In this issue >>>
Allergies
Seasonal Allergies
April
Food Allergies
Colds vs. Allergies
2011
Current Topics >>>
Seasonal allergies, or hay fever, affects almost 20% of the U.S population and is the most common allergic
response in the country. Not only does it cause plenty of pain and discomfort, they can also prevent daily
life activities. So what are seasonal allergies? Read the following article to find out!
Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever, done in order to determine what specific al-
Symptoms of allergies and colds can be
similar, but here's how to tell the difference: are allergies that occur during specific times lergens a person is allergic to. One of the
of the year and are usually triggered by pol- most common tests is the Allergy Skin Test.
Colds Allergies len. The time pollen season begins every This procedure usually includes a doctor
year varies throughout the country, but it is making slight scratches on the skin with nee-
Symptoms
often appear typically in the spring and fall seasons. The dles that contain different types of allergens.
one at a time: Symptoms process usually begins when airborne pollen If the scratch has a reaction such as turning
Occurrence of enters the body through the eyes, nose or red, itchy, or raised it usually means that the
first sneezing, occur all at
symptoms:
then a runny once. throat. This pollen, or in some cases mold, individual is allergic to that specific type of
nose, then sparks an allergic reaction. Normally the im- allergen. Since seasonal allergies occur dur-
congestion. mune system does not respond to these re- ing pollen season, it is important to know
Continue as actions, but in sensitive individuals, the what preventative steps to take. During
long as a per- body’s defense mechanism views the aller- pollen season, you should be aware of what
Generally last
Duration of son is exposed gens (mold, pollen, etc.) as harmful agents. time of the day pollen counts are high. This
from seven to
symptoms: to the allergy- This causes the immune system to go on time is usually between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m.
10 days.
causing agent
“attack mode” by releasing chemicals, such (You can always watch the news for specific
(allergen).
as histamine, to defend the body. Histamine times.) During these peak hours, try to seek
Often a yellow- Generally a causes inflammation in the sinus, nose, and a climate-controlled environment. If you are
ish nasal dis- clear, thin, mucus membranes of the eyes and triggers in the car during this time, keep the window
Mucus:
charge, due to watery dis-
sneezing. The inflammation is designed to rolled up. If there is a need to go outside,
an infection. charge.
block allergens from entering the body, and wear sunglasses (they have been known to
More common
sneezing is the body’s way of throwing them prevent pollen from entering the eyes) and
than with
colds, espe- out. These compounds of chemicals cause don't forget your allergy medication. Medi-
Less common irritation which lead to the reactions such as cation for allergies ranges depending on the
cially when
Sneezing: than with aller-
sneezing oc- sneezing, itchy throat, congestion head- severity. Some people choose to treat their
gies.
curs two or aches, and runny nose. Itchy and watery seasonal allergies with monthly allergy shots,
three times in a eyes tend to be the first signs of pollen sea- but most opt for medication such as nasal
row. son. A tickle in the back of the throat is usu- sprays. The majority of seasonal allergies
More common ally felt next, followed by sneezing and a cases can be treated with OTC medications
in spring runny nose. Some allergy sufferers experi- such as Benadryl. Benadryl contains antihis-
More common
Time of year: through fall, ence congestion headaches and lose sleep tamines that block the action of histamines
during winter.
when plants due to the discomfort. Although allergies can released by the immune system. Although
are pollinating.
develop later in life, they typically begin be- OTC medication like Benadryl are helpful,
May be accom- Not usually fore the age of 20. The average age that they also can cause extreme drowsiness.
Fever: panied by a associated with allergies begin is 10 years, and they tend to Remember to discuss any possible side ef-
fever. a fever. run in families. There are a few tests that are fects with your doctor.
April 2010
Food allergies are immune system reactions body, the immune system releases antibod-
that occur soon after eating a certain type of ies known as immunoglobulin. The next time
food. Foods that cause allergic reactions are that specific food is eaten, the antibodies Coming Soon >>>
known as food allergens. There are many release histamines which cause the symp-
types of allergic reactions that a victim of toms associated with food allergies. In order In The Next Issue
food allergies can experience. Some might to prevent a food allergy reaction, it is best
experience a feeling of discomfort, while oth- to follow these steps.
ers experience reactions that are frightening Read food labels carefully in order to
and life-threatening. (The sooner a reaction know what you are eating and drinking.
begins, the more severe it will be.) No matter If you know what causes a food reaction
the case, food allergies should not be taken or have had an attack before, wear a How to Stay
lightly. Symptoms of a food allergy can de- medical alert bracelet or necklace that Healthy at Work
velop within a few minutes to an hour. These lets others know that you have a food
symptoms include: allergy in case you have a reaction and
Tingling in the mouth are unable to communicate.
Avoiding Back
Hives, itching, or eczema When eating out, be sure your server is Injuries on the Job
Swelling of the lips, face, tongue and aware that you absolutely cannot eat the
throat, or other parts of the body food you are allergic to.
Wheezing, nasal congestion or trouble Treatment for minor allergic reactions is usu-
breathing ally OTC medications that contain antihista- Disinfectants and
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or mines. The majority of severe allergic reac- Sanitizers
vomiting tions are treated by medical professionals
Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting either in the Emergency Room or at a doc-
Children tend to have the same symptoms as tor’s office. The best treatment for food aller-
Checkout our Intranet Page!
adults. Infants who have excessive vomiting, gies is to avoid foods that trigger them. For
www.mymcallen.net
crying, and diarrhea could be showing signs adults, these tend to be peanuts, tree nuts,
of a food allergy. The cause of food allergies fish and shellfish. Children under the age of
is similar to that of seasonal allergies. When five mainly have reactions to egg, milk,
individuals consume certain foods, the im- wheat, and soy. Children tend to outgrow
City of McAllen
mune systems mistakes these foods as reactions to food allergens as their digestive Benefits Department
harmful agents. In an attempt to defend the system matures. In rare cases, individuals
who outgrew a food allergy as a child, de- 1501 W. Pecan Blvd.
velop the allergy again later in life. If you
develop a food allergy as an adult, it is more
McAllen, TX 78501
likely that you will have it for life. Food aller-
For more information visit:
gies can be fatal if not treated right away. Be
sure to talk to your doctor if you believe you www.mayoclinic.com
are experiencing food allergies.
www.pdrhealth.com
Www.medicinenet.com
Provider Contact Information
Health Insurance Blue Cross Blue Shield 800-521-2227
Dental Insurance Ameritas 800-487-5553
Vision Insurance Avesis 800-828-9341
Retirement TMRS 800-924-8677
Basic Life Insurance Lincoln Financial Group 800-423-2765
Optional Disability Insurance Lincoln Financial Group 800-423-2765
Optional Flex Spending Acct JEM Flex 800-943-9179
Optional Life Insurance Lincoln Financial Group 800-423-2765
Optional Life Insurance (Firefighters) Nationwide 800-381-1978
Optional Retirement ICMA 800-669-7400
Optional Supplemental Policies Colonial Life 800-325-4368
As always, the City of McAllen Benefits Department is here to help you in your insurance inquiries as well. We can
be reached at 956-681-1400 or by email at benefits@mcallen.net for your convenience.