance called histamine, which your immune

system makes in response to allergens. Antihistamines are available over

the counter and by prescription.

* Bronchodilators – Allergies can often affect asthma. If you get

asthma attacks or bronchospasms, your kit should have an inhaler. Short

acting inhaler medications, bronchodilators, are available only by

prescription, and should be part of your asthma management plan.

These medications control inflammation in the airways.

* Injectable Epinephrine- If you're at risk for a severe,

life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), your kit should have

injectable epinephrine auto-injector. It can stop or curb the dangerous

reaction some people have to certain foods, medications, or insect stings.

* Skin Creams- For allergic skin reactions; keep small tubes of

moisturizer and hydrocortisone cream in your allergy kit. Moisturizers

can soothe the dry, itchy feeling, and hydrocortisone cream eases

inflammation.

* Medical Information- People with life threatening allergies should

wear a medical alert bracelet. If you have milder allergies you can

store medical information on a laminated card in your allergy kit.

Include your type of allergy, contact information, and health insurance

information.

* Dust -Proof Pillowcase- If you travel and have dust mite allergies,

pack a dust mite-proof, zippered pillow cover. You might also consider

dust mite proof bedding encasements to cover mattresses.

Once your allergy kit is complete, go over it with your doctor to add

or remove items. Then carry your kit with you, or make multiple kits

for at home, in your car, and at work. Make sure to check often for

items that may have expired or need replacing. When you travel, it may

be a good idea to store a kit in your carry on.