April 11, 2007

Did You Know That Natural Herbs and Vitamins Will Help with Allergy Relief?

Tip! If you are looking for an allergy doctor and cant seem to find one you can do a few things. First you should start by looking in the white pages of your phone book.

More than 50 million Americans suffer from allergic
diseases. A recent nationwide survey found that more than
half (54.6 percent) of all U.S citizens test positive to
one or more allergens; among specific allergens, dust mite,
rye, ragweed, or cockroach caused sensitization in
approximately 25 percent of the population.

This article will provide tips for allergy relief. The
information covered below will address the following
questions:

1.Why do we develop allergies?
2.What causes allergies?
3.Allergy symptoms
4.Tips to obtain allergy relief
5.Herbs, vitamins & supplements

Most individuals with allergies are not sensitive to just
one substance but a host of them. There is an endless list
of allergy causing substances present in our food, drinks,
the air, and the clothes we wear to name a few examples
that can trigger an allergic reaction.

Tip! TYPES OF ALLERGY Allergic reactions are caused by substances in the environment known as allergens. Almost anything can be an allergen for someone.

Why do we develop allergies?

The exact cause of allergic reactions is still under
debate. Heredity seems to play an important role according
to some researchers and being exposed to allergens at
certain times when the body’s defenses are low or weak,
such as after a viral infection or during pregnancy, also
may contribute to the development of allergies. Allergies
are the immune system’s exaggerated response to a foreign
substance. Exposure to what is normally a harmless
substance, such as pollen, causes the immune system to
react as if the substance is harmful. Substances that cause
allergies are called allergens.

What causes allergies?

Allergies may be caused by any of the following. NOTE:
this is just a partial list; there are countless substances
that may cause an allergic reaction. The only way for
someone to know whether they’re allergic to a particular
substance is to get tested by an allergist.

Tip! Contact allergies This type of allergy is due to contact with chemicals and fumes, insect bites, allergic contact eczema, leather etc. Symptoms of contact allergy include redness, itchy, deep blisters, scaly patches and weepy skin.

1.Mold
2.Animal Dander
3.Latex
4.Certain Foods (EX: Nuts)
5.Insect Venom
6.Medications (EX: Penicillin)
7.Pollen
8.Dust Mites

What are allergy symptoms?

Allergy symptoms can be categorized as mild, moderate or
severe (anaphylactic).
Mild reactions include local symptoms (affecting a
specific area of the body) such as a rash or hives; itchy,
watery eyes; and nasal congestion. Mild reactions do not
spread to other parts of the body.

Moderate reactions include symptoms that spread to other
parts of the body. Symptoms may include itchiness that
spreads or difficulty breathing.

A severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, is a
life-threatening emergency in which the body’s
response to the allergen is sudden and affects the whole
body (systemic). Anaphylaxis may begin with severe itching
of the eyes or face and within minutes progresses to more
serious symptoms including swelling, which could result in
difficulty swallowing and breathing; abdominal pain;
cramps; vomiting; diarrhea; hives; and angioedema (hives in
the throat). Mental confusion or dizziness also may be
symptoms, since anaphylaxis causes a quick drop in blood
pressure.

Tip! Internist and pediatricians have to undergo special training in what allergy doctors have to do before they can work as an immunologist or allergy doctor. They obtain certification when they clear an examination in the specialty area of allergy and immunology.

Tips to obtain allergy relief

Dust often to control mites - By dusting surfaces and
washing bedding often, you can control the amount of dust
mites in your home.

Vacuum often - Although cleaning can sometimes trigger
allergic reactions, with dust in the air, vacuuming once or
twice a week will reduce the surface dust mites. Wear a
mask when doing housework and consider leaving for a few
hours after you clean to avoid allergens in the air. You
can also make sure your vacuum has an air filter to capture
dust.

Reduce pet dander - If you have allergies, you should
avoid pets with feathers or fur like birds, dogs and cats.
Animal saliva and dead skin, or pet dander, can cause
allergic reactions.

Avoid pollen - Keep windows and doors closed. Use an air
filter and clean it regularly or run the air conditioner
and change the filter often.

Avoid mold - Mold spores grow in moist areas. If you
reduce the moisture in the bathroom and kitchen, you will
reduce the mold. Clean moldy surfaces. Dehumidifiers will
also help reduce mold.

Herbs, Vitamins & Supplements

Herbs, vitamins and other supplements can help by boosting
the immune system and/or provide allergy relief.

Tip! Simply defined, an allergy is intolerance of the immune system to specific foods. You are allergic to food when your body reacts adversely to it, thereby producing excess histamine, which triggers a cascade of allergic symptoms that can affect the respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, skin or cardiovascular system.

Herbs that may help by boosting the immune system
1. Echinacea
2. Garlic

Vitamins that may help by boosting the immune system
1.Vitamin A
2.Vitamin C - Very effective at fighting allergies. It is
a powerful antioxidant. It promotes immune functions and
is natural anti-histamine.
3 Vitamin E - It fights allergies. It is a potent
intercellular anti-oxidant.
4.Green tea - Contains EGCG, a potent antioxidant more
powerful than vitamin C & E

Other supplements
(1) Bioflavonoids such as Quercetin work well with
Vitamin C as an anti-histamine to tackle allergens.

Obtaining allergy relief involves a 2 pronged attack.

1. Avoid allergy triggers such as the one’s mentioned above
2. Boost the immune system by using herbs, vitamins and
supplements

If the above don’t work than medications such as
antihistamines, decongestants or a combination of both are
available over-the-counter or by prescription to treat
allergy symptoms. Nasal sprays such as topical nasal
steroids and cromolyn sodium also can be used to treat
allergy symptoms. Immunotherapy and allergy shots are
recommended for relief needed over a long period of time.

Tip! For the more serious form of bird allergies, the symptoms may vary. Take note that suffering from a severe attack of bird allergy can reduce your lung’s capacity, that may potentially pose a detriment not just to your health but also to your life.

Obtaining allergy relief through natural means such as
taking the herbs and vitamins recommended above is the best
route to take without incurring side effects, however, if
the allergy is severe and debilitating than prescription or
over the counter medications may be needed. PREVENTION IS
THE BEST MEDICINE., Keep your immune system healthy so
chances of developing disease are reduced.

(c)Mayur Vibhakar - All rights reserved.
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Tip! The cause of asthma allergy is similar to the causes of an allergic reaction in a person. Allergens include dust, chemicals, scents, odors and changes in temperature.

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