Forty-five million Americans suffer from allergies. Allergic rhinitis was once known as hay fever because workers would sneeze and develop nasal and sinus congestion when they worked around hay in the fields. Hay fever, asthma, and eczema are the most common symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Allergy symptoms appear when the body’s immune system begins to respond to a substance as though it were a dangerous invader (called an antigen or allergen). It does this by sending specific defenders called antibodies to the entry site of the allergen. The battle between allergen and antibody results in a release of chemical mediators, such as histamine, into the bloodstream. Those chemical mediators cause changes in the body, which produce the allergy symptoms that we feel.
Symptoms that may be caused by allergy include itchy eyes, sneezing, nasal stuffiness, nasal congestion and drainage, and sometimes headache. Some people experience hearing changes, scratchy sore throats, hoarseness, and cough. Other less common symptoms include balance disturbances, swelling in the face or throat tissues, skin irritations, and even respiratory problems and asthma.
Some allergy sufferers experience symptoms all year. Others find certain seasons bring on allergy attacks. Allergy symptom control is most successful when multiple management approaches are used simultaneously. Minimizing exposure to allergens, managing symptoms with medications, and desensitization with allergy shots are all methods that can be useful in controlling allergic symptoms.
Medications properly used can be very helpful. Over the counter drugs can be beneficial, but some cause drowsiness. Sometimes prescription medications offer the best chance for good control.
Immunotherapy, or allergy shots, provide the only treatment method that can offer long-lasting relief or cure from allergies. Before beginning a series of allergy shots, allergy testing must be performed.
Beware of the Allergens
Anything can be an allergen. Some substances, because of their chemical make-up, are more prone to generate an allergic response in humans. Pollens, food, mold, dust, feathers, animal dander, chemicals, drugs such as penicillin, and environmental pollutants commonly cause many to suffer allergic reactions.
Hay fever is caused by weed pollens. The most significant cause of hay fever in the United States is ragweed. It begins pollinating in late August and continues until the first frost. Late springtime pollens come from the grasses, i.e., timothy, orchard, red top, sweet vernal, Bermuda, Johnson, and some bluegrasses. Early springtime hay fever is most often caused by pollens of trees such as elm, maple, birch, poplar, beech, ash, oak, walnut, sycamore, cypress, hickory, pecan, cottonwood, and alder. Download Our Allergy Information Sheets >
Certain allergens are always present. These include house dust, mold, household pet danders, foods, wool, various chemicals used around the house, and more. Symptoms from these are frequently worse in the winter when the house is closed up.
Mold spores cause at least as many allergy problems as pollens. Molds are present all year long, and grow outdoors and indoors. Dead leaves and farm areas are common sources for outdoor molds. Indoor plants, old books, bathrooms, and damp areas are common sources of indoor mold growth. Molds are also common in foods, such as cheese and fermented beverages.
Colorful or fragrant flowering plants rarely cause allergy because their pollens are too heavy to be airborne.
Can Allergies Be Serious?
Allergies are rarely life-threatening, but often cause lost workdays, decreased work efficiency, poor school performance, and less enjoyment of life. It is common for allergy sufferers to develop sinus or respiratory infections if allergy symptoms are not controlled. Considering the millions of dollars spent in anti-allergy medications and the cost of lost work time, allergies cannot be considered a minor problem.
Treatment and Prevention
A number of medications are useful in the treatment of allergy including antihistamine, nasal decongestant sprays, steroid sprays, and saline sprays. The medical management of allergy also includes counseling in proper environmental control. Based on a detailed history and thorough examination, your doctor may advise testing to determine the specific substances to which you are allergic.
Medicine: Antihistamine
Symptoms: Sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose, itchy eyes, congestion
Possible Side Effects: Drowsiness, dry mouth and nose
Medicine: Decongestants
Symptoms: Stuffy nose, congestion
Possible Side Effects: Stimulation, insomnia, rapid heart beat
Medicine: Combination of Antihistamine and Decongestants
Symptoms: All of the above
Possible Side Effects: Any of the above
The treatments employed by your otolaryngologist will depend on the allergens to which you are allergic and the degree of your sensitivity to them. The only “cure” available for inhalant allergy is the administration of injections that build up protective antibodies to specific allergens (pollens, molds, animal danders, dust, etc.). Your physician will oversee your progress and care for any other nasal and sinus disorders that may contribute to your symptoms.
Tips for Controlling Your Environment:
-Wear a pollen mask when mowing grass or house cleaning (most drugstores sell them).
-Change the air filters monthly in heating and air conditioning systems, and/or install an air purifier.
-Keep windows and doors closed during heavy pollen seasons.
-Rid your home of indoor plants and other sources of mildew.
-Don’t allow dander-producing animals (i.e., cats, dogs, etc.) in your home.
-Change feather pillows, woolen blankets, and woolen clothing to cotton or synthetic materials.
-Enclose mattress, box springs, and pillows in plastic barrier cloth.
-Use antihistamine and decongestants as necessary and as tolerated.
-Sleep with a brick or two placed under bedposts at the head of the bed to help relieve nasal congestion.
-Observe general good health practices; exercise daily, stop smoking, avoid air pollutants, eat a balanced diet, and supplement diet with vitamins, especially Vitamin C.
-Consider a humidifier in the winter. Dry, indoor heat aggravates many allergic people. Be sure to clean the humidifier regularly.