Urticaria, or hives, is a common problem seen in doctors’ offices. In some patients, in addition to hives, there may also be swelling of the lips or throat. This is called angioedema. The cause of the hives and angioedema is most likely degranulation of mast cells. Everyone has mast cells on the exposed parts of the body. Theses mast cells are loaded with histamine, leukotrienes, and several other chemicals. If these chemicals stay inside the mast cells, they do not cause any problems. Once they are released, the open up the blood vessels and create inflammation.
Exercise Induced Asthma
In the United States, it is estimated that as many as 10% of school-age children experience asthma symptoms brought on or worsened by exercise. This is known as exercise induced asthma (EIA). Why does exercise cause asthma symptoms? It is thought that the intense breathing that take place during exertion causes water loss from the lungs, which cools the lungs’ moist lining. The drop in temperature begins a process that results in constriction of the muscles around the airways and inflammation within the airways – the ingredients of an asthma attack.
Oral Allergy Syndrome
One little girl with severe ragweed allergy used to complain to her father that eating melon, banana, cucumber and tomato made her throat and inner ears itch. He thought it was just her imagination. However, it is now recognized that symptoms such as these are caused by a type of food-related allergic reaction called Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS). Adults and children who are allergic to inhaled pollens (tree, grass and ragweed pollens) and who usually have seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) may experience symptoms after eating certain raw vegetables, nuts, seeds, or fresh fruit.
Allergy and Asthma Pregnancy
Asthma and other allergic problems are among the most common of potentially serious illnesses complicating pregnancy. About 1 of every 100 pregnant women suffer from asthma during their pregnancy. Many more suffer from hay fever and other allergies. Here are answers to some of the most common questions pregnant patients ask, provided by the Pregnancy Committee of the American College of Allergy and Immunology.
Aspirin and NSAID Sensitivity
Aspirin and the NSAID’S may cause allergy-type reactions in persons who develop this unusual sensitivity. The main types of reactions are: SKIN CONDITIONS: itching, rashes, hives, or swelling. RESPIRATORY: nasal congestion, nasal polyps, sinusitis, loss of smell, cough, asthma, anaphylaxis. A sudden severe asthma attack may happen after ASA or an NSAID.
Eye Allergy
Eye allergies can cause inflammation of the conjunctiva – the mucous membrane covering the white of the eyes and the inner side of the eyelids. If something irritates this clear membrane, your eyes may water, itch, hurt, or become red or swollen. In these instances, the condition is called either allergic conjunctivitis or ocular allergy. It can occur alone, or it may be associated with nasal allergy symptoms. Unlike pink eye, this condition is not contagious.