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Frequently Asked Questions about Allergies
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma
and Immunology is the largest professional
medical specialty organization representing
allergists, clinical immunologists, allied
health professionals and other physicians
with a special interest in allergy. The AAAAI
champions programs like the National
Allergy Bureau? to share valuable
information about allergies and asthma.
Education is key to improved treatment for
those suffering from allergies and asthma.
Allergic disease affects one out of six
Americans, and costs millions of dollars in
medications, physician services and missed
days from school and work. Following are
some common questions and answers on
allergy. If you have any other questions not
addressed here or if you need additional
information about a related topic, please visit
the Academy?s Web site, for information, and
consult an allergist.
What is an allergy?
An allergy is an abnormal reaction to an
ordinarily harmless substance called an
allergen. When an allergen, such as pollen, is
absorbed into the body of an allergic person,
that person?s immune system views the
allergen as an invader and a chain reaction is
initiated. White blood cells of the immune
system produce IgE antibodies. These
antibodies attach themselves to special cells
called mast cells, causing a release of potent
chemicals such as histamine. These
chemicals cause symptoms such as a runny
nose, watery eyes, itching and sneezing.
What are some common allergens?
People can be allergic to one or several
allergens. The most common include pollens,
molds, dust mites, animal dander (dead skin
flakes from animals with fur); foods;
medications; cockroach droppings and insect
stings.
Is there only one type of allergic reaction?
Allergic individuals can exhibit a variety of
reactions depending on the allergen and the
way it was absorbed into the body.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis sometimes called
"hay fever" is caused by an allergy to the
pollen of trees, grasses, weeds or mold
spores. Depending on what you are allergic
to, the section of the country and the
pollination periods, seasonal allergic rhinitis
may occur in the spring, summer or fall and
may last until the first frost. The sufferer has
spells of sneezing, itching and watery eyes,
runny nose, burning palate and throat.
Seasonal allergies also can trigger asthma.
Allergic rhinitis is a general term used to
apply to anyone who has symptoms of nasal
congestion, sneezing and a runny nose due
to allergies. This may be a seasonal problem
as with hay fever, or it may be a year-round
problem caused by indoor allergens such as
dust mite droppings, animal dander,
cockroach droppings or indoor molds/
mildew. Frequently, this problem is
complicated by sinusitis. Patients with
constant nasal symptoms should consult
their allergist.
Eczema or atopic dermatitis is a non-
contagious, itchy rash that often occurs on
the hands, arms, legs and neck, although it
can cover the entire body. This condition is
frequently associated with allergies, and
substances to which a person is sensitive
may aggravate it.
Contact dermatitis is a reaction affecting
areas of the skin which become red, itchy
and inflamed after contact with allergens or
irritants such as plants, cosmetics,
medications, metals and chemicals.
Urticaria or hives are red, itchy, swollen areas
of the skin that can vary in size and appear
anywhere on the body. Approximately 2
5% of
the U.S. population will experience an
episode of hives at least once in their lives.
Most common are acute cases of hives,
where the cause is readily identifiable as a
reaction to a viral infection, medication, food
or latex. Some people have chronic hives that
occur almost daily for months to years, with
no identifiable trigger. Angioedema is a
swelling of the deeper layers of the skin. It is
not red or itchy, and most often occurs in
soft tissue, such as the eyelids or mouth.
Hives and angioedema may appear together
or separately on the body.
What kind of a doctor is an allergist?
An allergist/clinical immunologist is a
Pediatrician or Internist who has undergone
2-3 years of special training in the diagnosis
and treatment of allergic and immunologic
diseases. To understand what you are
allergic to, an allergist will take a
personalized patient history, including a
thorough record of the illness, family history,
and home and work (school) environments;
perform allergy testing, and possibly perform
other laboratory tests. An allergist can create
a management plan with you for better
control of your environment. Your plan may
also include proper medication and perhaps
immunotherapy.
What is Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy, or "allergy shots", is
recommended for patients with moderate to
severe allergy symptoms throughout most of
the year, who do not respond adequately to
medications, and whose symptoms are
triggered by an allergen that is not easily
avoided, such as pollens or house dust
mites. Immunotherapy involves the injection
of allergenic extracts (tiny amounts of
allergens) that are given over a period of 3-5
years. By gradually increasing the amount of
extract, tolerance to the offending allergen
will increase, and the patient?s symptoms will
be relieved.
Currently, immunotherapy is used to treat
patients who are sensitive to inhaled
allergens?pollens, molds, dander and house
dust. Studies have also found
immunotherapy to be extremely effective in
many cases of stinging insect allergy as well.
Immunotherapy for food allergies is not
recommended because of the chance of a
severe allergic reaction to the injection.
Will moving help my allergies?
People with allergies have an inherited,
genetic tendency to produce IgE, the allergic
antibody, to many different substances such
as seasonal allergens, (trees, grasses, weeds)
or year-round allergens (dust mites, pet
dander). When a person with allergies moves
to another location, exposure to different
allergens in the new location will likely result
in a new set of allergy triggers, thereby
trading one set of symptoms for another. In
some cases, the benefits of a change in
location may outweigh the negative aspects.
Before making a move to "get away from
your allergies" consult with your allergist.
Also, when contemplating a move, if
possible, check out the new environment by
visiting there for two to four weeks (or more)
to see if your symptoms improve. Keep in
mind it may take months or years to become
allergic to a new allergen i.e., tree, grass or
weed species.
Seasonal allergy sufferers may be able to find
temporary relief by taking a vacation during
the height of the pollen season to a more
pollen-free environment such as near large
bodies of water.
Is it dangerous to do nothing about an
allergy?
In some cases, it is dangerous to ignore
allergy symptoms. Severe and untreated hay
fever may lead to asthma, sinusitis, and
other serious conditions. Allergic dermatitis
or eczema can spread to secondary
infections if they are not treated properly,
and untreated asthma can lead to chronic
symptoms. Early detection and treatment of
all allergic diseases is important.
Can I ever be cured of my allergy?
The tendency to have allergies is genetically
inherited. Thus, instead of a cure, patients
should work with their allergist to keep their
allergies under control. Successful treatment
of allergies includes early detection, proper
usage of medications and simple allergen
avoidance techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pollen
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma
and Immunology is the largest professional
medical specialty organization representing
allergists, clinical immunologists, allied
health professionals and other physicians
with a special interest in allergy. The AAAAI
champions programs like the National
Allergy Bureau? to share valuable
information about allergies and asthma.
Education is key to improved treatment for
those suffering from allergies and asthma.
Allergic disease affects one out of six
Americans, and costs millions of dollars in
medications, physician services and missed
days from school and work. Following are
some common questions and answers on
allergies and pollen counts. If you have any
other questions not addressed here or if you
need additional information about a related
topic, please visit the Academy?s Web site for
information, and consult an allergist.
Can you recommend any medication for my
allergies?
The National Allergy Bureau? does not offer
medical advice. Please consult your allergist
to discuss proper treatment of your allergy
symptoms.
How do you acquire pollen counts?
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma
and Immunology has a network of pollen
counters across the United States. Each
counter works under the direction of an
AAAAI member and must first pass a
certification course provided through the
AAAAI. Counters use air sampling equipment
to capture air-borne pollens. The number of
pollen grains collected are then counted and
logged.
When do pollen counting stations reopen for
the spring?
Pollen counting stations usually begin
reporting in March and April, when pollen
levels increase to measurable amounts. The
opening date of each station differs slightly
from year to year based on local weather
conditions. Counting stations in warmer
climates generally stay open year round.
Why isn't a certain station counting?
There are numerous reasons why pollen
counting stations don't count, including
technical difficulties with the pollen counting
equipment; illness; temporary lack of staff;
time away from the office or the station has
closed for the season because pollens have
diminished to virtually nonexistent levels.
Why is there a disparity between two
counting stations in the same city?
There are a number of reasons that could
explain the difference, including the time of
day that the sample was taken; a change in
temperature, wind conditions, humidity or
precipitation; or differences in surrounding
geography.
The time of day that aeroallergens are
sampled can account for variances in the
amount of pollen measured. Pollen
concentrations are usually highest after the
dew dries after sunrise to late morning. If
one station samples at 8 a.m. and the other
station samples at 2 p.m., there could be a
significant difference in pollen concentration.
Weather conditions also affect pollen levels.
The most variant factors influencing different
pollen counts from approximately the same
region are wind, humidity, and the proximity
of the sampling equipment to pollen
producing vegetation.
Because pollens are small, light and dry, they
can be easily spread by wind, which keeps
pollen airborne and carries it over long
distances. If one station samples when the
wind is strong and the other station samples
when the wind is calm, there's bound to be a
difference in the pollen levels.
When the air is humid, such as during or
after it rains, pollen becomes damp and
heavy with moisture, keeping it still and on
the ground. If one station samples right
before a rain storm, and the other station
samples just after it rains, there will probably
be a significant difference in the
concentration of pollen.
Another reason to account for the difference
is the proximity of the sampling equipment
to pollen producing vegetation. Samples
taken from an urban area, where there is
little vegetation, will most likely differ from
samples taken from a rural area, where there
is more vegetation.
Is the pollen season the same from year to
year?
The beginning and ending times of tree,
grass and weed pollen seasons are very
similar from year to year in the same
location. Intensity differs every year based on
the previous year's weather, current weather
and other environmental factors.
Why isn't there a counting station in my area?
The NAB is always working to add more
counting stations. The NAB will continue its
efforts to enlist additional volunteers to its
network of certified counting stations so that
most areas of the country are represented.
If a station is x miles from my home, will the
counts apply to my area?
It's difficult to provide accurate pollen and
spore levels for areas not near a pollen
counting station. If the climate and
geography are similar, chances are the
figures reported by the station are a good
indicator of conditions nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mold
Understanding and eradicating molds:
Several stories about Stachybotrys
chartarum, a toxic mold, have appeared in
the media over the past few months. The
AAAAI developed this fact sheet to help you
learn more about mold and how to get rid of
it in your home.
For a detailed list of indoor and outdoor
mold resources/links, click here.
What is mold?
There are hundreds of thousands of types of
molds. All are fungi, which means they are
many-celled organisms that reproduce by
sending tiny seeds called spores into the air.
Molds need four things to grow: food, air,
the right temperature and water. Although
fungi grow naturally ?outdoors", molds are
very common in buildings and homes and
will grow anywhere indoors where there is
sufficient moisture. They like dark, damp,
warm environments, and can grow on
anything from basement walls to garbage
pails to houseplants, and many building
materials. Moisture can come from water
damage, excessive humidity, water leaks,
condensation, water infiltration, flooding,
leaking roofs, leaky plumbing, sewer
backups, and frequently overflowing washing
machines.
What are the health concerns about molds?
Mold and its spores contain allergens,
meaning that in some people sensitivity to
fungi (molds) can cause allergic reactions
such as allergic rhinitis or asthma. Certain
molds can cause infection, in the same way
bacteria do. Molds may also produce musty
odors known as volatile organic compounds
that may cause irritation to the eyes, nose
and throat.
What is stachybotrys chartarum (Stachybotrys
atra)?
Stachybotrys chartarum (also known by its
synonym Stachybotrys atra) is a slow
growing, greenish-black mold that needs an
environment of constant moisture. It grows
only on wood, paper and cotton products
and can be found in 2% to 5% of American
homes. Under specific environmental
conditions, Stachybotrys chartarum may
produce several toxic chemicals called
mycotoxins. These chemicals can be present
in spores and small fungus fragments
released into the air, but there is currently no
evidence that these small levels of exposure
are harmful to humans.
What are the health effects of stachybotrys
chartarum?
If Stachybotrys chartarum spores are
released into the air, there is a potential for
humans to develop symptoms such as
coughing, wheezing, runny nose, irritated
eyes or throat, particularly if the person has
developed an allergy to this fungus.
Stachybotrys chartarum has been blamed for
pulmonary hemosiderosis (bleeding in the
lungs) in a small number of infants. However,
experts claim that this is ?not proved?. Other
factors such as second-hand tobacco smoke
may be more important.
What should people do if they have
stachybotrys chartarum in their building or
home?
Mold growing in homes and buildings,
whether it is Stachybotrys chartarum or other
molds, indicates that there is a problem with
water or moisture, and this should be
addressed immediately. Once mold starts to
grow in insulation or wallboard the only way
to deal with the problem is by removal and
replacement. Mold under carpets typically
requires that the carpets be removed. Walls
and other hard surfaces can be cleaned with
a weak bleach solution of 10 parts water to 1
part chlorine bleach to prevent mold growth
only if done immediately after flooding has
occurred. Moldy items should be thrown
away. For more information on mold, visit
the Environmental Protection Agency Web
site, http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/
moldresources.html.
This FAQ section was edited for medical
accuracy by Dr. Robert Bush of the AAAAI
Aerobiology committee, on 12-07-04.
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