Doctor, Please Explain Allergies and Hay Fever
Insight into causes, treatment, and prevention
Why does the body develop allergies?
What allergens should be avoided?
When should a doctor be consulted?
and more
Millions of Americans suffer from nasal allergies, commonly
known as hay fever. Often fragrant flowers are blamed for the
uncomfortable symptoms, yet they are rarely the cause; their
pollens are too heavy to be airborne. An ear, nose, and throat
specialist can help determine the substances causing your
discomfort and develop a management plan that will help make
life more enjoyable.
Why does the body develop allergies?
Allergy symptoms appear when the immune system reacts to an
allergic substance that has entered the body as though it was an
unwelcomed invader. The immune system will produce special
antibodies capable of recognizing the same allergic substance if
it enters the body at a later time.
When an allergen reenters the body, the immune system rapidly
recognizes it causing a series of reactions. These reactions
often involve tissue destruction, blood vessel dilation, and
production of many inflammatory substances including histamine.
Histamine produces common allergy symptoms such as itchy, watery
eyes, nasal and sinus congestion, headaches, sneezing, scratchy
throat, hives, shortness of breath, etc. Other less common
symptoms are balance disturbances, skin irritations such as
eczema, and even respiratory problems like asthma.
What allergens should be avoided?
Many common substances can be allergens. Pollens, food, mold,
dust, feathers, animal dander, chemicals, drugs such as
penicillin, and environmental pollutants commonly cause many to
suffer allergic reactions.
Pollens
One of the most significant causes of allergic rhinitis 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. Colorful or
fragrant flowering plants rarely cause allergy symptoms because
their pollens are too heavy to be airborne.
Household allergens
Certain allergens are present all year long. These include house
dust, pet dander, some foods and chemicals. Symptoms from these
are frequently worse in the winter when the house is closed up
and where there is poor ventilation.
Mold
Mold spores can also cause allergy problems. 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. Mold is also common in foods, such as cheese
and fermented beverages.
How can allergies be managed?
Allergies are rarely life threatening, but often cause lost work
days, decreased work efficiency, poor school performance, and a
negative effect on the quality of life. Considering the millions
spent on antiallergy medications and the cost of lost work time,
allergies cannot be considered a minor problem.
For some allergy sufferers symptoms may be seasonal, but for
others it is a year-round discomfort. Allergy symptom control is
most successful when multiple management approaches are used
simultaneously. They may include minimizing exposure to
allergens, desensitization with allergy shots, and medications.
If used properly, medications, including antihistamines, nasal
decongestant sprays, steroid sprays, saline sprays, and
cortisone-type preparations, can be helpful. Even
over-the-counter drugs can be beneficial, but some may cause
drowsiness.
When should a doctor be consulted?
The most appropriate person to evaluate allergy problems is an
otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist). Aside from
gathering a detailed history and completing a thorough
examination of the ears, nose, throat, head, and neck, the
doctor will offer advice on proper environmental control and
evaluate the sinuses to determine if infection or structural
abnormality (deviated septum, polyps) is contributing to the
symptoms.
In addition, the doctor may advise testing to determine the
specific allergen that is causing discomfort. In some cases
immunotherapy or allergy shots may be recommended. Immunotherapy
is a unique treatment because it induces the build up of
protective antibodies to specific allergens.
Tips for reducing the exposure to common allergens
Wear a pollen mask when mowing grass or house cleaning (most
drugstores sell them).
Change the air filters regularly in heating and air
conditioning systems, and/or install an air purifier.
Keep windows and doors closed during heavy pollen seasons.
Rid the home of sources of mildew.
Dont allow dander-producing animals (i.e., cats, dogs, etc.)
into the home and bedroom.
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 upward. Elevating the
head of the bed helps relieve nasal congestion.
Observe general good health practices: exercise daily, do not
smoke, avoid air pollutants, eat a balanced diet, and supplement
diet with vitamins, especially C.
Use a humidifier in the winter. Be sure to clean the
humidifier regularly to avoid mold build-up.
Discuss hay fever and allergy symptoms with a physician when
experiencing an allergic reactio
