Condition
Allergic Rhinitis commonly known as seasonal allergies or hay fever
Areas Affected
Nose, eyes, head, throat & lungs
Commentary
Allergic rhinitis refers to a complex of symptoms characterized by sneezing, watery red & itchy eyes, runny & itchy nose, fatigue, headache, post nasal drip & sinus congestion.
Allergic rhinitis is composed of two verities, seasonal & perennial. The seasonal
verity is further divided into three types: 1) spring 2) summer 3) fall
In spring the allergens are primarily tree pollen, in summer they are primarily grass pollen & in fall the allergies are primarily weed pollen. If the allergic response is present without regard to season, then this is the second type of allergic rhinitis known as perennial allergic rhinitis. The most common allergens in this case are fungus spores, dust & animal dander.
Tree & grass pollen, mold, animal dander & dust are among the most common everyday allergens. In response to these allergies the immune system goes into overdrive & releases unnecessary histamines & leukotrienes. These are the culprits behind your allergy symptoms.
Who is Affected
Allergies are on the rise. In fact the National Health & Nutrition Examination Survey found that more then 20% of the population in the U.S. is affected by allergies. Males, females & children suffer from allergies. While children may grow out of their allergies after puberty, as the patient ages this condition may recur. Most patients with allergic rhinitis have a history of being treated with repeated antibiotics as children as well as eating a diet high in sugar, sweets & dairy products.
Before you run to the corner store to medicate your symptoms, please consider acupuncture.
