Hay Fever, Allergy And Asthma

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.