ALLERGIES

What causes them?

The most common cause of indoor allergies is the house-dust mite. This creature, which is invisible to the naked eye, produces droppings which are about the same size as pollen grains. This means they can be breathed into the nose and trigger an allergic reaction in people who have a dust allergy.

The cause of dust allergies is the house-dust mite, which is found in dust throughout the house, particularly in older, damp houses. They feed off human skin scales so they are found in your family's bedding where you can typically find 4,000 mites per gram of dust.

The next most common cause of indoor allergies comes from domestic pets which carry allergens on their fur, derived from their urine or saliva. Cats are more allergic than dogs due to frequently licking their fur and spreading the allergen all over their coat.

Industrial dust, fumes and vapours may give rise to occupationally-related indoor allergies.

What are the symptoms?

Approximately half of indoor allergy sufferers have symptoms predominantly of sneezing and a watery runny nose, whereas the other half complain mostly of a blocked, stuffy nose.

A blocked nose is the most distressing of nasal symptoms and can also be accompanied with headaches and disturbed sleep. In severe cases, sufferers lose their sense of smell and taste. Although the major causes of indoor allergies are the house-dust mite and pets, symptoms often get worse in summer time due to the additional burden of allergy to pollen.

How is it treated?

Antihistamine tablets, which are available over the counter from pharmacies, and also from other retail outlets, are the most commonly used treatment for indoor allergies

Clarityn Allergy (loratadine) is an antihistamine which provides effective relief from allergy symptoms with a single daily dose and does not normally cause drowsiness.

Clarityn Allergy (loratadine) once-daily tablets and syrup may be taken by adults and children over 12 years of age, and by children aged between 2 and 12 years whose bodyweight is more than 30kg. For children aged between 2 and 12 years who weigh less than 30kg, 5ml of syrup once daily can be taken.

In addition to a 7 tablet pack the range includes a 30 tablet pack which is only available from pharmacies. The 30 tablet pack represents excellent value for families and regular sufferers.

Nasal corticosteroid sprays are also used to treat the symptoms of indoor allergies.

If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

Clarityn Allergy tablets and syrup contain loratadine. Always read the leaflet.

Indoor allergies and driving

The symptoms of indoor allergies may affect your ability to drive so it's important that you take effective treatment if you are affected. If you drive it is a good idea to ask your pharmacist for a non-drowsy treatment. Clarityn Allergy (loratadine) tablets do not normally make people feel drowsy; and have been shown to have no adverse effects on reaction times and driving ability. However, as with all antihistamines, there may be very rare exceptions when people do experience drowsiness and care should be taken when using tablets for the first time.. We want you to be able to get on with your life as normal and that includes not having to worry about driving.

However, as with all antihistamines, there may be very rare exceptions and care should be taken when tablets are used for the first time.

Clarityn Allergy (loratadine) tablets are available in cartons of 7 and 30 tablets. The 30 tablet pack is only available from pharmacies.

Clarityn Allergy tablets and syrup contain loratadine. Always read the leaflet.

Performance at work

Indoor allergy symptoms can have a major impact on work by making people more irritable and impairing their concentration. Sufferers may even find they need to take time off work.

Clarityn Allergy (loratadine) is non-drowsy and has been shown to have no adverse effects on performance in adults at work. It has even been tested on pilots where it was found to not impair their performance and alertness in the cockpit, which is reassuring for people doing jobs with skill or safety implications.

However, as with all antihistamines, there may be very rare exceptions and care should be taken when tablets are used for the first time.

Performance at school

Children with indoor allergy symptoms can do less well at school. A study of children with indoor allergy symptoms found that those taking Clarityn Allergy (loratadine) showed improved performance compared with those who did nothing. We all want our children to be at their best and to be able to study normally.

However, as with all anthistamines, there may be very rare exceptions and care should be taken when tablets are used for the first time.

Do's and Don'ts

Useful measures to take to reduce exposure to what triggers your allergy:

• The house-dust mite infests the whole house, but particularly the bedroom

• Regularly vacuum clean soft furnishings, curtains, carpets and floors to prevent build-up of dust.

• When replacing your vacuum cleaner choose one with the Allergy Friendly logo

• Vacuum clean mattresses every two weeks

• Try and replace pillows with new ones every three months

• Wash bedding at a high temperature - 60°C plus, to kill the house-dust mite

• Enclose bedding in a fabric specially designed to prevent the passage of mite allergen - this is both comfortable and helps reduce symptoms

• Reduce moisture and damp by keeping the house well ventilated. Open outer doors and windows when cooking.