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.
Want to learn more?
"So You Have Actively Trying To Get Pregnant" will go over all the important medical conditions. We show you how they relate to pregnancy and steps to overcome possible problems
