Allergies on increase

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Mon, April 25, 2005

Allergies on increase

U.K. study reveals rise in sufferers

By ROCHELLE SQUIRES, STAFF REPORTER

http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/WinnipegSun/News/2005/04/25/1011713-

sun.html

If allergies are the only thing blossoming in your world during the

spring, you're not alone. A new study published in the British

Medical Journal shows a " highly significant increase " in the number

of people suffering from allergies.

After comparing blood samples from 513 middle-aged men in the 1990s

with samples collected in the 1980s and the 1970s, researchers saw a

4.5% increase in allergies.

The reason for the increase is not known, but the study concluded it

is not likely due to an increased exposure to specific allergens or

to declining childhood infections.

Winnipeg allergy specialist Dr. Estelle Simons said the key to

managing allergies is knowing your triggers and taking steps to

preventing attacks.

POLLEN

" Tree pollen is a big problem in the spring, it triggers asthma and

allergies for a lot of people, " said Estelle, head of the Children's

Hospital allergy centre.

Those with seasonal allergic rhinitis, or " hay fever, " or asthma

triggered during a particular season should see a doctor and inquire

about preventor medication, she said.

Once June rolls around, tree pollen becomes less of a problem, but

grass pollen (in June and July) and wheat pollen (in August and

September) remain factors.

Along with pollens, which are male cells of flowering plants, other

triggers include outdoor mould spores and air pollutants, such as

crop burning residue and smog.

Seasonal allergies, which affect nearly one-third of all Canadians,

cause sneezing, congestion, runny nose and itchiness on the roof of

the mouth, the nose and ears.

" It can make people very uncomfortable, but it's not life-

threatening " Simons said, adding the medication -- if taken

improperly -- can be deadly. " The issue with asthma is much more

complicated and can be life-threatening, "

Asthma is an incurable chronic lung disease and affects nearly three

million Canadians, according to the Asthma Society of Canada.

" People with asthma really have to watch their symptoms and if they

need their blue puffer (an inhaler that provides quick relief) more

than three or four times a week, they need to see their doctor to

increase their controlling (preventor) medication, " said Melva

Bellefountaine, spokeswoman for the Asthma Society of Canada.

Symptoms of asthma include shortness of breath, tightness in the

chest, sweating, coughing and wheezing.

Asthma flare-ups are triggered by a number of external factors --

smog, pollen, smoke, pollution -- and internal factors such as

stress and anxiety.

Controller medication, usually an inhaled corticosteroid, reduces

inflammation in the airways and prevents flare-ups, said

Bellefountaine.

" The blue puffer is a short-term fix and only lasts about four

hours. The inflammation is still there and needs to be controlled by

a corticosteroid, " she said.