Allergens affect many, but impact can be reduced - Brief Article

AORN Journal,  July, 2002  

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An estimated 20% of the US population suffers from seasonal allergic rhinitis or seasonal allergies, according to the April 2002 National Women's Health Report. As the sixth leading chronic disease in the US, allergies affect more than 60 million Americans. In 1993, an estimated $3.4 billion was spent on allergic rhinitis in the United States.

There are many common allergens, including

* ragweed, a weed commonly found in North America;

* dust mites, arthropods whose droppings are the most common trigger of perennial allergy and asthma symptoms;

* cockroaches;

* pets, particularly their dander, skin flakes, saliva, and urine; and

* molds.

Medications that can be used to treat these allergens include antihistamines, topical nasal corticosteroids, cromolyn sodium, decongestants, and immunotherapy.

Many foods also contain allergens, including milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat, soy, shellfish, fish, and tree nuts. Food allergies are untreatable, and people with these allergies must avoid offending foods, which can be impossible. For example, a turkey sandwich made on the same counter as a peanut butter sandwich may pick up residue from the peanuts and cause a reaction in a person allergic to peanuts.

According to the report, there are many ways to reduce the effects of allergens. For those allergic to pollen, have someone else do yard work on high pollen days. If working outside, wear a face mask, leave all gardening tools outside, and shower immediately after work is complete. Plant low-allergenic grasses, trees, and shrubs.

For those allergic to dust mites, the best solution is to reduce dust in the home. Consider replacing wall-to-wall carpeting with another type of floor coveting and upholstered furniture with leather. Use a high-efficiency particulate air filter-equipped vacuum. Remove blinds and down-filled blankets and pillows from bedroom. Wash all bedding weekly in hot water.

If allergic to mold, avoid areas that harbor molds. These include moist, shady areas outdoors; damp basements and closets; bathrooms; and places where fresh food is stored. Other suggestions for reducing mold allergies include opening a window or using a fan after taking a steamy shower or bath.

For those with animal allergies, have someone else bathe pets and brush them several times per week. Use a room air cleaner, and wear a face mask when cleaning house. For those with cats, have someone else clean the litter box. Wash hands after touching pets, and be sure to keep them out of the bedroom.

National Women's Health Report (New Brunswick, NJ: National Women's Health Resource Center, April 2002). AORN, Association of periOperative Registered Nurses, is accredited as a provider of continuing education in nursing by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC's) Commission on Accreditation. AORN recognizes this activity as continuing education for registered nurses. This recognition does not imply that AORN or the ANCC's Commission on Accreditation approves or endorses any product included in the activity. AORN maintains the following state board of nursing provider numbers: Alabama ABNP0075, California CEP13019, and Florida FBN 2296. Check with your state board of nursing for acceptability of education activity for relicensure.

Professional nurses are invited to submit manuscripts for the Home Study Program. Manuscripts or queries should be sent to Editor, AORN Journal, 2170 S Parker Rd, Suite 300, Denver, CO 80231-5711. As with all manuscripts sent to the Journal, papers submitted for Home Study Programs should not have been previously published or submitted simultaneously to any other publication.

COPYRIGHT 2002 Association of Operating Room Nurses, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group