Understanding Allergies
While most of us know what allergic reactions like itchy eyes, running nose or feeling down and moody feel like, but we may not know what allergies are. Allergies are nothing but a way our immune system reacts to some plants, animals and foods. There are occasions when our immune system interprets an allergen, as a disease or virus which may harm the body. To counteract the invasion, the system also launches an attack – which in turn manifests itself as various types of reactions. It is our body’s way of showing that it cares for us and wants to protect us from any external harm.
While sneezing and wheezing are two of the most common allergic reactions we come across, these are caused by some very common allergens, which include:
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Dust mites (these are miniscule insects which thrive in dust)
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Protein found in the dander (dry skin), saliva (spit), urine (pee), or other things from some animals.
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Grass, flower, and tree pollen (the fine dusty substance which you see in plants).
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Mold and mildew (small living things that grow in damp places).
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Foods, such as milk, wheat, soy, eggs, nuts, seafood, and legumes which include peas, beans, and peanuts.
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Latex (elastic material which some gloves are made of, which doctors and nurses wear at clinics)
Many of these allergens are behind itchy eyes, running nose or a sore throat. Food allergens can cause more serious reactions like hives, vomiting or even breathing problems.
While some people suffer from allergies through out the year, some get affected during spring and fall season, when there is a lot of pollen in the air released by plants, flowers and trees.
Some allergies are inherent and cause people to have allergic reactions to the things around them. If there are people in your family who suffer from allergies, chances are that you will suffer from them too.
To know what types of allergies you are prone to, you have to take the help of a doctor who specializes in allergies and asthma. There are many stick and blood tests which tell you exactly what substances your body is prone to be allergic and how severe the reactions are likely to be.
Treatment options for allergy would largely depend on the severity and type of reactions which you experience. For instance, people who are allergic to pollens would be required to take some kind of anti-histaminic therapy weeks before the actual pollen seasons – like spring or fall. For those who suffer from allergies through out the year would be required to take daily anti-allergic medication to keep the reactions under check. People who have food allergies can not be put under medication, except that they have to be extra cautious and avoid the types of foods that they are allergic to, to prevent any allergy attack from specific foods.
Irrespective of the type of allergy that you may be suffering from, there is help at hand. The most important thing for you to do is to find the right doctor who can help you with an allergy management plan so that you do not have to go through the painful reactions ever.
Allergies Web recommends RemedyZone.Com, DifferentMedicine.Com, MedicalNeeds.com, and Williger.com.
