Allergies
Written by Robert A Wilson   
Thursday, 15 February 2007

Millions of adults and children in the U.S. have allergies in one form or another, whether it is asthma, hay fever, hives or digestive upset from a food. Symptoms range from mild but irritating to life threatening. It is thought that people inherit the tendency to have an allergy but it is not completely understood. Also, being exposed to certain allergens (substances that cause an allergic reaction) while the body's normal defenses are weakened may trigger an allergic response. This might occur with an infection, at puberty, or during pregnancy, for instance. Allergic reactions are seen in children most often. Eczema often appears in infants or very young children. Asthma and hay fever often begin during preschool or elementary years. Fortunately, many of the symptoms of allergies can be prevented or controlled.

An allergy is the overreaction of the immune system (the body's defense system) when exposed to a harmless substance. The body sees the substance as a threat. It responds by mounting an attack. This attack is the allergic response. Ways in which an allergy may present itself include asthma (although asthma is not always due to an allergic reaction), in which the airways swell and narrow, making breathing difficult and causing wheezing; allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, a seasonal reaction to allergens in the air; and perennial allergic rhinitis which has the same symptoms as hay fever but may be present anytime. It is more often due to such allergens as house dust or animal dander that are present year-round. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis may seem similar to a cold with an itchy, runny nose and watery eyes. Eczema is a common, chronic rash most often seen in infants. It may begin on the cheeks. The rash typically comes and goes. Contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction to a substance that comes in contact with the skin. The primary symptoms are itching and redness. Hives or urticaria are raised welts on the skin that may occur as a reaction to insect stings, medicines, foods, or other allergens.

Allergens is the term used to describe those substances that are inhaled, eaten, injected, or come into contact with skin and cause allergic reactions. Nearly anything is a potential allergen but some substances cause reaction more often than others do. Common allergens include pollens, molds, house dust, animal dander, foods, medicines, and insect venom, perfumes, and dyes.

What your doctor can do:

  • Diagnose the disease by asking about your symptoms and medical history; performing a physical exam and skin tests; and, possibly, ordering laboratory blood tests or x-rays.
  • Treatment includes:
  • Bronchodilators, medications that help open the airways.
  • Antihistamines to relieve itching, sneezing, and runny nose or decongestants. You may be referred to a doctor who specializes in allergy treatments.
  • Steroids, which may be sprayed in the nose, inhales or given orally.
  • "Allergy Shots" - Help to decrease the sensitivity to specific allergens

What you can do:

  • Pay attention to what causes a reaction and eliminating it or avoiding contact.
  • Breastfeeding for as long as you can helps to prevent many allergies in young infants.
  • Then, as you introduce foods to your child, do so gradually, one at a time, and watch for signs of allergies.
  • Depending on other allergens and types of allergic reactions, take the following steps:
  • Keep windows closed, especially when it is windy and pollen counts are high; Keep the house dry to reduce molds and free of dust; Keep pets and plants outside; DO NOT permit smoking in your home or car or near your child. Keep air conditioning filters clean. Determine if soap, laundry detergent, shampoo, etc. has ingredients that cause a reaction and avoid them.
  • Wear gloves when handling any items that cause skin irritation and replace suspect household cleansers with something else.
  • Consult your physician before taking any over-the-counter medications, especially if you are also on prescription medicines.

What you can expect:

The severity of symptoms will depend in part on how successful you are in avoiding the allergen.
Allergy symptoms can generally be improved with prevention and treatment. Some antihistamines can cause drowsiness.
Decongestants and asthma medicines taken by mouth may cause irritability.
Allergies may eventually be outgrown. For some people, unfortunately, they continue and may get worse.

Seek immediate medical assistance if you suspect a severe allergic reaction symptoms like difficulty breathing; swelling in the head or neck; or lips turn blue!

A severe reaction can be life threatening!

Last Updated ( Friday, 08 February 2008 )