Allergies - Types Of Allergies And Symptoms
Allergies are abnormal immune system reactions to things that are typically harmless to most people. When you're allergic to something, your immune system mistakenly believes that this substance is harmful to your body. (Substances that cause allergic reactions, such as certain foods, dust, plant pollen, or medicines, are known as allergens.) In an attempt to protect the body, the immune system produces IgE antibodies to that allergen.
Those antibodies then cause certain cells in the body to release chemicals into the bloodstream, one of which is histamine (pronounced: his-tuh-meen).
Allergies of the skin is one of the most common problems seen by the allergist, and one of the most debilitating problems experienced by patients. From hives to swelling, to eczema and medication rashes, learn more about allergic skin rashes.Allergy is caused by an oversensitive immune system, which leads to a misdirected immune response. The immune system normally protects the body against harmful substances, such as bacteria and viruses.
When an allergen comes in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in persons who are allergic to it. When you inappropriately react to allergens that are normally harmless to other people, you are having an allergic reaction and can be referred to as allergic or atopic. Therefore, people who are prone to allergies are said to be allergic or "atopic."
Types of Allergies
Dust Mite Allergy: A dust mite allergy is an allergic reaction to a microscopic organism that lives in the dust that is found in most buildings and houses. Dust mites are a common cause of perennial allergic rhinitis. Dust mite allergy usually produces symptoms similar to pollen allergy and also can produce symptoms of asthma.
Mold Allergies: Mold allergies are most common during summer months. A mold allergy is simply an allergic reaction to common household molds. The Toxic Black Mold Information Center includes tips for finding, cleaning, and preventing indoor mold problems.
Food allergies occur when your immune system makes a mistake. Normally, your immune (say: ih-myoon) system protects you from germs and disease. It does this by making antibodies that help you fight off bacteria, viruses, and other tiny organisms that can make you sick. But if you have a food allergy, your immune system mistakenly treats something in a certain food as if it's really dangerous to you.
Latex Allergies from the rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis is an allergen in persons with significant cumulative latex exposure, such as those in the health care and rubber industries, as well as those undergoing repeated surgeries, especially if they undergo surgeries early in life. Symptoms of latex allergy may progress rapidly and unpredictably to anaphylaxis. The prevalence of latex allergy has increased as the use of rubber gloves in health care settings has increased. Airborne latex particles that adhere to the cornstarch used to powder gloves are a significant cause of respiratory symptoms and a source of sensitization. Once an individual has become sensitized, he or she may experience allergic symptoms when exposed to any product containing latex.
Herbal Medicine for Allergies
Several herbs hold hope for allergy sufferers. Although the precise prescription for an individual patient may require professional consultation, urtica (stinging nettles) can generally provide relief from acute attacks of hay fever. Eyebright can be useful for the symptoms of runny nose and watery eyes. Siberian ginseng, elder, and licorice (the root, not the candy) can also reduce symptoms associated with hay fever. Teas of Siberian ginseng can help reduce inflammation in the sinus area.
By: Peter sams
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19 Nov 2008 at 8:07pm
Are you feeling too swell? Daily Mail, UK - 22 hours ago She suggests working out which foods are causing the effects by keeping a food diary, then cutting them out with an elimination diet. ... | Read more...
15 Nov 2008 at 5:58pm I must admit that like many people, I?m not a fan of fluorescent lights, much as I know how much energy they save, because they always seemed to give me a headache. Apparently, I?m behind the times on this, and Yahoo!?s helping shed some light ... Read more...
9 Nov 2008 at 8:18am
Food allergies frequently start in childhood KPCnews.com, IN - Nov 9, 2008 However, another appoach includes elimination diets, which involve avoiding the suspected food until the symptoms disappear, then reintroducing the food to ... | Read more...
27 Oct 2008 at 7:56pm Firstly, a food intolerance is not the same thing as a food allergy. While many allergies, such as peanut, egg and shellfish allergies lead to dramatic and dangerous reactions, food intolerances typically give you less severe, but more prolonged ... Read more...
22 Oct 2008 at 7:55pm ABC News? Kate Snow Reports: After Governor Sarah Palin said it would be ?fine? to release her medical records in an interview Wednesday, the McCain-Palin campaign is feeling no sense of urgency about actually releasing any records. Spokeswoman ... Read more...
21 Oct 2008 at 7:56pm Physicians - maximum of 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s) ? for physicians; Family Physicians - up to 0.25 AAFP Prescribed credit(s) for physicians; Nurses - 0.25 nursing contact hours (None of these credits is in the area of pharmacology) To ... Read more...
7 Sep 2008 at 6:32pm LOS ANGELES - For many they are a blight on the American landscape. For others, they are an expression of freedom and success. Now legislators in cities across the US, alarmed at the spread of "McMansions", are trying to contain the size of American ... Read more...
4 Sep 2008 at 11:26am If your child has food allergies, this is probably not your favorite time of year. Don't despair, says Terry Traub, author of the new book Food to Some, Poison to Others. With a dash of careful planning, a pinch of sensitivity, and a smorgasbord of ... Read more...
17 Aug 2008 at 1:06pm o cause has been identified, the following may bring on some of the symptoms (the dietary links are indicated in bold): Stress, anxiety and depression Smoking Food sensitivity, especially as people age Overeating, binge eating, eating irregularly or ... Read more...
15 Aug 2008 at 11:17pm *** Good Evidence of a health benefit. ** Some Evidence of a health benefit. * Traditionally used with only anecdotal evidence. Healthy eating habits with regular, small, wholesome meals and food supplements can go a long way to improve concentration ... Read more...
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