Coughing, runny nose, sneezing and sometimes, wheezing are all symptoms of the cold and 'flu' season.

However, these symptoms may not always be due to 'cold or virus as we say. Many times, they are due to allergies caused by objects such as flowers, dust, changes in temperature, certain foods, carpets/rugs, hair, sprays and even aerosols.

If you developed runny nose as you came out of your airconditioned work place, or you start sneezing as you come into contact with certain body sprays, consider allergies as a possible culprit. Such common symptoms caused by allergic reactions to different environment and substances can affect work and school performances. The problem of allergies seems to be growing exponentially and has been increasing with urban populations, increased air pollution and other environmental factors.

What is an allergy? - An allergy is an abnormal overreaction of the immune system to a substance. The body typically has seen the substance at some point in the past - (known as a previous exposure to the substance). The body for some reason sees the said substance as foreign and harmful to it. So it mounts an exaggerated immune response to fight this perceived foreign threat. This is called hypersensitivity.

A further exposure to this substance in future triggers a rapid response that is designed to try to avoid or quickly get rid of the offensive material known as an allergic reaction. Things that provoke allergies are called 'allergens'. Allergies are widespread and can occur to almost any allergen.

Having allergies could mean a variety of things. It can range from problems such as mild sinus and nasal allergies that cause cold-like symptoms affecting the nose, throat and eyes to severe life-threatening reactions (anaphylaxis). It can take over 8 different forms

Allergic Rhinitis is caused by allergic response to certain airborne substances such as house dust mites etc. Sufferers experience cold like symptoms affecting the nose, throat and eyes such as runny nose, itchy, red and watery eyes.

Some persons have allergies to environmental triggers that affect the eyes and eyelids (allergic conjunctivitis). Allergic skin conditions can result in rash that may be triggered by something in the environment, food or chemicals that touch the skin such as cosmetics, fragrance, metals, soap, fabrics and adhesives. This is called Eczema/ Dermatitis.

Drug Allergies are common in some person - and could be any drugs from Penicillin and other forms of antibiotics, to pain killers such as panadol (paracetamol) and in hypertensive patients, commonly we see allergies to the class of the drug - Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACE-Inhibitors) such as Enalapil, Lisinopril - with swollen lips known as Angioneurotic Oedema.

ALLERGIES AND FAMILIES

Allergies sometimes run in families, but the specific type of allergic problem that a person has is not necessarily the same type of allergic problem that his/her siblings or children will have. For example, a person with asthma and sinus allergies may have children with food allergies and Eczema/Dermatitis.

Some asthmatics may have siblings with a mild form of asthma characterised by persistent cough known as cough-variant asthma. They may not necessarily have frank asthma attacks but persistent coughing. This phenomenon termed ATOPY may range from Asthma, Sinusitis, Rhinitis, Dermatitis/ Eczema, food allergies and other forms of allergic responses. So, individuals can express any of the spectrum or even a combination of some.

Allergic reactions are usually not life threatening (EXCEPT IN SEVERE FORMS/ ANAPHALAXIS/ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCKS) but many people underestimate its impact on their daily activities: the quality of sleep is affected, the frequent sneezing and constant itchy nose and eyes can also be very tiring and adversely affect work and school performances.

Many symptoms of allergy/allergic Rhinitis such as sneezing, coughing or runny nose are taken for 'cold' or 'flu' but it is not everytime that these symptoms are due to infections of the respiratory tract- it could be due to an allergy.

Some of these symptoms can also be seasonal. They occur in the season when certain allergens are in the air (some pollen from some flowers at certain times of the year), dust during dry seasons, bush fires with resultant pollutions.

REDUCING YOUR RISKS/SEVERITY OF ATTACKS

Individuals with symptoms can make their symptoms less worse by:

• Avoiding triggers: The most important prevention strategy is to avoid the trigger factors or allergens, once the substance causing the allergy is identified. The best person to identify the trigger is usually the patient/relatives[ not even the doctor].

• Reduce stress levels: Allergy sufferers have more symptoms in stressful or anxiety-inducing situations. A sleep deficit can worsen both allergy symptoms and stress.

• Alchohol: Can raise the risk of perennial Rhinitis by 3%. For every additional alchoholic beverage consumed each week, Bacteria and yeast in the alchohol produces histamine - a chemical mediator of allergy.

• Medications that block histamine (Antihistamines) work best before one is exposed to allergens.

• One time not to forget your allergy medication is before bed, so that the medication will be circulating in the blood stream early the next day. Symptoms of allergy often peak in the mornings.

• Cigarettes and its numerous toxic chemicals and irritants are bad enough for the health, but allergy sufferers are especially more sensitive.

Contact Dr Maxwell at 3631807/7575411 or

maxwelladeyemi@hotmail.com