What are Allergies?

Allergies are abnormal reactions, taken by the body, in response to allergens, essentially any substance causing a reaction to an individual. The appearance of allergies are in fact a hypersensitivity disorder of the immune system. A typical reaction will be in the form of an extreme inflammatory response. Common responses include: eczema, hives, hay fever, swelling and asthma attacks. Common allergens include airborne particles, various foods and food types (known as food allergies), and reactions to the venom of certain stinging insects such as wasps and bees.

Each person has their own set of allergens – because everyone is different, everyone’s immune system has varying levels of sensitivity to myriad stimuli. Simple tests for allergies given at medical clinics can inform you on what you are and are not allergic to.

Common types of allergies include pet allergies, seasonal allergies and food allergies.

What are the symptoms of Allergies?

Symptoms of allergies can be considered any extreme inflammatory response including but not limited to eczema, hives, hay fever and asthma attacks. Smaller, less immediate reactions may include itchy, watery eyes, itchy nose, throat or skin, sneezing, dark circles around the eyes, a recurring headache, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing or even stomach cramps and diarrhea.

Allergies to airborne particles such as dust, pollen or ragweed usually result in symptoms originating from the eyes, nose and lungs. Allergies to foods and poisons bring on less specific symptoms such as swelling and hives.

Symptoms to allergies can range from mild to severe. It is possible to be mildly allergic to something – an individual would not feel ill or debilitated, just slightly uncomfortable. Some allergies, such as bee stings, can lead to anaphylactic shock, affecting the digestive system, respiratory system and/or circulatory system, requiring immediate medical attention.

What are treatments for Allergies?

The oldest treatment still useful for allergies is the avoidance of the allergen causing the reaction. This is typical of food allergies – if an individual were allergic to wheat products, they would simply avoid wheat in their diet.

For allergies to airborne allergens, drugs are available, in consultation with a physician,to help ease the symptoms of allergic reactions. These can include antihistamines, glucocorticoids, epinephrine (adrenaline) and others. Alternative medicines used include medicated nasal sprays, eye drops and oral medications. Some agents such as decongestants are not considered to be a useful treatment to allergies.

Desensitization or hyposensitization treatment is where a patient will be gradually vaccinated with bigger and bigger doses of the allergen in question. In theory, this allows the individual to build up an immunity to their allergen and asscoiated allergies.

Another therapy gaining popularity is Sublingual Immunotherapy (or SLIT). This is a practice where a solution containing an allergen is placed under the tongue – in the long term this practice increases the body’s tolerance of the allergen.

Shots and immunization treatments for allergies are considered to be long-term commitments on behalf of the patient, but display generally positive results.

Home Remedies For Allergies

Home remedies to allergic reactions typically revolve around the avoidance of allergens causing the reactions. Many are simple steps taken to reduce contact with the allergens – these include showering, washing hair, rinsing eyes with water, and keeping pets clean and groomed.

The home remedies available to help ease the symptoms of allergies and allergic reactions are as many as the symptoms themselves. Bathing in a tub of baking soda diluted in water is said to soothe hives. Peppermint tea is acclaimed for its ability to relieve congestion and irritated mucous membranes. Wasabi is a popular remedy to allergy-related congestion.

Many spices and herbs are also touted for their relief of various symptoms. Basil is said to ease and help reduce hives whereas salt solutions can be used for throat and nose ailments.

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