Environmental Allergies

Environment can in short be defined as the surrounding in which a system exists and which can interact with the system.

Allergens are the substances that cause allergy.

Allergy means the hypersensitive response of our immune system to certain substances.

Environmental allergies encompass all types of allergies like food allergy, pet allergy, drug allergy, contact allergy, chemical allergy, respiratory allergy and so forth, since all are part of our environment.

How allergy happens? Our immune system is designed to fight the infectious agents entering the body such as bacteria or virus. The rise in the body temperature or fever indicates that our immune system is trying to over-power the infectious agents by creating an unfavorable environment for them to thrive or replicate.

This same immune system sometimes by mistake identifies even harmless substances like pollen, dust, or some food as harmful substance and produces antibodies against it, thus causing an allergic reaction, which may be immediate say in 5 to 15 minutes like food allergies, respiratory allergies, or drug allergies. The allergies caused from cosmetics, or clothing, or a metal jewelry, may manifest itself even after a couple of days’ time.

Allergy facts:
1. Different individuals may have different allergies to different things at different intensities.
2. Allergies may mimic some sickness, especially the respiratory ones, but if symptoms persist for a fortnight or so, it is important to consult the physician.
3. Common allergens are dust mites, pollen, mold, mildew, animal dander, some foods (soy, gluten, milk, eggs, peanuts, nuts, seafood etc).
4. Allergy symptoms commonly are sore throat, sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes or ears, however, they can also manifest as musculoskeletal aches, palpitations, absent mindedness, sweating, sleeplessness, stomach problems, irritation or mental disturbance.
5. If any prescription drug causes swelling of face, tongue, throat or lip, or hives or rash, fever or headache or muscle pains, stop that at once, and reach for the doctor ASAP as it may become life-threatening.

Tackling Allergies: First, identification of the allergens, which would include slow introduction of new foods or new medicines on a one-at-a-time basis. Next, once identified, avoid the allergens. Finally, it is important to enhance our general health and resistance.

They say vitamin C complex, B5 or pantothenic acid, flavonoids-rich foods, etc., bring relief to sufferers, Also, alkaline-forming foods help in alleviating allergies. Practicing yoga is beneficial for allergies.

While outdoors, be careful with new foods, avoid or eliminate known allergens. Taking a shower once indoors will keep you allergen-free. Wear a med-alert bracelet or card with your allergy details. Keep OTC meds like Benadryl or inhaler meds at hand for emergency. However, immediate medical attention would be of utmost priority.

Watch the video on Seasonal Allergies that strikes us seasonally every year.

Watch the Video: Seasonal Allergies

Disclaimer: This video is not physician tested. The video is included for your awareness. Check your physician for real test.

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