In 1819, an English physician, John Bostock, first described hay fever by detailing his own seasonal nasal symptoms, which he called "summer catarrh." The condition was called hay fever because it was thought to be caused by "new hay." Asthma - Asthma is a breathing problem that results from the inflammation and spasm of the lung's air passages (bronchial tubes). The inflammation causes a narrowing of the air passages, which limits the flow of air into and out of the lungs. Asthma is most often, but not always, related to allergies. Common symptoms include: Shortness of breath Wheezing Coughing Chest tightness Allergic Eyes. Allergic Eyes - (Allergic Conjunctivitis) is inflammation of the tissue layers (membranes) that cover the surface of the eyeball and the undersurface of the eyelid. The inflammation occurs a result of an allergic reaction and may produce the following symptoms: Redness under the lids and of the eye overall Watery, itchy eyes Swelling of the membranes. Allergic Eczema - Allergic Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) is an allergic rash that is usually not caused by skin contact with an allergen. This condition is commonly associated with allergic rhinitis or asthma and features the following symptoms: Itching, redness, and or dryness of the skin Rash on the face, especially children Rash around the eyes, in the elbow creases, and behind the knees, especially in adults. Hives - Hives (Urticaria) are skin reactions that appear as itchy swellings and can occur on any part of the body. Hives can be caused by an allergic reaction, such as to a food or medication, but they also may occur in non-allergic people. Typical hive symptoms are: Raised red welts Intense itching Allergic Shock - Allergic Shock (Anaphylaxis or Anaphylactic Shock) is a life-threatening allergic reaction that can affect a number of organs at the same time. This response typically occurs when the allergen is eaten (for example, foods) or injected (for example, a bee sting). Some or all of the following symptoms may occur: Hives or reddish discoloration of the skin Nasal congestion Swelling of the throat Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting Shortness of breath, wheezing Low blood pressure or shock. Shock refers to the insufficient circulation of blood to the body's tissues. Shock is most commonly caused by blood loss or an infection. Allergic shock is caused by dilated and "leaky" blood vessels, which result in a drop in blood pressure.

Allergic rhinitis (hay fever), asthma and atopic eczema are among the most common causes of chronic ill health. There is also clear evidence that in the Western world these disorders are increasing in frequency. The development of allergic disease relates to a complex interplay of genetic and environmental differences. Since no significant genetic changes have occurred in the last 2 decades, we must assume that environmental factors are most likely responsible for this trend. The reunification of Germany offered tremendous insight into the impact of environmental changes on allergic conditions. These disorders were less common in East Germany than in West Germany before reunification, where as since that geopolitical change occurred, the prevalence of allergic problems (except asthma) has increased among children who spent their early childhood in East Germany. This interesting observation raises the possibility that somehow the Western lifestyle accounts for this change. Perhaps this Western lifestyle deprives the developing immune system sufficient exposure to infectious agents, to nurture "allergy protective" infection-fighting immune responses. A relatively clean environment and the use of antibiotics for minor illnesses in early life may sway the immune system towards "allergy promoting" responses instead. This describes the so-called "Hygiene Theory", which attempts to explain the rising incidence of allergic diseases. Other examples, which illustrate this, include: Lower incidence of allergy in those living on farms (or rural areas) due to more exposure to bacteria in barns. Lower incidence of allergy in younger children of large families (3 or more older siblings) due to repeated exposure to infection from older siblings. Lower incidence of asthma and wheezing in children who go to day care centers, where they are exposed to more infections.

Allergy Medications & Treatments: Histamines are naturally occurring chemicals released in response to an exposure to an allergen, and they are responsible for the congestion, sneezing, and runny nose typical of an allergic reaction. Antihistamines are drugs that block the histamine reaction. These medications work best when given prior to exposure. Antihistamines can be divided into two groups: 1) Sedating (Benadryl, ChlorTrimetron, Tavist), 2) Non- Sedating (Claritin, Hismanal). Sedating antihistamines should be avoided in those patients who need to drive or use dangerous equipment. Non-sedating antihistamines can have serious drug interactions. Decongestants: These drugs temporarily reduce swelling of sinus and nasal tissues leading to an improvement of breathing and a decrease in obstruction. Combinations: These drugs are made up of one or more anti-allergy medications. They are usually a combination of an antihistamine and a decongestant. Other common combinations include mucus thinning agents, anti-cough agents, aspirin, Advil, or tylenol. They help to simplify dosing and often will work either together for even more benefit or have side-effects that cancel each other out. Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy): Allergy shots interfere with the allergic response. After identification of an allergen, small amounts of it is given back to the sensitive patient. Overtime the patient will develop blocking antibodies to the allergen, and they become less sensitive. Steroids: These drugs (prednisone, medrol, hydrocortisone) are highly effective in allergic patients, however there is a potential for serious side effects when used over time. They are best used for the short term management of allergic problems, and must always be monitored by a physician. Steroid nasal sprays: (Vancenase, Beconase, Flonase, Nasacort, Rhinocort) They reduce allergic or inflammatory inflammation, but do not have the side-effects of oral (systemic) steroids. Nasalcrom: This spray helps to stabilize allergy cells (mast cells) by preventing release of allergy mediators, like histamine. Decongestant sprays: (Afrin, Neosynpherine) They quickly reduce swelling of nasal tissues by shrinking the blood vessels. They will improve breathing and drainage over the short term, unfortunately if they are used for more than a few days they can become highly addictive (rhinitis metamentosa). Long term use can lead to serious damage. Antihistamine sprays: It works like oral antihistamines but applied topically to the nasal membranes (Astelin). Atrovent: It helps to control nasal drainage mediated by neural pathways. It will not treat an allergy, but it does decrease nasal drainage. Reflux Medications: Antacids (Maalox, Mylanta) help to neutralize acid contents, whereas other medications (Tagamet, Pepcid, Prilosec) decrease stomach acid production. Non-pharmacological treatments include avoiding late evening meals and snacks and the elimination of alcohol and caffeine. Elevating the head of the bed may help to decrease reflux during sleep.

Allergy Terminology : Acute Rhinitis - Inflammation of the nose that occurs for only a few days. Typically this is caused by a virus ("a cold"); if it goes on beyond a week then it is probably bacterial. Allergens - Normally harmless substances which cause an exaggerated allergic reaction (inflammatory response) in sensitive people. Allergic Rhinitis - Medical term for hay fever, a condition due to allergy that mimics a chronic cold. (Hay fever is a misnomer since hay is not a usual cause of this problem and there is no fever. Many substances cause the allergic symptoms in hay fever. Allergic rhinitis is the correct term for this allergic reaction. (Rhinitis means "irritation of the nose" and is a derivative of Rhino, meaning "nose.") Symptoms include nasal congestion, a clear runny nose, sneezing, nose and eye itching, and tearing eyes. Post-nasal dripping of clear mucus frequently causes a cough. Loss of smell is common and loss of taste occurs occasionally. Nose bleeding may occur if the condition is severe. Eye itching, redness, and tearing frequently accompany the nasal symptoms. Chronic Rhinitis - inflammation of the nose that goes on for weeks to months which is different from "a cold", and may be caused by allergy, nasal irritants, structural, or physiological problems. Hay Fever - A seasonal allergy to airborne particles characterized by runny/itchy nose and eyes, sneezing, itchy throat, excess mucus, and nasal congestion. It is a misnomer because it is not caused by hay and it does not produce a fever. Non-Allergic Rhinitis - Inflammatory condition of the nose without an obvious allergy cause. Post Nasal Drip - Mucous accumulation in the back of the nose and throat leading to or giving the sensation of mucus dripping downward from the back of the nose. Summer Cold - Similar to hay fever. Also a misnomer because it is not caused by a virus. Vasomotor Rhinitis - Similar to non-allergic rhinitis, thought to be mediated by an abnormal neuronal control of the blood vessels supplying the nose.