Medicine information

An allergic reaction happens when your immune system over-reacts to a foreign particle or chemical that is usually harmless. Allergic reactions range from mild symptoms of sneezing or itching to severe symptoms of anaphylaxis, affecting your breathing and circulation. People at risk of anaphylaxis should carry an adrenaline auto-injector at all times. Most allergies can be treated or prevented with antihistamines such as loratadine or chlorphenamine. Other useful treatments include sodium cromoglicate eye drops and steroid nasal sprays such as beclometasone or fluticasone.

Pain is part of the body's natural response to infection or injury; it lets us know something is wrong. Pain is usually the result of inflammation somewhere in the body. There are many different types of pain relief; different in how they are given (eg, gels, sprays, tablets) and different in how strong they are. Mild to moderate pain can be treated with paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin or ibuprofen. Severe pain is usually treated with an opioid painkiller such as tramadol, morphine or fentanyl. Opioid painkillers work best when used for short periods of time only. Long-term use of opioid painkillers can result in tolerance and dependence on the medicine. Nerve pain can be harder to treat and medicines such as pregabalin and gabapentin are usually tried first.

Inflammation is a natural defence mechanism of the body to help it fight off infection and repair injury. External signs of inflammation include redness, swelling, heat and pain. Sometimes a medical condition can cause inflammation inside the body. Whilst inflammation helps to protect the body, long-term (chronic) inflammation can cause problems. Corticosteroids (steroids), such as hydrocortisone and budesonide, can reduce inflammation in conditions like eczema and Crohn's disease. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, diclofenac and naproxen are used to reduce pain caused by inflammation in muscles and joints.