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An allergy may strike at any age, but is more likely to strike as you get older and is thought to
run in families. It effects men and women equally and accounts for millions of lost work and
school days each year.
An allergy is an overreaction by your immune system to an otherwise harmless substance, such as
pollen. These substances or irritants are called allergens. The allergens trigger a release of
histamines that cause inflammation of the mucous membrane linings resulting in sneezing, runny
nose, nasal congestion, itchy, red, watery eyes, dry throat, itchy ears, and occasional wheezing.
There are two types of allergies (also known as allergic rhinitis): seasonal and perennial.
Seasonal only bothers you at certain times of the year. It is often referred to as "Hay Fever"
and those suffering from it are sensitive to grass, tree, and flower pollens in spring and
summer, and weed pollens in the summer and fall. Perennial rhinitis sufferers are sensitive to
house mites, cockroaches, molds, and a variety of animal danders. Both types of sufferers may be
sensitive to irritants that include all types of smoke, fumes, and pollutants, as well as to
changes in temperature, barometric pressure, and humidity.
The following steps may help reduce your suffering:
- Avoid allergens by wearing a good filter mask while working outdoors, wash bed linens in hot
water weekly, remove pets from the home, and do not exercise outdoors during peak pollen seasons.
(Pollen is highest during the early morning hours prior to 10 a.m. and on warm sunny days.) Stay
indoors and use an air conditioner with a good filter.
- Vacation out of the region during the height of pollen season.
- Consult your physician on the use of over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines,
nasal decongestants, and nasal sprays (may cause the symptoms you are trying to relieve). These
medications may cause the blood pressure to elevate and, therefore, should be avoided by individuals
suffering from hypertension.
- See your physician about the possibility of allergy shots (immunotherapy) if you are unable
to take oral medications and avoid allergens.
- Avoid cigarette smoke.
Contact your private medical doctor if:
- Your symptoms get worse or interfere with normal activity.
- You have problems related to your medication.
- You develop signs of infection, i.e. fever, headache, facial or ear pain, thick or discolored
nasal discharge.
Three most common myths about allergy are:
- Allergies are psychosomatic. An allergy is a real medical condition involving your
immune system. Stress or emotions may bring on or worsen symptoms, but emotions do not cause the
allergies.
- Moving to Arizona will cure allergies. People who are sensitive to some pollens and molds may
become sensitive to the pollens and molds related to their new environment.
- Short-haired pets don't cause allergies. The causitive agent of an allergy to a pet is the
dander, not the length of the pet's fur.
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