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WHAT IS AN ALLERGY?
By Kleovoulos Chandanos, Paediatrician
Allergy
is a pathological reaction (hypersensitivity) to an external factor
(allergen), which is considered generally harmless and comes into contact
with the organism via inhalation, ingestion or skin contact.
Common
allergens are the domestic dust mites, the tree and flower pollens, animal
hair and bird feathers, mold and certain foods (seafood, nuts and
strawberries). The presence of allergies depends often on environmental
factors, such as the atmospheric pollution, cigarette smoke, humidity and
inadequate ventilation.
Children develop various allergic diseases that can hit any system of the
body. The most common are asthma,
allergic rino-conjunctivitis (sneezing attacks, runny eyes, stuffiness,
burning sensation in the pharynx),
eczema or allergic dermatitis,
(non contagious rash, very itchy, often appears in the folds of hands, feet
and neck but can also cover the entire body) and
urticaria or wheals (sudden
appearance of red marks on the skin, varying in size with itching as its
main symptom).
Today
we know that familial (genetic) inclination contributes considerably to the
development of allergic illnesses. The sensitivity usually develops in
childhood and it can constitute the beginning of symptoms of allergic
illness. The children that run a bigger danger are those that have a
familial background of allergy and/or a positive allergic test in the
parents, or present positive results in allergic testing series.
However, the allergy illness will not
develop in all the children that tested positive. Most allergies are not
serious; they are, however, tedious and annoying. It is prudent that we deal
with them fast and effectively.
The best
medicine for the allergies is the avoidance of allergens that cause them.
Therefore, it is wise to know the enemy, so we can avoid him. Do not forget
that medicine we take when we have an allergy does not cure, it simply
eliminates the symptoms. Be careful in the spring, when flowers bloom. The
main enemy most times is the pollen of flowers and trees.
Remember the symptoms. A complete background report will perhaps help the
doctor to find a faster solution to the problem. The use of medicine or
antibiotics must not be indiscriminate. Even though the latest allergy
fighting preparations have minimal side effects, it is wise to consult with
your doctor and follow his directives.
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FREQUENT QUESTIONS
REGARDING ROOT CANAL THERAPY
By
Nikos Papadakis, Dental Surgeon
Part Two:
Is it possible for a
root canalled tooth to hurt immediately after treatment?
Your tooth is likely to
have some sensitivity for some days after the treatment, particularly when
it comes in contact with other teeth. In such a case observe the following:
1- Rinse mouth with
tepid to hot camomile tea (for 10 minutes at a time) for three to four days.
Repeat every one to two hours.
2- If needed, take
prescribed painkillers for three to four days.
3- Do not chew on this
side until sensitivity is eliminated.
What is the rate of
success of this treatment?
It is very high, roughly around 90-95 percent if inflammation is in the
initial stages. In complex situations this percentage can be a little
smaller, around 75-80 percent.
How long of a life does
a treated tooth have?
As long as a healthy
one; the treatment removes all microbes and toxic matter from the tooth's
interior and helps to re-establish chewing.
What can I do if the
treatment fails?
Depending on the cause
of failure the treatment may be repeated or a special surgical procedure is
performed where the tip of the tooth's root is sniped and the inflamed
tissue is removed. Of course extraction could be the only solution left, but
only in just a few cases.
Why must the treatment
be repeated if the tooth doesn't hurt?
A loss
of a filling or an incomplete treatment can result in the canal being
re-infected without the presence of pain. It is essential then that the
treatment is repeated before permanently capping the tooth.
If a cyst is present
under the tooth, should a root canal treatment or an extraction take place?
The
usual cause for the cyst, which is a chronic surrounding-the-tip-of-the-root
condition, is the microbes that exist in the pulp cavity. With the correct
root canal treatment the cyst most often is cured and disappears and in a
few cases the cyst is surgically removed and the tooth is still saved.
My dentist has
suggested watching the "just-treated" tooth. Is it because something was not
done properly?
In many
cases it is essential for a clinical and x-ray follow-up of the treated
tooth for one year or even more, particularly when there is bone shrinkage
under the root due to inflammation. The follow-up is important because bone
reformation is a lengthy procedure.
Can any dentist perform a root canal treatment?
All dental school graduates have been educated in the implementation of this
treatment. There are, however, dentists who have specialized to successfully
resolve not just the usual but, mainly, the complex and difficult cases in
the field of Endodontic Therapy. Your dentist can advise you whether a
specialist is needed.
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