Allergies

Allergies
Hypersensitivity to foreign substances, which are normally harmless, is called as allergies. However, this hypersensitivity may lead to violent reactions in the human body. In simple words, allergy means elimination of unsuitable substances by the body system.
Though there are many forms of allergies Chronic Allergies and Nasal Allergies are the most common forms. Term Nasal Allergy refers to the occurrence of allergy within the cells of nose lining.
The other form, Chronic Allergies, is comparatively serious in nature than that of Nasal Allergies. A person suffering from chronic allergies may develop nasal allergies and can also be get affected by non-allergic stimuli. Cold air, dry air, particles present in the air and smoke are some of the examples of non-allergic stimuli. The prevention methods for both, chronic allergies and nasal allergies are identical. While adopting the preventing measures it is important to know other forms of allergies or other substances that can lead to allergies. Dust mites, animal dander, mold spores, dust and pollens are some of the common allergens.
Though the allergies are usually harmless in severe cases they could lead to minimal brain dysfunction and faulty thinking, especially in children. A sizeable population in the United States suffers from various allergies.
Allergens
Allergens mean substances that could lead to occurrence of allergies. Pollens, fungi, dust, bacteria, dust mites, mold spores, animal dander and insects are some of the common allergens.
Prevention of allergies depends on the form of allergy and allergen responsible for development of such allergy. A person known to be prone to pollen allergy must keep a watch on the pollen levels in his surroundings. For this he may have to refer to pollen reports published by the weather department.
Food Allergens
Like other natural substances food items can also lead to occurrence of allergy symptoms. Some of the most common food items known for their proprietary of allergic affects include milk, cereals like wheat and corn, eggs, caffeinated or decaffeinated drinks like coffee, tea, colas and chocolate; most forms of the meat like chicken, beef and pork; vitamin preparations, tomato, oranges, nuts, drugs and food additives and fishes.
Allergic reactions can be caused by the milk due to presence of cottonseed, bacteria, hormones, antibiotics, ragweed, peanuts, wheat and other chemicals of drugs contained in the milk. Milk allergy can lead to asthma, bronchitis, chronic cough, rhinitis, constipation, urinary bleeding and recurrent pneumonia.
Symptoms of Allergy
Symptoms of allergy depend on the form of allergy and allergen responsible for occurrence of allergy. Fatigue, headache, stuffy nose, tremor and collapse are some of the most common symptoms of allergy.
Nasal Allergies
Nasal allergies are caused due to entry of allergens like bacteria, dust, dust mites, mold spores etc through nose. Such allergen interacts with the nose cells. This interaction results in discharge of histamine. Allergic conditions like nasal congestion, sneezing, nasal mucus discharge and swelling are caused by the histamine.
Nasal Allergy – Signs and Symptoms
The most common symptoms include nasal discharge (either clear or watery), ear itching, watering, coughing, nasal itching, eye redness, difficulty in breathing owing to nasal stuffiness and sneezing.
Effects of Nasal Allergies
An individual may have various effects of a nasal allergy. Developing Sinus infections and asthma are the most common effects.
Nasal Allergies – Treatments
As is applicable for other diseases prevention is the best way of eliminating ill effects of allergy. “Avoid” is the golden word in treatment of nasal allergy. A person must avoid exposure to allergens. For example, if you are allergic to animal dander you can avoid exposure with your pets. However, it may not be practicable to avoid exposure especially if you are suffering from allergies caused by pollens or molds. If you are allergic to pollen you can reduce exposure to pollen by reducing flowers and trees (known for pollen production) in your surroundings.
Use of antihistamines, air filters, nasal steroid sprays, Vitamin C and allergy shots are other methods of treating nasal allergies.
Oral antihistamines are effective for control of allergy symptoms like nasal discharge and sneezing. However, antihistamines do not help in reducing nasal stuffiness and hence decongestants are added to it. Usually, oral antihistamines are prescribed for treating short-term allergic conditions.
For prolonged nasal allergies, nasal steroid sprays like mometasone and beclomethasone are used for controlling acute symptoms.
Frequent vacuuming and use of air filters also helps in treatment of nasal allergies.
Allergy shots are used in people suffering from prolonged or chronic allergic conditions.
Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine and hence used in treatment of nasal allergies.
Allergy Treatments – Side Effects
Antihistamines are known for their proprietary of causing drowsiness and decreased mental alertness. Decongestants may cause difficulty in sleeping, increase in blood pressure and enhanced heart rate. Nasal steroids can cause nasal crusts and nosebleeds. Prolonged use of steroids may lead to serious diseases like diabetes, bone thinning, cataracts and predisposition to infection.

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