The Epi-Pen that talks to you!

Click here to read the article that was in the New York Times about the newest epinephrine device.

"Why are my allergy symptoms worse than ever before?"

Many people are experiencing severe allergy symptoms right now and many of them are asking "why are my symptoms more severe than ever before?"

The answer may be due to the "priming effect".

The "priming effect" is an increased sensitivity of the lining of the nose that occurs with repeated exposure to allergens like pollen.

With the hot weather occurring earlier in the year this year and sticking around longer than usual, there has been more pollen in the air (plants produce more pollen in hotter weather).

This has meant a longer allergy season and a therefore a more vigorous "priming effect" that has become stronger and stronger as the different seasons have progressed.

 

So a person doesn't need to be exposed to as much pollen to have symptoms of hay fever (also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis). These symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, scratchy throat, watery/itchy eyes and even fatigue. All of these can greatly affect quality of life and can lead to complications like sinus infections and asthma flares.

 

People who've never had seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms before may experience them for the first time. Others who could control these symptoms with over the counter medications like antihistamines now need additional medication to help symptoms.

We are currently in the fall allergy season where weeds and molds are the main culprits that cause symptoms. Elm tree pollen is also important here in So Cal this time of year. The "priming effect" can also cause patients to be more sensitive to other allergens like dust mites and animal dander.

The most important thing for patients to know is: don't ignore your symptoms! If allergen avoidance and over the counter medications are not enough, go see an allergist to discuss other options and to develop a treatment plan that is right for you!

For more information, please visit: www.southbayallergy.com

Anaphylaxis: Better Safe than Sorry

Q. How can I tell when to use auto-injectable epinephrine? I don't want to use it or go to the hospital if it's not necessary.

A. There's no way to predict how severe an anaphylaxis episode might become, so the time to begin treatment is when symptoms first develop.

Only epinephrine stops anaphylaxis. Injected into the thigh, it begins to take effect within 5-8 minutes. It often takes more than one dose - and if something were to go wrong with the first dose, you'll need a back-up. By comparison, antihistamines don't start working for an hour and won't touch the respiratory or cardiovascular effects of anaphylaxis.

After you administer epinephrine, call 911. Don't drive yourself to the hospital! Adults should lie down with feet elevated to help protect the heart and brain while they wait for help. If possible, be ready to explain what you were doing before symptoms appeared and what's happened since you used epinephrine. Children tend to have breathing compromised more so than cardiovascular function and it's important they be kept comfortable, so they can remain or be held by a parent sitting upright.

Epinephrine is not a dangerous drug; adverse effects typically are mild and affect only elderly and frail patients. Anaphylaxis, however, can be fatal - it's safer to treat!

source: Wallace, Dana MD, Allergy & Asthma Today, Volume 9, Issue 4. Winter 2011.

Allergy Alert!

The rain has kept the pollen levels low. However, mold spores are still prevalent. In addition, the Santa Ana winds will be picking up this weekend which can cause allergy flare ups. Please close your windows and take allergy medications if you are pollen allergic.

What to Do With Expired Medications

If you have expired medications around the house, it is best not to throw them in the trash where they could end up in the wrong hands, nor down the toilet, where they could contaminate the water supply. Several local police stations are teaming up with the DEA and offering to dispose of your old medications properly. See the whole story in the Daily Breeze here.