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| Volume 1, Issue 20 | APRIL 2005 |
| Inside This Issue | |||||
| 1 | |||||
| 2 | Updates and Announcements | ||||
Medical Information Fact Sheet
Types of allergies
Below is a list of the most common types of allergies that will be discussed here.
• Hay fever (allergic rhinitis)
• Food allergy
• Dermatitis/eczemaHay fever (allergic rhinitis):
Definition:
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is one of the most common chronic conditions in the United States. The condition may cause a person to sniffle, drip and itch their way through pollen-filled blooming months or while exposed to other allergic triggers.
Symptoms at times make life so difficult that many people will move to a different part of the country to escape them. However, many of the hay fever culprits are common across the United States making them very difficult to escape.
If you are prone to allergies you can begin reacting to new allergens within a year or two. Hay fever can develop anytime and usually diminishes with age.
In case you were wondering an allergen is any substance that triggers an allergic reaction. Examples of allergens include pollen, dust mites, animal dander, molds, latex, and certain foods.
Signs and symptoms of hay fever may include:
• Congestions
• Runny nose
• Frequent sneezing
• Watery eyes
• Itchy eyes, nose, roof of mouth or throat
• CoughIt may be difficult to distinguish hay fever from a cold. If a person is unsure what is causing their symptoms, look for these clues:
1. Colds tend to last a week or less, while allergy symptoms can persist through multiple seasons.
2. Fever, body aches and sore throat usually accompany a cold
3. Nasal secretions are thicker with a cold
If a person experiences occasional symptoms of hay fever, they can try over the counter remedies. If there is no improvement they should see their doctor to design a treatment program.
Medications to treat hay fever include:1. Antihistamines, for example, Benadryl, Zyrtec, Claritin and Allegra are typically used. Many of these are available over the counter, while others are available by prescription only. Some may cause drowsiness while others do not. Can help with most symptoms except for a clogged nose.
2. Decongestants, for example, Sudafed can be used as well. Sudafed is available over the counter. There are other decongestants available by prescription. These medications will help with the congestion and clogged nose.
3. Nasal sprays are also useful, for example, Nasalcrom. Nasalcrom is available over the counter. This medication has very few side effects and can be used in children as young as age 6.
4. Corticosteroids. Corticosteroid nasal sprays, such as Nasacort, Flonase, Nasarel and Nasonex are often the most effective treatment for hay fever. Corticosteroids are available by prescription only. Side effects which include irritation of the nasal passages can be bothersome. Effects of the medications may take 3-10 days to provide relief. These medications mostly work on nasal symptoms.
5. Eye drops containing antihistamines or decongestants can help relieve itchy eyes. They are available over the counter and by prescription.
It is not possible to completely avoid allergens, but a person can reduce symptoms by decreasing exposure.
If someone is allergic to pollen or molds, follow these tips:1. Keep windows and doors closed with air on during allergy seasons
2. Air filter is beneficial
3. Use a dehumidifier to reduce humidity
4. Stay indoors during pollen season
5. Keep house clean during the season
6. Avoid yard workIf someone is allergic to dust mites:
1. Use mattress and pillow covers that are dustproof
2. Correct any moisture problems
3. Use air conditioners with hepa filters
4. Remove carpeting if dust mites are a problemIf someone has pet allergies:
1. Try to keep animal outside
2. Keep pet out of the bedroomFood Allergy:
If someone encounters an unpleasant reaction after eating certain foods—hives, itching, swelling or trouble breathing—they may have a food allergy. Then again, they may not. Many people believe they are allergic to certain foods but true food allergies are rare. That is why it is important to distinguish a food allergy from more common problems such as food intolerance, indigestion or other conditions.
Signs and Symptoms of a true food allergy include:
• Hives, itching or eczema
• Swelling of lips, face, throat or other parts of the body
• Wheezing, nasal congestion or trouble breathing
• Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
• Dizziness, lightheadedness or loss of consciousnessIn a severe allergic reaction to food, a person can have more extreme versions of the above reactions. This is known as anaphylactic shock which is a serious medical condition requiring emergency medical attention.
Food Allergy Intolerance A true food allergy is typically triggered by certain proteins such as cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, fish, shellfish and tree nuts, beans and corn. Intolerance includes similar Signs and Symptoms like diarrhea, cramping, vomiting. If one has a true food allergy, even a tiny amount of food may trigger a reaction.
If a person has a food intolerance, they can usually eat small amounts of problem food without a reaction.
Common causes of food intolerances include: absence of an enzyme needed to fully digest food, a medical condition like irritable bowel syndrome, food contaminated by a toxin (food poisoning) or recurring stress.
• Genetic disposition: Increased risk of food allergies if other allergies such as hay fever, asthma, hives or eczema run in the family.
• Age: Food allergies are common in children. As one grows older, the digestive system matures and the body is less likely to absorb food or food components that trigger allergies. Fortunately children outgrow allergies to milk, soy, wheat and eggs. Severe allergies and allergies to nuts and shellfish are more likely to be lifelong.
• Asthma: If a person has asthma, they may be sensitive to preservatives containing sulfites. Sulfites are present in wine, fresh and dehydrated fruits, seafood, maraschino cherries and some soft drinks.
See a doctor if you experience a food allergy shortly after eating. Seek emergency medical treatment immediately if you experience symptoms of anaphylactic shock.
Adults
1. Read food labels.
2. Avoid foods that cause problems.Children
1. Notify people of the child’s allergy.
2. Have the child wear medical bracelets.
3. Discuss with key people what to do if the allergy occurs.Dermatitis/Eczema:
Dermatitis, also called eczema, is an inflammation of the skin. It can have many causes and occur in many forms. Generally, dermatitis describes swollen, reddened and itchy skin. Dermatitis is a common condition. It is not life-threatening and it is not contagious.
There are several types of dermatitis, each with distinct signs and symptoms. This newsletter will only cover contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis.
• Contact dermatitis. This type of dermatitis occurs after exposure to an allergen such as poison ivy or an irritant such as skin soap. Signs and symptoms include redness and itching. In severe cases, one can have blisters and weeping sores. The skin changes in contact dermatitis are limited to where one had contact with the allergen or irritant. Contact dermatitis caused by an irritant usually appears within minutes of exposure whereas contact dermatitis caused by an allergen can take up to two days or longer to appear.
• Seborrheic dermatitis. A person may notice greasy, scaling areas at sides of the nose, between the eyebrows, behind the ears or over the breastbone. This type can appear as a stubborn, itchy dandruff. Dandruff is usually due to mild seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp. In infants, seborrheic dermatitis is known as cradle cap.
• Atopic dermatitis. This type includes itchy, thickened, scaly skin, most often in the folds of the elbows or back of the knees. It is also common on the face hands and feet. If this occurs in babies, it is called infantile eczema.
• Contact dermatitis is contact with irritant or allergen such as soaps, detergents, perfume, metals (nickel), cosmetics, hair dyes, and weeds (poison ivy).
• Seborrheic dermatitis is often inherited. It is common in people with oily skin and hair. Can be seasonal.
• Atopic dermatitis often occurs with allergies and tends to run in families, especially families with asthma or hay fever. The exact cause is unknown. Stress can exacerbate it, but does not cause it.
• Contact dermatitis. Treatment consists primarily of identifying what is causing the irritation and then avoiding it. Sometimes creams containing hydrocortisone or wet dressings that provide moisture to the skin may help relieve redness and itching. It can take as long as two to four weeks for this type of dermatitis to clear up.
• Seborrheic dermatitis. One will need to frequently shampoo, and then carefully rinse the scalp. Your doctor may recommend a specific shampoo. Commonly used shampoos contain tar, zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid or ketoconazole as the active ingredients. Hydrocortisone creams and lotions may soothe the skin and relieve itching. One may also have to treat for a secondary infection.
• Atopic dermatitis. Treatment typically consists of applying hydrocortisone-containing lotions to ease signs and symptoms. There are also new medications that can be prescribed by the doctor. If the skin cracks open then wet dressings with mild astringent properties may be prescribed. If itching is severe, your doctor may suggest antihistamines, such as Benadryl.
1. Bathe less frequently. Two or three times a week is often enough for most people. Limit yourself to 15 minutes, and use warm, rather than hot water.
2. Monitor use of soaps and detergents. Use only mild soaps such as Dove. Soap substitutes (synthetic detergents) in bar, gel and liquid forms are less drying than deodorant or antibacterial soaps. Use soap only on face, underarms, genital areas, hands and feet. Use clear water everywhere else.
3. Dry self carefully. Gently pat skin dry with a towel.
4. Moisturize skin. Seal in moisture, while skin is still damp, with an oil or cream. Pay special attention to the legs, arms, back and the side of the body.
Mayo Clinic. (2003, June 6). Hay Fever. Retrieved on April 3, 2004 from the World Wide Web: http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?id=DS00174
Mayo Clinic. (2003, May 16). Food Allergy. Retrieved on April 3, 2004 from the World Wide Web: http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?id=DS00082
Mayo Clinic. (2004, February 11). Dermatitis/eczema. Retrieved on April 3, 2004 from the World Wide Web: http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?id=DS00339
HCPCFC PROGRAM UPDATES and ANNOUNCEMENTS!!!
We would like to congratulate Peter Tran on his promotion to Senior Public Health Nurse.
We would like to say goodbye to Michelle Haynes, our supervisor.
Thank you Michelle
Good Luck!
Editor: Kristen Thompson, PHN, and Nicole Boyd, PHN
Contributors: Michelle Haynes, PHN, Assistant Nurse Manager and Judy Earp, MHA, Director of Public Health Nursing.
