ALLERGY EDUCATION

1
ALLERGY EDUCATION

• Your immune system gone wrong.

2
The allergic reaction

• Allergen encounters plasma cell
• Antibody is produced
• Antibody attaches to mast cell
• Mast cell degranulates, releasing histamine and
  chemical mediators
• Resulting inflammatory response

3
Allergy symptoms from inhaled allergens can be
any or all of these

• Sneezing, congestion, runny, itchy nose
• Watery, swollen, itchy eyes
• Itchy mouth
• Hives, rashes, itchy skin
• Tight chest, cough, wheeze, shortness of breath

4
TREATMENT

• Avoidance of known allergens
• Preventive medications
• Desensitization Injections

5
AVOIDANCE (some examples)

• Dust mite avoidance involves protective mite
  proof mattress and pillow covers, frequent hot
  water washing of bedding and clothing, avoiding
  stuffed upholstery and carpet in bedroom, etc.
• Mold proofing ones home begins in the bathroom,
  and window ledges
• Finding new homes for offending cats, rats, and/
  or dogs is preferable to frequent pet washings,
  and at the very least get them out of your
  bedroom.

6
AVOIDANCE

• Pollen avoidance involves keeping the car and
  home windows closed during high pollen times, not
  exercising outdoors during high pollen counts,
  and having someone else mow the lawn if you are
  allergic to grass
• Ask your allergy nurse for detailed suggestions
  regarding your specific allergens.

7
MEDICATIONS

• Antihistamines block histamine release caused by
  the antibody/mast cell reaction. These will
  start to work the first day you take them, but
  are the most effective after at least 3 days of
  round the clock use
• Nasal and pulmonary steroid inhalers block the
  allergic response. These start to be effective
  after 2-3 days of regular use, but are most
  effective at 2 weeks.

8
MEDICATIONS

• Mast cell stabilizers also block the allergic
  response, but may take 6 weeks to be fully
  effective
• Leukotriene inhibitors block leukotriene, one of
  the chemical mediators responsible for the
  allergic reaction.These are effective if taken
  3-4 hours before allergen exposure, but if
  already symptomatic,will take a few days to be
  fully effective.

9
MEDICATIONS

• Decongestants shrink membranes of the nose and
  sinuses, or if in an eye drop get the red out.
  They do not treat or prevent the allergic
  response, but do help control symptoms
  immediately.
• Oral steroids block the allergic response.
  Because of serious possible side effects related
  to blocking the immune system, these are rarely
  used for allergic rhinitis, but may be used for
  severe asthma symptoms.

10
ALLERGY DESENSITIZATION

• Individually formulated to your specific
  allergens, these are provided after allergy skin
  testing by a physician specializing in Allergy
  Medicine. It may take regular weekly, and
  eventually monthly shots for a 2-5 year period to
  complete therapy.
• Studies suggest that approximately 50 of
  individuals who complete allergy desensitization
  will need less or no medication to control their
  allergic rhinitis
• We suggest referral to a specialist in
  individuals who have allergy symptoms not
  controlled by medications