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1. What is an allergy?
An allergy is an abnormal sensitivity to substances, called allergens, that are ordinarily harmless. Allergens can be inhaled, swallowed or come into contact with the skin, causing an immune system reaction that prompts the body to release histamine, which can cause sneezing, a runny nose, watery eyes, itching and headaches, among other reactions.
2. What are the most common allergens?
The most common allergens include:
- dust mites
- feathers
- pollens
- molds
- insect stings
- animal dander
- foods
- medications
- insect droppings
People can be allergic to just one substance or many. You must be tested to determine which allergens are causing your symptoms.
3. How common are allergies?
Thirty-eight percent of Americans have some sort of allergy.
4. What are the most common allergy symptoms?
Allergy symptoms are generally classified as mild, moderate or severe. Among mild reactions are watery, itchy eyes; sneezing; and a constant runny nose. Moderate reactions can include itchiness and difficulty breathing. A severe reaction is a life-threatening emergency that can include breathing problems, dizziness, hives, a sudden drop in blood pressure, an asthma attack or unconsciousness. It requires immediate treatment. Patients prone to severe reactions often carry an emergency kit containing epinephrine.
5. What is hay fever?
Seasonal allergic rhinitis is commonly known as hay fever. It is an allergic reaction to pollens from trees, grasses or weeds or to mold spores. Its symptoms can emerge in the spring, summer or early fall.
6. How common is hay fever?
Hay fever is the sixth most common chronic disease, affecting an estimated 33 million Americans and up to 40 percent of children.
7. How serious is hay fever?
Hay fever has been cited as the cause of more than 10 million doctor's office visits per year and 10 million missed work days. On a typical school day, 10,000 children are absent because of hay fever.
8. What is immunotherapy?
If you suffer from moderate to severe allergy symptoms throughout most of the year, don't respond well to medications and have symptoms triggered by a common allergen, doctors likely will recommend immunotherapy, better known as "allergy shots." The shots consist of small amounts of allergens given in gradually increasing doses over a period of three to five years to build up a tolerance to the allergen. Immunotherapy is most successful with people who are sensitive to inhaled allergens such as pollens, molds, pet dander and dust mites and to insect stings. It is not recommended for people with food allergies.
9. How can you can tell the difference between a cold and allergies?
An important difference: Left untreated, allergies can cause more serious conditions, such as sinusitis or ear infections.
SYMPTOMS
Allergies:
- Runny nose with thin, watery discharge
- Sneezing, wheezing
- Congestion
- Itchy nose, throat, eyes
Colds:
- Runny nose with watery to thick yellow discharge
- Sneezing
- Low-grade fever
- Weakness, fatigue
ONSET
Allergies:
- Right after exposure to allergens
Colds:
- One to three days after exposure to cold virus
DURATION
Allergies:
- As long as person is exposed to allergen
Colds:
- Five to seven days
10. Is it risky to leave an allergy untreated?
Ignoring allergy symptoms can be dangerous. Untreated hay fever, for example, can lead to asthma, sinusitis or other conditions.
11. What is a dust mite?
Dust mites are arachnids that are so small they can't be seen with the naked eye. At approximately 1/64 of an inch long, a dust mite is smaller than the period at the end of this sentence. They flourish in warm, moist places, and 100 to 500 mites can live in a single gram of dust.
12. How can I control dust mites in my home?
Because mites can live anywhere dust accumulates, it's almost impossible to get rid of them completely. But you can do some things to reduce your exposure:
- Use zippered, synthetic covers on your mattresses and pillows.
- Launder your bed linens in hot water (at least 130 degrees F).
- Remove stuffed animals and upholstered furniture from your bedroom.
- Use washable curtains and area rugs.
- Make your bedroom off-limits to pets. Dust mites feast on both human and animal dander and skin flakes.
- Wet-mop your floors.
- If you have carpet, vacuum regularly and use allergen-controlling bags or machines.
- Use a dehumidifier to keep the relative humidity in your home below 40 percent.
- Put filters over your vents.
- Use air cleaners.
13. What are some other ways to allergy-proof my home?
Keep windows closed during pollen season, and don't allow smoking in your house. Try to stay inside when the pollen count is high. If you do go outside, wash your hands immediately when you come back in and change clothes if possible.
14. Should I move if I have allergies?
Moving to another part of the country will probably do you little good if you have seasonal allergies. People who suffer from allergies have a genetic predisposition to them, and although a move might provide short-term relief, you likely would develop a whole new set of allergies over time. Check with your allergist before making any move.
15. Why are some people allergic to pets?
Pet allergies affect 10 percent to 15 percent of the population. Cat allergies are twice as common as dog allergies. The trigger is actually not a pet's fur, but instead an allergen in its saliva, urine or dander.
16. How can I minimize my allergies if I have a pet?
The best thing would be to get a pet that doesn't have dander, such as a turtle, fish or snake. But if you can't live without a cat or dog, follow some of the same steps outlined above to minimize dust mites. In addition, when you groom your pet, do it outside while wearing a face mask. Change your clothes immediately.
17. Will my child outgrow his allergies?
It's possible, particularly if you or your spouse did. But it generally will happen by age 3. It is also more likely with food allergies than inhaled allergies.
18. What is asthma and what are its symptoms?
Asthma is a respiratory disease in which the muscles in the airways constrict and narrow excessively in response to inhaled allergens or other irritants. The symptoms can include chest tightness, shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing.
19. Should I limit my activity if I have asthma?
With appropriate treatment, you should be able to go about your normal activities and exercise routines. If you have difficulty doing so, there's probably something wrong with your treatment program. Talk with your doctor. Until you get it under control, you should limit your activity briefly.
20. Are there any famous people with asthma or allergies?
Several presidents have had asthma, including Theodore Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy. Bill Clinton has severe allergies. Some entertainers who have asthma are actor/singer Coolio, singer Billy Joel and actors Elizabeth Taylor, Christopher Reeve and Jason Alexander. Among the athletes with asthma are Jerome "The Bus" Bettis of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Olympic gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee and former basketball player Dennis Rodman.
- Cheryl Neely, Fort Worth Star-Telegram
SOURCES: www.aaaai.org; allergies.about.com; www.aanma.org; www.njc.org; www.smartaboutallergies.com; www.theallergyreliefcenter.com; www.lhj.com; www.calallergy.com; www.intelihealth.com
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(c) 2005, Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service.
