Worldwide allergy, asthma rates rising, report says

In its first ever report on worldwide rates of allergy and other chronic respiratory diseases, the World Allergy Organization (WAO) said that as allergy and asthma rates are on the rise, the number of health-care professionals who can diagnose and treat these illnesses has remained stagnant.

This report I found an interesting read, and states many world wide figures as well interesting facts on asthma, allergies, food allergies and other similar ailments. For the rest of this article please head on over to the following asthma link.

What is Anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is rare, but it is a severe allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis can occur after exposure to an allergy-causing substance (including allergy shots: hence the 30 minute wait afterwards). If you have a history of allergies or a family history of anaphylactic reactions, you may be at higher risk of having an anaphylactic reaction. Causes of anaphylaxis include certain medications, latex, insect bites and stings, and foods such as peanuts, shellfish, and dairy products and sometimes immunotherapy or allergy shots. Anaphylactic reactions are rarely caused by pollens.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include any of the following:
-intense itching or burning
-sneezing or coughing
-flushing, redness of the skin
-watery eyes
-hives
-tightness in chest/difficulty breathing
-wheezing
-tongue swelling
-nausea/vomiting
-rapid/weak pulse
-decreased/low blood pressure
-shock
-dizziness/fainting

If you should ever think you have had an anaphylactic response, you should see an allergy specialist. The specialist will evaluate your symptoms and ask questions related to your exposure and reactions to different allergy-causing substances. This will determine if you have possibly had an anaphylactic response, and if so, what has possibly triggered it. Allergy testing most likely will also be part of the evaluation to determine what you are allergic to or if you may have other unknown allergies. Although anaphylaxis is rare, it is extremely serious and potentially life-threatening. One out of every 2.5 million people per year dies from anaphylaxis.

Epinephrine

Epinephrine (commonly known as adrenaline) is the drug that is most commonly used to treat anaphylaxis. If you are found to be at risk, then your doctor or specialist may recommend you carry an epinephrine kit, which includes a self-injecting shot. The shot can be self-administered, and should be given immediately after the reaction until professional medical attention is possible. Professional medical attention should be attained as soon as possible after any anaphylaxic reaction has occured. You may also want to wear a MedicAlert bracelet indicating your condition and instruct family members and friends on how to administer the epinephrine (Shot) in case you have a reaction and are unable to administer it to yourself. Better to be safe than sorry.

What Are Allergies?

Allergies are triggered by various allergy-causing substances which are termed allergens. Allergens can vary but typically and most often are things such as pollens, molds, and animal dander. In the springtime, typical allergens are pollens that come from grasses and trees, a common one is ragweed. During the rest of the year, other allergens such as pet dander, mites found within house dust, and molds are common.
Most people who have allergies have inherited them; however, allergies can develop on their own later in life and are quite often mistaken for a persistant cold or many colds. People with allergies have an antibody called IgE (immunoglobulin E). This substance causes an excessive reaction to allergens. Basically allergies is your bodies immue system trying to figfht what is a safe foreign object but for whatever reason has decided to fight it whereas in other people the body would ignore it. Typical allergy symptoms may include repetitive and prolonged sneezing, a runny or plugged nose, itchy, watery, red or swollen eyes, and itchy throat. Other common allergic reactions include skin and intestinal problems, such as hives, itchiness, rashes, diarrhea and headache. Lymph node pr gland swelling in the neck for cronic prolonged allergies, including even a feeling of a tooth ache where there is no evidence of dental problems, as well sudden flashes of fever like situations. Some patients also have a hard time swallowing with a feeling of a constricted throat or very well have a sore throat when they first wake or a tickle throughout the day in their throat.

Are allergies life-threatening?

Allergies are rarely life-threatening, but serious allergic reactions can occur. These include swelling of the respiratory passages, shortness of breath, and anaphylactic reaction. People who suffer from allergies have an increased chance of developing respiratory infections and may be more susceptible to developing asthma. The majority of allergy sufferers are affected by reduced efficiency in daily activities, decreased energy levels, and a reduced quality of life.

Allergy Treatment

Allergy treatment

Allergy sufferers should be seen by an allergist or an ENT (ear, nose, throat) specialist. The physician or specialist will ask questions related to the patient's medical history and in all likelyhood perform a series of medical tests and examinations. One common test and likely the first is the "skin test," done by scratching or lightly injecting a small amount of allergen into the surface of the patient's skin. Then having the patient wait for about 20 minutes to see what the reaction is to the various allergens introduced. If a large hive develops, it usually means the patient is "sensitive" (allergic) to that allergen. Skin tests help to determine the patient's sensitivity to each allergen. This makes it easier for the physician to formulate a plan to alleviate the symptoms caused by the allergens.

Environmental factors

Counselling in proper environmental control is often included as part of allergy treatment. Learning to avoid substances that cause allergic reactions may make symptoms more manageable. Preventative measures can reduce the frequency and severity of allergic reactions significantly.

Medications

Medications such as antihistamines and decongestants are commonly used to prevent and relieve allergy symptoms. They can easily be gotten at a local drugstore and are available over the counter or by prescription in some cases. Anti-inflammatory agents (such as cromolyn, nedocromil, and corticosteroids) are also used to prevent allergy symptoms. These drugs work by helping to reduce inflammation in the airways caused by allergens. Low-dose corticosteroid nasal spray (Flonase) has become very popular and has proven to be extremely effective in managing the rhinitis (nasal inflammation) caused by allergies.

Immunotherapy (allergy shots)

Allergy shots are given to patients with moderate to severe allergies. If the patient's allergy symptoms occur year round (Cronic Allergies), or if the allergy is caused by a substance that is not easily avoidable, allergy shots may be the most effective form of treatment. In immunotherapy, the patient is given a series of shots or vaccinations to help build immunity to the allergen. Patients are given an injection once a week for the first 20 weeks then a maintenance dose once a month afterwards, containing only the allergens to which the patient reacts. As the weeks progress, the concentration of the allergen in each shot is gradually increased (The first 20 weeks, then the patient gets a maintenance dose monthly thereafter). Typically, patients will receive injections for 3 to 5 years or more. (The start of year 2 or 3 etc, the patient goes weekly for about 6 weeks then back to their maintenance dose)
Immunotherapy is a relatively safe if somewhat old-fashioned method of treatment. The effectiveness of these shots can be quite variable but most of the time allergies are reduced if not all together lessened to the point of being "cured".

Dust Mite Control Possible?

Dust mites is a nasty word for millions of allergy sufferers. The tiny microscopic allergens (bugs) are something many homeowners do not even wish to discuss but rest assured, are crawling from one end of your house to the other. Recent reports as of late debate the effects of "fighting against mites" and whether or not there is any benefit. These recent reports and articles however aim towards not just allergy sufferers of mites, but those with Asthma. An interesting read either way. Having this very allergy myself, and having experience with bed covers and pillow case covers vs not having them, I personally see a BIG difference in my symptoms. After all you spend more time on your mattress/bed than any one other place. As far as the rest of the house , perhaps these articles do have merit. I do not know, but I thought the recent reports would be an interesting read none the less.

Commonly agreed ways to reduce your home exposure to dust-mite allergens:

• Get white sheets and pillowcases for your bed and wash them every week in very hot water. Wash the mattress pads and blankets, too.
• Vacuum regularly, but not within two hours of bedtime. A HEPA filter isn't necessary and may not help. If you're allergic to dust mites, wear a dust mask while vacuuming or get out of the house while someone else vacuums. Vacuums raise residual dust, and you should wait for it to settle.
• Remove stuffed animals and dusty clutter from the bedroom.
• Remove upholstered furniture from the bedroom and from other rooms in which you spend a lot of time.
• Get a dehumidifier. Dust mites love humidity. Keeping humidity in the 30% to 50% range helps control dust mites.
• Consider putting mite-blocking covers on your mattress and pillows.
• Consider removing fabric window coverings and replacing them with plastic ones.
• Get rid of tapestries or fabric wall hangings.
• Consider replacing carpeting with tile or wooden floors.
• Do not hire a duct-cleaning service. Dust mites do not live in working heating and air-conditioning ducts.
• Clean the air filters on your furnace/air conditioner at least once a month.

Things I was told from my allergenist were also to make sure clothing was put away in drawers/closets with doors closed for clean clothing, or in a sealable bag/hamper in the case of laundry in a laundering room (or away from bedroom). As well I was told to keep paper to a minimum around the house. Or paper products for that matter. I've failed on much of these reccomendations, except those regarding the bedroom and sleeping habits, and I found that alone made a huge difference just following the bedroom reccomendations.

100 Worst US Cities For Spring Allergy Sufferers

Lexington, Ky., tops the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America's 2008 list of "spring allergy capitals."

Greensboro, N.C., comes in at 2nd, followed by Johnson City, Tenn., Augusta, Ga., and Jackson, Miss. in fifth place.

The yearly list is based on four factors: allergy prevalence, seasonal pollen, allergy medication use per patient, and the number of board-certified allergy specialists per patient. It should be noted that rankings can change quite modestly from one year to another. For example, Lexington leads this year's rankings but 2007 they were 57th. That said here is the remainder of the list entries.

Here is the complete list of 2008 spring allergy capitals:

• Lexington, Ky.
• Greensboro, N.C.
• Johnson City, Tenn.
• Augusta, Ga.
• Jackson, Miss.
• Knoxville, Tenn.
• Birmingham, Ala.
• New Orleans
• Little Rock, Ark.
• San Diego
• Oklahoma City
• Mobile, Ala.
• South Bend, Ind.
• Omaha, Neb.
• Stockton, Calif.
• McAllen, Texas
• Greenville, S.C.
• Nashville, Tenn.
• Tulsa, Okla.
• Harrisburg, Pa.
• Louisville, Ky.
• Dallas-Fort Worth
• Charlotte, N.C.
• Tampa, Fla.
• Philadelphia
• St. Louis
• Scranton, Pa.
• Lansing, Mich.
• Madison, Wis.
• Rochester, N.Y.
• Daytona Beach, Fla.
• Memphis
• Milwaukee, Wis.
• Norfolk, Va.
• Pensacola, Fla.
• Charleston, S.C.
• Cleveland, Ohio
• Indianapolis
• Houston
• Lakeland, Fla.
• Baltimore
• Sacramento, Calif.
• Columbia, S.C.
• Kansas City, Mo.
• New York
• San Antonio
• Allentown, Pa.
• Wichita, Kan.
• Albuquerque, N.M.
• Baton Rouge, La.
• Washington, D.C.
• Providence, R.I.
• Fort Wayne, Ind.
• Austin, Texas
• Canton, Ohio
• Atlanta
• Kalamazoo, Mich.
• Chattanooga, Tenn.
• Boston
• Detroit
• Grand Rapids, Mich.
• Hartford, Conn.
• Denver
• Dayton, Ohio
• Tucson, Ariz.
• Buffalo, N.Y.
• Des Moines, Iowa
• Syracuse, N.Y.
• Salt Lake City
• Minneapolis-St. Paul
• Cincinnati
• Columbus, Ohio
• Chicago
• Boise City, Idaho
• Albany, N.Y.
• El Paso, Texas
• Richmond, Va.
• Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, N.C.
• Las Vegas
• Jacksonville, Fla.
• Melbourne, Fla.
• Pittsburgh
• Miami
• Toledo, Ohio
• Modesto, Calif.
• Los Angeles
• Springfield, Mass.
• Youngstown, Ohio
• Colorado Springs, Colo.
• Seattle
• Phoenix-Mesa, Ariz.
• Fresno, Calif.
• Portland, Ore.
• Fort Myers, Fla.
• Orlando, Fla.
• Lancaster, Pa.
• Sarasota, Fla.
• Bakersfield, Calif.
• San Francisco
• Spokane, Wash.

SOURCES: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: "Spring Allergy Capitals 2008." WebMD Medical News: "Tulsa Tops Spring Allergy City List."