as of November 20, 2009
Allergies Corner
OVERVIEW
An allergy is an exaggerated immune response or reaction to substances that are generally not harmful.
CAUSES/RISK FACTORS
Allergies are relatively common. Both genetics and environmental factors play a role.
Allergy is caused by an oversensitive immune system, which leads to a misdirected immune response. The immune system normally protects the body against harmful substances, such as bacteria and viruses. But in a person with allergies, it reacts to substances (allergens) that are generally harmless and in most people do not cause a problem.
Common allergens include pollen, mold, pet dander, and dust. Food and drug allergies are common. Allergic reactions can also be caused by insect bites, jewelry, cosmetics, and other substances.
SYMPTOMS
-Itching of the nose, mouth, throat, or skin
-Red, swollen eyes
-Runny nose
-Coughing
-Wheezing
-Muscle spasms
-Hives
-Skin Rashes
And other symptoms, which vary from person to person.
CARE/TREATMENT
The best way to reduce symptoms is to try and avoid what causes your allergies in the first place. This is especially important for food and drug allergies.
Medications that can be used to treat allergies include:
ANTIHISTAMINES
-Short-acting antihistamines are generally available over-the-counter. They help relieve mild to moderate symptoms but may cause drowsiness.
-Longer-acting antihistamines require a prescription.
NASAL SPRAYS
-Prescription nasal corticosteroid sprays are safe and work very well for persons whose symptoms do not go away with antihistamines alone.
-Decongestants can help relieve a stuffy nose. However, nasal spray decongestants should not be used for more than several days, because they can cause a "rebound" effect and make the congestion worse. Decongestants in pill form do not cause this problem.
OTHER MEDICINES
-Leukotriene inhibitors are medicines that specifically block the substances that trigger allergies.
-Allergy shots (immunotherapy) are occasionally recommended if the allergen cannot be avoided and symptoms are hard to control. Allergy shots keep your body from over-reacting to the allergen.
Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) require a medicine called epinephrine, which can be life saving when immediately given.
PREVENTION
Children who have been breastfed are less likely to have allergies. In addition, a mother who avoids cow's milk, eggs, nuts, and peanuts while breastfeeding can prevent allergy-related conditions, including eczema, in some children.
There is also evidence that infants exposed to certain airborne allergens (such as dust mites and cat dander) may be less likely to develop related allergies. This is called the "hygiene hypothesis" and sprang from observations that infants on farms tend to have fewer allergies than those who grow up in environments that are more sterile.
Once allergies have developed, treating the allergies and carefully avoiding those things that cause reactions can prevent allergies in the future.
Real Stories, Expert Advice
Health Corner Videos: Allergies
Sinus or Something Else?
Sinuses are those air-filled spaces behind our forehead, eyes and nose. They're lined with mucus membranes, and when they get clogged or swollen, it's not fun. Colds and allergies are common causes, but sometimes infections can cause sinusitis.
Resources
American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America
The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network
Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics
In the News: Allergies
Have Egg Allergy? You May Still Be Candidate For Flu Vaccines, Says Allergist
Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:00:00 PST
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/171458.php
As flu season got underway this fall, Dr. Catherine Monteleone, an allergist, noticed that her office started to receive an unusually high number of calls from people with egg allergy. They previously had avoided flu vaccines because of their sensitivity to eggs. This year, with all the attention being paid to the novel H1N1 influenza, those patients want to be protected against flu, and they contacted her to find out if they are candidates for inoculation.
Annals Of Allergy, Asthma And Immunology To Be Published By Elsevier
Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:00:00 PST
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/171249.php
Elsevier is pleased to announce that beginning with Volume 104 (2010) it will assume publication of the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, the official journal of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI). The i>Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, published since 1942, will continue under the leadership of Editor Gailen D. Marshall, MD, PhD and a distinguished editorial board.