Spring and Allergies: Tips to Remember

1. News!!! Spring and Allergies:Tips to Remember Emilia Patricia T. Zarco, M.D. M.Ed. Associate Professor, Health Studies Adelphi University

2. What is an allergy? • An allergy is an exaggerated immune response or reaction to substances called allergens that are generally not harmful.

4. What is Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis? • Allergic rhinitis is a collection of symptoms, predominantly in the nose and eyes, to allergens such as dust, dander and pollen.

5. What is hay fever? • When allergic rhinitis is caused by common outdoor allergen (airborne tree, grass and weed pollens or mold), it is called “hay fever”.

6. What causes Allergic Rhinitis?

7. What happens when a person has allergic rhinitis? National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, USA

8. Signs and Symptoms • sneezing • stuffy nose • runny nose • itching in nose, roof of the mouth, throat, eyes and ear • inflammation in the nasal lining makes the nose very sensitive to irritants such as • smoke • strong odors • changes in the temperature and humidity of the air.

9. What To Do • An allergist/immunologist can help determine which specific allergens are triggering your illness. • He or she will take a thorough health history, and then test use to determine if you have allergies. • Certified in: • Pediatrics or • Internal Medicine and • ABAI (American Board of Allergy and Immunology)

10. What diagnostic tests are done to test for allergy? • Skin prick or scratch test • most common and reliable • painless: A small needle or plastic device is used to lightly prick or scratch your back or forearm with a tiny amount of allergen. • After 15-20 minute, each spot is examined • The spots where you are allergic will become red and swollen, and the others will remain normal.

11. What diagnostic tests are done to test for allergy? • Intradermal test • done when the skin prick or scratch test results are unclear • involves injecting a small amount of allergen under the skin using a needle. • allergy skin testing should only be performed in a medical setting, with access to emergency treatment because of risk of anaphylaxis

12. What diagnostic tests are done to test for allergy? • Blood Test or RAST (radioallergosorbent) Test • measures the levels of allergy antibody, IgE, produced when your blood is mixed with a series of allergens in a laboratory

13. What diagnostic tests are done to test for allergy? • Challenge Test • Done to confirm a food or drug allergy after a skin or blood test result is positive • swallow a very small amount of the suspected allergen until a reaction is noted • done in a clinical setting and are only performed when absolutely necessary due to risk of anaphylaxis

14. How to prevent symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis

15. How to avoid pollen… • Remain indoors when the outdoor pollen levels are highest. • Sunny, and windy days • early morning • late afternoon hours • If persons with pollen allergy must work outdoors, wear a pollen and dust mask.

16. How to avoid pollen… • Take vacations at the height of the expected pollinating period (seashore) • Wash hair before going to bed • Use a clothes dryer • Use air cleaners. • Airconditioners • Air purifiers • Air filtering devices

17. How to avoid pollen… • Avoid unnecessary exposure to irritants • Dust • insect sprays • tobacco smoke • air pollution • fresh tar or paint.

18. How to avoid mold… • Do not walk through uncut fields or rake leaves • Keep windows and doors closed and use air conditioning • Clean moldy surfaces in the house • Fix water leaks • Use air conditioning and a dehumidifier to reduce indoor air humidity.

19. How to avoid house dust mites… • Put mattresses, pillows and box springs in dust-proof casings • Wash bedding weekly in water that is hotter than 130º F • Remove stuffed toys from bedrooms.

20. How to avoid animal dander …. • Pets should not be kept in the house. • If you have pets, keep them out of the bedroom and keep the bedroom door closed. • Do not let pets sit on furniture.

21. Questions????