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Health
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. The
Host of Allergies Finally, the Spring thaw arrives. The earth comes alive. Leaves, flowers, grass. But for many people, the joy of Spring is mixed with the misery of springtime allergy.
Airborne allergies can be seasonal or chronic. The seasonal allergies are reactions to outdoor particles, usually, as we noted, to tree and grass pollens in the Spring, or to ragweed pollen in the late Summer and early Fall. Common indoor allergens include dust mites, mold, animals, and cockroaches, and it is often these ever-present housemates that lead to chronic allergies and their complications. Some allergies are more likely to cause severe systemic reactions, anaphylactic shock or even death. Danger can lurk in a simple meal or snack. The most common food allergies are to nuts, peanuts, wheat, corn, fish, and milk; but any food can be an allergen. Allergic reactions to drugs are also common, as are reactions to insect bites. Increasingly, latex allergy has become a problem for professionals with high exposure to latex gloves. Others suffer from exercise-induced allergy. Highly sensitized people can also develop reactions to environmental elements like carpet fibers, wood finishes, or paint. What is an
allergy? And how do you get it? In light of this model, you would not have a reaction the first time you meet an allergen. Many children who are allergic to peanuts, however, do have reactions the first time they eat peanuts. Recently, scientists have concluded that these children were sensitized to peanuts through their mother's breast milk and they have advised that mothers not eat peanuts while nursing.
Allergic
Symptoms The classic allergic reaction to pollen includes sneezing; wheezing; stuffy, runny nose; itchy, watery eyes; and sometimes an itchy mouth. For those who suffer from Spring allergies, fatigue, headache, and even depression can make sufferers remember winter fondly. Other symptoms of allergy include hives or rash; swelling, including swelling of the throat; joint pain, and even low-grade fever. Some allergy symptoms are chronic and go unnoticed. That slightly stuffy feeling or the constant need to clear your throat can also be signs of allergy. Early Infections and Decreased Risks Why only children from small families? The researchers hypothesized that "children in larger families are more likely to promote cross infections. Earlier studies have found that early infection protects against the development of allergies and asthma later in life." The mechanism involved in this added protection is evidently attributable to the effect of infections on specialized cells called lymphocytes. One type, the Th1 lymphocytes, are stimulated by infections. But it's precisely these Th1 lymphocytes which actually suppress the development of allergen-specific, Th2 lymphocytes. Thus, the infection-fighting immune cells keeps the allergy-producing immune cells in check. Complications The relationship between sinus infection and allergy is the most straightforward. The excess mucous produced in the nasal passages and sinuses is perfect for the growth of bacteria. Allergic swelling can narrow or close off the sinuses, so they don't clear. The result is an optimal environment for bacteria. But it doesn't end there. The infection produces even more mucous and swelling than the original allergy-related production alone, ultimately causing sinus headache and a post-nasal drip that can lead to a serious cough. Although less fully understood, the link between sensitization to indoor allergens and asthma has been established by many studies. Worldwide, asthma is increasing, especially for children in urban settings. Environmental factors -- from cockroaches to pollution to the amount of time spent indoors -- are some of the favorite suspects. Seeking Relief ... If you have allergies, you have an allergic threshold -- the amount of exposure to one or more allergens that initiates an allergic reaction. Low exposure to many allergens can send you over the top as easily as high exposure to just one. So sometimes, strategic changes in your habits and your environment can help to bring allergen exposure below your particular threshold. Although no one wants to be cooped up for the precious few months of Spring or Summer, there are some ways to reduce exposure to pollen. When the pollen count is high, you may want to stay inside. Wind makes it worse, while rain temporarily settles pollen out of the air. Early morning -- from 5 to 10 AM -- is particularly bad for pollen. You should also avoid hanging laundry outdoors to dry during pollen-laden months. Allergists also advise that you wash your hands frequently and wash your hair each night, so you don't bring pollen into bed with you. Although some people move to climates where their allergens can't follow, there is a good chance that they will develop new allergies in their new environment. Avoiding indoor allergens is far more involved. But it can make a big difference for people with chronic allergies and chronic sinusitis. Dust and mold are everywhere in buildings -- and don't forget your car. But there are ways to reduce, if not eliminate allergens. See this month's Weekend Warrior for sources of specific tips on what you can do to decrease the causes of allergic reactions lurking around the house. When
Medical Treatment Is Needed Antihistamines have been the long-time treatment of choice for allergies. According to the Merck Manual, antihistamines do not significantly reduce the production of histamine, the chemicals that cause allergy symptoms. They are thought to work instead by blocking the effects of histamines. Unfortunately, antihistamines are not very effective for lung-related symptoms, since allergic reactions in the bronchial smooth muscle don't depend on histamines. The new non-sedating antihistamines have been salvation for many allergy sufferers. Unlike the older antihistamines, which could cause serious drowsiness and other central nervous system symptoms, the non-sedating ones are relatively free of side effects. In addition, they also last over 12 hours. These non-sedating antihistamines are prescription drugs, and some do interact with other medications, so be sure to check with your doctor. Steroid nasal sprays are another treatment option. These sprays reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and sinuses, and therefore help relieve sneezing, runny nose and sinus congestion. These sprays are also prescription drugs. If the use of steroids is a concern, you should note that steroid nasal sprays, it is believed, do not enter the bloodstream, and therefore don't have the side effects of steroids taken internally. These sprays are also used to help clear up allergic sinusitis. New drugs are also being tested. These include nasal antihistamines, leukkotrienes {which can actually inhibit histamine production}, and high-potency topical steroids. Complementary
& Alternative Treatments While some sources claim that Echinacea, for example, is good for allergies -- because it boosts immune system health -- other studies have shown that it is related to ragweed, the plant that triggers Fall allergies, and can therefore provoke allergic reactions The
Mystery of Allergy Remains What makes this wonderful, life-saving protection against invaders become hypersensitive? Why does inherited sensitivity tend to increase with each generation? ... We know the immune system responds to stress, to meditation, to love. Can we use this kind of knowledge to soothe the inflammation of allergy? These questions -- and many more like them -- will become more and more important as we see the incidence and severity of childhood asthma rise, and as more and more of the stuff of our human-made environment challenges our immune systems. Laura Wisniewski . ******* ******* If you would like to submit something for our Health & Med section, don't hesitate to let us know. Simply e-mail us at health@downstreetmagazine.com. The e-mail should contain your name, address, and a phone number where we can reach you. You may also send a copy of your proposed article. The text can either be included in the body of the e-mail, or you can send it as an attachment in just about any word processing format. If your piece is accepted, we will pay a small honorarium for your interest & your time. [See Freelancers Wanted for more details.] ******* ******* If you would like to advertise in this section, or throughout the magazine, please visit our Advertising Info Pages ... or call, write, or e-mail ads@downstreetmagazine.com. ******* ******* |
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