Christine Dugan lived 39 allergy-free years in California. Then, four years ago, she moved to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and within weeks was plagued by pounding headaches and chronic sinusitis. The diagnosis: Allergies to grasses, dust, and dust mites. Why hadn’t this shown up before? In California, Christine hadn’t been exposed to her particular triggers in any significant amount. Also, although she didn’t know it, the Susquehanna Valley area where she’d moved had been rated as one of the worst places for people with fall allergies. "My doctor calls my condition ‘The Susquehanna Drip,’" she reports.

It’s not just kids who develop allergies these days. Liz Hartman of Roslyn, New York, was 45 when she put her face on a down pillow and came away with puffy cheeks and watery eyes from feather allergies. And Teresa Bell Kindred of Edmonton, Kentucky, was 30 when a nonstop drip and scratchy throat sent her to an allergist who diagnosed sensitivities to mold and dust. Indeed, many people are stricken for the first time in their thirties, forties, and beyond. And the "adult onset" problem is growing—there’s more asthma, but there’s also more plain allergic rhinitis: sneezing, congestion, itchy, runny nose, and watery eyes. No one knows why, but experts have a few theories.

We’re too clean Early exposure to limited amounts of bacteria helps your immune system learn to distinguish between harmful and benign substances.

Our homes are too efficient Tight, draft-proof houses keep fresh air out, while carpeting, heating, and air-conditioning may foster the growth of allergy-producing dust mites.

We’re more mobile. Like Christine Dugan, many people have sensitivities but don’t know it until they move to a new part of the country and encounter an allergy trigger for the first time.

We’re heating up the planet Global warming is extending the length of spring, increasing the amount of pollen produced.

Behind the numbers is some real misery. Yet according to a recent survey, only about a third of allergy sufferers have consulted a doctor. That’s a mistake. Researchers have come up with new and better ways to treat allergies. Below, an action plan.

1. First, find out what you have You can suspect allergies, as opposed to a persistent cold, if symptoms continue for more than two weeks and if, in addition to dripping, your eyes and nose itch (roof of your mouth, too). Be especially suspicious if symptoms seem to be seasonal or are provoked by exposure to something particular (your eyes stream every time you go in the basement, for example).

A skin or blood test—done by an allergy specialist—will give you a profile of your triggers. The skin test is the better way to go, according to Mark Kykewicz, M.D., director of Allergy and Immunology Training Program, St. Louis University School of Medicine. It’s more accurate, and it’s quicker.

2. Watch what you breathe Try to limit your exposure to triggers. Allergic to pollen? Hold off on picnics till the season passes. At home, shut the windows and run the air conditioner. On the other hand, if mold or dust makes you sick, you’ll want the fresh breezes to clear the air and prevent mold build-up. You might also want to buy a dehumidifier or put a HEPA filter on your furnace (run HEPA air purifiers in warm months).

What about Fido and Fluffy? If it turns out that you’re allergic to your pet, you’ll have to decide if you can bear to find the animal another home. No way? You may be able to keep symptoms at bay by making your bedroom a pet-free zone, tucking the litter box far from the air supply for the rest of the house, and, again, installing those HEPA filters. Don’t stroke, hug, or kiss your pet—the proteins that cause allergies gather on fur and saliva.

3. Try OTC remedies Over-the-counter oral antihistamines (for sniffles and itching) and decongestants (to relieve stuffiness) should be your first line of defense. But if they make you dopey, look for a nonsedating brand. Key words on the label: “Non-drowsy”or “daytime” formula. And check the ingredient list; if you find tk or tk, it’s a non-sedating version. (Beware tk and tk, or use only at night.) You may also find relief from a nonsedating nasal spray, such as cromolyn sodium.

If you know you have severe seasonal allergies, begin medication right before the blooms come out. Take a pill before visiting a house with a pet. If you delay, "you may not be able to control your symptoms with simple allergy medicine," explains James Li, M.D., professor of medicine, Mayo Clinic Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

4. Ask your doctor about prescription drugs Again, there are antihistamines, decongestants, and combos. If you have severe nasal congestion, an allergist may prescribe nasal or oral steroids.

5. Consider allergy shots The idea is that by continually exposing your body to a small amount of the offending agent, you’ll eventually produce enough antibodies to diminish your allergic response. Immunotherapy (as it’s technically called) takes a long-term commitment—it may be five years of monthly [chk] injections before your allergies are gone.

BOX

Could there be a furball in your future?

Allerca, a California-based biotechnology company, has announced the creation of a hypoallergenic kitty. Cat allergies are caused by a certain protein secreted by the animal’s skin; using "gene silencing" technology, Allerca is developing a cat that won’t have the protein. The first breed will be British Shorthairs. The company is taking orders now (visit allerca.com), but you’ll have to wait until 2007 to actually collect your cat. You may need that time to arrange financing—the price will be $3,500.

 

 

Good Housekeeping, April 2005