There are many people who have a pollen allergy. Coping with pollen symptoms can be difficult and requires multiple different types of testing in order to figure out the exact problem. The process can be lengthy due to the number of different types of pollen and the myriad of symptoms that result. But it is helpful to determine in order to improve a person’s quality of life.

Pollen describes a group of different plant products. Pollen is actually spread in order for the plant to reproduce. Therefore there are many types of pollens, one for each type of plant. It is important to know the specific type of pollen so that a person can avoid that plant. Certain types, such as ragweed and others, are very common causes of symptoms. If the specific type is known, therapy can be directed at each one in order to desensitize the person towards that type of pollen.

The effects of pollen tend to be clustered around an allergic phenotype. Most people develop problems such as allergic rhinitis, which is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Because people breath pollen in through their nose, it tends to be deposited in the nose and nasal turbinates. There, it is absorbed and detected by immune cells in the nose. These cells detect specific types and become activated. When activated, they recruit other cell types to release inflammatory mediators such as histamine.

Histamine is responsible for many of the pollen symptoms that people describe. Histamine is produced by mast cells that have been activated by antigen producing cells that originally pick up the pollen in the circulation or the skin. When histamine is released in the nose, it tends to cause itchyness and a production of a clear, watery discharge. People with this discharge will have to blow their nose frequently or sniff regularly to clear their nose. This allergic rhinitis can be improved with medicines that reduces the inflammation or prevent the effects of the histamine.

The typical class of medicines that are used to treat pollen related diseases are called antihistamines. The most common one is called Benadryl and is also known by its generic name, diphenhydramine. This class is called the first generation histamine agents and they are very active in both central and peripheral sites. The central sites cause a person to be drowsy and sleepy an, the newer agents, the second generation antihistamines, have less of a sedative effect. These medicines include loratadine and fexofenadine, also known as Claritin and Allegra. Another drug that has mild sedative effects are called cetirizine, or Zyrtec. All of these medications can be effective in reducing the symptoms of a pollen allergy and allow someone to go about their daily lives with few impairments.

Lie bumps, also known as transient lingual papillitis, are small inflammatory bumps that occur on the tongue. These small bumps can be bothersome, but do not indicate other serious diseases. There are usually self-limiting and will resolve over time. They can become a mild annoyance to many people, and it is important to know how to treat and prevent these bumps so that a person can minimize the side effects of the inflammation.
The bumps that occur in transient lingual papillitis have many different names. One old wife’s tale is that they are the result of a person lying. This rumor is untrue but has stuck and now many people calls it tongue bumps, lie-bumps’ or other names. Some people believe that the tongue bumps can also cause lip bumps, but this tends to be a different disease. Lip bumps have more in common with acne and skin inflammatory processes than they do with problems with the tongue.

The name transient lingual papillitis is important to decipher. The first word, transient, indicates that the problem is short lived. The bumps do not stay around and tend to resolve on their own with little or no help from any medical procedures. This is why most people simple need reassurance that the bumps are normal and that nothing should really be done to manage the condition. Lingual refers to the tongue, which is the location of the bumps. Lip problems would be called ‘labial,’ which as discussed, is a completely different problem.

The last part of the name transient lingual papillitis is the type of cells or structure that is affected. In this case, it is the lingual papilla, or tongue taste buds, that become inflamed. This can occur for any number of reasons. The taste buds have small pores that allow special cells to ‘taste’ food with chemical receptors. The pores of the buds can be clogged and cause symptoms such as pain and redness in the tongue. Sometimes the bumps can even become slightly white with a small amount of exudate. This material is not contagious nor excessive treatment is needed.

The bumps are thought to be caused by excessive scrubbing or rubbing in the mouth. This can be done with a tooth brush or other implements. Sometimes hot liquids or other materials that can burn or irritate the inside of the mouth may lead to the inflammatory process and cause the bumps. By minimizing the trauma to the mouth and limiting the scrubbing of the tongue, the taste bud inflammation can be limited and prevention of the discomfort and papillitis can occur. With these important ideas in mind, lie bumps can be effectively managed to prevent their occurrence and allow the current symptoms to resolve.

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is an antibody which plays a vital role in development of allergic reactions and asthma. All humans have certain types of cells which protect the body against foreign organisms like bacteria and viruses. These cells make a variety of antibodies that help fight off a variety of infections; we have 5 basic antibodies in our blood. Antibodies are vital for survival and without antibodies; one would be prone to many types of infections. One type of antibody which is of importance in protecting the lung, skin and intestine is the IgE antibody. The IgE has a propensity to react against pollen, fungus spores, certain milk products, drugs and plants. IgE antibody levels are often increased in individuals whom have allergies. This antibody also helps to protect as against a variety of parasites.

Levels of IgE antibodies in the blood are normally quite low. However, the body does have an intricate communicating system and can respond with large amounts of antibody if a need arises. There are some cells which wander in the circulation like “soldiers” and if they perceive any threat from outside, they send signals for the body to make more antibodies.

Once the IgE antibody is made, it will attach itself on to certain cells like mast cells and basophils. These cells also play a role in allergies and contain a vast number of potent chemicals. When the antibody reaches a site where the foreign organism has entered, it unleashes a powerful reaction and the cells release their potent chemicals which destroy the invader. Once the foreign body is recognized it is etched on in memory of the IgE antibodies which will respond harshly if a repeat invasion occurs.

For example in asthma it is believed that allergens enter the lung and encounter the IgE antibody. The IgE antibody attacks the invader and induces the body’s cells to release a variety of chemicals. Unfortunately sometimes the chemicals released also damage the body. In asthma the episodes of wheezing and mucus generation are believed to be due to a hyperactive response by the IgE antibody. A similar scenario is encountered in people who have skin allergies. One of the chemicals released by the IgE antibody is histamine which induces wheezing, causes chest tightness, fast heart rate, drops blood pressure and induces skin flushing. This is the reason why anti histamines are backbone of any allergic reaction. These drugs quickly block the response of histamine and prevent the symptoms from occurring or getting worse.

Unfortunately, the effects of drugs are broad and side effects are common. With better understanding of the IgE molecule, more sensitive and precise drugs have been developed to treat people whom are allergic.
Immunoglobulin levels can be measured in the blood, but are not always useful because there is no direct correlation between symptoms and blood levels of antibodies. Immunoglobulin levels are only measured for diagnostic purposes to ensure that the body does in fact respond to a challenge when a foreign material is introduced. There is no direct correlation between levels of IgE in the blood and the allergic reaction.
Without Immunoglobulin e one would be prone to a variety of bacterial infections and parasites, but sometimes a hypersensitive response by this antibody can result in development of allergies.

Burning mouth syndrome (glossitis) is a painful disorder of the mouth. Other terminology for burning mouth syndrome is scalded mouth syndrome, burning tongue syndrome, burning lip syndrome, glossodynia or stomatodynia.

The pain with this syndrome may affect lips, gums, teeth, cheeks, tongue and back of the throat. In some cases, the pain may be severe and may feel as if the whole mouth has been burnt. The cause of burning mouth syndrome is unknown. However, that does not mean that the condition cannot be treated.
Glossitis symptoms include the following:
- A continuous burning sensation that affects the entire mouth
- Tingling sensation in the mouth and tip of the tongue
- Mouth pain that progressively gets worse during the day
- Feeling of a dry mouth sensation
- Increased thirst
- sore throat
- Loss of taste

Burning mouth syndrome is very variable in its presentation and different people might have different Glossitis symptoms. The pain may occur daily or it may occur only once a week. In some cases the pain may awaken up the individual from sleep. Whatever the symptom pattern, burning mouth often lasts for several years before a proper diagnosis is made. For the physician, the condition is hard to diagnose as there are no physical findings in the mouth or the tongue.
Why burning mouth occur is a really mystery. Underlying problems that have been linked to burning mouth syndrome include:

- Dry mouth
- Thrush or yeast infection
- Anxiety, depression
- Nutritional deficiencies (e.g. lack of iron, zinc, folate, thiamine, pyridoxine, cobalamin and riboflavin)
- Denture that place stress on gums
- Excessive use of tooth brush or over flossing
- Drinking too many acidic beverages.

Besides causing pain in the mouth, the disorder may also cause depression anxiety, difficultly socializing and irritability. The diagnosis of this disorder is difficult as there are no outwards signs. In all cases, patients undergo extensive investigations to rule out other causes like allergies. There is no one ideal method to treat this syndrome and the treatment depends on symptoms and severity. Since the condition comes and goes, it is very difficult to treat the patient.

Glossitis treatment is quite varied as not everyone responds to the same therapies. The best options are use of lozenges which contain anti seizure medication like klonopin, oral thrush mouth washes, anti depressants, vitamin supplements, anti septic mouth washes, saliva replacement, and pain relieving agents. In addition, glossitis treatment means undertaking changes in life style measures like discontinuing smoking, avoiding hot and spicy foods, avoiding products that contain cinnamon or mint, and trying out different brands of toothpaste.

Burning mouth syndrome can be painful and annoying and take months before a diagnosis is established. However, in the mean time one should join a pain support group, engage in exercise, eat healthy and understand that glossitis may suddenly disappear if you remain healthy.

Fungiform papillae are tiny organs on the surface of the tongue which contain taste buds. To many people the tongue is an organ to speak and swallow food. But this small structure is very complex and delicate. The tongue can differentiate between different tastes and this is what allows us to enjoy food. Without the tongue, all food would be dull and bland. There are hundreds of taste buds located on the surface of the tongue. These small structures are most common on the front of the tongue, sides and at the back of the throat.

The taste buds allow us to sense different types of food like salt, sour, bitter, spicy and sweet. The taste buds have a hollow center called pores that have sensors and can immediately recognize the type of food. The taste receptors are intricately linked to the brain and that is why when some people who have a stroke are no longer able to taste food. It is estimated that the human tongue has about 5000 taste buds. Most taste buds are located on small projections of the tongue called papillae.
There are 4 basic types of papillae.
- The fungi form papillae have a mushroom shaped appearance and are mainly present on the tip of the tongue
- The filiform papillae are thin and cone shaped but do not contain taste buds.
- The foliate papillae have ridges and grooves and are found at the back of the tongue. They do have taste buds
- The circumvallate papillae are large, few in number and found at the back of the tongue.
In the days past, it was believed that only selected parts of the tongue could identify the different foods. However, this is not true. The entire tongue has taste buds; it is only that some people have a higher sensitivity than others in tasting the different foods. Most taste buds appear flask like with a broad base and a narrow neck. At the base of the taste buds are a whole bunch of nerves which transmit information to the brain.
The taste buds on the surface of the papillae can distinguish five tastes, sour, bitter, sweet, salty and savory (umami).

When disorders of the mouth cavity occur, they can damage these tiny organs. The most common conditions that can affect the tongue include infections like yeast or candida (thrush), herpes simplex, cancers, geographic tongue, burning mouth syndrome or stroke.
Fungus tongue or thrush is one of the most common disorders which affect taste buds. The fungus tongue which is commonly seen in patients with HIV is very resistant to treatment. Other individuals who also develop thrush are people who take antibiotics for long periods or those individuals who receive anti cancer drugs. In herpes simplex, painful vesicles develop on the lips and can present with loss of taste. In geographic tongues there is loss of shape of the tongue with uneven growth and loss of taste buds. When cancers occur in the oral cavity, there is also loss of taste.
Even though great importance has been attributed to fungiform papillae and their role in taste, they are not vital for survival.

Food allergy is an immune reaction that results after eating a certain food. Even a very tiny amount of the food can trigger massive signs and symptoms. In some individuals food allergies can even cause an anaphylactic shock.

It is believed that 5-8 percent of the population has some type of allergy to food. There is no cure for food allergies but many people outgrow this problem with age. Sometimes the food allergy symptoms are confused with food intolerance. Food intolerance is a much less serious condition and does not involve the immune system. The symptoms of allergy to food do vary from mild abdominal cramps to a full blown life threatening event. The typical food allergy symptoms include:
- A tingling sensation in the mouth
- Hives, itching or a skin rash
- Swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat
- Shortness of breath, wheezing, nasal stuffiness
- Stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting
Some individuals develop an allergic reaction to food which is triggered by exercise. When this happens the individual will feel light headed and develop an itch. Exercise-induced food allergies are avoided by not eating for several hours before exercise or avoiding foods that cause the problem.
In some individuals who have allergies to pollen or hay fever, there is a tendency to develop allergies to certain foods. As soon as these individuals eat food, they may feel a tingling sensation or swelling of the lips. This phenomenon is simply explained by cross reactivity. This cross reactivity only occurs to uncooked foods and is avoided by cooking the food.
Food allergies occur because the body’s immune system mistakenly identifies a certain food as dangerous and starts an immune reaction to destroy the food. The next time you eat the same food, the body unleashes an intense immune reaction with release of chemicals (eg histamine) which produces symptoms of allergy.

People generally have allergies to the following foods:
- Sea foods like shellfish (e.g. shrimp, lobster and crab)
- Peanuts, walnuts, pecans, cashews
- Fish
- Eggs
- Dairy products
There is no evidence that chocolate ever causes allergies.
Food intolerance may cause similar symptoms to food allergies but in fact the symptoms are mostly digestive like nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. With food allergies even the slightest food will provoke an intense immune reaction whereas people with food intolerance can eat the same foods again and again. Sometimes it is not the food that people are sensitive to but the chemicals inside the processed foods. Other disorders that may be mistaken for food allergies include lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, food poisoning, celiac disease, sensitivity to food additives like MSG. Food allergy treatment means avoiding foods which causes the unpleasant signs and symptoms. For minor reactions, one may take an over the counter anti histamine. However, for severe cases, food allergy treatment necessitates the use of an auto injector (Epipen). This device with pre-filled epinephrine can be life saving when injected into the thigh.
If you think you have allergy to food, keep a diary of what you eat and then identify when the symptoms occur. Next go and see a physician so that you know how to deal with symptoms of food allergy in case a severe reaction occurs in the future.

Burning mouth syndrome (glossodynia) is a painful disorder of the mouth. Other terminology for burning of the mouth is scalded mouth syndrome, burning tongue syndrome, burning lip syndrome, glossodynia or stomatodynia.
The pain attached to this syndrome may affect lips, gums, teeth, cheeks, tongue and back of the throat. In some cases, the pain may be severe and may feel as if the whole mouth has been burnt. The cause of burning mouth is unknown. However, that does not mean that the condition cannot be treated.

The symptoms of glossodynia include the following:
- A continuous burning sensation that affects the entire mouth
- Tingling sensation in the mouth and tip of the tongue
- Mouth pain that progressively gets worse during the day
- Feeling of a dry mouth sensation
- Increased thirst
- sore throat
- Loss of taste
The disorder is very variable in its presentation and different people have different patterns of symptoms. The pain may occur daily or it may occur only once a week. In some cases the pain may awaken up the individual from sleep. Sometimes the pain may last all day and in some cases it may come every week and then disappear for a few months. Whatever the symptom pattern, burning mouth often lasts for several years before a proper diagnosis is made. For the physician, the condition is hard to diagnose as there are no physical findings in the mouth or the tongue.
Underlying problems that have been linked to burning of the mouth include:
- Dry mouth
- Thrush or yeast infection
- Anxiety, depression
- Nutritional deficiencies (e.g. lack of iron, zinc, folate, thiamine, pyridoxine, cobalamin and riboflavin)
- Denture that place stress on gums
- Nerve damage
- Allergies to food
- Reflux
- Medications like phenytoin and ACEI
- Diabetes or underactive thyroid
- Menopause
- Excessive use of tooth brush or over flossing
- Drinking too many acidic beverages.
The symptoms usually start spontaneously but experts believe that certain factors can trigger the disorder like any recent dental procedure, an upper respiratory tract infection, use of medications, food allergy or an episode of emotional stress. Besides causing pain in the mouth, the disorder may also cause depression anxiety, difficultly socializing and irritability. The diagnosis of this disorder is difficult as there are no outwards signs. There is no one ideal method to treat this syndrome and the treatment depends on symptoms and severity. Since the condition comes and goes, it is very difficult to treat the patient.
The best options are use of lozenges which contain anti seizure medication like klonopin, oral thrush mouth washes, anti depressants, vitamin supplements, anti septic mouth washes, saliva replacement, and pain relieving agents. In addition, glossitis treatment means undertaking changes in life style measures like discontinuing smoking, avoiding hot and spicy foods, avoiding products that contain cinnamon or mint, and trying out different brands of toothpaste.
Burning of the mouth can be painful and annoying and take months before a diagnosis is established. However, in the mean time one should join a pain support group, engage in exercise, eat healthy and understand that burning mouth syndrome may suddenly disappear if you remain healthy.

Anaphylaxis causes a life threatening medical disorder which if not promptly treated can result in death. Anaphylaxis can occur within a few seconds or minutes of exposure to an allergen which may be a particular food, plant or bee sting. The condition can quickly become a medical emergency and most individuals need urgent treatment. When anaphylaxis treatment is delayed, death is often the end result.

Anaphylaxis occurs when the body’s immune system reacts in an extreme method to foreign material. Normally the body makes cells which guard against foreign material like bacteria and does not cause a major reaction. However, in some allergic individuals the body sets of an amplified response to foreign material which results in release of hundreds of potent chemicals. The flood of chemicals released by your immune system can produce the anaphylaxis symptoms which are characterized by a sudden drop in blood pressure, airways narrowing, wheezing, flushing of face and difficulty breathing. Anaphylaxis requires an immediate trip to the emergency room and an injection of epinephrine.

Anaphylactic reactions are most likely to occur in individuals whom are susceptible, have allergies or may have taken a medication to which they are sensitive.
The classic anaphylaxis symptoms include:
- Rapid and weak pulse
- Skin rash
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Sensation of feeling lightheaded
- Skin will be cold, clammy
- confusion
Common triggers of anaphylaxis include certain foods (peanuts, fish, milk, and eggs), some medications (penicillin), insect venom (bee stings), poison ivy and latex. The diagnosis of anaphylaxis is usually confirmed with skin and blood tests.
Once the reaction has started, emergent anaphylactic treatment is required. If your heart has stopped beating, CPR is required. Other anaphylaxis treatment includes the following:
- Epinephrine- this drug reduces the allergic reactions and stimulates the heart to beat
- IV fluids are administered to increase blood pressure
- Anti histamines are administered to stop hives and itching
- If breathing is still difficult, one may also need drugs to open up the airways
Most people who develop an anaphylactic shock are treated in a hospital for several days. If you ever witness an anaphylactic shock, the first thing to do is call 911 and then attend to the patient. Administer medications like epinephrine auto injector or an antihistamine right away. Most people whom are at risk for anaphylaxis carry an auto injector. This device comes with a prefilled syringe and needle and is administered into the thigh.
Individuals whom are allergic should be prepared. Always carry self administered epinephrine, wear a medical bracelet and alert your physician of all your allergies. Always keep an emergency kit with prescribed medications available. If you have allergies to food, read labels and if you are allergic to insects, use caution when going outside.
In most cases, anaphylactic shock can be prevented by using a common sense approach. Anaphylaxis causes a range of symptoms but to be safe you should always educate those around you on what to do just in case of an emergency.