by Dr. Gary Farr on 23 November 2001
What is it? / Characteristics
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From sneezing and wheezing to itching and tearing, allergies and asthma affect as many as 60 million people in the United States (more than 20 percent of the population). When your body reacts to what is normally a harmless substance, it "attacks" the allergen with a fusillade of weapons. The results can range from mild congestion to death. A little bit of education and effort, however, can go a long way to making your life free of allergic symptoms and asthma attacks.
An allergy is an inappropriate response by the body's {immune_system} immune system to a substance that is not normally harmful. There are many types of allergies, including food allergies, ragweed, pollen, mold spores, animal hair, and certain metals.
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Nasal Allergies
Nasal allergies refer to the interaction of allergens with cells within the lining of the nose.
What is going on in the body?
Allergens enter through the nose. Allergens include pollens, dust, dust mites, mold spores, and animal dander. These substances interact with IgE antibody on the mast cells inside the nose. This causes discharge of histamine. Histamine causes sneezing, nasal congestion, and nasal discharge.
The mast cells also release other substances. These substances pull a group of cells, called eosinophils, into the nasal lining. The eosinophils travel into the lining of the nose over a 6- to 24-hour period. They then release substances that can create additional symptoms hours after the original exposure.
The first reaction is called the early reaction. The symptoms occurring hours after the initial exposure make up the late-phase reaction.
For example, an individual who is sensitive to cats will develop an immediate allergic reaction when exposed to a cat. This initial acute attack may continue as long as the individual is exposed. Once the person leaves the environment, the symptoms subside. Later, the release of eosinophils may bring on another wave of the symptoms.
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Cause / Symptoms
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The main cause of nasal allergies is an interaction between cells lining the nose and allergens. Common allergens include pollens, dust, dust mites, molds, and animal dander.
What are the long-term effects of the condition?
Most of the long-term effects occur in those who have prolonged or frequent periods of allergic disease. The presence of allergic rhinitis increases the risk of asthma four times. People with chronic allergies, such as those who are sensitive to dust, are more likely to develop chronic long-term symptoms.
Individuals who have allergic disease for long periods, such as spring through fall, may also develop long-term symptoms. These long-term symptoms include:
- chronic cough
- constant nasal congestion
- excessive, thick nasal mucus
- facial pain
- fatigue
- loss of sense of smell
- sinus headaches
- snoring, in persons with chronic nasal congestion
Nasal allergies can predispose an individual to sinus infections and asthma. Lost productivity costing billions of dollars per year occurs because of allergic disease.
{symptoms}The symptoms of a nasal allergy are: · clear, watery nasal discharge · coughing · itching deep within the ear · itching, watering, and redness of the eyes · nasal itching · nasal stuffiness with subsequent difficulty breathing · sneezing
Late-phase reactions are very similar. The individual who has chronic allergy exposure may start to see other symptoms, such as:
- more constant nasal stuffiness
- reduced sense of smell
- sinus headaches, usually in the forehead, cheek, and between the eyes
- a thicker, clear-to-white mucus secretion
An individual with chronic allergies may also start to be affected by nonallergic stimuli. These can include dry air, cold air, smoke, and particles in the air.
{fre_test_immune}Medical Dx / Medical Tx / CRA Diagnosis & Nutrtional Treatment
Oral antihistamines are used for short-term allergic disease. Common antihistamines include diphenhydramine, loratadine, and fexofenadine. They are very effective in controlling symptoms such as sneezing and nasal discharge.
Antihistamines generally don't reduce nasal stuffiness. It is common to add a decongestant, such as pseudoephedrine, to an antihistamine. For severe, acute flare-ups, oral steroids, such as prednisone, are used. Steroids block the allergic response.
Nasal steroid sprays, such as beclomethasone and mometasone, are used for prolonged allergies. These agents have been around for about 20 years, and very safe. They control acute symptoms more effectively than antihistamines. Nasal steroids also block the late-phase reaction.
Air filters and frequent vacuuming are helpful. Salt water nasal sprays and mucus thinners, such as guaifenesin, can thin nasal secretions.
Allergy shots can be used in people who have chronic or prolonged periods of allergic disease. The shots desensitize the person to the trigger. They may be given to individuals who are having complications, such as asthma or chronic sinusitis.
What are the side effects of treatment?
Decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine, can cause elevation of blood pressure, fast heart rate, and difficulty sleeping.
Nasal steroids may cause nosebleeds and nasal crusts.
There are a few acute side effects from oral steroids, such as increased appetite, irritability, sleeplessness, weight gain, and stomach irritation. Chronic steroid usage can cause bone thinning, predisposition to infection, {condition_diabetes} diabetes, and {cataracts} cataracts.
Allergy shots may cause a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis. They may also bring on an {asthma} asthma attack.
What happens after treatment for the condition?
How is the condition monitored?
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If a person's allergies are triggered by cats or specific animals, it is important to keep the animals out of the home.
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People who suffer from dust or dust mite allergies can benefit from having wood floors. They can use airtight pillow and mattress covers. Persons with severe nasal allergies may consider moving to a drier climate.
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People with nasal allergies should avoid tobacco smoke.
Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine or chlorpheniramine, can block the symptoms. Nasal steroid sprays, such as cromolyn, help to stop mast cells from releasing their substances. Nasal steroids stop the mast cell from discharging and thus prevent early symptoms.
{cra_dx}As previously mentioned above, the approach in treating allergies in a natural sense is to repair those body systems which are not meeting the demands of the invading allergen. CRA is very accurate in determining the cause of lowered resistance.
- {lma_sub_lung} Left Master Allergy Lung Sub-Reflex
- {lma_sub_parasite} Left Master Allergy Parasite and-or Flu Sub-Reflex
- {lma_sub_spleen} Left Master Allergy Spleen Sub-Reflex
- {lma_sub_staph} Staph-Master Lymph Node Sub-Reflex
- {lma_sub_strep} Left Master Allergy Strep Sub-Reflex
- {rma_sub_bile_duct} Right Master Allergy Bile Duct Sub-Reflex
- {rma_sub_gallbladder} Right Master Allergy Gallbladder Sub-Reflex
- {rma_sub_liver} Right Master Allergy Liver Sub-Reflex
- {virus_reflex} Virus Reflex
- {yeast_reflex} Yeast Reflex
These reflexes should be tested and treated with the proper supplementation. You should take this preliminary free test or be examined by a competent health care practitioner for testing. A liver/gallbladder flush and intestinal detoxification program may also be recommended.
The following supplements are indicated:
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{fen_gre} |
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{allerplex} |
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{cal_amo} |
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{antronex} |
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* These statements have not been evaluated y the Food & Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. | |
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