Allergies: Nothing To Sneeze At

If watery eyes mar a spring stroll through the wildflowers, think of it as your immune system doing back-flips on your behalf.

Like other allergy symptoms, the leaky eyes, runny nose, sneezing and burning palate of hay fever mean your immune system is overreacting to an otherwise harmless substance you’ve inhaled, swallowed or touched.

“The immune system is our defense mechanism,” explains allergy specialist S. Michael Phillips, M.D., a University of Pennsylvania professor of medicine and neurology. “It has been ordered to destroy substances foreign to our bodies.”

But the chemical weapons your immune system unleashes on these “allergens” have powerful inflammatory properties. The result? Those runny noses and eyes, or a variety of other symptoms from hives to itchy skin.

Roughly one person in four has some kind of allergy. The most common is “allergic rhinitis,” which includes seasonal hay fever and year-round allergies to dust, mold and some foods.

Here are some common questions about allergies:

Q: How can I pinpoint the cause of my allergies?
A: Skin or blood tests can identify the allergens that plague you — then you can avoid them and take medications to ease symptoms.

Q: How can I minimize my exposure to allergens?
A: Components of dust such as animal dander, molds and dust mites can cause severe allergic reactions, says the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI). Keep your home clean and uncluttered, remove carpeting, avoid smoke and other irritants, and use air conditioners or filters to curb moisture, limiting dust mites and mold. If a pet triggers your allergy, you may have to find Fido a new home.

Q: What medication should I take for hay fever?
A: Antihistamines dominate the market. As the name implies, they fight histamines — the substances your body releases that cause hay fever and animal allergies. Older antihistamines often caused drowsiness, but a new generation of prescription medications lacks troubling side effects. “Because the active ingredient works without entering the brain, they alleviate your symptoms without making you sleepy,” says Texas allergist Susan Rudd Wynn, M.D. New time-released antihistamines can last up to 24 hours.

Q: What about nasal sprays?
A: Prescription-only sprays are safer than many over-the-counter sprays that can be habit-forming if used improperly. “Synthetic cortisone sprays have been designed to relieve swelling in the nose,” explains Dr. Wynn. “Antihistamine sprays work like their oral counterparts — to reduce symptoms without causing drowsiness.”

Q: Do allergy shots help?
A: Doctors can inject increasing concentrations of allergic material into your body to build immunity and ease allergy symptoms. “These days, the majority of sufferers don’t need allergy shots,” says Robert Miles, M.D., a member of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. But the AAAAI says allergy shots can help when your symptoms are moderate to severe, occur more than two to three months a year, don’t respond well to medications and involve an allergen that is not easily avoided.

Q: Why do I have allergies if my spouse doesn’t?
A: Blame genetics. “If one of your parents is allergic, there is a 25 to 30 percent chance you will be,” explains Dr. Phillips. “If both are allergic, the likelihood increases to 75 percent.”

Q: If I move to another part of the country, will I leave my allergies behind?
A: “You may escape the allergens your body is already familiar with,” says Dr. Miles, “but, after a little while, you’ll develop new allergies,” probably within three years.

Q: So I’m stuck with allergies for my whole life?
A: Age works in your favor. Allergies peak from ages 35 to 45, then level off. As the immune system starts wearing out in our 60s, we have fewer reactions to allergens. After age 75, it’s unusual to suffer allergies.

Q: Can I keep my kids from inheriting allergies?
A: No, but you can affect their development and severity. “Breast-feeding for up to nine months is highly recommended,” says Dr. Miles. To prevent food allergies, delay exposure to potentially allergenic foods. Solid foods should be delayed until 6 months of age, the AAAAI says. Then introduce very bland foods, one food type at a time. Keeping your home free of pets during the child’s early years will help diminish animal allergies later in their lives.

MEDICATIONS FOR ALLERGIES

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