Allergy Information

An allergy occurs, when an individual becomes sensitized to a particular substance, that provokes an allergic reaction. These substances are known as allergens, or triggers, because they trigger an overreaction in the body’s immune system. There are naturally occurring allergens, such as pollens, industrial substances, such as chemicals, and the foods that we consume, mostly proteins, amongst many others.

There are four distinct ways in which allergens can get into the body:

Inhalation - as with pollen and dust mites.
Eating - as with some foods.
Absorption - via the skin, as with some plants or chemicals.
Injection - people can be allergic to drugs, such as penicillin.

If an allergic individual experiences allergens, for the first time, the allergic reactions don't occur, but the defense mechanism becomes sensitized. Think of it, as being ready to resist allergens, that it mistakenly considers to be invaders, intent on damaging the body.

If it becomes hypersensitized to a specific substance, the next time the immune system experiences the same type of allergen; it automatically over-produces antibodies to deal with the perceived threat. The antibodies bind with the allergens, and as they circulate throughout the body, they interact with other cells. Substances, including histamine, cause inflammation, that is a common allergy symptom. Allergies differ from person to person, and the symptoms range from something as mild as a drippy nose, to anaphylactic shock, which can be fatal.

Testing and Diagnoses

Where it is appropriate, skin testing is preferable to blood testing, because it is more specific, simpler to perform, and costs less. Nevertheless, your doctor will advise what is best suited to your condition.

Treatments Available

Doctors, who are specialists in dealing with allergic diseases, undertake intensive training. In the USA a minimum of nine years is needed to become an allergist immunologist. It is good to know that real improvements in medical treatments have been developed by allergists. They include quick acting epinephrine tablets, low allergy foods, and advances in dealing with wasp stings.

Immunotherapy

If immunotherapy is thought to be a suitable treatment, it may either reduce the severity of an allergy or cure it completely. It requires injecting gradually increased doses, of the allergen, identified as causing the symptoms. There have been encouraging results in dealing with hay fever and asthma.

Prescribed Drugs

Various drugs are used to counter the symptoms of allergy which include, antihistamines, cortisone, hydrocortisone, theophlene, epinephrine, and dexamethosone. Some preparations are obtainable over the counter, but it is best to find out from your doctor, what is recommeded for your own allergy.

General

It is not known precisely why some individuals suffer from allergies, when others don't. It may be that there could be an inherited reason for some allergies.

It does seem clear that the incidence of allergies is on the increase, and that it may be related to modern living.

For instance, work places have become airtight, with windows that used to open giving way to air conditioning. However, the quality of the outdoor air, particularly in built up areas, is questionable. On a world wide basis, rain forests are being cut down, whilst gas guzzling vehicles are everywhere. Consider the development of the emerging nations, and you have a recipe for industrial soup.

It has been suggested that many Chinese settlers develop hay fever, after moving to the USA, for three or more years. Quite recently, there has been a lot of publicity concerning industrial contamination in Beijing, and other cities. It seems that the time could soon arrive, when the good citizens of China will have their own, home grown sort of hay fever! Could the sweet smell of success be accompanied by allergic respiratory disorders – if it does, did the end justify the means?

Disclaimer

This article is only for general information, and should not be used as a replacement for the medical advice of your doctor, or other medically qualified adviser. Always seek advice from your doctor, before deciding whether any product or treatment, is appropriate for your condition.

Please be aware that what suits one allergy sufferer could be inappropriate for another. Do not act on any advice you have read, either in this article or anywhere else, without the full approval of your doctor. The author cannot accept any liability whatsoever, for any consequences arising from or thought to be arising from using this article.

R. Wise creates articles regarding natural health, aromatherapy, herbal remedies, antioxidants, allergies and vegetarianism. If you require to know about allergies please click on his web site www.allergy-check.com that contains advice regarding cat allergies, and other matters.

Article Source: http://www.wellnessarticlelibrary.com

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