Ted Kessler is the director of pharmacy services for the Vista Community - Clinic. In the North County Times he discusses allergies:
Let's talk allergies. Approximately 36 million people in this country suffer from sinus allergies, called allergic rhinitis. Whether seasonal or perennial, these conditions can cause a serious impact on a person's quality of life. Seasonal allergies (commonly called hay fever) occur only during certain times of the year. Triggers to seasonal allergies include grasses, pollens, weeds and mold spores. Perennial (or year-round) allergy triggers, often found indoors, include mold and fungal spores, animal dander, dust mites and cigarette smoke.
Normally, the immune system defends the body from foreign substances. However, for some people, the immune system overreacts to these substances, causing the release of chemicals called histamine, leukotrienes and prostaglandins, which cause swelling to surrounding tissue. This causes irritation and harm to the tissue, and it can be very unpleasant. These reactions range from mild to severe.
For more about prevention and advice on how to treat common allergies, read more of this article.
