The Not-So-Seasonal Allergies
Over 50 Million Americans suffer from allergies every year, including food and drug allergies. The most common form is seasonal or environment allergies.
Allergies are caused by the body’s defense system reacting to irritants from the environment. Allergens are often small, airborne, particulate matter which include pollen, dust, dust mites, mold, fungus, weeds, grasses, cat and dog hair and dander. When these allergens contact the body (nose, eyes, mouth, skin), immune cells release chemical substances called histamines. Histamines then cause inflammation and a variety of symptoms.
Allergies can affect anyone of any age, and usually run in the family.
SYMPTOMS
Allergies can be seasonal or year-round depending on the responsible agent. Most people have year-round symptoms that worsen at certain times of the year. Spring is the season where most people have severe symptoms.
Symptoms are caused by the histamine response in the body:
- Runny nose
- Itchy and watery eyes
- Sneezing
- Coughing/wheezing
- Itchy ears, plugged ears
- Itchy skin
Most times, these symptoms can be confused for a cold or sinus infection, so it is very important to discuss these symptoms with your doctor to make sure you get the right treatment.
DIAGNOSIS
It’s not easy to know exactly what you are specifically allergic to, but there are blood tests and skin prick tests that can test for many different types of allergies. We often test for the region you are located in, since that is where you get exposed to the most. Every region has different allergens, so we want to find the ones that you are exposed to on a daily basis.
TREATMENT
Medical treatment is aimed at reducing symptoms and controlling the histamine and inflammatory responses. These include:
- Saline nasal rinses, found over the counter
- Nasal Steroid sprays, like Flonase, which greatly reduce inflammation in the sinuses.
- Anti-histamines, like Claritin or Zyrtec- which block the effects of histamine
- Non- Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory medications like Ibuprofen- which also block inflammation in the nose and sinuses
- Exposure to the allergens, with small doses of the allergen, to get your body to stop producing an allergic response- usually done with an allergy specialist
In addition to these treatments, it is important to find out the allergen that is causing your symptoms and try to stay away from it. Most people are allergic to dust mites, found in the home, so make sure that you vacuum and dust on a regular basis. Also make sure your bed sheets are washed on a weekly basis to prevent unwanted dust mite visitors. Mold is another common allergen, so make sure your home does not carry excessive moisture, where mold likes to grow. You can leave windows open during the day to help keep the air fresh in your home.
It is important to discuss your symptoms and your living situation with your doctor, so both of you can come up with the best plan to be symptom free.
