More than 50 million Americans are affected with an allergy related condition every year. An allergy and some types of allergic reactions may only cause mild discomfort, such as mild seasonal hay fever that can be controlled with over-the counter medicines or with no treatment at all. A more severe allergy can interfere with your life, reduce your enjoyment in activities, and become fatal. If this is the case, you should see a doctor for a comprehensive review and allergy testing.
From time to time, the body aggressively attacks normally harmless substances such as dust, mold, or pollen. This is common for allergy sufferers. When our immune system identifies a substance that is normally harmless as a threat, it triggers the immune system to defend our body resulting in an array of allergic reactions.
The body reacts to the release of the antibodies in various ways. Allergic reactions can attack any part of our body. They can attack the stomach, the nose, throat, sinuses, and lungs. Some of the allergic reactions your body might experience is nasal stuffiness, discharge, sneezing and itchy nose. Sometimes a reaction is accompanied by other symptoms such as itching in the ears or roof of the mouth.
During an outbreak of common allergic reactions, eyes can be affected with conjunctivitis or red, itchy, and watery eyes. An allergen can make the skin appear to be red, itchy, and dry, hives or itchy welts as well. Asthma is among the common forms of allergic reactions. Asthma causes shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing. Asthma can become severe depending on the allergic reactions to a particular allergen.
Several substances can cause allergic reactions. In fact, there are hundreds, but the most common allergens are:
* Pollen. We can hardly avoid pollen if we spend any time outdoors at all.
* Mold. Molds can be anywhere and in your home without you realizing it.
* Dust. Household dusts and dust mites are inevitable in most homes.
* Animals. Dander, urine, and oil from their skin can even become an allergen with varying allergic reactions.
* Chemicals. Industrial chemicals commonly in household cleaners.
* Food. A peanut allergy which can often be life threatening are actually pretty common.
* Feathers. Some birds produce a powder to aid in preening, some produce so much they can coat nearby surfaces.
* Insect Stings. A bee sting can sometimes be fatal.
* Cockroaches and the waste they produce.
Any race, age, gender, or social status can be affected by allergies. Allergic reactions seem to be more common in children but an adult can suffer any of these allergic reactions as well, even after years of remission. Allergic reactions can run in families even though it isn't yet understood why that happens. A specific allergy is not usually inherited, but a tendency to develop allergies is often passed down. If both parents have allergies, the child is likely to have allergies. However, the chance of developing allergies seems to be greater if the mother has allergies. An allergy can develop gradually over a period of time and can be caused by hormonal changes, stress, perfume, smoking, and other substances in the environment.
You can discover what allergy you have in one of two ways. The first is to have a blood test that measures the antibodies to a specific allergy sample and the other is the skin patch test method. Several well-known allergens are diluted and either injected into the skin or a small amount is place under the skin by a puncture or scratch. If a welt or red area appears on the skin it might mean the patient is allergic to that allergen.
Treatments for allergy prone people may vary and are determined on your age, overall health, and medical history. Consideration will be given when deciding therapy options based on how bad the allergic reactions are and your tolerance of medications, as well as personal preferences. Occasionally a person may only need to change their lifestyle and take extra precautions that their home is dust and mold free.
For some it may mean a change of diet especially if their allergy is food related. Several different types of food allergies are commonplace. Allergic reactions can be avoided by staying away from the ones they are sensitive to. For those who are lactose intolerant, many over-the-counter cures will allow you to cope with lactose products. You can enjoy an occasional ice-cream cone without worry.
A peanut allergy can be especially harmful and all items with peanut or peanut oil should be avoided.Most candy makers now print on their packaging if the candy has been made in the same factory where peanut products have been used. This is a potentially life threatening allergy. Always check packaging of all candies to be sure there won't be a trace of peanut or peanut oil in the product if you know you are allergic.
Suffering from an allergy is annoying but controllable if you discover what you are allergic to, and avoid those allergic triggers.
Steven Godlewski lives in Chicago, IL and is currently working with the staff at PillFreeVitamins.com
If you are having problems with allergies pick up a free bottle of Body Balance Life Force International also has other Liquid Vitamins for a healthy body and mind!
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