What Is An Allergy?

An allergy is the body's reaction to a protein or allergen in our environment that is usually harmless. An allergic person's immune system believes these allergens are harmful and produces a special type of antibody to attack them. This leads other blood cells to release further chemicals (including histamine), which together cause the symptoms of an allergic reaction. The most common allergens include pollen, protein in the droppings of dust mites and cat/dog hair and skin cells. Some allergies are prolific in families and some allergies can be outgrown.

 

Dust Allergy Treatment

Dust allergy is caused by an overreaction of the human body to a substance in the waste pellets of dust mites, which constantly float around in the air and can be inhaled The mites live everywhere in furniture and carpets. App. 20000 mites can live on 1g of dust and 1 mite produces 10-20 waste pellets a day. They absorb moisture from the air and live eat human/animal hair/skin/nail particles and pollen. Unfortunately, cleaning does not always get rid of dust mites.

Dust allergy symptoms are like hay fever, with sneezing, itchy/watery eyes, running nose and occasionally asthma. Dust allergies can be treated with antihistamines and/or decongestants. To reduce dust mites in the home, some suggestions include: vacuuming of carpets/mattress weekly; washing bedding in hot, soapy water; using allergy friendly mattress covers; using blinds instead of curtains and finally laminating/tiling of floors instead of carpeting.

 

Pet Allergy Treatment

Pet allergies are causes by an over sensitivity to the hair/skin cells and saliva of some animals. Contact with these animals will aggravate the symptoms. Symptoms include sneezing, wheezing, itching, watery eyes and occasionally rashes and sore throats. Antihistamines and decongestants are also effective pet allergy treatments. Around the home; keep animals out of bedrooms/living rooms; bath pets regularly and vacuum often, especially areas where pets sleep.

 

Skin Allergy Treatment

People can be allergic to plants, animals, clothing, food and heat. Symptoms are normally a swelling, rash or itchiness on certain parts of the skin or all over the body.

There are 4 main allergies which require different allergy treatment:
Bites/Stings: Itchy or painful skin reaction to insect bites.
Urticaria/nettle rash: An itchy red rash caused by eating food or taking a particular drug.
Prickly heat: caused by warm weather and sweat being trapped under the skin.
Contact dermatitis: A red rash caused by touching anything from chemicals to pets.

For skin allergy treatment, the cause must first be identified, and medical help may be needed, if simple treatments do not work. However, skin treatment like oral antihistamines, or skin creams/ointments or lotions will normally cure a skin allergy. Seek the help of your pharmacist.

 

Hayfever Treatment

Hay fever is caused by an allergic reaction to pollen or fungal spores. Grass, trees, weeds or flowers could be the cause (one plant or many). Hay fever is often seasonal depending on the amount of pollen in the air (pollen count) and the weather.Anti Histamines, decongestants, nasal spray and eye drops are normally the most effective hay fever treatments. Also be aware of the status of the pollen count so that you can plan outdoor activities when it is at its lowest. Vacuum your home often and keep windows/doors shut during high pollen counts. You can also use a negative ionizer, which is a plug in home device that keeps pollen out of the air, as well as pollen filters which can be installed in cars.

 

Food Allergy Treatment

Food allergies are very common both in children and adults. People can grow out of food allergies or they can start later in life. Symptoms vary largely between mild skin rashes, vomiting/diarrhea, to life threatening respiratory problems. Sometimes food allergies are hard to identify, as symptoms may not be obvious. Medical advice should be sort if symptoms persist. Obviously, avoidance of the food is the best treatment.