Nothing beats allergy symptoms. Not when up to 25% of us suffer from allergies. Not when absenteeism from allergies and asthma ranks first as the basis of missing school and work in America.
Allergies are untoward reactions to substances otherwise harmless to others. Pollen allergy results in hay fever with itchy eyes and nose to those allergic to the specific plant, grass, or tree. Cat allergy is conspicuous by almost instant symptoms, which may include tightness in both the throat and chest. Neither of these bother the 80% of you, not allergic to them.
An allergy is not an irritant reaction; it is an immune reaction involving antigens, antibodies, and chemical mediators.
The respiratory system is not alone victimized. Virtually all organs may suffer reactions.
Bee stings in the susceptible, may lead to a serious drop in blood pressure, heart irregularities, and seizures.
Nickel, found in bracelets, pendants, and rings, may cause local inflammation and itching.
Peanuts can cause death. Milk may result in headaches: food additives in explosive diarrhea.
Penicillin may result in edema of the eyes and lips.
Allergy shot reactions can cause the throat to swell shut.
Allergies are not “pud” conditions. As with any danger, one must be alert to their potential and consequences.
Allergens: Avoidance and Management
Allergen avoidance can be a very effective measure to reduce symptoms in sensitized patients. Many allergens can be avoided, such as house dust mites, pets, mold, and occupational agents. Of course, total allergen avoidance is often impractical or impossible to implement, but many simple changes can be made in homes to reduce allergen exposure. Pet avoidance can be very effective, but very often recommendations are not followed. The minimal recommendation is to remove the pets from bedrooms, but it is, of course, best to remove the pets completely from the home. Continuous high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration is also recommended in the bedrooms to reduce indoor allergen exposure. Bathing animals as often as possible has shown mixed results in clinical studies.
Dust mite avoidance is probably one of the most effective methods to reduce allergen exposure. Dust mite covers should be placed on the mattress and pillows as well as the box springs.
Bedding should be washed at least weekly in hot water. The humidity in the home, if kept below 50%, may reduce indoor dust-mite allergen levels. It is best to remove carpets and replace them with linoleum, tile, or wood floors when possible. Alternatively, solutions to denature allergens, such as tannic acid spray, may be used on carpets or fabric-lined furniture. Curtains should be replaced with blinds that can be wiped clean. Stuffed animals should be removed, but alternatively may be washed or frozen once or twice weekly.
Mold avoidance is very difficult when outdoor humidity levels are very high, as found in tropical and subtropical environments. Removing carpets from the home, especially from the bedroom, may be effective in reducing mold and dust mite buildup and exposure. Live plants should be removed from the home to reduce mold contamination from soil. Air conditioners should be run often and filters should be changed or cleaned frequently to reduce humidity and assist with air filtration. Also, windows of homes and cars should be kept closed.
Pollen avoidance is usually low yield, but may be effective and should therefore be considered. Avoiding outdoor activities during the high-pollen season or when pollen counts are highest — usually between the hours of 5 AM and 10 AM — can also be helpful. Also, it would be best not to plan a camping trip during peak ragweed or other significant pollen seasons.
Allergy Injections
Contrary to public belief, the main treatment for allergies is not with allergy shots! Injection therapy should be the final resort; and, before one jumps to treat allergies, it is, of course, best to define them.
Are the symptoms due to allergens. The large painful swellings following bee stings, for example, are not from allergies. They are toxic reactions due to the irritant nature of the venom.
Allergies need definition otherwise pets are banished outdoors, when in fact, they are innocent. House dust allergy is managed different from dander and it different from mold. A visit to the friendly allergist for skin testing (or blood analyses) should properly identify the allergic offenders..
Should the symptoms relate to allergy, avoidance is the best approach. Mites, roaches, and mold can be minimized. The pets placed elsewhere: particularly, out from the bedroom.
Medications are the next line of defense. . The rule in medicine is twofold: medications should be first, safe, and second, effective. Better ones are produced each day. Your physician should know best for you. Checking them out on the internet isn’t an exercise in futility. More informed patients are more likely to be compliant with the program.
Injection therapy is an immunization procedure. Traditional injections contain the very substances one is allergic to but in minute concentrations. Each subsequent injection comes at an increased dose. Initially shots are given weekly; by the end of the year they are generally spaced out to one per every two to four weeks. Much variation in the program exists from doctor to doctor. Injections when given appropriately, for those still uncomfortable after implementing avoidance and using medications, immunization should prove quite helpful. Cures are not possible, but major relief from symptoms is the rule.
The downside of injection therapy is the cost, inconvenience, and the duration of treatment. The decision to begin them is strictly a patient determination: the physician being the patient’s consultant.