Allergy}

Allergy

by

David Freeman

Allergy

What is an Allergy?

Seasonal allergies are immune reactions to pollens, molds, or other triggers that are present for only one season or part of the year. Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance such as pollen, bee venom or pet dander.

The immune system produces proteins known as IgE antibodies. These antibodies protect you from unwanted invaders that could make you sick or cause an infection. When you have allergies, your immune system makes antibodies that identify your particular allergen as something harmful, even though it isn’t. This triggers the release of histamines and other substances that cause allergy symptoms.

Allergies can cause symptoms that involve your skin, sinuses, airways or digestive system. The severity of allergies varies from person to person and can range from minor irritation to anaphylaxis — a potentially life-threatening emergency.

Symptoms

·Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis

oCongestion

oItchy, runny nose

• Itchy, watery or swollen eyes (conjunctivitis)

·Atopic dermatitis, an allergic skin reaction also called eczema

• Itchy skin
• Red skin
• Flaking or peeling skin

·Food allergy

• Tingling mouth
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat
• Hives
• Anaphylaxis

·An insect sting allergy

• A large area of swelling (edema) at the sting site
• Itching or hives all over your body
• Cough, chest tightness, wheezing or shortness of breath
• Anaphylaxis

·A drug allergy

• Hives
• Itchy skin
• Rash
• Facial swelling
• Wheezing
• Anaphylaxis
• Loss of consciousness
• Lightheadedness
• Severe shortness of breath
• A rapid, weak pulse
• Skin rash
• Nausea and vomiting
• Swelling airways, which can block breathing

Causes

·Airborne allergens, such as pollen, animal dander, dust mites and mold

·Certain foods, particularly peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, eggs and milk

·Insect stings, such as bee stings or wasp stings

·Medications, particularly penicillin or penicillin-based antibiotics

·Latex or other substances you touch, which can cause allergic skin reactions

Western Medicine Treatment

·Allergen avoidance

·Medications to reduce symptoms

There has been significant progress using alternative medicine in this area. If you want a recommendation of an expert alternative medicine practitioner in your local area, please use Wei Laboratories’ free referral service by calling toll-free at 1-888-919-1188, or e-mail to wei@weilab.com. For more information, please visit Wei Laboratories’ web site at

weilab.com

Article Source:

eArticlesOnline.com}