allergy

What are Allergies?

An allergy is a hypersensitivity to a foreign substance that is usually harmless but produces a violent reaction in the allergy sufferer. Allergies are generally the body's effort to eliminate something it considers unsuitable.

 

There are different types of allergies. Some of the most common types are: Nasal allergies, and Chronic Allergies. Nasal allergies refer to the interaction of allergens with cells within the lining of the nose.

 

Chronic Allergies are a bit more serious than nasal allergies. An individual with chronic allergies may have nasal allergies and will also start to be affected by nonallergic stimuli. These can include dry air, cold air, smoke, and particles in the air. The individual with chronic allergies can follow the same steps to prevent allergies that a person with nasal allergies can. The main difference is knowing which other allergies affect them.

 

Common allergens include pollens, dust, dust mites, mold spores, and animal dander.

 

In severe cases, allergies may lend to faulty thinking, and to minimal brain dysfunction in children. A large proportion of the physical suffering in the United States is caused by allergies

 

 

What are Allergens?

Allergens are: Some of the most common allergens include pollens, dust, dust mites, fungi, bacteria, insects, mold spores, and animal dander.

If you are allergic to pollen, you can "keep an eye on" the pollen levels in your city. The weather channel has information on pollen levels. Visit Pollen Reports
for more information.

 

 

Food Allergens?

Twelve of the most frequent food allergens are: milk, caffeinated and decaffeinated drinks (chocolate, coffee, tea, and colas), eggs, cereals (especially corn and wheat), oranges and orange juice, tomatoes and tomato juice, meat (pork, beef, chicken), fish, nuts, vitamin preparations, drugs and food additives.

 

The following substances are sometimes present in cow's milk may cause human reactions: wheat, peanuts, linseed, cottonseed, ragweed, bacteria, antibiotics, hormones, and other drugs and chemicals. Chronic cough, asthma, rhinitis, bronchitis, urinary bleeding, constipation, and recurrent pneumonia may all be caused from milk allergy.

 

 

Allergy Symptoms?

Some of the most common symptoms of allergies are: headache, fatigue, stuffy nose, tremor, and collapse.

 

 

Nasal Allergies:

What happens in the body during a nasal allergy?

During a nasal allergy, allergens (dust, mold, pollen, bacteria) enter through the nose. The allergens interact with cells inside the nose. The interaction in the nose causes discharge of a substance called histamine. Histamine causes sneezing, swelling, nasal congestion, and nasal discharge of mucus.

 

 

What are the signs and symptoms of a nasal allergy?

The most common symptoms of a nasal allergy are: clear, watery nasal discharge, coughing, itching deep within the ear, itching, watering, and redness of the eyes, nasal itching, nasal stuffiness with subsequent difficulty breathing and sneezing.

 

 

Long Term effects of Nasal Allergies?

If an individual has nasal allergies, they are more likely to develop sinus infections and asthma.

 

What are the treatments for Nasal Allergies?

The most important step in allergy treatment is avoiding the allergen. This may be possible for people with pet allergies. This technique is less practical for those who are sensitive to pollens and molds. However, if you are sensitive to pollen, you can reduce the number of pollen producing flowers and trees in or near your home.

 

Other methods of treatment are: oral antihistamines, antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays, air filters, allergy shots, and Vitamin C

Oral antihistamines are used for short-term allergic disease. They are very effective in controlling symptoms such as sneezing and nasal discharge.

Antihistamines generally don't reduce nasal stuffiness. It is common to add a decongestant, such as pseudoephedrine, to an antihistamine.

Nasal steroid sprays, such as beclomethasone and mometasone, are used for prolonged allergies. They control acute symptoms more effectively than antihistamines.

 

Air filters and frequent vacuuming are helpful.

 

Allergy shots can be used in people who have chronic or prolonged periods of allergic disease. The shots desensitize the person to the trigger.

Large amounts of Vitamin C are helpful. Vitamin C is a natural anti-histamine.

 

What are the side effects of Allergy treatments?

Many over-the-counter antihistamines cause drowsiness and decreased mental alertness. Decongestants can cause elevation of blood pressure, fast heart rate, and difficulty sleeping. Nasal steroids may cause nosebleeds and nasal crusts. Chronic steroid usage can cause bone thinning, predisposition to infection, diabetes, and cataracts.