WHY THE OVERREACTION?: AN IMMUNOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE ON ARIZONA ALLERGIES

Abstract

Spring in Arizona. The sun is shining, trees are blooming, grasses are growing, and people are sneezing. A common culprit for allergic symptoms surrounding the nose- running rose, stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, and itchiness- is allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis is an type 1 immunopathology caused by an immune system overreaction. Arizona has one of the highest allergy sensitization rates in the nation and is plagued by specific allergens. Dust mites, bermuda grass, and ragweeds are common Arizona allergens and contribute to allergic rhinitis. Serum- specific IgE testing and skin testing are diagnostic tools for identifying the presence of allergic rhinitis and specific allergen triggers. Avoidance, pharmacological treatment and immunotherapy are all methods to alleviate the symptoms or stop the onset of allergic rhinitis.