When is the hay fever season in Korea? What causes the allergic
reaction? What are some useful remedies for people suffering from allergies?
Many people here suffer from allergic rhinitis, which is clinically
subdivided into two types, seasonal and perennial, based on the etiology
and timing of symptoms. Seasonal allergic rhinitis, commonly known as
hay fever, is caused mainly by pollens from various kinds of plants
like grass, weeds, ragweeds, and various trees. Therefore its symptoms
tend to aggravate during the time of spread of specific responsible
pollens, usually from early spring through fall.
On the other hand, perennial rhinitis, which accounts for about seventy
to eighty percent of allergic rhinitis in Korea, shows no such seasonal
variation, and symptoms persist throughout the year. Perennial rhinitis
is caused by debris and droppings of house dust mites (Dermatophagoides),
which feed on human and animal dander and infest bedding, couches, carpets
and upholstery.
Some patients have both types and show seasonal aggravation of chronic
persistent rhinitis. The nasal mucosa (lining membrane) of a rhinitis
patient becomes so sensitive that nonspecific irritations other than
allergens (like tobacco smoke, aerosol, paints, dusts, or strong perfumes
or odors) can intensify rhinitis symptoms. Other causes include animal
dander and urine, molds, cockroaches, and foods. Associated nasal polyps
may aggravate rhinitis symptoms.
Allergy is immune reaction -- the body’ defense mechanism to differentiate
between self and non-self and to attack and eliminate non-self -- against
a specific antigen or allergen. When a genetically susceptible person
comes into contact with a specific allergen or antigen, immune cells
(lymphocytes) in the body recognize the allergen as non-self and produce
a protein molecule called immunoglobulin E (Ig E) to eliminate the allergen
from the body on invasion next time. Ig E is then attached to the surface
auses the emptying of active chemicals contained within mast cells,
which in turn precipitate immunological reaction manifesting itself
in symptoms such as sneezing, nasal discharge, and stuffy nose.
Medical treatment is mainly symptomatic: antihistamines, oral or nasal
decongestants, and nasal sprays (corticosteroid, cromolyn sodium) are
usually prescribed to relieve symptoms. Desensitization treatment, in
which a patient is given at regular intervals diluted allergen in gradually
increasing doses, may be of some value for a few patients, but it takes
a long time(three to five years) and a lot of money. At home, patients
may feel better when they irrigate the nose with saline using an irrigator
or syringe or simply a small dish at times of aggravation. In addition,
steam inhalation may be beneficial.
Environmental control is of utmost importance to prevent allergy or
alleviate symptoms, though its effect is limited because of the ubiquity
of allergens all around us. Patients with perennial rhinitis should
try to control house dust by removing carpets, fabric sofas, and curtains
from the home, frequently ventilating and cleaning rooms with a vacuum
cleaner or air cleaner with special filters. Basking in the sun and
hot laundering of bedding, and maintaining an indoor humidity level
below 50% and a room temperature of 15 degrees Celsius can suppress
the growth of mites. Special casing made of synthetic material or allergen-proof
fabric is recommended for mattresses and pillows for mite control.
For seasonal rhinitis, patients are advised to close the windows of
the home and cars, and stay indoors at times of spread of pollens. They
should wear a mask, a hat, and glasses when they are outdoors. On returning
home, they should wash their hands and brush their teeth. They should
not hang laundry or bedding outdoors, or mow lawns in high pollen season.
And they may as well get rid of indoor plants.
For further information, I refer you to: http://www.aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/tips/default.stm.
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