Springtime – Allergy Season
What are Allergies?
Allergies are described as abnormal responses within the body to things or substances that are typically harmless. However, this incorrect response causes the immune system to react to the substance (known as allergens) as if it was harmful. The symptoms of allergies can make you feel miserable and rotten! It is a good idea for any allergy sufferer to get to know which allergens you are allergic to so that you can control the symptoms.
Allergies are extremely common and affect more than 20 percent of adults and children in the United States. According to the Allergy Report from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness. It usually develops during childhood or early adulthood. Most allergies are inherited and people are more likely to have a tendency to be allergic if there is a family history of allergies or asthma.
Sometimes, people with allergies may experience a severe reaction known as anaphylaxis. The signs of anaphylaxis may start with severe itching of the eyes or face and develop into more serious symptoms such as swelling of the lips, tongue and throat, abdominal pain, cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, hives, and angiodema (hives in the throat). This type of reaction usually occurs within minutes after been exposed to the triggering allergen (such as a peanut). It is a rare, life-threatening emergency and medical attention is required immediately.
What Causes Allergies?
Allergies occur when a person’s immune system mistakenly attacks the allergen as an invader and produces immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to combat these substances. These antibodies then cause certain cells in the body to release chemicals such as histamine into the bloodstream.
These chemicals affect your eyes, nose, throat, lungs, skin or gastrointestinal tract and produces allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes and a runny nose. Every time that you are exposed to that same allergen, an allergic reaction will be triggered.
Help for Allergies
For the treatment of allergies to be effective, the individual has to be aware of the allergen or substance that is causing the allergy. There are various medications such as topical and oral antihistamines, corticosteroids, nasal congestants and mastocyte stabilizers that help reduce the symptoms of allergies.
People who experience severe allergy attacks often require a quick shot of epinephrine, a type of medication used to counteract an anaphylactic reaction. When these medications fail to achieve the desired results, immunotherapy or allergy desensitization may be used.
Natural Remedies
Certain herbal and homeopathic remedies have been found to be beneficial in the treatment and prevention of allergies. These remedies are not only much safer to use than the traditional antihistamine drugs but also gentler for the body. Herbs such as Urtica urens and Plantago lanceolata (also known as plantain) contain effective anti-inflammatory and astringent properties and have a long history of treating inflammation, allergies and respiratory complaints.
Quercitin is a highly effective herb that contains antioxidants and helps to boost the immune system and improve circulation while Euphrasia officinalis (Eyebright) maintains eye health and good vision. In addition, homeopathic ingredients such as Allium cepa and Ars. Iod helps to control allergy symptoms such as sneezing, wheezing chest, inflammation in the eyes and irritability.
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