HEALTH - ALLERGY (ALLERGIES - SYMPTOMS - NATURAL REMEDIES)

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HEALTH:  ALLERGY (ALLERGIES - SYMPTOMS - NATURAL REMEDIES) ALLERGY - REMEDY                           Pneumonia>>                                     

What is an allergy?

Allergy refers to an exaggerated reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances.  It is exaggerated because these foreign substances are usually seen by the body as harmless and no response occurs in non- allergic people.  Allergic people's bodies recognize the foreign substance and one part of the immune system is turned on.  

Allergy-producing substances are called "allergens."  Examples of allergens include pollens, dust mite, molds, pet danders, and foods.  To understand the language of allergy it is important to remember that allergens are substances that are foreign to the body and can cause an allergic reaction in certain people.

When an allergen comes in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in persons who are allergic to it. When you inappropriately react to allergens that are normally harmless to other people, you are having an allergic reaction and can be referred to as allergic or atopic.  Therefore, people who are prone to allergies are said to be allergic or "atopic."

Approximately one out of every ten Americans suffers from allergies of some type.  Allergies are the body's natural reaction to any foreign substance.  When the body encounters one of these substances, it produces many different substances, including histamines.  Once released into the body, these cause tissue swellings called allergies.  Allergy can affect many different parts of the body including the lungs, skins, nasal passages, sinuses, and stomach. 

Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include intestinal pain, bloating, mood swings, exhaustion, throat swelling, difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, swelling or bloating of the skin, watery eyes, itchy nose, and sneezing.  There are many things that cause allergy including pollen, mold, flowers, dust mites, grass, and spores.  Additionally, food and chemicals can be an allergy trigger. 

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Also see:    Emphysema    Lung Cancer    Bronchitis   Asthma   Pneumonia   Sinuses    Common Cold    Influenza/Flu    Swine Flu

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 Health:  Risk Factors of Allergy (Allergies)

Allergies can develop at any age, possibly even in the womb. They commonly occur in children but may give rise to symptoms for the first time in adulthood. Asthma may persist in adults while nasal allergies tend to decline in old age. Having asthma increases your risk for developing an allergy. Also, having one type of allergic condition makes you more likely to be allergic to something else.

Why, you may ask, are some people "sensitive" to certain allergens while most are not? Why do allergic persons produce more IgE than those who are non-allergic? The major distinguishing factor appears to be heredity. For some time, it has been known that allergic conditions tend to cluster in families. Your own health risk of developing allergies is related to your parents' allergy history. If neither parent is allergic, the chance that you will have allergies is about 15%. If one parent is allergic, your health risk increases to 30% and if both are allergic, your risk is greater than 60%.

Although you may inherit the tendency to develop allergies, you may never actually have symptoms. You also do not necessarily inherit the same allergies or the same diseases as your parents. It is unclear what determines which substances will trigger a reaction in an allergic person. Additionally, which diseases might develop or how severe the symptoms might be is unknown.

Another major piece of the allergy puzzle is the environment. It is clear that you must have a genetic tendency and be exposed to an allergen in order to develop an allergy. Additionally, the more intense and repetitive the exposure to an allergen and the earlier in life it occurs, the more likely it is that an allergy will develop.

There are other important influences that may conspire to cause allergic health conditions. Some of these include smoking, pollution, infection, and hormones.

Health:  Causes of Allergy (Allergies)

To help answer this question, let's look at a common household example. A few months after the new cat arrives in the house, dad begins to have itchy eyes and episodes of sneezing. One of the three children develops coughing and wheezing, especially when the cat comes into her bedroom. The mom and the other two children experience no reaction whatsoever to the presence of the cat. How can we explain this?

The immune system is the body's organized defense mechanism against foreign invaders, particularly infections. Its job is to recognize and react to these foreign substances, which are called antigens. Antigens are substances that are capable of causing the production of antibodies. Antigens may or may not lead to an allergic health reaction. Allergens are certain antigens that cause an allergic reaction and the production of IgE.

Certain medical conditions such as sinus problems, eczema, and asthma are linked to allergies.

Common allergens include pollen, mold, pet dander, and dust. Food and drug allergies are common. Allergic reactions can also be caused by insect bites, jewelry, cosmetics, and other substances.

Some people have allergy-like reactions to hot or cold temperatures, sunlight, or other environmental triggers. Sometimes, friction (rubbing or roughly stroking the skin) will cause symptoms.

Whether or not you are likely to develop allergies is often passed down through families. If both your parents have allergies, you are likely to have allergies. The chance is greater if your mother has allergies.

An allergy starts when the immune system mistakes a normally harmless substance for a dangerous invader. The immune system then produces antibodies that are always on the alert for your particular allergen. When you're exposed to the allergen again in the future, these antibodies release a number of immune system chemicals, such as histamine, that cause allergy symptoms.

Common allergy triggers include:

• Airborne allergens, such as pollen, animal dander, dust mites and mold.

• Certain foods, particularly peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, eggs and milk.

• Insect stings, such as bee stings or wasp stings.

• Medications, particularly penicillin or penicillin-based antibiotics.

• Latex or other substances you touch, which can cause allergic skin reactions.

Having an allergy increases your risk of certain other health problems, including:

• Anaphylaxis. If you have severe allergies, you're at increased risk of this serious allergy-induced reaction. Anaphylaxis is most commonly associated with food allergy and allergy to insect venom.

• Another allergy. Having one type of allergy also increases your health risk of becoming allergic to something else.

• Asthma. If you have an allergy, you're more likely to have asthma — an immune system reaction that affects the airways and breathing. In many cases, asthma is triggered by exposure to an allergen in the environment (allergy-induced asthma).

• Atopic dermatitis (eczema), sinusitis, and infections of the ears or lungs. Your risk of getting these health conditions is higher if you have hay fever, a pet allergy or a mold allergy.

• Fungal infection of your sinuses or your lungs. You're at increased risk of getting these health conditions, known as allergic fungal sinusitis and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, if you're allergic to mold.

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                                                                                                    NATURAL REMEDIES FOR ALLERGIES

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Health:  Symptoms of Allergy (Allergies) Vary

Allergy symptoms depend on your particular allergy, and can involve the airways, sinuses and nasal passages, skin and digestive system. In most cases, an allergic reaction is a nuisance that causes irritating but minor symptoms. Severe allergic reactions can be more dangerous because they're likely to involve several of the body's organ systems. In some severe cases, allergies can trigger a life-threatening reaction in your body known as anaphylaxis.

Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, may cause:

• Congestion
• Itchy, runny nose
• Itchy, watery or swollen eyes (conjunctivitis)

Atopic dermatitis, an allergic skin reaction also called eczema, may cause:

• Itchy skin
• Red skin
• Flaking or peeling skin

A food allergy may cause:

• Tingling mouth
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat
• Hives
• Anaphylaxis

An insect sting allergy may cause:

• A large area of swelling (edema) at the sting site
• Itching or hives all over your body
• Cough, chest tightness, wheezing or shortness of breath
• Anaphylaxis

A drug allergy may cause:

• Hives
• Itchy skin
• Rash
• Facial swelling
• Wheezing
• Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis
Some types of allergies, including allergies to foods and insect stings, have the potential to trigger a severe reaction known as anaphylaxis. A life-threatening medical emergency, this reaction involves several of the body's organ systems and can cause you to go into shock. Symptoms of anaphylaxis are:

• Loss of consciousness
• Lightheadedness
• Severe shortness of breath
• A rapid, weak pulse
• Skin rash
• Nausea and vomiting
• Swelling airways, which can block breathing

When to see an health care provider
You may want to see a doctor if you have symptoms you think may be caused by an allergy, especially if you notice something in your environment that seems to trigger your allergies. If you have symptoms after starting a new medication, call the doctor who prescribed it right away.

For a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), call 911 or your local emergency number or seek emergency medical help. If you carry an epinephrine auto-injector (such as EpiPen, EpiPen Jr or Twinject), give yourself a shot right away. Even if symptoms improve after an emergency epinephrine injection, a visit to the emergency department is still necessary to make sure symptoms don't return when the effects of the injection wear off.

If you've had a severe allergy attack or any symptoms of anaphylaxis in the past, make an appointment to see your doctor. Evaluation, diagnosis and long-term management of anaphylaxis are complicated, so you'll probably need to see a doctor who specializes in allergies and immunology.

The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. Although the various allergic diseases may appear different, they all result from an exaggerated immune response to foreign substances in sensitive people. The following brief descriptions will serve as an overview of common allergic disorders and symptoms.

• Breathing problems
• Burning, tearing, or itchy eyes
• Conjunctivitis  (red, swollen eyes)
• Coughing
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Hives
• Itching of the nose, mouth, throat, skin, or any other area
• Runny nose
• Skin rashes
• Stomach cramps
• Vomiting
• Wheezing

Health:  Diagnosis for Allergy (Allergies)

To evaluate whether you have an allergy, your doctor may:

• Ask detailed questions about symptoms
• Perform a physical exam
• Have you keep a detailed health diary of symptoms and possible triggers

If you have a food allergy, your doctor may:

• Ask you to keep a detailed health diary of the foods you eat
• Have you eliminate a food from your diet (elimination diet) - and then have you eat the food in question again to see if it causes a reaction

Your doctor may also recommend one or both of the following tests:

• Skin test. In this test, your skin is pricked and exposed to small amounts of the proteins found in your potential allergen. If you're allergic, you develop a raised bump (hive) at the test location on your skin. Allergy specialists usually are best equipped to perform and interpret allergy skin tests.
• Blood test. A blood test (sometimes called the radioallergosorbent, or RAST, test) can measure your immune system's response to a specific allergen by measuring the amount of allergy-causing antibodies in your bloodstream, known as immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. A blood sample is sent to a medical laboratory, where it can be tested for evidence of sensitivity to possible allergens.

If your doctor suspects your health problems are caused by something other than an allergy, you may need other tests to identify — or rule out — other medical problems.   

Health:  Conventional Treatment for Allergy (Allergies)

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are available over-the-counter and by prescription. They are available in many forms, including:

• Capsules and pills
• Eye drops
• Injection
• Liquid
• Nasal spray

Corticosteroids

Anti-inflammatory medications (corticosteroids) are available in many forms, including:

• Eye drops
• Nasal spray
• Lung inhaler

Patients with severe allergic symptoms may be prescribed corticosteroid pills or injections for short periods of time.

Decongestants

Decongestants can help relieve a stuffy nose. Decongestant nasal spray should not be used for more than several days, because they can cause a "rebound" effect and make the congestion worse. Decongestants in pill form do not cause this problem.

Other Medicines

Leukotriene inhibitors are medicines that specifically block the substances that trigger allergies. Zafirlukast (Accolate) and montelukast (Singulair) are approved for those with asthma and indoor and outdoor allergies.

Allergy Shots

Allergy shots (immunotherapy) are occasionally recommended if the allergen cannot be avoided and symptoms are hard to control. Allergy shots keep your body from over-reacting to the allergen. Regular injections of the allergen are given, with each dose slightly larger than the previous dose until a maximum dose is reached. They do not work for everybody and require frequent doctor's visits.

Some allergy symptoms improve with home treatment.

• Sinus congestion and hay fever symptoms often improve with nasal lavage — rinsing out the sinuses with a saline solution. You can use a "neti pot" or a specially designed bulb syringe to flush out thickened mucus and irritants from your nose.

• Insect sting symptoms may improve when you put a paste of baking soda and water, aloe vera or calendula to the sting site.

• Household airborne allergy symptoms, such as those caused by dust mites or pet dander, may improve by taking steps to reduce your exposure to allergens. Steps include frequently washing bedding and stuffed toys in hot water, maintaining low humidity, regularly using a vacuum with a fine filter such as a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, and replacing carpeting with hard flooring.

• Mold allergy symptoms may be alleviated by avoiding outdoor work in damp weather, wearing a dust mask while working outdoors, and keeping your windows closed at night.

The medical community has come up with all sorts of ways to treat allergies, but many people shy away from modern day medicine because of the extensive side effects associated with some of the treatments.  It is often the case that the treatment is worse than the cure.  However, you will find below some of the natural remedies for allergies that is safer without extensive side effects to your health.

Butterbur

One natural allergy remedy is butterbur.  Butterbur is a plant that grows in marshy areas and has three foot leaves.  They can be found across Europe, in Asia, and in North America.  It is a gentle, natural remedy that is free of antihistamines for those who wish to treat hay fever.  It has been used for centuries to treat all sorts of ailments, but it has been found most effective at treating allergy style symptoms.  It can also help reduce the muscle spasms associated with allergies.  Butterbur is typically taken in tablet form, as the plants themselves can be toxic if not properly processed. The roots are dried, beaten to powder, and combined with other natural ingredients to create the tablet.  It is best to take one tablet three times a day, but consult the packaging for more specific instructions. 

Honey
Another natural allergy remedy is locally grown honey.  This product can assist with hay fever and other pollen allergic reactions.  It is important to start with small amounts.  Approximately a teaspoon per day should help.  You must first ensure the honey agrees with your body.  If it doesn't, discontinue use immediately.  If you notice discomfort in the gastrointestinal area, it is important not to use it again.  The goal is to work up to several teaspoons per day to ward off hay fever.  If you decide to use honey, be sure to do several things first.   Talk to your doctor before you try any natural remedies to treat your health condition.

Remember that you might have a bad reaction to the honey.  Not every treatment works for every person.  You should only purchase non-pasteurized honey.  The honey should be purchased from a local beekeeper or at a local farmer's market to ensure the freshest quality available is consumed.  Try to make sure the honey was collected at the same time of year that you suffer from allergies.  This will increase the effectiveness of this cure.  To make sure you get the best results possible, use the honey one month before your typical allergy season.  Using it in the midst of your difficult season won't be enough.  Also, do not heat the honey.  It decreases its natural healing properties.  One last note, begin with a small amount and increase gradually as a natural remedy.

Green Tea
Another natural allergy remedy is green tea.  People who regularly consume green tea have noticed that they suffer less from sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes.  Green tea is best consumed in purer forms.  Don't pollute it with additives like honey, and don't use chemically processed tea either.  It is important that you consume at least one cup per day.  You should try to work your way up to three cups per day.  It does not matter if the tea is consumed hot or cold. 

Echinacea
An additional natural allergy remedy is Echinacea.  This herb has been known to treat all sorts of problems, including hay fever.  It aids in the production of interferon, which assists with decreasing the swelling in tissues, which, in turn, helps stop the runny nose and watery eyes associated with allergies. 

Vitamin C
One final natural allergy remedy is vitamin C.  You become extremely susceptible to allergens if your diet does not contain enough of this essential vitamin.  Vitamin C detoxifies foreign substances entering the body and strengthens your cells.  Dosages can be up to one thousand milligrams per day. 

Health:  Prevention of Allergy (Allergies)

Preventing allergies depends on the type of allergy you have. General measures include the following:

• Avoid known triggers. Even if you get treatment for your allergy symptoms, you still need to do your best to avoid your triggers. Common triggers include airborne allergens outdoors, at home or at work, and certain foods, insects or medications. Some allergic reactions are triggered or worsened by temperature extremes or emotional stress.
• Keep a diary. When trying to identify exactly what causes or worsens your allergic symptoms, try to track all of your activities, note when symptoms occur, and write down what seems to help. This may help you and your doctor identify triggers and the best steps to prevent and treat them.
• Wear a medical alert bracelet if you've ever had a severe allergic reaction. A medical alert bracelet (or necklace) lets others know that you have a serious allergy in case you have a reaction and you're unable to communicate.

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Disclaimer:  This information is not presented by a medical practitioner.  Therefore any content of this site is strictly intended for educational and informational purpose only.  Any access to this site is strictly on a voluntary basis and at the sole discretion of the user.  No content of this site is intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, nor constitute the practice of any medical profession or health care provider.  The information provided on this site is here to educate visitors on health issues that may affect their lives.  Otherwise, always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.  And never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read.

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