Biorhythms (cont.)
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis)
Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) is a very common condition, affecting
17.6 million Americans annually. The symptoms of allergic rhinitis (sneezing, runny nose,
nasal congestion, and itchy eyes) occur when an allergic individual is exposed
to allergens. Allergens are tiny proteins that stimulate the allergic reaction.
Common allergens include:
- pollens from ragweed, trees, and grasses;
- mold spores;
- animal proteins; and
- mites.
The best way to treat allergic rhinitis is to avoid
the allergens. Skin testing is often performed to identify the allergens which
cause allergic reactions in a given individual. Scientists now believe that the
symptoms of allergic rhinitis, and even the skin testing results, can vary
according to the time of day.
For sufferers of allergic rhinitis, the major symptoms of sneezing, runny
nose, and stuffy nose are typically worse upon arising than during the middle of
the activity span of a given day.
Asthma
Asthma is a common breathing problem, affecting
16.1 million Americans.
Asthma is a disease of the lung airways (bronchi). Narrowing of the openings of
the airways (caused by spasm, swelling of the tissue lining, and/or mucus
accumulation) can lead to shortness of breath, wheezing, or
coughing.
Causes of
asthma attacks include:
- allergies,
- cold air,
- air pollutants,
- drugs,
- cigarette
smoke,
- molds,
- exercise, and
- infections.
Asthma attacks (rapid worsening of
symptoms) typically occur in episodes. Intervals between attacks can be days,
weeks, or years. With severe asthma, attacks can occur daily. Scientists now
believe that asthma attacks vary according to the time of day.
The occurrence of asthma attacks is not random during the day. Asthma
symptoms are frequently worse at night (nocturnal) for a majority of asthma
sufferers. A group of active asthma patients recorded the occurrence of acute
asthma attacks, manifested by dyspnea (difficulty breathing) and wheezing,
during a medication trial.
The incidence of asthma attacks was more than 100 times greater during
nighttime sleep, especially around 4 a.m., than it was during the middle of the
day.
Next: Can the "body clock" affect diagnostic testing? »
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