Personal Conection: Allergies

# 16

Like many people I have allergies a disorder of the immune system. Allergic reactions are cause by usually harmless substances known as allergens. These reactions are very rapid and very predictable and usually happen at a certain time in the year annually. Common allergic reactions include hay fever, asthma attacks, food allergies, and reactions to the venom of stinging insects such as wasps and bees. Personally i have hay fever reactions. Hay fever is an inflammation of the nasal airways. It occurs when an allergen such as pollen or dust is inhaled by a person that has a sensitized immune system and it triggers antibody production. The antibodies bond mostly with mast cells which contain histamine. When the mast cells are stimulated by pollen or dust they release the histamine that causes itching, swelling, and mucus production. When mucus builds up it can start clogging up your airways. This can make it harder for some individuals to breath and stress the respiratory system. Swelling of the throat can also make it harder to get air to the lungs when an individual is struggling with allergies. The goal of treatment for hay-fever is to reduse the symptoms caused by the inflammation. Hay-fever can typically be treated much like any other allergic condition. Eliminating exposure to allergens is the most effective preventive measure, but requires consistent effort. Many people with pollen allergies reduce their exposure by remaining indoors during hay fever season, particularly in the morning and evening, when outdoor pollen levels are at their highest. Closing all the windows and doors prevents pollen blown from the wind from entering the home. When traveling in a vehicle, closing all the windows reduces exposure.Several drugs are used to block the action of allergic mediators, or to prevent activation of cells and degranulation processes. These include antihistamines, cortisone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, epinephrine (adrenaline), theophylline and cromolyn sodium. One antihistamine, azelastine, is available as a nasal spray whish some people find a very attractive alternative. However many allergy medications can have unpleasant side-effects, most notably drowsiness. That is how allergies can effect the body and how it can be treated.