Allergy: Overview

Allergy

Allergies are the body’s natural reaction in response to certain allergens such as pollen or pet dander.^1-4 This immune response results in the release of multiple inflammatory mediators that are responsible for allergy symptoms, including runny nose, sneezing, nasal itching,^5-7 nasal congestion,^{8, 9} and itchy eyes.^10-13

Though oral antihistamines are often the first-line treatment, they may be inadequate in certain cases,¹⁴ with patients continuing to experience irritating and uncomfortable allergy symptoms for as long as they are exposed to the allergen.¹⁵ This can lead to sufferers feeling frustrated, irritable, restless, or embarrassed by their symptoms.¹⁶

Allergic rhinitis can significantly impact daily activities¹⁶

Over half of allergy sufferers report sleep disturbances due to their allergy symptoms.¹⁷
Nasal allergies can cause a 29% decrease in productivity¹⁸ with 3.5 million work days lost every year.¹⁷

Read more about allergies

Causes

Find out about the causes behind allergies.

Find out more

Signs and Symptoms

Find out about the signs and symptoms of allergies.

Find out more

Learning Lab

Find out more in the learning lab

Find out more

Management

Explore an overview of allergy management.

Find out more

The Otrivin range

Find out how the Otrivin range can help your patients.

Find out more

Patient care resources

Download resources for your patients.

Find out more

References

Derendorf H, Meltzer EO. Molecular and clinical pharmacology of intranasal corticosteroids: clinical and therapeutic implications. Allergy. 2008;63(10):1292-1300
Hallgren J, Pejler G. Biology of mast cell tryptase: an inflammatory mediator. FEBS J. 2006;273(9):1871-1895
Broide DH. The pathophysiology of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. Allergy Asthma Proc. 2007;28(4):398-403
Overview of the immune system. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases website.
Nathan, R. A., Bronsky, E. A., Fireman, P., Grossman, J. et al. Once Daily Fluticasone Propionate Aqueous Nasal Spray Is an Effective Treatment for Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis. Annals of Allergy. 67(3): 332-338, 1991
Banov, C. H., Woehler, T. R., LaForce, C. F., Pearlman, D. S. et al. Once Daily Intranasal Fluticasone Propionate Is Effective for Perennial Allergic Rhinitis. Annals of Allergy. 73(3): 240-246, 1994
Dykewicz, M. S., Kaiser, H. B., Nathan, R. A., Goode-Sellers, S. et al. Fluticasone Propionate Aqueous Nasal Spray Improves Nasal Symptoms of Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis When Used As Needed (Prn). Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. 91(1): 44-48, 2003
Scadding, G. K., Lund, V. J., Jacques, L. A., and Richards, D. H. A Placebo-Controlled Study of Fluticasone Propionate Aqueous Nasal Spray and Beclomethasone Dipropionate in Perennial Rhinitis: Efficacy in Allergic and Non-Allergic Perennial Rhinitis. Clinical and Experimental Allergy. 25(8): 737-743, 1995
Van As, A., Bronsky, E. A., Dockhorn, R. J., Grossman, J. et al. Once Daily Fluticasone Propionate Is As Effective for Perennial Allergic Rhinitis As Twice Daily Beclomethasone Diproprionate. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 91(6): 1146-1154, 1993
Haye, R. and Gomez, E. G. A Multicentre Study to Assess Long-Term Use of Fluticasone Propionate Aqueous Nasal Spray in Comparison With Beclomethasone Dipropionate Aqueous Nasal Spray in the Treatment of Perennial Rhinitis. Rhinology. 31(4): 169-174, 1993
Bernstein, D. I., Levy, A. L., Hampel, F. C., Baidoo, C. A. et al. Treatment With Intranasal Fluticasone Propionate Significantly Improves Ocular Symptoms in Patients With Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis. Clinical and Experimental Allergy. 34(6): 952-957, 2004
DeWester, J., Philpot, E. E., Westlund, R. E., Cook, C. K. et al. The Efficacy of Intranasal Fluticasone Propionate in the Relief of Ocular Symptoms Associated With Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis. Allergy and Asthma Proceedings. 24(5): 331-337, 2003
GSK: Result Summary for Study FNM30034. Http://Www.Gsk-Clinicalstudyregister.Com/. 5-12-2005
Scadding GK. Optimal management of allergic rhinitis. Arch Dis Child. 2015;100(6):576–582
Gupta RC. A Cold or Allergies: Which Is It? KidsHealth website.
Juniper EF and Guyatt GH. Development and testing of a new measure of health status for clinical trials in rhinoconjunctivitis. Clin Exp Allergy 1990; 21:77-83.
World Allergy Organization. World Allergy Organization (WAO) White Book on Allergy. Milwaukee, WI: World Allergy Organization; 2011.
Brooks M. Allergic rhinitis a significant burden. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/739928. Published March 30, 2011. Accessed March 27, 2014.

This site is intended for RSA healthcare professionals only.

© 2024 Haleon group of companies or its licensor. All rights reserved. Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the Haleon group of companies. This website is operated by Haleon South Africa (Pty) Ltd. 17 Muswell Road South, Block D, Wedgefield, Phase 2, Bryanston, Johannesburg, 2191, South Africa. Reg. No: 2014/173930/07. For any further information, including Human Safety Information (Adverse events/Product Quality Complaints) please contact the Haleon on 0800 007 018 or mystory.za@haleon.com. Always read the label, the leaflet or carton for full use instructions before use.

PM-ZA-NOBR-20-00013

PM-ZA-OTRI-22-00001

Allergy: Overview

Allergy

Allergic rhinitis can significantly impact daily activities16

Read more about allergies

Causes

Signs and Symptoms

Learning Lab

Management

The Otrivin range

Patient care resources

References

Allergic rhinitis can significantly impact daily activities¹⁶