Allergy symptoms, allergy prevention and allergy treatment

Allergy the common ailment

Several people suffer with allergies or allergic reactions everyday due to the things they come in contact with in their daily lives. An allergy is an abnormal reaction of the immune system to ordinarily harmless things in the environment. This happens due to substances that may be inhaled, swallowed, or even when a person's skin comes into contact with it. These substances that cause allergies are called allergens.

Allergens that are the common are pollen, dust mites, animal dander, food, plants, medication or even change in temperature. Contact with these and other similar allergens may cause mild to severe distress to an individual and make it difficult for them to function at their optimal level.

You can develop an allergy at any age, although they are very common among children. The basic cause of allergy is still unknown, yet it is has a tendency to run in families. It is also possible that even though both parents have allergies, the child may never have the condition.

The environment that we live in plays a huge role in allergic reactions. It iworth while to control the environment to the largest extent possible.

Symptoms of allergy  

Sneezing or coughing, watery eyes and runny nose are high on the list.

Itching of the nose or throat.

Breathlessness and or a feeling of tightness in the chest.

Difficulty in breathing.

Noisy or asthmatic breathing ("wheezing").

Itching or skin rash with redness of the skin or hives.

Ear fullness and popping.

Dark circles under the eyes.

Choking, stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhea.

If these symptoms are severe, it might be a medical emergency and the person needs to be rushed for immediate medical care as it could become life-threatening.

What is allergy? What causes allergy?

An allergy is your body's over-reaction to things that don't cause problems. The body defends itself through the immune system from any thing that threatens it. Allergic reactions occur when the immune system mistakes the foreign substances or the allergen (which may not be dangerous) as potentially harmful. The body’s way of fighting the allergen is what causes the distress and the symptoms.

What causes allergy?

Pollen allergy is a common cause of allergy; it is widely found in the air in late spring and early summer, and are primarily produced by weeds and trees.

Dust allergy caused by dust mites, or the small living creatures in dust, dead skin cells or bedding furniture that is upholstered is another common allergen.

Pet allergy: The protein of their skin, urine or saliva could cause allergy while you directly handle the pet, or while handling the house dust.

Food allergy Some people are allergic to food such as peanuts, milk, nuts, wheat or gluten allergy, eggs etc.

Allergy relief

As there is no real cure for allergy, prevention would be the best method of handling this. Here are some ways of doing so:

• Use a surgical mask to avoid pollen when out doors. Avoid being out in the mornings or on windy days.

• Avoid pets or keep them out of the house.

• Avoid the use of woolen clothes, blankets, or feather pillows. Wash bed linen and other garments in hot water. Switch over to hypo-allergic pillows and beds

• Clean upholstered furniture and floors with vacuum cleaner regularly.

• Keep all plants out of the house if possible.

• Keep windows closed especially in the early morning hours and on windy days.Using air filters or purifiers in the house helps.

• Keep car windows closed while driving.

• Avoid aerosol sprays.

• Avoid polluted places where there is smoke or fumes.

• Humidity is another factor that causes allergy, so using a de-humidifier may also help.

• Read labels before you eat any product if you have a food allergy; check with the waiter at restaurants or flight attendants before you eat anything.

These precautions may come in handy.
Take a test to make sure you are not allergic to any medication. Knowing the substances that you are allergic to is sometimes life-saving.

There are various nasal sprays, decongestants, eye drops and anti-histamines that can help.

You could also take allergy shots when the allergen can be identified. This takes anywhere from a few months to a year to be completed.

Try homeopathic medication, which I have tested and found to be very effective. I have been able to completely wipe out symptoms of hay fever or rhinitis which my husband has had since childhood, without it re-occurring for more than five years.

Homeopathic medication is not only cheap but also effective. They do not just address the symptoms, but work within to eradicate the problem.

In homeopathy, there are wonderful remedies for eczema and asthma. I feel that it would do you much good if you went to a homeopathic specialist and find a natural remedy for your problem. It is a 'natural' cure!