"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

Tricky childhood symptoms of sinus infection

No, it's not a headache, stuffy nose, or even green mucus -- though these can accompany an infection of the sinuses.  The most common symptoms of a sinus infection in a child are a wet, mucusy cough, often along with vomiting of mucus.  While these can happen with a garden-variety "cold", or viral respiratory infection, symptoms will generally linger much longer when there is a true bacterial sinus infection present.  Be sure to check with your child's doctor if these symptoms continue beyond 7-10 days with no sign of improvement.

If your child has asthma, keep in mind that a sinus infection can trigger an asthma flare-up, and may require earlier diagnosis and treatment. 

Sinus infection, a cold, or allergies?

The phrase "I have sinus problems" has become so common, it is hard to know what it means.  Here are some tips to tell the difference between sinus pressure due to true sinus infection, a cold, or allergies:

SINUS INFECTION (BACTERIAL SINUSITIS):  This is a bacterial infection in the sinuses (which are areas behind the facial bones that should be filled with air).  Signs can range from a wet cough, thick mucus in the throat, discolored (green, yellow, brown or grey) mucus that persists for more than a week or progresses over that time, pain in the upper teeth or cheeks, tenderness between the eyes or a chronic headache, and nasal congestion -- especially if symptoms are on one side only.   Kids tend to cough or vomit mucus as their only symptom.

A COLD (VIRAL RESPIRATORY INFECTION):  Sometimes difficult to distinguish early on from a sinus infection, the tip offs are that multiple people in the household start with similar symptoms within a week of each other (viral infections spread easily), there is a worsening within a few days then gradual improvement, and there may be fever or muscle aches associated for one or two days.

NASAL ALLERGIES:  The biggest clue here is itching of the nose, eyes, ears, or throat.  Repeated sneezing is also more likely to be due to allergies but can happen with colds as well.  Runny nose is usually clear and watery, not discolored.  But congestion and headaches can be just as bad as with sinusitis or viral respiratory infections.

Treatment is different for each of the above, so it is important to make the distinction.  If you have persistent symptoms and need some help with figuring out the reasons, make an appointment and we'll do our best to help you!  Send us a message from our "contact us" page at southbayallergy. com.