EYE ALLERGIES TO BE ENDURED NO MORE!
As spring/summer approaches there is a spate of children with itching and redness of the eyes. Most of these children suffer from spring catarrh (Vernal Kerato Conjunctivitis or VKC) or sometimes seasonal allergic conjunctivitis VKC is more common in young boys but affects girls as well. It usually affects children between 3 to 16 years of age, though it may appear earlier than that and continue into adulthood. In the majority of cases, symptoms resolve at puberty. Although the name suggests a seasonal spring time occurrence, frequently the disease persists throughout the year with exacerbations episodically.SYMPTOMS include intense itching, irritation, photophobia (sensitivity to light) and burning. The itching is worse with exposure to wind, dust, and bright light and hot weather. Some patients complain of a sticky, stringy mucous discharge. There may be associated runny nose or sinusitis and some children even have allergic asthma
TREATMENT IS SYMPTOMATIC AND TAILORED TO THE SEVERITY OF THE DISEASE
Apart from medication, eye hygiene and protective eyewear to minimise exposure to the allergen (pollen or dust), as well as cold compresses, help in controlling the symptoms MEDICATION. Artificial tear substitutes provide a barrier function and help to improve the first-line defence at the level of conjunctival mucosa. These agents help to dilute various allergens and inflammatory mediators that may be present on the ocular surface, and they help flush the ocular surface of these agents. Chilled artificial tears can provide symptomatic relief as well. Those with milder symptoms are given topical antihistamines (epinastine and azelastine) which are very effective in controlling the itch.though they sometimes cause dryness. Simultaneously mast cell stabilisers such as sodium cromoglycate or newer agents such as olopatadine & bepostatine are started. The mast cell stabilisers generally do not relieve existing symptoms and thus are not effective alone when symptoms are active They must be used regularly three to four times daily, continued even when there are no symptoms in order to stabilise the mast cells and prevent the release of histamine and recurrence of symptoms. They can limit or stop the use of steroid drops over the course of the disease. They do not have any of the side effects of steroids and can, therefore, be used for a prolonged period. Those presenting with more severe disease are given topical steroid drops (e.g. prednisolone, dexamethasone. To be used 4-6 times a day-sometimes even 2 hourly. The steroid can also be given in an ointment form to be used at bedtime. A mast cell stabiliser should be started simultaneously. Steroids should be used frequently initially and then tapered to a stop once the acute stage of the disease is stabilised (usually a couple of weeks). Their use requires monitoring because of the possible effect on intraocular pressure. Long term unsupervised use can lead to glaucoma and cataract. Those not responding to conventional treatment may be given supratarsal (into the lid) injection of steroids (long-acting steroids such as triamcinolone and shorter-acting steroids dexamethasone). In very young children this may necessitate short general anaesthesia. Topical cyclosporine or tacrolimus(immunomodulators) may be effective in reducing some of the signs and symptoms of VKC without adverse effects of steroid(steroid-sparing regimen) and are used in the treatment of more severe ocular allergies. Oral antihistamines may be useful if the allergy is more widespread, affecting the nose and sinuses as well. Montelukast & cetirizine orally are other agents that have been used for symptomatic relief
REMEMBER!
Seeking help early and adequate treatment (often long term) is the key to controlling the disease and preventing serious side effects (which thankfully are uncommon). Apart from medication the role of hygiene and protective eyewear to minimise exposure to the allergen (pollen or dust) as well as cold compresses cannot be emphasised enough. Poorly controlled disease apart from making the child miserable runs the risk of complications like corneal scarring /weakening with resultant keratoconus-which have serious visual consequences. Unregimented self-medication runs the risk of major side effects like cataract and glaucoma due to unwarranted steroid overuse.
Allergies, or allergic reactions, are common occurrences, which are caused by unnatural reactions between your body's immune system and foreign substances, which have gained access into the body. When these substances, known as allergens, enter your body, your immune system produces antibodies, which are responsible for warding off unwanted substances like harmful viruses or diseases and helping in the body's overall resistance.
However, when antibodies identify a particular allergen as harmful, when it really isn't, a reaction occurs which may lead to inflammation or infection of the skin, sinuses, the digestive tract and the respiratory tract, among others. Allergies usually differ from individual to individual and can vary from mild skin irritations to fatal life-threatening emergencies.
Symptoms
Symptoms of allergies depend upon a wide range of factors, which are subjective and vary from person to person and from allergen to allergen. Depending upon the type of allergen involved and the nature of the allergy, symptoms may include any of the following:
These symptoms are common in mild to moderate allergies, such as atopic dermatitis, hay fever, drug or food allergies. There are certain rare cases (say, scorpion stings), however, in which the allergic reaction turns out to be potentially life-threatening. This type of reaction is known as anaphylaxis. Here are its signs and symptoms:
Causes
The main cause of allergy is the uncontrolled reaction between the immune system's antibodies and harmless allergens. Allergic reactions are triggered when antibodies, like histamine, come into contact with particular types of allergens. These may include:
Allergies, or allergic reactions, are common occurrences which are caused by unnatural reactions between your body's immune system and foreign substances which have gained access into the body. When these substances, known as allergens, enter your body, your immune system produces antibodies which are responsible for warding off unwanted substances like harmful viruses or diseases and helping in the body's overall resistance.
However, when your antibodies identify a particular allergen as harmful, when it really isn't, a reaction occurs which may lead to inflammation or infection of the skin, sinuses, the digestive tract and the respiratory tract, among others.
Allergies usually differ from individual to individual and can vary from mild skin irritations to fatal life-threatening emergencies.
Symptoms
Symptoms of allergies depend upon a wide range of factors which are subjective and vary from person to person and from allergen to allergen.
Depending upon the type of allergen involved and the nature of the allergy, symptoms may include any of the following:
1. Sneezing
2. Running nose
3. Severe itching
4. Swollen or red and watery eyes
5. Hives
6. Rashes
7. Facial swelling
8. Wheezing
9. Flaky skin which can peel off
These symptoms are common in mild to moderate allergies such as atopic dermatitis, hay fever, drug or food allergies. There are certain rare cases (say, scorpion stings), however, in which the allergic reaction turns out to be potentially life-threatening. This type of reaction is known as anaphylaxis. Here are its signs and symptoms:
1. Intense shortness of breath
2. Lightheadedness
3. Nausea and vomiting
4. Loss of consciousness
5. Skin rashes
6. Weak pulse
7. A significant drop in blood pressure
Causes
The main cause of allergies is the uncontrolled reaction between the immune system's antibodies and harmless allergens. Allergic reactions are triggered when antibodies, like histamine, come into contact with particular types of allergens. These may include:
1. Airborne allergens - pollen, mold, or dust mites
2. Insect stings - bee stings or scorpion stings
3. Certain eatables - peanuts or sea food
4. Medications - penicillin or penicillin-based antibiotics
5. Latex or other substances which are responsible for causing allergic skin reactions
Allergies, or allergic reactions, are common occurrences, which are caused by unnatural reactions between your body's immune system and foreign substances, which have gained access into the body. When these substances, known as allergens, enter your body, your immune system produces antibodies, which are responsible for warding off unwanted substances like harmful viruses or diseases and helping in the body's overall resistance.
However, when antibodies identify a particular allergen as harmful, when it really isn't, a reaction occurs which may lead to inflammation or infection of the skin, sinuses, the digestive tract and the respiratory tract, among others. Allergies usually differ from individual to individual and can vary from mild skin irritations to fatal life-threatening emergencies.
Symptoms
Symptoms of allergies depend upon a wide range of factors, which are subjective and vary from person to person and from allergen to allergen. Depending upon the type of allergen involved and the nature of the allergy, symptoms may include any of the following:
These symptoms are common in mild to moderate allergies, such as atopic dermatitis, hay fever, drug or food allergies. There are certain rare cases (say, scorpion stings), however, in which the allergic reaction turns out to be potentially life-threatening. This type of reaction is known as anaphylaxis. Here are its signs and symptoms:
Causes
The main cause of allergy is the uncontrolled reaction between the immune system's antibodies and harmless allergens. Allergic reactions are triggered when antibodies, like histamine, come into contact with particular types of allergens. These may include:
Allergic Rhinitis or Hay Fever is an allergic reaction that affects the upper respiratory passage. As of 2016, about 20-30% of the Indian population has been affected by allergic rhinitis, with the count going up to about 62% in Asia. Like other allergies, rhinitis occurs in response to certain triggers called allergens when they are breathed in. This article shall concisely tell you everything you need to know about this very common condition.
Types:
Allergic Rhinitis may be of two types- the seasonal allergy in which allergic reactions occur at a particular time of the year, in response to the triggering factors that increase in abundance at that time, and the perennial allergy whose trigger factors are present around the year.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of allergic rhinitis appear suddenly and violently. These include:
One or more of these symptoms may occur simultaneously during rhinitis. In seasonal allergy, symptoms may appear at certain times of the year, while they may appear at any time in the case of perennial allergy. Fever does not occur usually.
Causes:
Rhinitis symptoms occur when an allergic reaction is triggered by histamine secreted by the body in response to one or more of the following allergens:
Seasonal allergies are mostly caused due to pollens from trees in spring and from grasses through summer and fall.
Diagnosis:
Allergic Rhinitis is usually diagnosed by its symptoms. Sometimes a skin prick test is performed to determine the exact substance causing the reaction. A Radioallergosorbent test or RAST is performed to measure the extent of reaction to an allergen.
Risk Factors:
Allergic rhinitis occurs due to an abnormality in the immune response of the body and can affect anybody. However, certain risk factors greatly increase your chances of having an allergy. These include:
Treatment:
Allergic rhinitis has no permanent cure. Only the symptoms can be effectively managed by one or more of the following:
In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!
Have you been sneezing frequently? Have you been feeling congestion in the chest or have a stuffy, itchy or a runny nose? If yes, it is possible that you may be suffering from nasal allergy. It is an inflammatory reaction caused due to dust mites, animal hair, pollens, and pollutants. Individuals who suffer from nasal allergies experience symptoms like nasal congestion and sneezing which tend to last for the whole day. To get a relief from the symptoms of nasal allergy, you must observe the signs of allergy and consult with an ENT or Ear-Nose-Throat specialist for effective results.
If the nasal allergy symptoms are left untreated in the early stage, then it might gradually worsen over time. So, the best way to prevent other complications is by paying attention or recognizing the allergy signs instead of ignoring them. For your convenience, here you will get to know about some of the basic symptoms which might assist you in this regard.
Three primary symptoms which you must not ignore:
Foods that might help prevent nasal allergy:
Warm fluids like hot tea or warm chicken soup or any other fluids assist in treating congestion. Studies suggest the fact that fish containing healthy omega- 3 fatty acids might prove beneficial in decreasing the risk of allergies. So, sufferers of nasal allergy might intake fish like salmon, mackerel, and tuna. According to some research, healthy bacteria termed probiotics which are present in yogurt may help slightly lower the symptoms of pollen allergy in kids.
So, the best way to deal with nasal allergies is by identifying the common symptoms and visiting an ENT specialist as soon as possible. The specialist may prescribe you the best treatment depensing on your condition.
In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!
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