Allergies and Allergic Reactions

Allergy

For the most part, allergies are simply just an annoyance. They make it hard to think straight. They make us itch, wheeze, cause runny noses and watery eyes together with a long list of other irritating symptoms. Allergies are very seldom life-threatening although some folk tend to be so hypersensitive to wasp venom they could die as a result of a single sting, if not treated quickly, Bronchial asthma can have serious consequences too.

The precise reasons for allergic reactions continue to be an area of intensive research, although a strong hereditary element is virtually certain. Sufficient is already known that these issues can be minimized or, in some instances, eliminated.

The Anatomy of Allergies

All allergies types are an immune system overreaction, one typically producing histamine, prostaglandin along with other compounds. The result is the common membrane inflammation, which produces the actual symptoms.

Mold and pollen are typical allergens, which produce this reaction. Cat and, to a lesser degree, dog dander are a couple more. Dust mites, specifically their waste matter and decaying bodies, introduce proteins to which many folk are allergic. Fungi and other airborne allergens can encourage asthma attacks and also cause lung health problems.

Food allergies while in some cases difficult to distinguish from simple food intolerance are real and impact millions of people. Eggs, peanuts along with other foods frequently produce diarrhea or queasiness in folks hypersensitive to them.

Spider bites, even some from non-venomous spiders, can result in discomfort and inflammation over and above the norm. Bee and wasp stings can be serious problems for folks allergic to the venom. Anaphylactic shock is certainly no fairy tale.

Even less severe allergies symptoms, are very well known to folks that are afflicted with contact dermatitis and other skin allergies. Hives, eczema as well as other unpleasant disorders are well known to far too many.

For all these and many more, there is symptom relief and for some potentially a long-term elimination of the potential health risks.

Minimizing contact with things that trigger allergies is a good strategy for allergy prevention. A good way to achieve that goal is to boost cleaning efforts throughout the home. Another is to minimize airborne contaminants by using a home air purifier. Both approaches do help and are effective and safe.

However, when that is not sufficient, medications may also help.

Over the counter antihistamines like Benadryl and Claritin are very well regarded and used safely by millions of folks every day. Topical hydrocortisone cream such as Cortaid does offer relief to users. Prescription strength versions of these allergies treatments can be purchased as well. Prednisone helps many live more comfortably.

Longer-term remedies are growing, as well. Allergy immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, has been widely used with positive results. Doctors can inject allergy sufferers with an extract or genetically altered version of the allergen. Over time, the body’s immune system is ‘re-trained’ to better identify friend from foe and respond accordingly to substances, which are typically innocuous to millions of people.

Much longer term, improvements in the knowledge of allergies may very well lead to the development of genetic therapy to eliminate even the chance of a reaction. Developments in genetic research are starting to make the amazing appear ordinary.

The time will no doubt come when we might be in a position to look on allergies as being an issue of the past, much like polio. Meanwhile, a little sympathy along with the proper treatments can keep this unfortunate hereditary oddity down to less than nuisance level so that we are able to get on with our everyday life.

Common Allergies and Symptoms

The vast range of symptoms associated with common allergies is as big as the types of allergic reactions themselves and identifying them correctly is the first step to proper treatment

What are the Causes of Allergies

There is little good news associated with finding out that you are allergic. Unfortunately, all too many folks have first-hand experience of allergies and allergic reactions. The itchy eyes, runny nose, skin rash and other assorted symptoms are uncomfortably...

Common Causes of Allergic Reactions

When discussing allergic reactions, two factors come into play which are the allergen itself and the person who is sensitive to the allergen that causes the allergic reaction in that person

Signs and Symptoms of Adult Allergic Reactions

It is estimated that over fifty million Americans are affected with some type of allergy with some allergic reactions having a huge effect on the life of the sufferer

How the Immune System Responds to Allergies

An allergy is the result of an overreaction of the immune system in the presence of an allergen, no matter whether that allergen is real or perceived

Difference between Pollen and Mold Allergies

If you have taken all reasonable preventative steps against pollen and mold, but still suffer an allergic reaction, you need to look at effective symptom relief

How to Reduce the Effects of an Allergy to Dust Mites

An allergy to dust mites is not caused by normal household dust but rather it is house dust mites that are the common cause of allergic reactions

Dealing with a Pet Dander Allergy

Over sixty percent of homes have pets, yet, official estimates of those who have a pet dander allergy or are allergic to animals reach as high as ten percent which is a lot of allergies

Causes of Allergic Skin Hives – Urticaria

Urticaria, more commonly known as skin hives, are red itchy bumps near the surface of the skin caused by hypersensitive reactions to certain allergens

Insect Venom Allergies – Insect Bites and Stings

Insect Venom Allergies. Insect bites and stings are toxic for everybody but they can also cause much more serious reactions in folks that suffer from insect venom allergies

Common Causes of Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis is an allergy that causes various skin reactions such as eczema, hives and other skin conditions which in turn can be caused by such things as perfumes, hair dyes or clothing

Parents Guide to Children's Food Allergies

The difficulty with children's food allergies is that they are hardly ever realized until an allergic reaction happens, which can be an alarming situation for parents

Food Allergies and Food Allergic Reactions

It has been estimated that out of a population of three hundred million, almost two percent of adults and six percent of children in the US suffer from food allergies of some type. According to data from the Mayo clinic, that translates into six million...

How Are Allergies Treated

While the exact reasons for allergies remain unclear, enough is already known that some allergic reactions can be treated and sometimes entirely eliminated

Allergy Skin Testing Procedures

Allergy skin testing procedures inject or scratch a small quantity of the potential allergen solution under the skin

Do Immunotherapy Allergy Shots Cure Allergies

Allergy immunotherapy attempts to offer a long term solution to allergic reactions by changing how the immune system responds to various allergens