An allergy is referred to an immune reaction of the body
where a person is hypersensitized
and develops IgE
type antibodies to typical proteins. These substances produced are known as
allergens. Allergy has become a very common disorder and more than 50 million
Americans suffer from allergic diseases. Allergies cost the health care system
$18 billion annually and it is the 6th leading cause of chronic disease in the
United States. Sleep
is no less important than food, drink, or safety in our lives. Although this
may seem apparent, many of us actually do not realize the importance of sleep.
Allergy and sleep are linked. Allergy symptoms or the medication to treat them
can keep you awake.
The misery of allergies include sneezing, runny nose and
postnasal drip; watery, itchy eyes, ears, nose, and throat. During these
symptoms our sleep often suffers and reduced quality and quantity of sleep
wreaks havoc on our daily functioning; our mood, energy, concentration,
performance, sexual function, ability to think and make decisions. Allergies
can be seasonal, year-round, or occupational. They occur from substances
surrounding us in our environment, or from the foods we eat. Whatever the
cause and whenever they occur, these allergic symptoms can disrupt our sleep.
Allergic rhinitis or hay fever affects the nasal passages causing congestion.
This congestion affects sleep when you tend to breathe through your mouth,
drying out and irritating your lips, throat and mouth. Pressure or pain is
accompanied with it and sometimes there is snoring also. Sometimes there may
be postnasal drip which can cause irritation to the throat and coughing
episodes which disturb sleep. In certain people, inhaling allergens may induce
sleep-disturbing nocturnal wheezing. Allergens can also increase the frequency
and severity of asthma attacks. Allergens may also cause non-specific symptoms
that seem unrelated to allergies like recurrent headaches caused by food
allergies.
Depending on the type
of allergen he or she may be susceptible to, there are different treatments
rendered. For airborne allergens, medicines like a nasal spray, decongestants
or antihistamines can be sufficient to give immediate relief from the
symptoms. For the eyes, eye drops can also be used if redness and itchiness
exist. For food allergy, the best treatment is to avoid the food altogether.
Food allergy can sometimes cause wheezing, rashes, runny nose, swelling of the
mouth and difficulty in breathing. For rashes, skin creams can be applied to
make it feel better. Antihistamines can also reduce other symptoms. There are
people who are allergic to certain drugs and insect bites. Usually, they are
treated through an injection of epinephrine (adrenaline) given by a doctor.
Most of the allergy medicines can be bought over-the-counter, but before you
get those, make sure that an allergy has been properly diagnosed.
