Allergies

33% of the French population suffer from allergies, i.e. 20 million people. WHO forecasts predict that 50% of the population will be affected by 2010.

What is an allergic reaction?

Allergy occurs when our body reacts excessively to substances that it considers to be harmful: allergens. Allergens are factors and substances triggering allergy and their related problems.

In the event of repeated and intensive contact between our body and the allergen, an allergic reaction is triggered.

An allergic reaction covers all the symptoms that develop within a few minutes or a few hours of exposure to the allergens. These allergens can come from plants, animal hair, foods, dust mites or moulds or may be substances found in the workplace.

An allergic reaction causes the release of substances in the body, such as histamine, which are responsible for the symptoms experienced.

How to recognise allergic rhinitis ?

Allergic rhinitis causes the following symptoms: bouts of sneezing, runny nose (clear mucus), nasal congestion (blocked nose), itching and tickling in the nose.
It may be accompanied by irritation affecting the eyes (tear production, redness), the throat and the nose.

A distinction is made between: 

  • Seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever: this occurs every year in the same season, when the pollen concentration in the air rises. These allergies due to pollen are very common and generally develop for the first time during the teenage years. They recur every year at the same time, depending on the presence of the pollen(s) responsible. However, you are not allergic to all pollens, just one or more of them.
  • Perennial allergic rhinitis is present all year long and usually depends on domestic allergens, such as dust mites, dust, moulds or pets.
     

Allergic conjunctivitis causes tear production and stinging in both eyes.

Localised acute urticaria (hives) causes itchy, red, swollen patches.

 

With Humex Allergy, a tablet containing 10 mg Cetirizine, Urgo offers you an effective treatment against allergic reactions.

 

Practical advice to combat allergies

Removing the allergen (avoidance) is the best way of eliminating or reducing the symptoms of allergy.

For household allergens, it is essential to take measures to reduce the presence of the allergen:

  • Mattresses should be completely enclosed in a plastic anti-dust mite cover, as should pillows. Unless it is made of wood or metal, the base of the bed should be covered with a plastic sheet. All bedding should be washed twice a month at 60°C if possible.
  • Bedrooms should be regularly aired and cleaned.
  • Bedside rugs and carpets on the floors are best avoided.
  • Avoid pets.

 

During the pollen season, it is possible to reduce exposure to pollens:

  • Have a variety of plants in your garden, avoiding the most allergenic species (cypress, cedar, birch, etc.).
  • Avoid mowing the lawn yourself during the pollen season.
  • Preferably garden wearing glasses and a protective mask.

  You can also use Humer nasal wash along with this treatment.