ALLERGY INFORMATION



Although about two out of every ten Americans have allergies of one kind or the other, most of them are ill equipped as far as allergy information is concerned. As a first step to acquiring a bit of allergy information, you should know what allergies are really all about.

Allergies are an overreaction of the immune system to substances in the environment called "allergens." Exposure to an apparently harmless substance, such as pollen causes the immune system of an allergy sufferer to react as if the substance is harmful. Allergies can be of various types: indoor and outdoor allergies (also known as "hay fever," "seasonal," "perennial" or "nasal" allergies), food and drug allergies, latex allergies, insect allergies, skin allergies and eye allergies. Here is a vital, reassuring piece of allergy information: people that have allergies can live healthy and active lives like everyone else.

The next lesson in allergy information is to understand what happens when an allergic reaction takes place. If a person with a hyper-alert immune system is exposed to an allergen, his/her body starts producing an antibody, called IgE, to fight the allergen.
The antibodies attach to a form of blood cell called a mast cell.

There are numerous mast cells in the airways and in the GI tract where allergens tend to enter the body. The mast cells explode and release a variety of chemicals including histamine, causing most of the symptoms of an allergy.

If the allergens are airborne, the reaction is likely to occur in the eyes, nose and lungs.

If the allergens are ingested, the reaction mostly occurs in the mouth, stomach and intestines. Sometimes the mast cells release sufficient chemicals causing a reaction throughout the body, such as hives, decreased blood pressure, shock, or loss of consciousness.

Next lesson in allergy information is to be familiar with the nature and categories of the symptoms. Allergy symptoms can be classified into mild, moderate, or severe (anaphylactic) categories. Mild symptoms are those that affect a specific area of the body such as rash, itchy, watery eyes, and some congestion.

They do not spread to other parts of the body. Moderate symptoms that spread to other parts of the body may include itchiness or difficulty in breathing. A severe reaction, called anaphylaxis, is a rare but life-threatening emergency in which the response to the allergen is intense and affects the whole body.

From a sudden onset of itching of the eyes or face, it may take the form of abdominal pain, cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as varying degrees of swellings that can make breathing and swallowing difficult.

As an important part of allergy information, you should be aware of different allergy-causing substances, the most common among them being pollen, dust mites, mold, animal dander, insect stings, latex and certain foods and medications.

Your allergy information will remain incomplete if don't have any idea of how to tackle allergies. Once the allergen causing the allergy is identified through tests, you can choose self-care treatment or use medications depending on the nature of the problem. Remember, the best remedy is avoidance, which means avoiding the substance causing your allergic reaction.

SPRING ALLERGY



Spring Allergy Affects Millions Every Year

What triggers spring allergy?

Allergens such as pollens; which many plants, trees or weeds have are carried in the wind during spring time may cause a spring allergy.

Some plants and trees you may want to watch out for this spring are: oak, ash, elm, birch, hickory, poplar, maple, cypress, walnut, sycamore and western red cedar are some of the trees; grass such as timothy, orchard, red top and sweet vernal will activate your spring allergy. During summer and fall you may want to watch out for sagebrush, pigweed, ragweed and cocklebur among other plants and trees that can also aggravate your symptoms.

Symptoms of spring allergy

Those suffering of these type of allergies will experience symptoms such as watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, drowsiness or/and headaches.

Spring allergy can lead to serious conditions and should never be taken lightly. If you suspect you are having spring allergy you should immediately see a doctor or allergist who will determine your condition through tests which will pinpoint the cause of your allergy more specifically.

What to avoid when suffering from spring allergy

Items very important to avoid include pollen and mold, particularly, as these are the main cause of provoking sneezing and wheezing. Keeping windows closed as much as possible during spring will prevent such components to drift into your house. The same applies for your car windows when traveling.

Consider using an air conditioner or air humidifier which will constantly clean the air and keep it cool and spring allergy free.

You may need to consider cutting down on your outdoor activities during spring when there is high humidity or the pollen count is reported to be high. Take vacations in pollen free areas those such as beach resorts (which are not bad at all) or most sea side destinations.

Try using paper mask when cleaning the house or drying clothes out where pollen can be present. Also taking showers after being outdoors can help spring allergy to subside.

More helpful information

The largest professional medical organization in the U.S.A. representing allergies and illness associated with it is AAAAI, which stands for the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.

Recognizing your allergy and acting in time is essential as most allergies can be fatal if not treated in time.

Don't let a spring allergy ruin your spring; get help and prevent it in time.