Allergies Asthma Diabetes and Arthritis Allergies Allergy specific

Allergies, Asthma, Diabetes, and Arthritis

Allergies • Allergy- specific reaction of the immune system to a foreign and frequently harmless substance • Sneezing and running nose that are thought to be from a cold can be a result from something in the air • Allergens- substances that cause allergy • Common: pollen, foods, dust, mold spores, chemicals, insect venum, and medicines

• Antigens on the surface of allergens bind to immune cells in lining of the nasal passages • These cells release histamines- chemicals that stimulate mucous and fluid production in an area • Produce sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, and other symptoms • Some people can have hives- itchy raised bumps on the skin

• Severe or life threatening symptoms • • • Hives Itching or swelling of affected area or mouth Difficulty breathing or swallowing Raspy voice Swelling of tongue Sharp drop in blood pressure

• If you experience these symptoms after eating shellfish or peanuts, or after being stung by a bee or wasp seek medical attention

Diagnosing Allergies • You can diagnose on your own • Notice if you sneeze around certain plants or react to certain foods • Three common tests are used to diagnose • Blood test • Food elimination diet • Skin test- skin is scratches and a small amount of allergens are applied – activates inflammatory response

Treatment • Avoid the allergen • Antihistamines- medicine that controls the symptoms that is triggered by histamines • Allergies that irritate the respiratory tract can lead to Asthma • Immunotherapy- a series of shots that contain small amounts of the allergen to which a person is sensitive to • Causes immune system to become less sensitive

• Other symptoms from eating something does not mean you are allergic to a food • Lactose intolerance is not an allergy • People allergic to certain foods must avoid the food that causes the reaction- this includes reading the ingredient list on food labels

Asthma • An inflammatory condition in which the small airways in the lungs become narrowed causing difficulty in breathing • More than 17 million people have Asthma in the US • Can develop at any age but 1/3 of those with Asthma are under age 18

• The bronchiole tubes are sensitive to certain substances- triggers • Common triggers • Tobacco smoke, air pollution, pet dander, mold, pollen, and dust mites • The muscles around the bronchial tubes to tighten and produce extra mucus • Results in minor wheezing to severe difficulty in breathing

Managing Asthma • No cure • Four strategies • Monitor the condition- recognize signs (shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing) • Manage environment or make behavior changes • Manage stress- it can trigger an attack • Take medication- can relieve symptoms, prevent flare ups, and reduce sensitivity • Bronchodilators- taken with an inhaler, relaxes and widens air pathway

Diabetes • A chronic disease that affects the way body cells convert food into energy • No cure • Early detection can prevent serious side effects • Two Types

• Severe side effects: Blindness, kidney failure, limb amputations, heart disease and, stroke • If diagnosed diabetes can be managed with medication, a healthful diet, and regular exercise • It is often preventable

• Involves insulina hormone that the pancreas produces that helps glucose enter the body’s cells • Involves glucose. Sugar from carbohydrates we eat, provides energy to cells of the body

• For our body’s cells to function they need a constant source of energy (glucose) • If glucose is not converted into energy, it builds up in the blood, and the body’s cells do not get energy • Diabetes is diagnosed by a blood test

Type 1 Diabetes • 5 -10% of all diabetics • Appears suddenly • No insulin production • As a result glucose levels build up in the blood and the body cells starve of energy • Over time the high blood sugar level damages eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart • Cause is not clear

• One theory is that a trigger stimulates a person’s body to destroy the cells of the pancreas that produce insulin • Autoimmune disease- a condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks itself • People with type 1 diabetes must take daily doses of insulin through injections or a surgical pump

Type 2 Diabetes • Most often appears after age 40 • In now being found in teenagers and young adults • The body cannot use insulin properly • Build up of glucose results blood • Becoming an epidemic because of the increase in obesity and inactive lifestyles

• A diet high in fat, calories, and cholesterol increases the risk • Choose low fat, lower calories alternatives • Increased physical activity helps control weight and reduces blood cholesterol levels • Treatment includes weight management and regular physical activity • Diabetic neuropathy- nerve damage • Can cause ulcers on the foot which can lead to amputation or • Nerve damage in the eye

Arthritis • A group of more than 100 different diseases that cause pain and loss of movement in joints • One in six people suffer from this disease • More common in older people but can affect anyone

Osteoarthritis • A disease in the joints in which cartilage breaks down • Most common type of arthritis • Cartilage- strong, flexible tissue than cushions jointsbecomes pitted and frayed • Cartilage can wear out completely and bones will rub against each other • Usually affects weight bearing joints • Knees, hips, and feet joints • But can effect any joint- fingers, lower back

• Reducing the risk • Controlling weight- reduces stress on joints • Preventing sports injuries- (warm up and stretch) damages cartilage • Protect against Lyme disease- from ticks

Rheumatoid Arthritis • A disease characterized by the debilitating destruction of joints due to inflammation • Appears between ages of 30 -50 • 3 times more common for women than men • Autoimmune disease • No cure

• Joint pain, inflammation, swelling, and stiffness • Eventually joints may become deformed • Mainly affects joints in the hand, foot, elbow, shoulder, neck, knee, hip, and ankle • Other effects include fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes

• Early diagnoses is crucial • With use of medications symptoms can be controlled in many cases • Treatment focuses on relieving pain, inflammation, swelling, and stiffness • Exercise, rest, joint protection, physical and occupational therapy