Seasonal sneezes and sniffles are signs of allergies.
Spring has sprung with blossoms and colour, so why do you feel miserable? Your seasonal allergy has arrived. Seasonal allergy is one form of allergy but others are more regular or persistent.
From mild hayfever to the potentially life-threatening reaction of anaphylaxis, the cause is the body's immune response to usually harmless substances (allergens). These can be pollens, dust mites, mould, and dropped fur from animals (usually a family pet). Penicillin, soaps, perfumes, latex, bee stings, some foods even kiwifruit and alcohol can provoke an allergic response, sometimes within minutes.
Allergic reactions affect the quality of life of nearly one in three people. They tend to run in families and cause hayfever (allergic rhinitis), eczema (skin rash) and hives (urticaria), bringing on itching, redness, swelling, sneezing, runny nose and eyes and shortness of breath from airway swelling when severe.
Most allergies are manageable, so it's important to first get a true picture. Food allergy caused by the immune system is often confused with food intolerance, which is more a digestive system problem. Your GP can arrange allergy tests or a specialist referral.
Allergies to egg and dairy foods can be severe and give eczema to infants under six months. Often this is a forerunner to the child developing asthma. But excluding dairy without good cause can hinder nutrition, so be guided by your GP. Older-child and adult allergies are commonly to peanuts, tree nuts and seafood.
Dust mites are your permanent house guests. If you are sensitive, you can try mite-proof mattress, duvet and pillow covers, washing bedding on hot (above 55C) or on cold with teatree or eucalyptus oils and hot tumble drying bedding. Make sure your house is well ventilated and, if possible, replace carpets with other flooring.
Family pets may have to go or be kept outside, never in a bedroom. Allergens remain in furnishings for a long time and are easily carried on clothing.
There is no allergy "cure", which means allergens must be avoided where possible and sensible treatment. For eye and nose symptoms, many non-drowsy antihistamines, nasal sprays, saline washes and eyedrops can help, as can a handy supply of tissues. See www.pharmacylive.co.nz for more information on pharmacy medicines to use.
Skin creams, especially for eczema, are available from pharmacies or your GP. Immunotherapy (injections over time to reduce sensitivity to an allergen) is a longer-term option for some.
Severe anaphylaxis can be rapidly fatal without an immediate adrenalin injection. If you are at risk, get an anaphylaxis management plan from your GP, carry a preloaded adrenaline auto-injector and wear a MedicAlert bracelet.
| DIY: ALLERGIES |
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1 If you suspect food allergy, keep a diary of foods and reactions for two weeks before visiting your doctor.
2 Take any complementary medicines you use along to your doctor - some may interact with allergy treatments. |
3 To reduce dustmites on children’s soft toys, put the toy in the freezer for a day then air in the sunshine.
4 Remove mould and mildew on walls, ceilings and windows with diluted bleach. |
(Published in the Sunday News, 30 August 2009)
More everybody MYHEALTH columns from Barbara Docherty
Barbara Docherty is a registered nurse and clinical lecturer at the University of Auckland School of Nursing, and writer for the everybody.co.nz website. The opinions contained herein are those of the author and not necessarily those of the publisher or sponsor. Copyright UBM Medica (NZ) Ltd.
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