AOPA Turbine Pilot Magazine - June 2018 - 28

FLY WELL

Heigh-ho

BY DR. JONATHAN M. SACKIER

Are allergies keeping you from your work?

DR. JONATHAN SACKIER

answers members'
questions through
the AOPA Pilot
Protection Services
program (www.
aopa.org/pps).

28 | AOPA PILOT June 2018

IN THE 1812 BROTHERS GRIMM STORY Schneewittchen,
the septet of miniscule men was nameless, remaining
anonymous when revised in 1854. A 1912 Broadway
play based on Snow White named them Blick, Flick,
Glick, Plick, Snick, Whick, and Quee. In 1937, Disney
brought us...well, you name them. Two germane to this
column are Doc, originally a doctor in an early script,
and Sneezy, given to frequent nasal explosions. Maybe
the poor chap was allergic to something in the woods?
Allergies occur when usually innocuous substances provoke an immune response. The allergen
contacted by touch, inhalation, or ingestion prompts
Immunoglobulin E (IgE), a protein, to muscle up to
the invader, causing chemicals like histamine to be
released. This provokes itchy, watering eyes; runny
nose; difficulty breathing; rashes; and, yes, sneezing.
Allergies are a popular topic of conversation in
spring, but some agents provocateur irritate year-round.
Drugs, such as penicillin, sometimes incite reactions.
As a pilot, even if flight is allowed by the FAA while taking certain drugs, don't be Dopey-wait a day or two
from first dose, as the cockpit is no place for an allergic
reaction. While food allergies do exist, many of what
we commonly call food allergies are truly intolerances
because of enzyme deficiency (e.g. lactose intolerance),
inability to digest gluten in celiac disease, influences of
food fads, or simple dislike.
Other nonseasonal allergic agents include house
dust mites, latex, animal dander, and mold; with more
than 1,000 American species, a small plumbing leak,
dank basement, or disregarded pile of leaves can easily become a superb sneezing source.
Contact dermatitis occurs when environmental
allergens initiate allergic skin rashes: swollen, red,
itchy, possibly blistered and quite uncomfortable.
Poison ivy, soap, skin products, jewelry, and cleaning
compounds can incite problems. Use latex-free gloves
when using any cleaning chemicals to limit exposure.
Some dermatitis is not truly allergic in nature, but still
can make you unhappy. An allergic effect can occur
even if you have not changed products you use, either
because sensitization has occurred or manufactured
formulation has changed. Avoiding responsible products is key, and treat rashes with cool compresses and
anti-itch cream. Steroids help, but use sparingly.
Anaphylaxis can occur soon after the activating
stimulus, causing such profound chemical releases that

blood pressure drops, breathing becomes difficult, the
heart is compromised and, without therapy, death can
ensue. Anyone who has had a strong allergic reaction to
bee stings, for instance, should talk to their Doc about
carrying an EpiPen-a self-administered epinephrine
injector that can save your life.
With seasonal symptoms, irritating items may be
mold or tree, grass, weed, and flower pollen or pine
needles from wreaths and Christmas trees. And a special mention to ragweed, a frequent offender at its peak
from August to November. Depending on locale and
vagaries of weather, "seasonal" varies year to year. For
instance, mild winters encourage early pollination; in
tropical climates plants always spread seed, and rainy
springs engender increasing mold.
To address allergies, know what triggers them; are
they truly seasonal or year-round? If pollen is an issue,
listen to weather and pollen reports, consider the worst
times of day to be outside, keep windows shut, and stay
away from relevant plants. After spending time alfresco,
shower and change clothes to limit continued exposure, and, if symptoms merit, don't be Bashful-wear a
filtration mask.
Anti-allergy medications control symptoms and are
available over the counter, but many cause one to imitate Sleepy. Flight as pilot in command is not allowable
with many. If allergies are making you Grumpy, consider skin testing to identify the causative agent and
then try a series of desensitizing shots.
Because sneezing was an early symptom of bubonic
plague, it gave rise to asking for heavenly blessings.
Other history suggests sneezing was a gift from on
high. In The Odyssey, Penelope awaiting Odysseus'
return hears her son, Telemachus, sneeze, and smiles,
secure in the knowledge that her beloved will soon be
hers again. In the writings of Xenophon, Greek mercenaries attempting to flee the Persians feared for their
lives until someone sneezed, and Xenophon knew
everything would be all right. In the poems of ancient
Roman Catullus, infatuated lovers Septimius and Acme
were euphoric when the god of love sneezed on them.
The longest sneezing bout on record is held by
Donna Griffiths from England, who kept going for 978
days. If you don't want to challenge the record, see a
real Doc about your allergies.
AOPA
EMAIL DrJonathanSackier@gmail.com

http://www.aopa.org/pps http://www.aopa.org/pps

AOPA Turbine Pilot Magazine - June 2018

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