BEAT THOSE ALLERGIES

By:  Sanjay Shah, M.D.

Spring is in the air and while most of us rejoice, people with allergies sneeze and sniffle.  Allergies can be to airborne allergens or ingested allergens (foods).  Nasal allergies to airborne allergens are very common.  It is medically known as allergic rhinitis.  The rates approach 8 to 12 percent in general population and more than 20 percent in college students.  Typical symptoms start between the ages of 6 and 10 years but even toddlers or young infants can suffer from allergies.

Symptoms of allergies include sneezing, “stuffy nose”, or a constant runny nose, itching or watery, red eyes, frequent ear and sinus infections and wheezing episodes.  Being outside exacerbates these symptoms during particular seasons like spring and fall.  For most children, allergy symptoms are minor and tolerable with the use of over the counter allergy medicines.  On the other hand significant minority of children may suffer year round symptoms leading to recurrent ear infections, sinus infections or wheezing episodes.  Children with allergies are also more likely to have allergic eczema (atopic dermatitis) and family members who suffer from allergies.

Allergens that trigger nasal allergy symptoms include pollen, molds, dust mites, cockroaches, cat and other furry animals, Toys and clothing with animal hair, seed dust in bean bag toys and cushions and rarely foods (cow’s milk, egg, peanuts, corn and wheat).

Allergy testing can be done either at your pediatrician’s office or at an allergist.  The skin test is the most reliable method of testing.  A blood test (RAST test) is more costly and lacks accuracy.

As with any disease, prevention is the most effective way of dealing with allergy symptoms.  However it is most difficult in daily life.  For dust mites frequent vacuuming and decreasing indoor humidity helps control dust mite population.  Washing linens in hot water (more than 155 degrees Fahrenheit) for at least 10 minutes kills the dust mites.  Application of benzyl benzoate powder to carpet kills dust mites.  Encasing pillows and bedding in micro fiber fabrics also helps.  The use of filters equipped with allergy proof bags and HEPA filters reduce allergen load.  Replacing carpets with wooden floors eliminates carpet as a source of dust mites.  If your child is allergic to the household pet, the least you should do is to keep the pet out of his bedroom.  Preferable is to keep the pet out doors or even giving it away.

During heavy pollen seasons keep your windows closed and air conditioning on.  Use HEPA air purifier to eliminate air-borne pollen.  Change your clothes and wash your hair before going to bed as you may carry out door allergens into your home on clothing.  Molds grow in every household.  Moisture encourages growth of molds and increases dust mite population.  Keep relative humidity in your house to less than 40%.  Poorly maintained cool-mist humidifiers are a source of molds. If in use they should be cleaned frequently.  Babies who have a family history of allergies should be preferably breast-fed and  the introduction of solids delayed until 6 months of age.

Medications that help with allergy symptoms are antihistamines like “Benadryl”.  However several new medications are available which cause much less drowsiness.  Allergy shots taken once or twice weekly for 3 to 5 years help allergy symptoms in up to 80% of individuals, however it will be several months before you start seeing benefits.