It’s Allergy Season
How many of you love the colors of fall, but dread the sniffling, sneezing and misery that accompany fall allergies? Fall’s beauty, while amazing to see, can be challenging for those suffering from seasonal allergies. The National Institutes of Health state that allergies are the 6th leading cause of chronic disease in the United States, costing the health care system $18 billion annually. 20% of Americans suffer from seasonal allergies, according to Lawrence B. Schwartz of Virginia Commonwealth University, and allergies can develop at any point in our lives.
The U.S. National Library of Medicine’s encyclopedia at the National Institutes of Health (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/encyclopedia.html) defines “allergy” as “an exaggerated immune response or reaction to substances that are generally not harmful.” When allergic people are exposed to allergens, their immune system treats the substances as if they were invaders, like viruses or bacteria. Histamines and other chemicals are released by the body, triggering symptoms. Symptoms vary depending on the part of the body affected and the degree of sensitivity people have. The allergens can cause itching, swelling, mucus production, muscle spasms, hives, rashes, and other adverse reactions. Most allergies are not life-threatening, although they can be fatal in a few people.
To determine if you are allergic, doctors will carefully look at your skin, eyes, nose, ears, lungs and abdomen. They may request diagnostic tests such as the following:
a. Elimination Diet - If a food allergy is suspected, your doctor may recommend an “elimination” diet. First the suspected food(s) are removed from your diet for several weeks. Then they are re-introduced one at a time while you are observed for signs of an allergic reaction.
b. Skin Tests –Considered to be generally accurate and comprehensive, skin tests are the most common form of allergy testing. They are best for determining airborne allergens such as dust, pollen, pet dander and molds and are somewhat less reliable for food allergens.
(1) Scratch Test - A small amount of the suspected allergen is placed on the skin (forearm, upper arm or back). The skin is then scratched or pricked, introducing the allergen under the surface. Several allergens can be tested at the same sitting.
(2) Intra-dermal Test - A small amount of the supposed allergen is injected under the surface of the skin.
In both forms of testing the skin is observed closely for a reaction. Reactions take about 20 minutes to appear and can include swelling and redness or a controlled hive at the spot where the allergen was introduced.
c. RAST Test - A RAST Test is a blood test. If there is a “true” allergic reaction, IgE (immunoglobulin E) antibodies are present in the blood. This test checks for the amount of the IgE antibodies.
The doctor could also ask you to keep a diary, because reactions may only occur when friends with pets visit, each time you eat a specific food, or only during a specific season. These recorded observations can help you to hone in on the offending allergens.
Luckily, there are various types of remedies available to treat sneezing, coughing, sniffling, itching and stuffiness. There are always over the counter remedies that treat symptoms, but read labels carefully. Some can cause drowsiness and others aren’t safe for people with hypertension. Allergy shots given by a physician can help a seriously allergic person build up immunities to the allergens. In addition to traditional drugs, two natural alternatives are as follows:
—Nettles - Stinging nettle (Urtica diocia) contains high quantities of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, flavonoids and chlorophyll. They have been used for respiratory support dating back to the 16th century. They have been studied in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (Planta Medica, 1990: 56:44-47) and shown to be moderately to highly effective for treating seasonal discomfort. The usual dose is 300 mg of the freeze-dried leaf twice daily.
—Quercetin – Quercetin is a bioflavonoid found in onions, red wine, grapes and other foods. According to a study in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (75: 184, 1985), it has antihistamine action and can inhibit the release of leukotrienes, which can also cause allergic symptoms. It is difficult for the body to absorb without help, but adding bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapple, enhances quercetin’s performance. They both have anti-inflammatory action. The typical amount to take is 200 – 400 mg three times a day.
Finally, there’s avoidance. When it’s practical, avoid the offending substances. That’s certainly the most reliable treatment of all. But when avoidance isn’t possible, see your health care professional and explore ways you can enjoy the beauties of spring without all the miseries.
by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) | September 27, 2005
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