What Is An Allergy?

An allergy is hypersensitivity disorder of the immune system; or the immune system's way of telling your body it really doesn't like something. Your body may also choose to show you, usually in the form an abnormal tissue reaction. In short, an allergy is an abnormal reaction by the body in response to allergens; essentially any substance causing a reaction to an individual.

A typical reaction will be in the form of an inflammatory response which can vary from mild to extreme or very extreme, including life-threatening. Common responses may include: sneezing, eczema, hives, rashes, hay fever, swelling and asthma attacks. Common allergens include airborne particles; various foods and food types (known as, not surprisingly, a food allergy); and reactions to the venom of certain stinging insects such as wasps and bees.

Each person has their own set of allergens, each person reacts to an allergy in their own way. Because everyone is different, everyone’s immune system has varying levels of sensitivity to myriad stimuli. Simple tests for an allergy or allergies can be administered at a medical clinic and will inform you on what you are and are not allergic to.

Common types of allergies may include an allergy to pets, a seasonal allergy or a food allergy.

What Are Common Symptoms Of An Allergy?

Symptoms of an allergy can range from mild to the very extreme. Mild symptoms of an allergy typically show up as a rash or hives, the sniffles, watery eyes, a tickle in the nose or other similar, simple annoyances such as itchy, an itchy or scratchy throat, sneezing, dark circles around the eyes, a recurring headache, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing or even stomach cramps and diarrhea.

In some circumstances, however, an allergy can be a matter of life or death. While only a handful of food allergy related deaths are recorded in Canada each year, a food allergy can bring with it nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting or worse.

Anaphylactic reactions are not only the domain of a food allergy, most typically peanuts, but may also be attributed to an insect allergy or a drug allergy. In such cases, immediate medical attention is an absolute requirement.

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

Symptoms to any 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.

What Are The Treatments For An Allergy?

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

For an allergy 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 use in allergy treatments.

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

Allergy Home Remedies

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.

Home remedies available to help ease the symptoms of an allergy and allergic reactions are as varied 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.

Other allergy home remedies include topical solutions such as lime juice, lemon juice and mint. Vitamin C can also help reduce the probability of an allergy. As my a glass of water with two tablespoons of cider vinegar.

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