WELCOMING SPRING
Most of us love spring except for those who suffer from allergy.For allergy sufferers spring is misery. Australia has one of the highest allergy prevalence in the world. In India more than 25% of total population is presently sensitized with different forms of allergens.
Allergy is defined as an immune-mediated, hypersensitive inflammatory response to an allergen in an individual that may be harmless in other individuals.Spring Allergens such as pollen, mould spores and other airborne particles not only trigger nasal allergies, but also can have a profound effect on a variety of allergic conditions including asthma and eczema.
Seasonal allergies (Pollen and Mould allergies)
Pollen is an airborne allergen that can affect our health. Pollen grains are tiny seeds dispersed from flowering plants, trees, grass and weeds spread by the wind. Pollen counts tend to be the highest early in the morning on warm, dry and breezy days.Pollen allergy is also known as hay fever, usually refers as seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR).
During an allergic response immunoglobulin E(IgE) are produced, when an allergenenter first time in human body. An allergic person becomes sensitized by producing allergen specific IgE.The IgE binds with IgE receptors on mast cells(in tissues) and basophils(in circulation).if the individual is reexposed to the same allergen,cross linkage of membrane bound IgEoccur to mast cells.These activated mast cell releases some mediators(e.g, histamines,leukotriens), which induce vasodilation, smooth muscle contraction, mucus secretion, edema and skin blisters.The symptoms of SAR include sneezing, rhinorrhea,nasal congestion and itchy nose.
Pollen exposure can also trigger symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC). SAC is found in up to 30% of general population and as many as 7 out of 10 of patients with allergic rhinitis. Symptomsfrom SAC include red, watery or itchy eyes. People with SAC may have chronic dark circles (k/as allergic shiners) under their eyes.
Seasonal allergic asthma(SAA) prevalence has been increasing over the last decades, Pollen is one of the main reasons to cause SAA and influenced by multiple risk factors.Asthma is a chronic airway inflammation.Asthmatic patients are more sensitive to pollen and exposed to pollen has been linked to asthma attacks. Symptoms like wheezing, coughing, difficult breathing and chest tightness.
Several studies suggested that patients with allergy rhinitis are at higher risk to developing asthma, 76% of asthmatic patients reported presence of rhinitis before onset of asthma. Eczema a chronic inflammatory skin condition may worsen during the spring. Located mostly on the inner surfaces of the elbows and behind the knees. Symptoms like itchy, red patches on the skin.
Mould grows outdoors and indoors depending upon environments. Mould produces spores (their seeds) which are easily spread, Just like pollen these spores can cause an allergic reactions in your body when you inhale them and may worsened respiratory conditions.
Recommendations / Treatment
The approaches used for seasonal allergies include avoiding the Allergen, pharmacotherapy for symptomatic relief and allergen immunotherapy.
People react differently to different allergens.If you find yourself reacting in the same way at the same time every year, you might have allergies.Precautions during particular seasons is the best way to avoid pollen allergy. Some preventive measure such as keeping windows shut to keep out pollen,taking shower at night and washing your clothes after being outside around pollen,avoid drying of clothes in open areas.Air conditions should be preferred over fans, car windows should be kept closed while driving during spring, wear goggles, Fur of pets is major carrier of pollen grains, so avoid contact with pets, limit outdoor activity, wearing a mask is very important and simplest method to protect themselves as well as the others.
The pharmacological therapy includes H1-antihistamines (oral, intra-nasal), decongestants, intra nasal corticosteroids, bronchodilators, leukotriene receptor antagonists and combination therapy. If one cannot control his/hers symptoms through home remedies or prescribed medications then consult certified allergist. Allergen immunotherapy is the only current treatment that can provide a long lasting benefit against allergies (allergy shots).
(The author is Anesthetist and is currently working at Govt. S.D.H yaripora, Kulgam. Feedback: [email protected])
