Allergies
Many people suffer from allergies which can come from various causes. Food and skin allergies are the most common among humans since the food we ingest and the environment may carry the substances that cause the allergic reactions.
Allergies occur because the immune system overreacts to unwanted substances. Hypersensitivity to these substances causes symptoms that manifest allergic reaction such as sneezing, wheezing or skin irritation and/or rashes.
Some respiratory diseases are said to have been caused by allergies. Sinusitis, asthma and bronchitis are a few of these respiratory ailments that are caused by allergies. Baldness due to allergies is hereditary. There are allergic reactions which are considered mild, but there are also severe allergies that are truly debilitating.
Symptoms
Allergy symptoms are crucial in the diagnosis and treatment. Tests are performed during diagnosis to identify the type of allergy. However, almost all types of allergies bear the same symptoms.
The following are a few of the severe allergy symptoms:
- breathing problem
- increased heart rate
- facial itching
- facial swelling
- inability to speak
Common Causes of Allergy
Allergens – There are a number of allergens that lurk in the air we breathe and in the food we eat: house dust, solvents, cleaners, cigarette smoke, egg, milk and wheat.
Some are biological like tiny insects that crawl and fly: bees, mosquitoes, wasps, hornets, scabies and fleas.
Airborne Particles – These are also referred to as environmental allergens. Dust, vehicle exhaust smoke and polluted air can cause respiratory problems and allergies.
Chemicals – Cosmetics, laundry detergents and can cause allergies in the body.
Insect Bites – Sting and poison in insect bites can cause allergic reactions in people.
Medicines – Some people develop allergies when taking medicines.
Treatments
There are various treatments for allergy. An allergy test can determine the type of allergy and its possible cause. Doctors can then determine which type of treatment to use; whether oral medication, injection or topical solutions such as medicated creams and ointments.
Doctors may also recommend taking vitamin C which contains natural anti-histamine to prevent future allergy attacks. Taking care of your body to prevent exposure or ingestion of allergy-triggers can help future allergy attacks as well.
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