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Nasal Congestion
Nasal congestion combined with pressure and pain is characteristic of seasonal allergy, an impediment in the body’s defense plan. In a “best case scenario” situation, the immune system implements a simple yet inventive strategy to expel offensive allergens—immobilizing pollen grains, mold spores, dust mites, and similar maladies by coating them with layers of mucous. When you cough, sneeze or blow your nose, it clears the congested corridors of mucous buildup, carrying away trapped allergens in the process. Although all of the above is very inconvenient and annoying, these are all signs that an immune response is in progress.
Anaphylactic Reaction
The most lethal reaction happens when the allergen gets into the bloodstream and generates anaphylaxis, characterized by respiratory distress, fainting, itching, hives and often shock. The following matter is normally responsible for anaphylactic reactions:
- Venoms: wasps, bees, hornets
- Medications: hormones (insulin, parathormone), antibiotics (pencillin)
- Vaccinations: tetanus, diphtheria
- Foods: citrus fruits, mangoes, strawberries, nuts (Brazil, cashew), legumes (soybean, peanut), shellfish, chocolate
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Would you believe that the very first recorded anaphylactic reaction to an insect is recorded in the hieroglyphics of King Menes of Egypt 4,000 years ago? The word anaphylaxis is derived from the Greek meaning “anti-protection,” and was thought up by two French biologists, Portier and Richet. They studied whether the exposure of dogs to sea anemone toxins would safeguard them from the harsh reactions generated by the injection of anemone venom. To their astonishment, the dogs died within 30 minutes of exposure to the venom after being sensitized to the poison. |
This acute type of reaction frequently happens on the second exposure to the substance, not the first. Insect stings, (in particular bee stings, wasps and hornets) in addition to an allergy to penicillin, are the chief causes of anaphylactic reactions. Numerous people die every year as a consequence of penicillin-produced anaphylaxis. Whatever the allergen, anaphylaxis is a critical situation, and treatment in the form of an injection of epinephrine (adrenaline) can battle the symptoms, enlarging airways and keep you from dying.
Environmental Triggers
Your home is a busy place. People are constantly working, cooking, playing, cleaning, washing and moving things around. That kind of activity is completely normal, but it can generate small particles and chemicals that accumulate in the air you breathe. Whether your home is large or small, old or new, the interior air could be causing breathing problems, in particular for people with allergies and asthma.
There are simple things that you can put in place to clean up the air inside your home, so that everyone can breathe easier. If you have allergies or asthma, you are sensitive to particular “triggers”. These “triggers” can ignite a reaction in your lungs and other parts of your body. Triggers may be found indoors and outdoors. They may be simple things like:
- Illnesses—colds and influenza
- Tobacco smoke and wood smoke from the fireplace
- Allergens such as dust mites, cockroaches, pollen, molds, animal dander, tiny scales or particles from hair, feathers, or dead skin cells and saliva from pets
- Perfumes, paint, hair spray, or any other strong odors or fumes
It is important to identify your triggers. This isn’t always easy, so you should experiment by staying away from one suspected trigger at a time. You can tell if it is a problem if you see improvement when it is removed. It is much more difficult to control your triggers outdoors. So, if the air pollution and pollen levels are high, it is an excellent idea to stay indoors. The air in your home is easier for you to control. In some cases, people with asthma and allergies become aware that their symptoms deteriorate at night. Controlling triggers in the bedroom is the best place to start.
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There are air cleaning machines that you may purchase that can eradicate some of the triggers in your home. Unfortunately, they will not remove them all. Some air cleaners utilize an electrical charge that makes ozone, which many manufacturers claim will “purify” the air. Sadly, ozone irritates the lungs, and is a particular problem for people with asthma. The American Lung Association does not recommend the use of air cleaners that produce ozone, and is printed in their brochure, “Facts about home control of allergies and asthma.” They advise that you look for a mechanical air cleaner with a HEPA, or preferably a hyper-HEPA filter, that does not produce ozone and can efficiently trap large and small particles. Please see our recommendation on air cleaners.
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