Seasonal AllergiesSeasonal Allergies
Eyes that constantly itch and water constant bouts of sneezing congestion and headaches that just won't go away. It's that time of year again when up tp 10 million Canadians begin their annual ritual of wheezing and squinting because of air-borne pollens that inundate us as nature's growth season moves into high gear.
When pollen is inhaled the body produces an antibody called immunolgolbulin E or IgE to fight what it perceives as an invader. Allergy sufferers have higher levels of IgE also called a histamine than most people. So when they breathe in pollen more IgE is released into their bodies triggering the telltale symptoms like watery eyes runny noses and headaches. Having seasonal allergies is more than just an inconvenience. One survey of 300 allergy suffers showed that:
- More than two-thirds said their allergies kept them from getting a good night's sleep.
- About half said allergies interfered with outdoor activities and with their ability to concentrate.
- 43 per cent said their work productivity suffered due to their allergies
- 13 per cent said their sex life was disrupted by allergies.
"I usually just put up with my allergies" says Randy Pratt of Toronto. "But this year after a week or more of sneezing stuffiness and sinus pain I finally gave in and started taking an over-the-counter antihistamine".
Despite their obvious discomfort many people with seasonal allergies tend to ignore their symptoms in the hopes they will go away not a good thing to do according to Monika Gibson of the Ontario branch of the Allergy/Asthma Information Association. "Many people don't take seasonal allergies seriously enough" says Gibson. "They are not just something to put up with but can have a huge impact on people's lives."
Forty-one percent of those surveyed said they first thought they had a cold or virus when they began suffering from allergies. The reason: Many of the signs of a cold -- watery eyes runny nose congestion itchy throat -- are also symptoms of allergies. So how do you know the difference? The most prominent sign of allergy is that it involves itchiness in the eyes nose throat and even ears. Colds don't do that. Another sure-fire sign: the length of time symptoms persist. Nasal congestion that lasts more than five days is unlikely to be the result of a cold. Doctors can determine if you have an allergy by examining the inside of the nose. With allergies the mucus membrane inside the nose is pale while when there is an infection it is usually red.
Gibson says those who suspect they have seasonal allergies should see a doctor early. "Don't wait until it's the height of allergy season and you are suffering all the symptoms" she says. "By being proactive in contacting a family physician or allergist early on you can minimize seasonal reactions dramatically". If it's determined you do have an allergy Gibson says the first line of defense is to try to avoid the offending allergen. Don't go to a park or wooded area keep your windows shut exercise indoors. Do anything to limit your exposure to the pollen or mold.
How to reduce your springtime hay fever misery:
- Keep windows closed at night to prevent pollen from drifting into your home.
- Keep your early morning outdoor activities to a minimum. That's when trees and plants usually emit pollen.
- Close your car windows.
- Stay indoors when pollen counts are high and on windy days when pollen is being blown around.
- Be sure to take medications prescribed by your allergist.
- Don't hang bed sheets or clothing out to dry. They may collect pollen.
There is relief available for people with allergies. But while there are plenty of over-the-counter drugs on the market doctors recommend visiting an allergist rather than taking medicine on your own because of the potential for overuse or bothersome side effects. The advantage of going to the doctor is that he will try to identify the trigger and treat it with prescription antihistamines. Also an allergist will be able to diagnose whether your symptoms may require more intensive medical intervention. If the season is long and you don't respond to the medication you may need allergy injections which significantly reduce the symptoms by building up a blocking antibody to them. Called immunotherapy the shots involve the injection of tiny amounts of allergenic extracts usually over a period of three to five years. By gradually increasing the amount of extract tolerance to the troublesome allergen will increase and symptoms will usually be relieved.
Written by Webmaster
Monday, 11 May 2009 00:00
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