Home > Allergies
Allergies
Allergies
are also called hypersensitivity reactions. In allergic reactions,
the immune system is involved. Antibodies of the immunoglobulin E (IgE)
class bind to immune cells such as basophils and mast cells in blood and
tissues. When these antibodies encounter allergens (substances causing
allergic reactions), the immune cells release chemicals that injure
surrounding tissues.
Allergens
can be anything, dust particles, pollen grains, drugs, dust mites, animal
hairs and dander, mold, foods, chemicals, insect venoms. Allergies
can be mild to severe. Most allergies only involve watery, itchy
eyes, sneezing, rashes, but some severe cases can lead to difficulty in
breathing, heart malfunction and shock.
There are many types of allergic reactions.
Seasonal allergy is one of the most common types. Seasonal allergy
is an allergy to air-borne particles, usually pollens and grasses,
causing itchiness of the nose, roof of the mouth, back of the throat and
eyes and watery eyes, sneezing and running nose. Allergic
conjunctivitis is an allergic inflammation of the conjunctiva, causing
eyelids and the whites of the eyes to become red and swollen. Food
allergy is an allergic reaction to a particular food. The mild symptoms
are skin rash, sometimes accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Few people can develop very severe reactions to specific allergens in
foods, such as nuts and shellfish. They may develop rash and hives all
over the body, feel their throat swell and have difficulty in breathing.
Physical allergy is a reaction to a physical stimulus, such as cold,
sunlight, heat, causing itching, rash and hives.
The best way
to deal with allergy is to avoid an allergen instead of treating the
allergic reaction. Antihistamines are the drugs most commonly used
to block allergic response. They have side effects such as sedation,
drowsiness, confusion, light-headedness, dry mouth, constipation,
difficulty with urination, blurred vision, etc.
Nutritional supplements for
allergies:
Quercetin
Multienzyme complex
Bee pollen
MSM
Vitamin C
Multivitamin and mineral
complex
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