Answers to your questions about Allergies and Athma.   Bruce M. Prenner, M.D.   Board Certified in Allergy and Immunology, he is a graduate of the    state University of New York, School of Medicine in Buffalo, New York.    He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American    Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and the American    College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. He is also an Associate    Clinical Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at UCSD.         Q  What is the prevalence of allergy in the population? A  Childhood 10-40%, adults 10-22%. Q  Is the prevalence of allergy increasing? A  Yes. Recent studies conducted in Tucson, Arizona show a rise in allergen        skin test positivity over the last two decades. Q  Are "over-the-counter" medications a good choice for the        treatment of nasal symptoms? A  No.  Thirty-five states have laws that state OTC antihistamine preparations        are not compatible with operating a motor vehicle.  Citations are issued if an        individual is involved in an automobile accident and has taken such a product. Q  What is appropriate therapy for allergic rhinitis? A  First line treatment includes second generation antihistamines available by        prescription. These are non-sedating, rapid-acting and effective in reducing        symptoms of sneezing itching, runny nose as well as itchy, teary eyes.        Nasal corticosteroid sprays can improve congestion as well as other nasal        symptoms. Combinations of second generation antihistamines with        decongestants can reduce most symptoms of the eyes, nose, palate and        ears when present. Q  Can the symptoms of allergies affect school performance        and work productivity? A  Absolutely.  Short attention span, decreased concentration, and fatigue as        well as sleep problems can all be associated with allergic rhinitis. This has        been shown to have an adverse impact on learning and performance. Q   How do viral illnesses or colds differ from allergic rhinitis? A   Both may be associated with fatigue, sleepiness and poor concentration      Viral illnesses are of short duration (generally less than two weeks) and are      not chronic. Elevated temperature, very sore throat and swollen glands are      not seen with allergies. Q   How does climate change affect allergy sufferers? A   There is a non-allergic component that is frequently seen in allergy patients      that is associated with increased stuffiness, runny nose or sneezing with      rapid temperature changes and fluctuations in humidity.  Extremes of climate      and temperature may also be responsible for significant increases and      decreases in pollen and/or mold in the atmosphere. Q   Are allergies more common in children of parents who      have allergies? A  Yes. The chance of a child having allergies ranges from 25% with one parent        affected to 45% with both parents affected by allergies. Q   Is it possible to outgrow asthma? A   Not necessarily. There are important differences in severity of asthma that      influence how asthma may progress. Approximately 1/4 of childhood      asthmatics have persistent asthma as adults. Q   What are the most common types of food allergies? A   Allergy to milk, egg, soy, peanut, tree nuts, shellfish and wheat are the most      frequent foods cited by patients for causing hives, itchiness, lip, throat or      pharynx swelling, difficulty breathing.  Some foods may provoke allergic      symptoms such as throat itch, which are not true allergic responses but are      examples of plant cross-reactivity.  Certain fruits and vegetables may share      common allergen markers with pollens. Q  What are the most common triggers of asthma? A  Allergen exposure Exercise Infections Rapid changes in temperature and/or humidity Exposure to irritants and odors, e.g. cigarette smoke Emotions Q  Can asthma be successfully treated by over-the-counter        medications? A   No.  Short-term relievers such as Primatene Mist do not affect inflammation,        the most common underlying feature of asthma. Q   Can asthma be treated successfully so as to minimize        symptoms and maximize quality of life? A   Yes. Controller medications, including inhaled corticosteroids, leukotriene      antagonists, cromolyn sodium and Nedocromil are all effective in reducing      chronic airway inflammation.  Such a reduction of inflammation is the      foundation of asthma control.