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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