Hay
Fever, Allergy and Asthma
Hay fever is a chronic condition characterized by sneezing,
nasal congestion, runny and itching nose, palate, ears and
eyes. If you recognize any of these symptoms chances are,
you or some
member of your family has experienced hay fever at one time
or
another.
Doctors call it allergic rhinitis. Most people know it as
hay fever and if you've got it - - as 22 million Americans
do - - you're likely to be plagued during the spring and fall
seasons by such annoying symptoms as sneezing, congestion,
runny nose, itchy throat and red, watery eyes. Allergy has
different names.
Allergy reactions occurring in the nose and sinus are called
"sinus" or "hay fever" or "allergic
rhinitis." And when allergy reactions occur in the chest
we call it "asthma." Allergy reactions in the skin
are named "hives" or "angioedema." So
you see, allergy has different names depending upon where
in your body it occurs.
One out of every six Americans suffers from an allergic condition.
Allergy is an inherited trait, a genetic susceptibility towards
the production of certain allergy anti-bodies.
Hay fever is basically an allergic reaction to pollens from
trees, weed and grasses. Unlike garden flower pollen, which
is carried by insects, the dry lightweight pollens which cause
allergic rhinitis are generally spread by wind currents which
make them difficult to avoid.
In fact, samples of ragweed pollen have been found 400 miles
at sea! While most people suffer mild discomfort with hay
fever, it is estimated that more than 40 percent of the 5.8
million children who have respiratory allergies miss some
school, stay in bed or feel upset by the condition.
Additionally, complications from allergic rhinitis can be
serious. The same allergens that cause hay fever can reach
the lungs causing
asthma and other complications. Sinusitis (inflammation of
the sinus cavities) and nasal polyps (small outgrowths of
the mucous membrane of the nose) may develop. Secondary infections
of the ear,
larynx and bronchial tubes may occur. Also, prolonged year-round
nasal stuffiness and mouth breathing may lead to facial bone
growth
changes in children.
Surprisingly, many parents realize that their children have
asthma
before their physicians do. An accurate diagnosis, however,
is most important in helping to determine an appropriate individualized
treatment program. Physicians specializing in allergy/immunology
have special skills in the area of asthma management. The
allergy
and asthma specialist will detect and determine those environmental
elements (pollens, molds, dust mites, animal danders, workplace
chemicals) which may be the cause of a patient's asthmatic
condition.
A careful medical history, physical examination, selective
allergy skill testing and lung function studies are typically
performed.
Occasionally, blood tests, home and workplace evaluations,
and x-rays of the sinuses and lungs are required.
Unlike hay fever, asthma is a more complex disease involving
a
reversible constriction of the muscles lining the human airways.
It is more often associated with allergy immune cells and
can get
progressively worse reaching life-threatening stages if not
properly controlled. It can be treated more effectively when
it is diagnosed early.
The best therapy of all, however, is avoidance of those things
which produce asthma symptoms. This includes allergens, such
as house dust mites, pets and irritants, such as tobacco smoke
and chemical fumes.
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