Allergy Basics

Fluffy kittens, lush lawns and shady trees are just some of the simple pleasures in life which can cause your allergyX allergy
An allergy is the exaggerated response of the immune system to a foreign substance that is generally safe and poses no threat to the human body. symptoms to flare up. Therefore, it is important for you to identify the causes of your allergy and what to do about them, so you can enjoy more of the world around you.

What are Allergies?

An allergyX allergy
An allergy is the exaggerated response of the immune system to a foreign substance that is generally safe and poses no threat to the human body. occurs when the immune systemX immune system
The body’s defense system against infections and foreign substances. attacks foreign substances that are otherwise safe, mistaking these substances for dangerous intruders in the body. These typically harmless substances are also known as allergens.

What are the common causes of allergic reactions?

The culprit behind your allergic reactions, allergens can be found aplenty within the home as well as in outdoor settings. The most common allergens include¹:

Outdoor Allergens

Pollen
Mold

Indoor Allergens

Exposure to these substances trigger allergic reactions in susceptible individuals, especially when these substances can be found in high concentrations within the immediate environment.

What Happens During an Allergic Reaction?

Allergens can enter your body when you take a breath, or when you rub your nose or eyes, and cause your immune systemX immune system
The body’s defense system against infections and foreign substances. to trigger a hypersensitive reaction.

In order to get rid of the allergens that your body perceives to be harmful, your immune system produces antibodiesX antibodies
A specialized protein that is part of the immune system. It is produced by white blood cells, and circulates in the blood. Antibodies seek and attach to foreign proteins, microorganisms or toxins in order to neutralize them. , such as the inflammatory mediator known as histamineX histamine
An inflammatory mediator that is released by the immune system after being exposed to an allergen. When an allergen enters your body, mast cells that are located in the nose and sinus membranes release histamine. Histamine then attaches to receptors on nearby blood vessels, causing them to… .

When the mast cells in your body release histamine, it triggers an allergic reaction which includes symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes or nose, allergyX allergy
An allergy is the exaggerated response of the immune system to a foreign substance that is generally safe and poses no threat to the human body. cough, nasal congestion, and sinus pressure ².

DID YOU KNOW?

To rid itself of an allergenX allergen
A foreign substance which your body perceives to be harmful; can trigger an allergic reaction. , or allergens, your body experiences a number of allergic reactions which, collectively, are known as an allergic cascade. This causes your body to then release a few different inflammatory mediators. If an allergen, or allergens, enter your body, the mast cells in your body will then release an inflammatory mediator known as histamineX histamine
An inflammatory mediator that is released by the immune system after being exposed to an allergen. When an allergen enters your body, mast cells that are located in the nose and sinus membranes release histamine. Histamine then attaches to receptors on nearby blood vessels, causing them to… . HistamineX Histamine
An inflammatory mediator that is released by the immune system after being exposed to an allergen. When an allergen enters your body, mast cells that are located in the nose and sinus membranes release histamine. Histamine then attaches to receptors on nearby blood vessels, causing them to… attaches to the receptors on blood vessels, causing them to dilate. In addition to that, histamine also binds to other receptors located in the nasal tissues, causing allergyX allergy
An allergy is the exaggerated response of the immune system to a foreign substance that is generally safe and poses no threat to the human body. symptoms which include swelling, as well as an itchy and runny nose.³

How Antihistamines Help Reduce Allergy Symptoms

Antihistamines such as Clarityn® (loratadine) are able to mitigate the allergic cascade triggered by an allergenX allergen
A foreign substance which your body perceives to be harmful; can trigger an allergic reaction. , or allergens.

As the term itself suggests, an antihistamineX antihistamine
A type of medication that is used to alleviate allergy symptoms by blocking histamine receptors. is a substance that blocks the effects of the histamines released by your immune systemX immune system
The body’s defense system against infections and foreign substances. . Antihistamines do this by keeping histamines from attaching to histamineX histamine
An inflammatory mediator that is released by the immune system after being exposed to an allergen. When an allergen enters your body, mast cells that are located in the nose and sinus membranes release histamine. Histamine then attaches to receptors on nearby blood vessels, causing them to… receptors on cells, thus keeping them from triggering allergyX allergy
An allergy is the exaggerated response of the immune system to a foreign substance that is generally safe and poses no threat to the human body. symptoms.

Clarityn® provides fast-acting, non-drowsy allergy relief from over 200 allergens⁴ and can keep the following allergy symptoms at bay:

Sneezing
An itchy, runny, or stuffy nose
Red, irritated, watery eyes
Redness, bumps, hivesX hives
Hives (also known as urticaria) are swollen, red bumps or welts on the skin that are itchy, and can appear as a result of the body’s reaction to certain allergens. These bumps or welts can appear anywhere on the body, including the face, lips, tongue, throat or ears. , rash or itching on skin

As the #1 AllergyX Allergy
An allergy is the exaggerated response of the immune system to a foreign substance that is generally safe and poses no threat to the human body. brand in the world⁶, Clarityn® provides a portfolio of allergy solutions to meet the different allergy needs of the family, from tab. Ranging from Clarityn® tablets to syrup and sprays, both adults and kids can live free from allergies and enjoy experience life like you don’t have allergies.

How Are Allergies Diagnosed?

In some cases, it is easy to determine the triggers of an allergic reaction. If you notice yourself sneezing frequently in a dusty room, you can safely surmise that you’re allergic to dust mitesX dust mites
A common trigger of indoor allergies. These microscopic mites live in the fibers of pillows, mattresses, blankets and carpets, and survive off of our dead skin cells. The inhalation of dust mite droppings can cause allergic reactions which include a runny nose, sneezing and nasal congestion. . When you notice your symptoms flaring up in the company of dogs and cats, then that likely means that you’re allergic to pets and their dander.⁵

But if you’re unsure as to what the cause of your allergyX allergy
An allergy is the exaggerated response of the immune system to a foreign substance that is generally safe and poses no threat to the human body. is, you can opt to do an allergy test.

Reducing Your Exposure to Airborne Allergens

The rule of thumb is always to minimise your exposure to allergens.

Various factors contribute to the ideal indoor and outdoor conditions that allow for allergens to thrive. Here’s what you can do to reduce your exposure to these allergens effectively.

PREVENTION TIPS FOR OUTDOOR ALLERGIESX OUTDOOR ALLERGIES
Can be characterized by an exaggerated response of the immune system to allergens (see Allergens) that are commonly found outdoors, such as trees, grass or weed pollens, and mold spores, amongst others (also known as hay fever or seasonal allergies). The symptoms of an outdoor allergy tends…
Outdoor allergiesX Outdoor allergies
Can be characterized by an exaggerated response of the immune system to allergens (see Allergens) that are commonly found outdoors, such as trees, grass or weed pollens, and mold spores, amongst others (also known as hay fever or seasonal allergies). The symptoms of an outdoor allergy tends… can occur throughout the year in Singapore, especially with the abundance of hot and humid weather and lots of rainfall year-round. Various allergens thrive in this climate. When you spend a fair amount of the day outdoors, you can be exposed to pollenX pollen
A fine, powdery substance (typically yellow in colour) consisting of microscopic grains that are discharged from the male part of a flower (also known as stamens), or from the male cone of a tree. , moldX mold
A parasitic, microscopic fungi which floats in the air like pollen. Mold spores are a common trigger for allergies, and grows well in damp areas of the home, such as a basement or bathroom. It can also thrive in an outdoor environment, such as damp grass, leaf piles, hay, mulch, or under… , and haze.
1. Mask up
  To prevent yourself from inhaling these particles, wear a mask with the right fit over both your nose and mouth.
2. Keep the windows up
  If you’re driving, keep the car windows rolled up and the air-conditioner set to “air recirculation.”
3. Clean up
  When you get home from a day outdoors, be sure to remove your shoes, wash your face and hands or take a shower, and change your clothes to keep particles of pollen, mold, or haze from entering or lingering in your home.
PREVENTION TIPS FOR INDOOR ALLERGIESX INDOOR ALLERGIES
Can be characterized by an exaggerated response of the immune system to allergens (see Allergens) commonly that are commonly found indoors, such as mold spores, pet dander, cockroaches or dust mites (also known as perennial allergies). The symptoms of an indoor allergy tends to last longer…
Indoor allergiesX Indoor allergies
Can be characterized by an exaggerated response of the immune system to allergens (see Allergens) commonly that are commonly found indoors, such as mold spores, pet dander, cockroaches or dust mites (also known as perennial allergies). The symptoms of an indoor allergy tends to last longer… can flare up at any time of the year, but they may be more frequent during the monsoon season, when people spend more time indoors.
1. Keep a tidy home
  You can reduce the allergens within your home simply by keeping your home tidy. Use high-performance vacuum cleaners with HEPAX HEPA
  Stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA), a filter that forces air through a fine mesh that is made up of microscopic pores which trap harmful particles. filters that can get rid of dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, and pollen from the floor as well as on upholstered furniture. Wipe down surfaces and mop the floor with an effective cleaning agent. Wash your sheets, blankets, drapes, and upholstery regularly.
2. Keep moisture out
  Use a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels below 50% in your home. Lower humidity levels prevent dust mites as well as mold growth. Keep the windows shut anytime the local weather report indicates high levels of humidity.
3. Clear the air
  Keep the air clean. You can opt to use an air purifier that can filter out allergens from the air. Make sure the rooms in your home have proper ventilation. Replace the air-conditioner filter regularly.

REFERENCES

Allergies - NHS UK, Accessed November 5, 2021
Indoor Air Pollutants and Toxic Materials - CDC, Accessed November 5, 2021
Antihistamines - American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, Accessed November 5, 2021
Bousquet J, Khaltaev N, Cruz AA, et al. Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) 2008 Update (in collaboration with the World Health Organization, GA2LEN* and AllerGenX AllerGen
A foreign substance which your body perceives to be harmful; can trigger an allergic reaction. **). AllergyX Allergy
An allergy is the exaggerated response of the immune system to a foreign substance that is generally safe and poses no threat to the human body. . 2008; 63 (86): 8–160.
How does a Doctor diagnose an Allergy?. Accessed 4 March 2022
Nicholas Hall Global OTC DB6 Database. Accessed 17 February 2022.