CAPITAL HEALTH

More and more are suffering from allergies. It affects about 20% of the general population.  Airborne allergens can travel easily for miles and affect an unsuspecting culprit. We need to understand the nature of the disease to help prevent and treat it.

Allergic rhinitis, also called nasal allergies, pollinosis, or hay fever occurs when an allergen comes into contact with the nasal membranes.  Ragweed allergies or hay fever usually flares up during the change of season from summer to fall, usually in mid-August and lasts until the first frost Each individual has their own tendency to develop allergies as it is passed down through one’s genes. An allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a substance that is normally harmless to most people. But sometimes, the body’s immune system treats the allergen as an invader and tries to protect the body by releasing various chemicals. This hypersensitivity of our immune system results in allergy symptoms that could be quite uncomfortable. The symptoms may range from sneezing, coughing, runny nose, itchy eyes, nose and throat, to headache, smell impairment, and wheezing.

Mold allergies occur when an allergic individual develops a hypersensitivity reaction to mold spores.  Mold spores are microscopic particles that get released from molds and become airborne.  Molds are found in damp areas, both in indoor or outdoor areas.  Mold spores can be released from the soil when disturbed by mowing the grass, raking the leaves or even after a gentle rain shower. Mold problems can occur indoors when there are water or humidity problems within a building.  Mold spores can become dispersed indoors even with the slightest disturbance. The best way to avoid outdoor mold exposure is to stay indoors when activities that disturb the soil occurs such as mowing, raking or after a slight shower.  Indoor mold problems can be mitigated by controlling water or humidity problems, and using fungicidal agents such as bleach.  These environmental control measures are important to prevent exposure and result in decreased allergy symptoms.  It would be best to be evaluated by an allergist to get a better understanding of one’s allergies, and get advice on the appropriate environmental control measures.

This is a video on allergic mechanism in our body.this animation video shows how allergens come in contact and how does the body react to such allergens and what is the effect of anti histamine drugs over these allergens. rufusrajadurai.wetpaint.com
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Cases of seasonal allergic rhinitis shoot up in mid-August when ragweed allergy season begins. There are about 36 million people in the United States suffering from allergic reactions caused by billions of pollen in the air, traveling for hundreds of miles.

There might not really be cure for allergies but there are a lot of medications which you can buy over the counter or have prescribed by your doctor, which can help control your allergy symptoms. Annoying allergic rhinitis symptoms like sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, nasal congestion, and throat irritation can be handled well with antihistamines, prescription nasal sprays, allergy shots or other medicine combinations.  

The best way to control one’s allergies is by knowing one’s allergy triggers. In most cases though, we don’t have a clue at all. Here are some of the best treatments to consider for your seasonal allergy:

Antihistamines

You can get antihistamines in all forms. There are tablets, capsules, or liquid which you can take orally to help control the allergic reaction and symptoms of sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and itchy nose.  There are also topical anti-histamines in the form of eye drops and nasal sprays which can give the same benefit. Some of these drugs may cause drowsiness.  Precaution should be taken when driving, using dangerous machinery or equipment; or engage in any activity which requires full concentration.  

The doctor will be able to guide you on the dosage of the medication.

Decongestants and Nasal Sprays

You can ask your doctor if decongestants can help you control the nasal or sinus congestion caused by ragweed-induced allergic rhinitis. Decongestants can help unclog your stuffy nose and relieve sinus pressure and provide relief of these annoying symptoms.

Decongestants are available in different forms.  Oral decongestant tablets, capsules or liquid can be obtained over the counter. You should be aware that side-effects of these medications can include tremors, irritability, insomnia, palpitations, or can aggravate high blood pressure.  Topical decongestant nasal sprays are also available over the counter however precaution should be taken since these can cause “rebound nasal congestion” once the nose gets ”addicted” to the decongestant nasal spray.

Other medications, including steroids, anticholinergics, and antihistamines, can be delivered via a nasal spray to help control the symptoms caused by the allergic rhinitis.  Intranasal steroids help control the inflammation in the nasal membranes induced by the allergic reaction.  Anticholinergic agents help control the profuse nasal secretions that cause the runny nose and post-nasal drip, and antihistamines block histamine which causes the sneezing, itching and runny nose.  

Allergy Shots

Allergen immunotherapy, also called allergy shots, help people increase their tolerance to different allergens. These shots are often given to people who suffer from moderate to severe allergic reactions not controlled despite taking multiple medications, symptomatic more than three months in a year, or when in situation where the allergen exposure is totally unavoidable. Allergy shots do not cure you from the allergies symptoms but help your body tolerate exposure to allergens like ragweed pollen. The times you will get the shot and the dosage will depend on the severity of your allergies. Make sure that you report any discomfort or shortness of breath to your allergist so they give you the appropriate dosage.

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