As far back as 1867, Dr Charles Blackley of Manchester, noted that when pollen was placed on the skin it caused itching and swelling to some people. When pollen is inhaled, it makes contact with the mucous membrane, lining the nose, and absorbs water from the mucous. A substance, not yet identified, dissolves from the pollen and enters the bloodstream through the mucous membrane. It then becomes an antigen which the white cells and antibodies of the immune system would normally destroy.
In the case of an allergic person, the immune system does not destroy the pollen antigen. The presence of the antigen causes the mast cells, which are laden with histamine and other chemicals, to break up and release a flood of histamine to the affected areas. The excessive histamine causes both localised symptoms in the initial areas of contact and general symptoms throughout the body. The former being hay fever, runny nose, etc. and the latter, the accompanying tiredness and lethargy.
Pollens become a problem mainly during spring and also in autumn owing to some plants, chiefly wild grasses, flowering twice a year. As pollens are carried on the wind, it makes little difference whether a sufferer be a country or a city dweller, the allergic reaction will be the same. Fungal spores from plant parasites on grain crops can also trigger allergic reactions in pollen-sensitive people.
Obviously, avoiding exposure to pollens is extremely difficult, apart from staying indoors with the windows closed during the bad times of the year. It is possible, however, for many people to find relief through a programme of desensitization from a medical allergist. This is given, following a series of skin tests, to ascertain the various types of pollens causing the allergy.
Medication, such as antihistamine tablets and decongestant sprays may be used to seek occasional, temporary relief. These preparations do not cure but simply palliate symptoms to make life a little easier for the sufferer. Beware of prolonged use! In the United States, doctors now suspect that thousands of people have become addicted to nasal sprays. If used too often to constrict blood vessels that have become dilated by histamine, natural constriction ceases to happen efficiently and the nose can become permanently blocked.
While it may not be possible to eliminate symptoms completely, a clean diet and avoidance of allergenic foods and chemicals will assist the immune system to cope better with pollen allergies.
House Dust and Allergy
People who are sensitive to house dust suffer from a form of allergic rhinitis which can cause identical symptoms to those of a pollen allergy. Fortunately, the symptoms usually subside within half an hour once the person has removed himself from the house environment. The normal activities of making beds, dusting, vacuuming, beating mats, etc. tend to bring on the running nose, hay fever and other symptoms which indicate that an allergenic dust has been released into the surrounding air. A sensitive person may find that when he wakes in the morning he has a blocked nose and itchy eyes. In a dusty house he may even wake during the night, wheezing and short of breath. Housewives may have symptoms throughout the day because of constant exposure.
House dust is a composition of cotton, wool fibres, kapok fibres, moulds, human and animal hair, danders (skin flakes), food particles, insect fragments and a variety of substances brought in from outside the house. Although all these materials are to varying degrees, allergenic, the main problem is a living mite - a microscopic, tick-like creature whose main diet is human and animal dander. There are a number of different types of mites; some live in mattresses, whilst others prefer old upholstered furniture. Sensitivity to house dust, therefore, is mainly a sensitivity to the house mite. Treatment of house dust allergy involves removal of the mite and tests to ascertain a course of desensitisation therapy.
* Fine fibres from linen, pillows, clothing, upholstery. * food particles * fungi spores * pollen, dust * dried leaves * dust mites * hair, animal fur & feathers * dried saliva & urine from pets * flakes of human & animal skin
Bacteria by-products in household dust can trigger asthma. The greater the exposure to house dust allergens, especially during windy days or during cleaning, the greater is the probability of getting an asthma attack.
Why does house dust cause allergy?
Bacteria by-products, called endotoxins in household dust trigger asthma and asthma related symptoms such as wheezing. Research shows that endotoxins in dust are found all over the house - bedrooms, living rooms, kitchen, furniture, curtains, bed?just everywhere.
Dust in the bedroom and kitchen is the biggest asthma trigger. Endotoxins from dust on bedroom floors, bedspreads, cushions, pillows are most strongly linked to adult asthma.
Dust mites ( tiny animals related to ticks and spiders that live in house dust) are another well-known asthma trigger found in dust. They leave droppings everywhere they go. Their droppings contain left-over enzymes, and it is these enzymes which are the most important part of mite dust in causing asthma and other allergic diseases. In fact, house dust mites and their droppings are the most important cause of asthma worldwide.
Dust can crop up even in rooms that look tidy and spotlessly clean . Dust can be of much fine quality which easily settle on surfaces and furniture around the house.
What are endotoxins?
Endotoxins are toxic substances found in the cell wall of bacteria and are only released when the bacteria ruptures or disintegrates. Because bacteria can be found everywhere in the home, the likelihood of their release is high. Once released, endotoxins can cause inflammation of the airways and lead to asthma symptoms. According to the studies, inhalation and exposure to endotoxins is common in homes. Indoor sources include - dust, pets, humidifiers, pests. Endotoxin concentrations are highest in kitchen and bed room floor dust.
Endotoxin exposure worsens asthma symptoms in adults, regardless of whether an individual has an allergy or not. This means that exposure to endotoxin increases asthma risk even in non-allergic individuals.
What are the warning symptoms of house dust induced asthma?
Early warning signs are usually experienced before the outbreak of an asthma attack, and by recognizing these signs, early treatment can be started. These signs are unique to each person. Some common warning signs include:
* Coughing - this often becomes worse at night or early in the morning. * Wheezing - breathing with a squeaky sound and with great difficulty. * Shortness of breath - due to insufficient supply of air * Fast and/or noisy breathing along with panting.
Common symptoms of asthma include:
* Sneezing * Mood swings * Headache * Stuffy and blocked nose * Coughing * Chin/ throat sensitivity and itching * Feeling of tiredness * Trouble in sleeping
Treatment:
There is no complete cure for house dust related asthma, attempt can be made to prevent its occurence. The main aim of treatment is to relieve symptoms and prevent complications.
* It is important to maintain cleanliness, and thereby prevent symptoms from getting worse. Any respiratory irritants should also be avoided. * Inhaled medications (bronchodilators) that widen the airways and decrease inflammation help reduce symptoms such as wheezing. * Antibiotics are also prescribed for infections, but depending on the severity of attack.
Always remember to seek professional medical advice about any treatment or change in treatment plans.
Preventive strategies -
* Dust the rooms thoroughly with a damp cloth, (so that the dust does not fly in the air) at least once a week. * Wear protective gloves and a mask to cover face while cleaning to reduce exposure to dust and other irritants. * Do not use blowers to clean surfaces. It will only aggravate and worsen your condition. Vacuum frequently. Use a vacuum that doesn't raise a dust cloud as it cleans. * Reduce the number of soft toys, dried flowers, furry substances and other dust collectors around the house. * Replace heavy and feathery linen and upholstery with washable curtains. * Do not use carpets. It would be better if you keep bare floors (hard surfaces are easier to clean) with wood, tile, washable rugs. * Wash all bedding, curtains in hot water every 10 days to kill house dust mites. * Use air conditioning during hot, humid months to keep inside humidity low. This will slow the growth of dust and molds. * Change or clean filters of air conditioners often to remove accumulated dust.
Both Krishan & Alien are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Krishan has sinced written about articles on various topics from Personal Desktop, Allergies and Allergies. Author sites: , and. Krishan's top article generates over 1900 views. to your Favourites.
Alien has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pregnancy Problems, Fitness and Get Rid of Bed Bugs. Read out . Also check out for and. Alien's top article generates over 673000 views. to your Favourites.