What are allergens, and how do they work?
“A substance that is an allergen for one person may not be for another.”
However, the risk of developing allergies is higher if other family members suffer from allergy or asthma.1
The impact of allergy
Allergic rhinitis has been shown to have a direct and significant impact on an individual’s quality of life:2
World allergy organization estimates 30-40% of the world population is now affected by one or more allergic conditions.2
The rise in the incidence of allergic rhinitis in the GCC countries has been influenced by the rise in pollution and variations in the environmental landscape.3
Allergic rhinitis is common in the middle east.2
Symptoms of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) have been shown to reduce the quality of life and performance at work or school significantly.2
Allergy Types
NOSE, EYES, SINUSES AND THROAT
When you breathe in allergens, an allergic reaction may occur, which may result in the release of a substance called histamine. This then causes the lining of your nose to produce lots of mucus and become swollen and inflamed. The result is a runny, itchy nose, and a violent sneezing. You may also get watery eyes and a sore throat.1
THE LUNGS AND CHEST
Asthma can sometimes be triggered during an allergic reaction. When you breathe in an allergen, the lining of the passages in your lungs may swell and make breathing difficult.1
THE STOMACH AND BOWEL
Most stomach upsets are caused by richness or spiciness in the food itself, rather than an actual allergy. However, certain foods are commonly associated with allergy. These include peanuts, seafood, dairy products and eggs. Cow’s milk allergy is common in infants and can cause stomach upset. Lactose intolerance may also cause stomach upsets, but it must not be confused with allergy.1
THE SKIN
Skin problems such as eczema (dry, red, itchy skin) and urticaria (also known as hives) often occur. Hives are white itchy bumps which look and feel like insect bites. Food may be a factor in some cases of hives and eczema. 1
What is allergic rhinitis
Commonly known as hay fever. Allergic rhinitis is caused by the exposure of the nose or eyes to allergens.4
Some of the most common indoor and outdoor allergens in the GCC countries 5,6,7
Dust mites
Dust
Pet dander
Pollen
Grass
Allergic rhinitis may have significant effects on daily activities and quality of life. 2
It may be seasonal, occurring in spring, summer and early fall, or may come as perennial allergic rhinitis, with symptoms experienced throughout the year. 8
Allergic rhinitis symptoms
Symptoms of allergic rhinitis include2:
Runny nose
Itchy nose
Nasal congestion
Sneezing
Watery eyes
Itchy throat
What is urticaria?
The life-time occurrence of urticaria in the general population ranges from 1% to 5%.9
Urticaria can be triggered by many substances or situations and usually starts as an itchy patch of skin that turns into swollen red wheals10
The itching may be mild to severe, scratching, alcoholic beverages, exercise, emotional stress may worsen the itching.10
There are two types of hives, short lived (acute) and long-term (chronic)10
Common causes of urticaria10
Certain food: such as eggs, nuts and shellfish
Medicines: such as antibiotics, aspirin and ibuprofen
Physical stimuli: such as cold or heat exercise and sun exposure
Pet dander
Pollen
Bacterial infections
Latex
Some plants: such as poison oak
Viral infections
Urticaria symptoms and characteristics10
Symptoms can last anywhere from minutes to months, or even years!
While they may be mistaken for bug bites, hives (also known as urticaria)
are different in several ways:
Hives can appear on any area of the body; they may change shape, move around, disappear and reappear over short periods of time.10
The bumps - red or skin-colored “wheals” with clear edges - usually appear suddenly and go away just as quickly.10
Pressing the center of a red hive makes it turn white - a process called “blanching”. 10
Chronic hives occur almost daily for more than six weeks and are typically itchy. Each hive lasts less than 24 hours.10
Telfast® is here to help.
Telfast® can help you get back to feeling like yourself again. It’s the #1 allergist-recommended medicine brand for non-drowsy relief,* with an antihistamine that gives you 24 hours of the fastest† non-drowsy relief from indoor and outdoor allergy symptoms. If you experience sneezing, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, or an itchy nose or throat, Telfast® can help.11 For nasal congestion, sinus congestion and pressure, swelling of nasal passages, and other allergy symptoms, try Telfast-D®. 12
No matter which product you choose, you can feel good knowing Telfast® is the #1 allergist-recommended medicine brand for non-drowsy relief.*
1. ASCIA Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy. What is allergy. www.allergy.org.au. 2017
2. Abdulrahman H, et al. Nasal allergies in the Middle Eastern population-results from the _Allergies in Middle East Survey_. Am J Rhinol Allergy 2012;26(1)-S3-23.
3. 24. Bakhsh M.T et al. Prevalence and Factors Affecting Nasobronchial Allergy Among University Students In Ajman, UAE. Gulf Medical Journal, ASM 2015;4(S1)-S45-S52.
4. ASCIA Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy. Is it allergic rhinitis (hay fever). www.allergy.org.au. 2017
5. Mustafa S, et al. A study of clinical and allergic aspects of rhinitis patients in Riyadh. Annals of Saudi Medicines 1996;16(5)-550-553.
6. John LJ, et al. Prevalence of Allergies among University Students- A Study from Ajman, United Arab Emirates. ISRN Allergy. 2014 (502052) 5
7. Goronfolah L. Aeroallergens atopy and allergic rhinitis in the Middle East. Eur Ann Allergy Clin Immunol 2016 48(1) 5-21
8. ASCIA Australasian Socity of Clinical Immunology and Allergy. Allergic Rhinitis. www.allergy.org.au. 2018
9. Kathuria,P., Urticaria and Its Management, Indian J Allergy Asthma Immunol 2011; 25(1)
10. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Hives (Urticaria). www.acaai.org. 2014
11. Telfast Gulf PIL – last revised November 2020
12. Telfast-D Gulf PIL, last revised July 2021
Recommended Reading
Seasonal Allergies: Causes and Symptoms
Allergy season is different for everyone. That’s because different kinds of outdoor allergens — or irritants — get distributed into the air year-round. So your seasonal allergies happen from exposure to whatever pollen is being released by the local grass, trees, mold spores, and ragweed whenever that occurs.
Allergies vs. Cold: Understand the Difference
There are some similarities between allergies and the common cold, so it can be difficult to figure out how to relieve your symptoms. But there are a few ways to identify which is which.
How to prevent allergic rhinitis
Learn all the smart steps to prevent allergic rhinitis
Adult Outdoor Allergies Triggers, Symptoms, and Relief
Allergic rhinitis, often called hay fever, affects 19.2 million adults and 5.2 million children.
The most common outdoor allergy trigger is pollen, a powdery substance released for fertilization by trees, grass, and weeds.
In early spring, tree pollen gets blown around. In late spring and early summer, it’s grass pollen. And in late summer/early fall, it’s weed pollen. But that all depends on your location, climate, and the local greenscape. In temperate climates, pollination can happen year-round.
How To Stop Seasonal Allergies From Ruining Your Outdoor Workout
Working out with allergies can be challenging, but it doesn’t mean that you need to be trapped indoors all season long. With the right tools and allergy management tips, exercising outdoors with seasonal allergies is possible. Learn how to enjoy your favorite outdoor activities and achieve your fitness goals—without being slowed down by sneezing, a runny nose, watery eyes, or an itchy throat.
*Among OTC oral antihistamines.