Allergy season is upon us—but then, that’s a year-round season here in Southern California. And people with food or other allergies must contend with those sensitivities every day. But what exactly are allergies? For individuals with allergies, why does the body react the way it does to, say, peanuts or penicillin?
David Kim, MD, a Torrance Memorial otolaryngologist and surgeon, explains the why and how behind our allergies—from mild pollen sensitivities to serious food or medication allergies.
1. What causes allergies, and what determines how severe they are?
An allergy is a condition in which a person's immune system reacts inappropriately to normally harmless foreign matters such as environmental substances, medications or food. We still don’t understand what exactly causes allergies, but we know both genetics and environmental factors play a role. For instance, people with allergies are more likely to have children with allergies. The severity of an allergy is determined by many factors including the type of allergen, the frequency and quantity of allergen exposure, and a person’s age and genetics.
2. Hay fever is typically relatively mild and causes common symptoms—sneezing, runny nose and eyes—while allergic reactions to shellfish, peanuts or penicillin can be life-threatening and include symptoms such as a rash or hypotension. Why is there such a range of symptoms?
The symptoms can vary widely depending on the type of allergen, the mode of
exposure—for example, airborne versus skin contact—and the innate nature of a person’s
immune system. But it’s not exactly clear why some foods and substances tend to cause
more severe reactions than others. Airborne allergens usually cause more localized
reactions in the nose and eyes. Food allergies are triggered by ingestion and absorption of the allergen into the bloodstream and therefore can have more widespread and severe
symptoms.
3. There’s a popular perception that allergies—especially food allergies and reactions to other common allergens—are becoming more prevalent. Is this something you are seeing in your practice?
Yes. There has been an increase in allergies among general patient populations, and this
has been observed in other countries as well. One proposed explanation is the hygiene
hypothesis—basically, due to improved sanitation in the modern era there has been less
need for our immune system to fight germs, parasites and dirt. So it may be less developed.
Also, coupled with global climate change, areas with a warmer climate such as Southern
California have seen earlier and longer pollen seasons along with higher pollen counts. This can contribute to more prolonged and severe allergy symptoms. Air pollution and dietary changes may play a role too.
4. What are some treatment options for moderate to severe allergies?
People with moderate to severe allergies for whom conventional oral and topical remedies
haven’t worked should consult with an allergist or immunologist and undergo a formal
allergy test. If a person is found to have a specific allergy, allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots) can be given to decrease allergy symptoms. There is also a newer class of
medications called biologics, which derive from living organisms and target various
pathways within the immune system. In my practice, I also offer surgical therapy for patients with refractory nasal allergy symptoms with sinus infections or nasal polyps.
David Kim, MD, practices at Torrance Memorial Physician Network at 23550 Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 230, Torrance. He can be reached at 310-891-6733.
Symptoms of seasonal allergies
Hay fever, or seasonal allergies, can happen in the spring, summer and early fall. Seasonal allergies typically trigger the following symptoms:
• Runny nose and congestion
• Cough
• Itchy nose or throat
• Watery, itchy and/or red eyes
• Sneezing throat (postnasal drip)
• Mucus that runs down the back of your throat
• Swollen and bruised-looking area under the eyes
• Tiredness, usually because of poor sleep due to nasal congestion
Tips to help reduce seasonal allergy symptoms
- Avoid high exposure to pollen: When the weather is going to be warm, avoid mowing the lawn and stay away from moldy piles of leaves. People with seasonal allergies also should avoid irritants such as strong chemicals and pollution.
- Keep your home and car clean of pollen: On days when pollen counts are high, keep doors and windows closed. Stay inside, especially during afternoons and evenings when pollen levels are highest. Cool your home using air conditioning, if possible.
- Clean outdoor pollen residues: After being outside on high-pollen days, shower to wash away pollen and put on clean clothes. Use saline nasal wash to help clear allergens from your nose.
Know your allergies
A simple blood test or a skin test at the doctor’s office can identify what you’re allergic to. Identifying these allergens is important to developing an effective treatment plan.
Talk to your doctor
Ask your doctor about treatment options and follow a recommended treatment plan.
