Hay Fever and Eczema - Essay Example

Investigation into the increase in hay fever and eczema at 16 in Britain (1958 - 1970) - A critical Analysis. Table Of Content Introduction 02 Executive Summary 02 Hay Fever 03 Eczema 04 Types of Eczema 06 Prevention is better than Cure 07 Analysis 07 Evaluation and Criticism 09 Conclusion 11 Appendix 12 1.0 Introduction A study was conducted to investigate whether changes in certain prenatal and social factors increased the prevalence of hay fever and eczema among British adolescents between 1958 and 1970. In order to derive at a census two prospective birth cohorts were studied in England, Wales, and Scotland.11,195 children born between 3-9 March 1958 and 9387 children born between 5-11 April 1970 were diagnosed for this investigation. The outcome at the end of 16 years in each case showed that the prevalence of their conditions increased from 3.1% to 6.4% for eczema and 12.0% to 23.3% for hay fever. The condition was more commonly reported among children of higher birth order and breast fed for longer than a month. Eczema affected more girls, while boys were reported to contact hay fever more (Butland, Strachan, Lewis, Bynner, Butler, & Britton, Investigation into the increase in hay fever and eczema at age 16 observed between the 1958 and 1970 British birth cohorts, British Medical Journal, September 20, 1997; Page 717). 2.0 Executive Summary This paper takes a look at what eczema and hay fever are and what causes the spread of these diseases among the adolescents are, as reported in the British Medical Journal of September 20, 1997. Do the results convey the true picture, or is there another side to this laborious investigation Could there have been something amiss Though the investigation focuses on one selective group of adolescents born between 1958 and 1970, does the study actually confirm to research practices of today Are the figures truly representative of the study conducted on 11,195 and 9387 children during 1958 and 1970 This paper makes a critical analysis of this investigation and traces links that could perhaps have thrown a different picture what really was. What could be the reason for more boys contacting hay fever and girl's eczema The investigation and critique begins here. 3.0 Hay Fever What is hay fever and how does one contact this disease Hay fever or allergic rhinitis is a common illness affecting the nose, ears, and eyes. Often caused by pollens falling from trees, grass and weeds, the resultant effect is sore, itchy eyes, and stuffy, running noses. There is however another type of hay fever which is perennial in nature. This illness occurs round the year and is caused by dust, mite, mold spores, and animal dander. So how do these foreign agents (allergens) activate such imbalance on the human metabolism Chemical substances, such as histamine, stored in mast cells in tissues of the body, such as the nose and eyes, form antibodies against pollens and other allergens. These antibodies attach to the mast cells, and when combined with the allergen, histamine and other chemical substances from the mast cells are released. These chemical substances cause the allergic responses of itching, sneezing, congestion, and running nose (University of Oregon, Health Center, Allergy Clinic, Allergic Rhinitis, Hay Fever, www.uoregon.edu). Almost all pollens that are allergens are anemophilous (pollination caused by wind). Ragweed, the bane of hay fever sufferers, is anemophilous. Its pollen has been found at sea hundreds of miles from its source. Spring hay fever often traces to pollens from birches. Other common anemophilous plants are most grass species, conifers, sweet chestnuts, and members of the hickory family (Anemophily, en.wikipedia.org). Hay fever is not really an illness in medical terminology. This phenomenon is but an extension of normal human events. The cells involved produce up to a pint of fluid a day, even in normal people, but those who are hyper-sensitive produce excess fluid gives rise to abnormal nasal activity. Sudden temperature or humidity changes, strong odours, consumption of alcohol, smoking, and even changes in sleeping postures can cause it. As it is a chronic problem, it has to be medically treated. Stay away from allergies and be healthy. The best way to stay away from such allergies is to distance from them. Avoidance is the best policy. Shut doors and windows, and restricted outdoor activities can lessen direct exposure to pollen in the air. Removal of dust and mold controls can also help relieve contact with perennial allergens. Pets can be an effective carrier of allergens and they must be kept at a distance too (University of Oregon, Health Center, Allergy Clinic, Allergic Rhinitis, Hay Fever, www.uoregon.edu). 4.0 Eczema Eczema, or dermatitis as it is sometimes called, is a skin condition which can affect all age groups. In the UK, up to one fifth of all children have eczema, and about one in twelve adults suffer from this. The severity of the disease can vary from the mild dry, hot and itchy skin to the more severe forms like broken, raw and bleeding skins. This disease is not contagious and with proper treatment the resultant inflammation of eczema can be reduced and kept under check. However, the skin will always remain sensitive to future flare-ups and will need to be treated carefully. What causes eczema and how can one protect him/her self from further damage to their skin Eczema can be caused by various agents and there are many types of eczema prevalent. The most common eczema thought to be hereditary is atopic eczema. It is traced to be genetically linked to their parents and grandparents. Those who come under this category are said to contact allergens in the environment that are harmless to others. This class of individuals is prone to excessive reaction of their immunity system, causing considerable inflammation, irritation and dry skin at the slightest provocation. Associated atopic conditions include asthma and hay fever. Other types of eczema are caused by irritants such as chemicals, detergents, allergens such as nickel, and yeast growths. Eczema can cause blood circulatory problems in the legs at a later stage of an individual's life. Though the causes of certain types of eczema still remain to be explained, links with environmental factors and stress are not over-ruled. As mentioned in the previous page, eczema affects both children and adults alike; but it appears a lot earlier during infancy. This could be due to the hereditary factor. Children are unique patients because it is a lot more difficult for them to resist scratching their eczema. Scratching only worsens the condition and abets in spreading the disease further. Fortunately, for mild to moderate cases, the application of a moisturiser regularly will help. In most cases, eczema disappears as the child ages (Who get Eczema EczemaNet, www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemanet/whatis.html) While eczema cannot be cured, it can be checked by proper diagnosis and medication. The following guidelines can also control the spread of this disease: 1. Changing one's lifestyle 2. Consulting a dermatologist for treatment, and 3. Following the prescribed medication This approach will check inflammation and itching and keep eczema under control. Dermatologists will always recommend treatment at the onset of a symptom. This way, it can often reduce the severity and duration of the treatment (Eczema Treatment, EczemaNet, www.skincarephysicians.com). Having said this, it is not always easy to distinguish one type of eczema from another or other skin conditions. Dermatologists are trained and have the experience to determine if a patient has eczema or not. To evaluate the disease, dermatologists often question the patient on the symptom that brought about the visit, the duration of any prolonged itching or inflammation, family and personal medical history. Questions about close blood relatives who have asthma, hay fever, or eczema are also asked. 4A. Types of Eczema 1. Allergic contact dermatitis: This develops when the body's immune system reacts against a substance in contact with the skin. 2. Irritant contact dermatitis: This is caused by frequent contact with everyday substances, such as detergents and chemicals. 3. Infantile seborrhoeic eczema: A condition affecting babies under a year, the cause of which is unknown 4. Adult seborrhoeic eczema: Affects adults between 20 and 40. Seen on the scalp as mild dandruff, it spreads to the face, ears and chest. 5. Varicose eczema: Affects the lower legs of those in their middle to late years. Condition is caused by poor blood circulation. 6. Discoid eczema: Usually found in adults and in the form of a few coin shaped areas of red skin, on the trunk or lower legs. 7. Atopic: Hereditary. (Eczema: Frequently asked Questions, National Eczema Society, www.eczema.org/faqfile.htm). 5.0 Prevention is better than Cure We had in an earlier chapter focused on the remedial aspects of prevention. However, in certain cases like that of atopic eczema, the focus should be on early detection and containment. Generally, moisturising creams, bath oils, emollients and steroid creams are recommended for treating eczema. 6.0 Analysis The investigation on hay fever and eczema indicates that children born between 1958 and 1970 were affected by these skin allergies. The report also indicated that an analysis of those born during these two periods were made 16 years later and that there were positive results to confirm that they were indeed victims to conditions that prevailed during that time. We have seen that hay fever is often caused by pollens falling from trees, and from grass and weeds; the resultant effect of which is a sore, itchy eyes, and stuffy, running noses. The other reason that can cause hay fever which is perennial in nature is by dust, mite, mold spores, and animal dander. This can affect any individual who comes into contact with these agents all through the year. Considering that pollen is the main threat for spread of this illness, it can be safely said that the spread of this bacteria happens when most pollination takes place. Wind plays an important role in the spread of this allergy as well as it carries the pollen in the air for long distances. This confirms that the spread of this illness is paramount to high winds and fresh plant growth. Therefore irrespective of the conditions mentioned in the investigation, hay fever could have spread to a lot more people than specified or could have affected only a minority of the population of that period.. Sudden temperature or humidity changes, strong odours, consumption of alcohol, smoking, and even changes in sleeping postures can cause hay fever. This goes to prove that though the life style of individuals have changed over the years, consumption of alcohol, smoking, and change in sleeping posture was prevalent and quite similar to the present day. The fact that men are more prone to hay fever than women is because of the fact that men, more than women, are engaged in outdoor activities. Eczema is more of a disease that affects the skin. The number of people affected by eczema is high in the United Kingdom. Eczema can be caused by various agents and the most potent of them is atopic eczema. It is among the most common eczema and needs to be treated from an early stage itself. Hereditary, atopic eczema can be genetically traced to the victim's parents and grand-parents. They are prone to normal allergens that are harmless to others. They are vulnerable to excessive reaction on their immunity system, causing inflammation, irritation and dryness that can have severe repercussion on their body. Associated atopic conditions include asthma and hay fever. Other types of eczema that were also mentioned are caused by irritants such as chemicals, detergents, allergens such as nickel, and yeast growths. Discoid eczema leads to blood circulatory problems in the legs at a later stage in life. The skin affected by eczema loses a lot of water, which interferes with natural healing. The findings that more girls were affected by eczema can be gauged by the agents that trigger this disease. Women come into contact with detergents, chemicals, nickel and yeast more often than men. This is perhaps the most logical reason why women suffer more from eczema than their male counterparts as indicated in the investigation. 7.0 Evaluation and Criticism The research fell short on many counts. In order to derive at a census only two prospective birth cohorts were studied in England, Wales, and Scotland. In all, only 11,195 children born between 3rd-9th March 1958, and 9387 children born 5th-11th April 1970 were screened. This could have been made more elaborate to accommodate many more children. This would have substantiated the case study better. The outcome at the end of 16 years in each case showed that the prevalence of their conditions increased from 3.1% to 6.4% for eczema and 12.0% to 23.3% for hay fever. In order to derive at a consensus, there are other features that could have been used to develop further or improved to arrive at a qualitative and reliable result. Qualitative research is a positive method to understand case studies. It is very effective, as the main advantage of such an approach is that it helps identify issues that are missed or ignored by other methods. Before beginning a research study the research team has to consider what would be the appropriate and manageable size. The decision on the size will involve a planned process that will offer the best possible chance of accessing and using an appropriate number of subjects. The size is important in measuring the validity and reliability of the results. In order to cover a wide cross section of the population, a random sample can be selected. This will provide a group of participants, which is representative of the entire population. To achieve this all members for the population must be identified and from this, a list of participants must be selected. Policy and professional developments has placed enormous pressure on health professionals to be accountable for their actions. This was not the case in the 50s and 70s. Research into decision-making and research based information used by practitioners has also increased. Evidence based practices in healthcare has been established in research, professional and policy agendas. The starting point for any evidence based approach to healthcare, are the clinical decisions made by professionals delivering care services. Every research project should be a follow-up of an earlier research. The result of the new finding must be made a part of an existing research, which will form the platform for others to contribute in future. Data Collection is very important in an investigation. This will include personal interviews and observations. They are mostly connected to qualitative research, wherein it enables one to understand and interpret the meaning of events or social experiences being studied. The researcher has the privilege of asking questions on reactions or behaviours under different conditions. Generally qualitative studies involve small number of participants, but the information obtained is laborious yet precise. Thus, qualitative research makes an ideal means to collect information on complex issues. Any form of data collection has to be tried out. This pilot version will include the data collection and analysis. This process is a blessing in disguise as it helps researchers to test, develop and practice their skills in data collection, try out the equipment and format to ensure their adaptability in recording interactions, or for using field note in practice. This will allow the research team to study the feasibility of such a project. And finally, research needs to be ethically sound. This issue is mostly obliterated by other results. Ethically sound refers to the conditions were appropriate to ensure that there was a balance between participants rights and research rigour. Readers of such research work therefore need to consider that these ethical issues were followed by the concerned researchers. Health professionals can be recruited to study patients. Consultant dermatologists and paediatricians with special interest in eczema and hay fever can be called upon to monitor the participating patients. There can be a qualitative study using screening questionnaire for patients; followed by interviews with individual patients, health professionals, and complementary therapists; and non-participant observation of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) consultations for eczema and hay fever. 8.0 Conclusion The biggest, single reason for research is to understand facts and figures figuratively. This helps future researchers to understand the conditions under which research was conducted and what the outcome of their study revealed. Hay fever and Eczema are common ailments found in UK. Though hay fever cannot be termed as a disease, it does have its limitations in terms of cure. Eczema is more of a disease that affects the skin of an individual. Severe eczema can cause red spots on the skin that causes itching. Eczema can be hereditary as well as can be contacted through external means. It can be seen on new born babies as well but is not that serious as seen on adolescents and adults. Though there is no known cure, it can be controlled and checked by applying moisturising creams, bath oils, emollients and steroid creams. Homeopathic treatment of eczema failing is because of patients giving up on the treatment prematurely. Patients seek immediate relief and prefer conventional treatments such as hydrocortisone creams and other moisturising creams. 9.0 Appendix Barbara K.Butland, David P. Strachan, Sarah Lewis, John Bynner, Neville Butler, John Britton, Investigation into the increase in hay fever and eczema at age 16 observed between the 1958 and 1970 British birth cohorts, British Medical Journal, September 20, 1997; 315, 7110; ProQuest Nursing and Allied Health Source, Page 717 University of Oregon, Health Center, Allergy Clinic, Allergic Rhinitis, Hay Fever, www.uoregon.edu/uoshc/allergicrhinitis.html Anemophily, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollination). Eczema Treatment, EczemaNet, www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemanet/treatment.html Who get Eczema EczemaNet, www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemanet/whatis.html Eczema: Frequently asked Questions, National Eczema Society, www.eczema.org/faqfile.htm Read More