Tag: allergic reactions

Pollen Allergies

12 March, 2010 (22:00) | Allergies | By: Health news

Many people suffer from sensitivity to various types of pollen and need to find the right treatments for their pollen allergies that will provide them with relief. The constant congestion, headache, itchy nose and eyes or trouble breathing can make life hard. Although many children tend to grow out of their problems with allergies, most adults seem to retain their allergies. New studies have shown that many herbalists, naturopathic doctors and natural healers believe that it is possible to actually get rid of allergies through alternative treatments, although there are also many traditional ways to treat pollen allergies as well.

The obvious first step is to get tested to make sure that your allergies are actually pollen allergies. The next step is to avoid those things that cause your allergies, but that is easier said than done. Adjusting your environment can make a big difference in the severity of your allergies. For instance, as part of your treatment for pollen allergies, hire someone else to mow the grass and keep your yard in shape so you are not subjecting yourself firsthand to the pollen that causes your allergies. Your doctor will probably prescribe allergy medicine, which you should take daily per the given instructions. If you know you are likely to be around pollen, take your medicine in advance to help prevent or lessen the symptoms.

Your doctor may also prescribe an allergy shot treatment therapy, which entails getting a shot with a low dose of the allergen which desensitizes you a little more each time you are exposed to it. There is generally a good success rate with allergy shot treatments for pollen allergies. Alternative treatments can also be options you can explore, such as chiropractic or acupuncture. Other alternative treatments include honey therapy, where you eat small amounts of local honey, which may contain some of the local pollens, or vitamin or herbal supplements that boost the immune system.

Vitamin C treatment or use of antioxidants to boost the immune system to fight allergic reactions are also used by many who suffer with pollen allergies. Many people feel that saline sinus rinses have a high success rate as they flush the bacteria and irritants from the nasal cavities. However, you should be very careful with these home remedies. Knowing for sure what you are really allergic to is the key to getting help. Visit a licensed professional who can generally pinpoint the problem. You should consult your doctor before starting any program for treatment of pollen allergies in order to avoid possible side affects.

Allergies

6 March, 2010 (22:21) | Allergies | By: admin

Allergies are nothing more than our immune system kicking into high gear. It is one of our body’s methods for fighting against incoming “foreign” offenders. So when one of the allergens hit, our defense mechanisms reacts to take care of it. Allergy might be brought on by several types of irritants which range from pollen to dust. Only a few commonly cause allergic symptoms.

For example, consider pollen. A natural substance produced by budding plants, flowers and trees. For some it appears to be a heart-warming sight, on the other hand for others it causes unwelcome symptoms, which include:

  1. Redness, Itching or Watery eyes
  2. Sneezing
  3. Persistent Running Nose
  4. Sinus Congestion
  5. Respiratory problems including Asthma or Wheezing
  6. Coughing
  7. Hives
  8. Hay fever
  9. Nausea, or Vomiting

At times allergies causes life-threatening anaphylactic reaction.

Anaphylaxis: It is the most severe reaction, a person can have when exposed to substances they are allergic to. A typical anaphylaxis response is so serious, that it even may result in death. If you are unaware of it, you might be putting your life under risk! It’s better to learn what anaphylaxis is and how to address it.

Anaphylaxis -Tough word, tough symptoms. It is a severe reaction to a common allergen.

This reaction may go along with throat constriction, swelling, and an inability to swallow or breathe and shock.
Normally it affects only a small percentage of the population that is consistently re-exposed to allergens. They are highly sensitive. Some other symptoms may include heart palpitations, low blood pressure and fluid in the lungs.

Some allergens are more likely to produce this type of reaction than others, including:It is one of the most severe reaction, a person can have when exposed to substances they’re allergic to. A typical anaphylaxis response is so serious, that it even may lead to death. If you’re unaware of it, you might be putting yourself under risk! It’s better to understand what anaphylaxis is and how to handle it.

Some allergens are more likely to produce this reaction than others, including:

  1. Stings or bites from insects.
    Consumption of certain foods, including shellfish or peanuts.
    Use of medications including antibiotics or sulfa drugs in some patients.
    Exposure to latex, and
    Specific vaccines, which includes those that contain egg proteins.

Unless and until you’re taking a substance, (like a medication) you cannot realize that you’re hypersensitive to it. But the good thing is that, if you might take proper treatment and care, the symptoms of anaphylactic reaction could be reversed.

Many hospitals offer patients epinephrine and other medications, that will reduce inflammation. Knowing you’re super sensitive to a particular allergen, your physician may prescribe an “at-home” care kit which might include a pre-loaded dose of epinephrineyou can use in the event you are subjected to a known allergen and initiate an anti-anaphylactic reaction.
Using this home kit will stabilize you long enough to seek emergency care. Knowing you’re prone to having this severe reaction, you should wear a medical alert bracelet or inform those you deal with of your condition, to take proper precautions to shield yourself.

In case you use a home kit, you should still seek the care of your physician immediately following exposure, as symptoms often return even with treatment a few hours after your initial reaction.