Myopathy
Myopathy or muscular disease that includes muscle inflammation and muscle weakness. Chronic muscle inflammation is called myositis. It is usually caused due to allergic reaction, infectious disease or rheumatism. Sometimes myopathies are hereditary. Symptoms of Myopathy can also include cramps, spasms and stiffness. There is progressive deterioration in muscle strength resulting in pain and fatigue on walking and tripping and falling. This is not due to nerve dysfunction. Some patients might notice facial weakness, foot drop, droopy eyelids and poor reflexes in affected muscles. Hay fever
Hay fever is an allergic reaction. Allergic Rhinitis, the medical term for hay fever means irritation of the nose. Hay fever usually starts during childhood or early adulthood and often diminishes slowly over decades. Hay fever is brought about by allergic reaction to outdoor or indoor contaminants, such as plant pollen, dust mites or chemicals. Anyone can develop hay fever especially those who are exposed to years of repeated inhalation of allergic substances. People who suffer from asthma and eczema are more prone to hay fever. It also tends to run in families. Passive smoking increases risk of developing hay fever.
Symptoms of hay fever
Some people have symptoms all round the year. For others hay fever symptoms worsen at specific times of the year. Spring and fall are considered as main hay fever seasons. In severe cases nose bleeding may occur. Otherwise, the common symptoms of hay fever are:
- Repeated sneezing
- Runny or itchy nose
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Itchy, irritation in the throat, palate and ears
- Inability to concentrate
- Loss of sense of taste and smell
- General feeling of being unwell
- Feeling exhausted
Diagnosing hay fever
Skin prick test: After determining possible allergy-causing substances, a small amount of suspected allergy-causing substance is placed on the skin. Depending on patient’s preference it could be on the forearm, upper arm or the back. The skin is pricked so the allergen goes under the skin’s surface. The health care provider observes the skin for possible reactions like swelling, itchy feeling and redness of the skin. Reactions, if any can be noticed within 15-20 minutes which confirms hay fever. Skin prick test is not recommended for people with eczema or those taking certain medications like antihistamines as it will interfere in responding to allergic reaction. In such cases, blood test is done.
Blood test: Blood test is recommended when skin prick test cannot be done or if the results of skin prick test are not useful. A sample of blood will be taken from a vein in the arm and tested for the presence of the Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody. If the blood test is positive, it confirms the presence of hay fever.
Treating hay fever
The aim of treatment would be to stop exposing the body to allergic substances or preferably avoid it completely. There are a plethora of options to treat hay fever. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of hay fever and the symptoms. Age, occupation and life style is also given due consideration.
- Antihistamines medicines
- Antiallergic nasal sprays or eye drops
- Antihistamines sprays or drops for nose or eyes
- Steroid sprays or drops for the nose only
- Decongestant sprays
- Decongestant tablets
- Steroid tablets or injections
- Desensitizing injections
Some medications do not require prescription and are sold over-the-counter as non-prescription medications. It is best to seek health care provider’s opinion taking into account the possible side effects.
- Know triggers and keep away from allergens
- keep environment clean
- Eat a healthy oil-free diet
- Include a lot of vitamin C
- Increase protein intake
- Drink boiled, filtered water
- Don’t miss to drink herbal tea
- Avoid venturing out when pollen count is high
- Don’t skip medications
Erythema Multiforme
Erythema Multiforme is a skin condition arising from an allergic reaction. It is an acute but usually self-limiting skin inflammation. Erythema multiforme derives it's name from the fact that it appears in many forms. Erythema multiforme minor is a relatively milder attack. It lasts for a couple of weeks. On the other hand, Erythema multiforme major (also known as Stevens Johnson syndrome) is a severe allergic reaction resulting in large blood blisters. Usually the cause of Erythema multiforme is the herpes virus. It may be caused by bacterial or viral infections and can sometimes be a reaction to medication.
Erythema multiforme manifests as skin lesions - red welts with purple areas in the center. The rashes appear all over the body and also affect the mouth and eyes. There is burning or itching. The rash may be more localized on the hands and feet. Some patients suffering from Erythema multiforme tend to get repeated attacks. There may be fever and joint ache. As the rashes disappear, they may leave a brown pigmentation on the skin. This skin condition is mostly seen in children and young adults.
Most cases of erythema multiforme completely recover. The condition is diagnosed by a dermatologist by the typical rash associated with it. Erythema multiforme is treated with steroid creams and tablets. Antibiotics are prescribed for any secondary infection. If herpes simplex virus is identified as the cause, antiviral agents such as aciclovir or Valvir is prescribed.
Bibliography / Reference
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