Skip to main content
Close
Main Menu

About Allergies

About Allergies.JPG

Allergies are very common, affecting about 1 in 3 New Zealanders at some time in their lives.

An allergy occurs when a person’s immune system over-reacts to substances called allergens in the environment.

Common allergens include house dust mites, grasses, pollen, pets, foods, some medications, insect stings, latex and moulds.

Symptoms vary according to the part of the body affected, but can include sneezing, watery eyes, itch, rash, and raised weals on the skin. Extreme allergic reaction can be life-threatening (anaphylaxis) and needs immediate treatment.

Once you develop a sensitivity to an allergen, an allergic response is set off every time you are exposed to the allergens that affect you. Allergies are often a part of the cause of conditions such as hay fever, eczema and asthma.

It's important to talk to your doctor if you think you or your child may have an allergy to something. They might suggest tests such as a skin prick test or a blood test (known as a RAST – a radioallergosorbent test).

They can also tell you what to do in case of an extreme allergic reaction and help you set up an action plan.

TREATING ALLERGIES 

The most important part of managing allergies is to avoid the allergens if possible. Allergy symptoms also have specific treatments, including medication and self-help practices.

The most common medications used for allergies are antihistamines. Other allergy medications include decongestant nasal sprays and emollient or corticosteroid creams to help soothe inflamed skin.

Your Life Pharmacist is a good source of information, allergy prevention tips and advice on using or taking any allergy medication properly. Feel free to have a chat next time you’re at your local Life Pharmacy. 

Related Articles

Inside Asthma

Asthma is a common respiratory condition which affects the air passages or breathing tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs.

 

Itching to make hay fever go away

Hay fever causes a blocked, runny and itchy nose, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes.

About Allergies

Allergies are very common, affecting about 1 in 3 New Zealanders at some time in their lives.

 

SHOP LIFE PHARMACY ONLINE

Life Pharmacy is proudly New Zealand owned and operated. We have everything from fragrance to first aid, make up to medicines, skin care to sun care, test kits to tanning products. Life pharmacy online brings your pharmacy to you.

Shop NZ customer favourites such The Ordinary, Antipodes, Trilogy and keep your health and wellbeing on-track with Go Healthy, BePure, Livon, Optifast and Otrivin. Don’t forget to shop our top beauty brands including Clinique, Estee Lauder, Benefit, Elizabeth Arden, Clarins and Shiseido.

Looking for in-store pharmacy services like passport photos, ear piercing or the morning after pill? Find information here about Life Pharmacy in-store services and then use our handy pharmacy finder to find a Life Pharmacy near you.


Promotions, product range and prices may differ between Life Pharmacy online and Life Pharmacy stores.
Copyright © 2021 Life Pharmacy Ltd. All Rights Reserved.