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What is Allergy?
Pollen Allergy
Allergy Testing
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Allergic Conjunctivitis
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Pollen Allergy



What is pollen?







When do plants make pollen?




What is a Nasal Allergy?

The medical term rhinitis refers to a disorder often characterized by symptoms including an itchy runny nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion from a variety of causes. One of the most common types of rhinitis is allergic rhinitis or "nasal allergy."

Before we discuss allergic rhinitis, one must better understand what "allergy" is all about. Allergy is the opposite of AIDS. Allergy symptoms are the result of too much immunity. Your immune system produces antibodies to fight infection. Your body is producing too much of an antibody known as E. The allergy antibody E or (IgE) is made by your immune system in response to an exposure to substances that we refer to as Allergens. Allergens are usually environmentally stable foreign substances like pollen protein that may induce allergic reactions but only in predisposed individuals.

Why do allergic symptoms occur?

The allergic response starts when the immune system (which is designed to protect the body from harmful material) mistakes perfectly harmless materials (such as pollen and dust) for potentially threatening "invaders." The defensive process that follows starts with a group of specialized cells known as mast cells.

Mast cells are located in various tissues in the body where harmful materials can gain access - including the nose, eyes, nasal mucosa, and lungs. Each mast cell contains chemicals, such as histamine, that trigger the allergic response. When histamine is released into your nose, you will sneeze and have a runny nose. Histamine in the lungs will cause spasm of the airways or wheezing. If histamine is released from exploding mast cells into the skin, you may experience itching. If an allergic reaction occurs all over the body, such as with a severe life-threatening bee sting reaction, it is called Anaphylaxis. As long as the body is not exposed to allergens, these chemicals remain inside the mast cells, where they can cause no harm. However, when a sensitive person is exposed to an allergen, the mast cell membranes break down and the chemicals escape (degranulation). Once the chemicals are released from the cells, they go on to trigger the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.


Allergic Conjunctivitis

What is allergic conjunctivitis and what causes it?

A clear, thin membrane called the conjunctiva covers your eyeball and the inside of your eyelids. If something irritates this covering, your eyes may become red and swollen. Your eyes also may itch or even hurt, and they may water. This is called conjunctivitis.

When an allergen is the cause of the irritation, the condition is called allergic conjunctivitis. Some common allergens include pollen from trees, grass and ragweed; animal skin and secretions such as saliva; perfumes and cosmetics; skin medicines; air pollution and smoke. Other causes of conjunctivitis are viral and bacterial infections.

Will allergic conjunctivitis damage my eyesight?

No. Allergic conjunctivitis is irritating and uncomfortable, but it will not hurt your eyesight.

What can I do to avoid getting the above symptoms?


How is allergic conjunctivitis treated?


Antihistamine pills (which many people take for their allergies) may also help. Your doctor will talk with you about which treatment is right for you.

Do these treatments have side effects?

Many eye drops can cause burning and stinging at first when you put them in, but this usually goes away in a few minutes. It is important to remember that all medicines may potentially cause side effects, so talk with your doctor before using any medicine, including eye drops.

What else can I do to feel better?

It may help you to put a cold washcloth over your eyes for relief. Lubricating eye drops (sometimes called artificial tears) may also make your eyes feel better. You can buy these drops without a prescription.

Can I wear my contact lenses?

It's not a good idea to wear contacts while you have allergic conjunctivitis, because you might get an eye infection. Instead, wear your glasses until your eyes feel better.


Allergic to Dogs

Steps Can Be Taken to Reduce Dog Allergens

Many people will ignore both chronic allergy symptoms and specific medical advice in order to keep the family dog.

Who Is Susceptible?

Allergies to dogs can strike anyone at any age. Most people that suffer from dog allergies often have other mild or moderate allergies to pollens or molds. There is a strong genetic correlation in developing allergies, so if your parents have allergies then you are likely to have them also.

Is Any Dog Safe?


There are dogs that produce less dander, however. For instance, dogs that shed their skin about every 21 days include poodles, airedales, and schnauzers.


Dog allergens can produce nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy nose, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, coughing, a scratchy sore throat, itchy skin rashes or hives, headaches, fatigue, difficulties in breathing, and asthma.

Helpful Tips

Be sure to always wash your hands after each time you touch or play with a dog. You may even want to shower and change your clothing.

Dog allergens are small and sticky and can stay airborne for a long time. They can adhere to walls, clothing, carpet, furniture, and heating and cooling ducts. For this reason, it is best to keep dogs away from the bedroom or any other rooms you spend a lot of time.

Avoid using heavy carpets, large draperies, and upholstered pieces that become collecting grounds for pet allergen. If you have carpet, steam clean it several times a year. Wash walls and baseboards also.

The use of HEPA room air cleaners and replacing central heating/cooling system air filters frequently can help reduce the allergen in the air. Dr. Adelglass recommends placing a screen made of cheesecloth or other thin material over bedroom vents to keep dander from circulating into the bedroom from the central heating/cooling system.

Research has shown that if a dog is washed and brushed frequently (not more than twice weekly), the airborne allergens are cut drastically. This task should be done outside of the home. Be sure the shampoo you use does not dry out the dog's skin which may worsen the problem. Remember to also wash the dog's bedding and toys.

Feed your dog a well-balanced diet which includes some natural fat that helps reduce skin dryness and flaking.


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