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Allergic States

Allergic states are prolonged or widespread forms of allergic reaction. They can include persistent rhinitis, urticaria, angioedema and acute hypersensitivity reactions. The immune system overreacts to a normally harmless substance, affecting the skin, airways, eyes, nose or digestive tract.

Medicines used to treat Allergic States

Decadron

Dexamethasone

0.5mg

Decadron dexamethasone tablets treat inflammatory conditions, allergic states, rheumatoid arthritis and cerebral oedema. This synthetic glucocorticoid is supplied in one strength and several pack sizes. You can compare the price per tablet across options.

FromUS$0.38/ tabletView

Medrol

Methylprednisolone

4 · 8 · 16mg

Medrol is a methylprednisolone tablet, with the price shown per tablet; it comes in several strengths and pack sizes. It is used for rheumatoid arthritis, allergic states and dermatological disease.

FromUS$0.48/ tabletView

Key points

  • They are longer lasting or more general than a brief local rash or sneeze.
  • Triggers include pollen, dust mites, mould, foods, insect venom and drugs.
  • Corticosteroids may be used when antihistamines alone do not control inflammation.

What allergic states involve

An allergy is an immune reaction to something normally harmless, such as food, pollen, dust, insect bites or animals. Triggers for a sustained or widespread reaction can include pollen, dust mites, mould, certain foods, insect venom and drugs.

Symptoms

Symptoms can start within minutes or after a few hours. They include a runny nose, red or watering eyes, coughing, wheezing, hives, swollen eyes, lips, mouth or throat, and gastrointestinal upset.

Corticosteroids

When antihistamines alone do not settle inflammation, a corticosteroid may be considered. A short course can calm an acute flare; longer treatment is reserved for cases where benefits clearly outweigh risks. Decadron (dexamethasone) 0.5 mg tablets and Medrol (methylprednisolone) 4 mg, 8 mg and 16 mg tablets are used for allergic states. See dexamethasone and methylprednisolone. Pharmacy partners in India ship to Malaysia in discreet packaging.

When to seek urgent care

Seek emergency care immediately if the lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly swell, if breathing is very fast or difficult, or if there is severe wheezing, choking or gasping. Anaphylaxis needs immediate hospital treatment.

What the sources say

  • Allergies are a type of hypersensitivity in which the immune system overreacts. (Healthdirect)
  • Cow’s milk allergy is common and affects about 1 in 50 infants. (Healthdirect)
  • Management depends on the reaction type and may include allergen avoidance, antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays, adrenaline auto-injectors and desensitisation. (NHS)

Further reading

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