|
Define Hay Fever
and Allergies
Hay fever describes
the symptoms of runny nose, itchy eyes and throat, uncontrollable sneezing
and sometimes itching of the skin. It is not caused by hay, and does not
produce fever. The correct name for the condition is seasonal allergic
rhinitis.
Many seasonal "colds"
are actually allergic rhinitis and will hot respond to antibiotics. Seasonal
allergic rhinitis happens when pollens and/or particles of plant or animal
dander, mold spores, etc., come into contact with the lining of the nose,
eyes, or throat. The body's immune system recognizes their presence and
starts a reaction to prevent their invasion. In most people this is not
a problem. However, in some patients the immune system is overactive and
identifies normally harmless particles as dangerous, producing an excessive
reaction that actually causes inflammation. This is known as allergy and
the substances causing it are allergens. People are allergic to only certain
substances, and the reaction does not usually appear until after several
exposures to that substance.
The Causes
Hay fever is caused
by pollens, the most significant in the United States is from ragweed.
It begins pollinating in late August and continues until the first frost.
Pollen Allergens
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. Colorful or fragrant flowering plants rarely cause allergy
because their pollens are too heavy to be airborne.
Certain allergens
are always present. These include house dust, 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.
Can Allergies Be
Serious?
Allergic patients
show reduced resistance to respiratory infections, and more severe symptoms
when infections occur. Allergies are rarely life threatening, but often
cause lost work days, decreased work efficiency, poor school performance,
and a negative effect on the enjoyment of life. Considering the millions
spent in anti-allergy medications and the cost of lost work time, allergies
cannot be considered a minor problem.
Why See a Doctor?
The ENT specialist
(otolaryngologist) will do a complete examination of your ears, nose, throat,
head and neck. Careful evaluation of the sinuses will enable him to determine
if infection or structural abnormality (deviated septum, polyps) are contributing
to your symptoms.
Treatment
A number of
medications are useful
in the treatment
of allergy including antihistamines, decongestants, cromolyn, and cortisone-type
preparations. 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. The methods employed by your otolaryngologists
will indicate the materials 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 throughout the course of treatment
and care for any other nasal and sinus disorders that may contribute to
your symptoms.
Prevention Tips
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 pollination seasons.
Rid the home of
indoor plants and other sources of mildew.
Don't allow dander
producing animals (i.e. cats, dogs, etc.) in the 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 antihistamines
and decongestants as necessary and as tolerated.
Sleep with the head
of the bed tilted upwards. A brick or two placed under bedposts at the
head of the bed helps relieve nasal congestion.
Observe general good health practices; exercise daily,
stop smoking, avoid other air pollutants, eat a balanced diet, supplement diet with vitamins, especially C.
Consider a humidifier
in the winter as dry, indoor heat aggravates many allergic people, but
beware of possible mold growth in the humidifier.
Discuss hay fever
and allergy symptoms with your physician when you experience an allergic
reaction.
Copyright ©2002 content.
The information provided by Health Solutions Medical Products Corp. is
not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health-care
provider. Please consult your health-care provider for advice about a specific
medical condition.
©1995. American Academy
of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Inc.
© 2002 Health Solutions
Medical Products Corp. All rights reserved.
|
