Referat Allergies

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Allergies: What They Are What You Can Do About Them An allergy is an abnormal reaction or increased sensitivity to certain substances or "allergens." The allergic individual produces symptoms when exposed to these substances which are harmless to non-allergic people. Many people have few, if any, allergies (except perhaps to having to work inside on a beautiful, sunny day). Others are so incredibly allergic that merely taking an aspirin or getting stung by a bee can trigger a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction (see "Anaphylaxis: the most serious allergic reaction" below). How can I tell if it s a cold or an allergy? While both colds and certain allergies may share common symptoms, a cold is caused by a virus and an allergy is triggered by an allergen. Many people who suffer from allergic rhinitis ("Hay Fever") think they have colds, when in fact substances in their environments are to blame. Allergic rhinitis results from an inflammation and irritation of the lining of the nose in response to an allergen. Common symptoms include a clear, watery nasal discharge, itchy nose, and sneezing with watery and itchy eyes. A cold is frequently accompanied by other symptoms such as sore throat and cough and only lasts 3 - 5 days, whereas allergic rhinitis tends to come and go and recur during the same season each year. Numerous allergens may cause symptoms of allergic rhinitis: pollens are most common in the spring, grasses in the summer, and ragweed in the fall. Dust and household mites may produce year-round symptoms. Air pollution is also a factor. Common outdoor allergens trees grass weed pollen ragweed sage or goldenrod pollen mold spores industrial pollution Common indoor allergens house dust mold feathers wool cosmetics dander or furry pets tobacco smoke aerosols fresh paint Allergens affect your immune system When your immune system is exposed to allergens, it produces antibodies that attach themselves to certain cells in your body. These cells are found in your respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, in your skin, and also in your blood. As part of the allergic reaction, these cells release potent chemicals such as histamine. This produces many of the familiar allergic symptoms seen in hay fever, for example -- a nose that s more like a leaky faucet than a breathing apparatus, runny eyes, itching and sneezing. Doctors often tell their patients to take antihistamines for allergies, because these medications help to counter the "histamine" effects. Result: no more runny nose and teary eyes. Misery must love company...since so many of us have allergies Allergies are quite common. According to the American Academy of Allergy and Immunology, one out of every six Americans suffers from an allergic condition. More than 35 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergic rhinitis, for instance, and this is only one form of allergy. Millions more suffer from food allergies (e.g., lactose intolerance), allergies to medications (e.g., penicillin hypersensitivity), and even contact dermatitis...a type of allergic reaction that occurs when your skin comes into contact with an irritating substance such as dyes used in clothing, shoes, hair products, cosmetics, and metals (especially nickel). The most common allergens Although any environmental material can cause allergies, certain ones are encountered more frequently than are others. These include: Inhalants such as pollens, mold spores, animal products (dander, saliva, urine), house dust, and house dust mites. Foods such as cow s milk, eggs, chicken, shellfish, whitefish, peanuts, soybeans, wheat products, chocolate, celery, and all products containing one or more of these ingredients. Some individuals are allergic to food additives, such as sulfites (used as a preservative), nitrates/nitrites, parabens, and BHA/BHT - BHA. Also under scrutiny by researchers are Aspartame (Nutrasweet) and MSG (Monosodium glutamate). Drugs such as penicillin. Substances which touch the skin. These include plant oils, cosmetics and perfumes, nickel in jewelry or on buckles and under garment fasteners, hair dyes, topical medications including their additives, and occupational chemicals. Unusual allergens One unusual reaction that has been grabbing headlines lately is the severe allergic reactions caused by direct contact with latex found in gloves, catheters, condoms, dental dams, and other medical devices. These disorders are reportedly caused by allergy to a protein in the latex. Conditions made worse by allergies In some cases, having one kind of condition can predispose people to allergies. For example, allergies to food are more common in children with asthma or eczema. In other cases, certain conditions (e.g., asthma) can be aggravated by allergies. For some people with asthma, exposure to an allergen such as sulfites (used widely as a food preservative) can trigger an asthma attack. Their physician may advise them to avoid salad bars with treated vegetables, as well as wine containing sulfites. Certain people allergic to one thing may also be allergic to related substances. For example, a person who is allergic to molds may be allergic to penicillin and also to blue cheese, used in certain salad dressings. How can you tell you re allergic to something? Signs of allergic reactions range from the very mild (almost unnoticeable) symptoms to potentially life-threatening conditions that land countless Americans in hospital emergency rooms each year. Anaphylaxis: the most serious allergic reaction Anaphylaxis is an acute allergic reaction which affects the whole body and requires immediate medical attention. Many people who are severely allergic to something may have this reaction. Symptoms include anxiety, itching of the skin, headache, nausea and vomiting, sneezing and coughing, abdominal cramps, hives and swelling of tissues such as lips and joints, diarrhea, shortness of breath and wheezing, low blood pressure, convulsions, and loss of consciousness. (You may have a friend, for example, who is extremely allergic to bee or wasp stings and carries a self-injecting epinephrine syringe when outdoors.) A quick, decisive epinephrine injection can literally be a life-saver in the case of exposure to an allergen that has previously caused an anaphylactic reaction. What can you do to prevent allergies? You can t prevent allergies. About all you can do is to avoid symptoms by avoiding known allergens. Some physicians recommend you watch your child carefully after introducing a new food or medication. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are allergic to any antibiotics or other medications. If you are allergic to common outdoor allergens -- such as pollen, trees or grass -- there are also some simple steps you can take to find relief: Keep your windows closed and avoid spending time outdoors when your allergies are acting up. Wear a protective allergy mask when you re doing yard work. Avoid fresh-cut grass. Be especially cautious on windy days. What can be done to control them? First, the substances or environmental factors responsible for the allergy must be identified. These causative factors must be eliminated from the immediate environment, whenever possible. Irritation, inflammation, and congestion in the body must be reduced (i.e., with antihistamines, nasal sprays, decongestants, corticosteroids, and other medications ). In some cases, the allergic individual may undergo "desensitization" or immunotherapy, a process whereby he or she is given injections of the allergen in increasing doses to acclimatize his or her body to the offending substance. This is usually done in cases where the allergen cannot be avoided. If you notice tongue swelling, difficulty swallowing, difficulty speaking, or shortness of breath in yourself or others, this may be a severe allergic reaction requiring emergency care from a physician. Get help immediately. 쥁@