Allergies

Allergies

A person’s immune system can be described as a regiment, millions of soldiers waiting patiently for the enemy to invade. With allergies, the body recognizes harmless substances, materials or minute particles (allergens) as the “enemy” and sends its immune system regiment to fight off these harmless substances, materials or minute particles.
It is for this reason why allergies can be referred to as a disorder of the immune system as it is raising its defense against harmless intruders.
The bodies regiment makes use of immuno globulin E and a combination of white blood cells, mast cells (which contain histamine) and basophils to remove the invaders. It is these substances which are responsible for the swelling and inflammation that occurs in the area in which the harmless particles settle.
One may have an allergy to one item or more than one item at the same time.
Common allergens (allergy causing particles) include:

• Insect bites and stings
• Pollen
• Ragweed and other grasses
• Dust
• Pets
• Mold
• Food
• Chemicals

There are two types of allergies:

1. Hayfever caused by pollen, plants, flowering trees and weeds or grasses. 
2. Every day allergies are a result of dust, mold, pets (animal dander) or even chemicals and detergents. Symptoms one experiences with every day allergies are similar to those suffering with hayfever.

Allergic reactions vary depending on the time required for inflammation and swelling of the area to occur.

• Delayed reactions become visible a couple of days after coming into contact with the allergen.
• Immediate reactions occur immediately after coming into contact with the allergen.

Symptoms of Allergies

• Constantly sneezing, coughing and wheezing
• A runny nose
• Dry Skin
• Eczema
• Headaches, high fever, vomiting and dizziness
• Asthma and shortness of breath
• Lethargy
• Sensitivity to certain chemicals, perfumes and paints
• Intolerance to certain foods
• Digestive disorders
• A decreased ability to concentrate
• Itchy, scaly rash and hives
• Swelling, redness or flushing of the skin
• Depression and nervousness
• Irritability
• Dark circles around the eyes

Allergies are due to an overactive immune system and are recognized as an inappropriate immune system response. This response is often directly out of proportion to the offending allergen which is most often than not, harmless. 
An allergy often occurs when your body overreacts to things that don’t cause problems for a large majority of individuals.

Causes of Allergies

• Pollen, dust, mold spores and pet dander
• Insect stings
• Food poisoning
• Dairy products such as eggs, cow’s milk and even non-dairy item such as soybeans
• Certain medicines
• Chocolates and cocoa products
• Nuts such as peanuts, walnuts and pecan nuts
• Fish such as shellfish, shrimps, lobster and crab
• Recurring stress and psychological factors can also make one more susceptible to developing allergies

What are the most common allergens?

• Pollen from trees, flowers and flowering grasses
• Grass
• Weeds
• Animal dander
• Dust

Treatments for allergies

• Antihistamines are normally taken orally
• Nasal spray decongestants which may contain steroids. Overuse of these may lead to aggravation of the mucus membrane linings and increased mucus production known as rebound congestion.
• Immunotherapy
• Desensitization – During this process and individual is given increased amounts of the exact foreign particle they are allergic to over a period of time. This allows the body to grow accustomed to this foreign particle and not respond with any negative reactions or attacks. The process and duration of treatment for desensitization can vary from a few months to years.
• Mast Cells Stabilizers
• Nasal irrigation using a netti pot can help wash any foreign particles from the mucus membrane linings.

Tips

• Avoid taking walks in areas with long grass
• Two herbs, turmeric and feverfew have been found to help control the release of histamine.
• Try being away from the house when your lawn is cut.
• Avoid the allergen as much as possible
• Close all windows during high pollen season
• Clean air conditioner and humidifies filters regularly