Allergy

An allergy is an abnormal response by the body’s immune system to a particular substance. Our immune system or our defense mechanism identifies foreign bodies and mobilizes the body’s white blood cells to fight these substances. In some cases the immune system identifies a non toxic substance as a foreign body whereby the white blood cells react to do more harm to the body than the substance. Such responses become a disease in itself. Examples are eczema and asthma. Substances that cause an allergic reaction are called ‘allergens’. Some of the common allergens are dust, pollen, metals, animal hair, insect bites and stings, cosmetics, drugs like aspirin, foods like eggs, shell fish, milk, chocolates, wheat etc, chemicals and food additives. An allergy can occur when an ordinary substance causes a reaction in the body.  The body sees this substance, or allergen, as an enemy and large amounts of a substance called histamine is then released into the body to fight off the allergen. With too much histamine now in the body, the cold like symptoms or other allergic symptoms begin.

In fact, almost anything can be an allergen. Allergies can develop at any time in your life.

The symptoms of an allergy are about the same as with a cold such as sneezing, itchy watery eyes, nose, and throat. The difference between a cold and an allergy is that a cold is caused by a virus and usually lasts from five to seven days. A reaction to an allergen in an allergic person will not improve until the allergen is taken away. Some more serious problems which can occur with an allergic reaction are wheezing and shock. In some cases the more times you are exposed to a substance that you are allergic to the more serious the reaction gets.

The three common allergies are animal hair, dust and food items…

• For some allergies such as animal hair the best treatment is to simply avoid being around animals.
• For an allergy to pollen however, it is almost impossible to just avoid it since pollen is everywhere outside. In this case an antihistamine can be taken when symptoms occur.
• Dust can also cause problems for people who are sensitive to the tiny dust mites that are attached to the dust particles.
• Some people have allergies to foods.

Allergies happen when the body has an abnormal reaction to what is normally a harmless substance and the immune system produces antibodies called immunoglobulin E or IGE to act on the foreign bodies or antigens releasing Histamine and other chemicals that causes symptoms of allergies. Allergies actually develop in stages. When a person first encounters the substance that it is allergic to there is most often not a reaction. The body wards to fight this off. When the body is exposed again, symptoms will be produced. The more the body is exposed to the allergen, the more likely a reaction will occur. These can be a simple as sneezing, watery eyes, and runny nose. Some can be a serious as sudden death. The most common symptoms of food allergies are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headaches, rashes, shortness of breath, and some times swelling. The good thing is that a food allergy generally produces the same symptoms each time. The exception to this would be a peanut allergy, which can become more severe each time the person is exposed. Food allergy and food intolerance are two different reactions and are not the same. People with food intolerance lack certain enzymes required for digestion and breakdown of food. Any undigested food, on entering the blood stream can trigger a reaction and a food allergy results when the ingested food triggers an antibody response.

Many of us are also allergic to the molds that grow on foods esp foods like yogurt, cream, cheese, mushroom, sauces, beer, wine, canned foods or present on damp surfaces, refrigerators, bath rooms and mats. Symptoms are less alarming than allergic reactions and are characterized by headaches, nasal congestion, itching and pain in the ears. It is important to keep rooms free from dust and use a dehumidifier and disinfectant on walls and furniture.

It is possible that some people can handle small amounts of the foods, which they are allergic to without much difficulty. While others are so sensitive that they react to even the smallest traces.

Most reactions are fast, usually within a few minutes of the food entering the body and can occur up to two hours later. In some cases the reaction does not occur for up to forty-eight hours later. These are the ones that are difficult to identify.

Some allergens are easy to identify because the reaction is immediate. In other cases you may be asked to keep a diary of what you ate and the times. After a while a pattern will begin to show what the problem foods are. In some cases allergy testing may need to be done. The most common are the skin test where food allergens are placed on the skin and swelling or itching will occur if you have a reaction. In other cases the doctor may order a (RAST) radioallergosorbent blood study. This test allows for a few drops of a person’s blood to be mixed with the allergens and then analyzed for signs of a reaction.

Still another test that may be used is the supervised elimination diet. The patient is taken of all foods except those known not to cause a reaction. After seven to ten days the person should be symptom free. The doctor then gives small amounts of food or food extracts to see if there is any allergic response.

Once the allergens have been identified and eliminated from the diet the problem should be solved. This can sometimes be more difficult that it sounds. Some of the more common food allergens  that are hard to avoid are given below.

Common food allergies and symptoms

• Milk and milk products: Constipation, diarrhea, and vomiting are the most common. In rare instances hives can occur.
• Egg: Rashes, hives, and swelling are the most common symptoms. Asthma attacks and eczema in people who are prone to those are seen in some cases.
• Fish: Rashes, hives, and red itchy eyes. Can trigger asthma attach or runny nose.
• Wheat: Diarrhea and stomach upset, Migraine.
• Peanuts: Stomach upset and breathing problems, possible anaphylaxis.
• Fruits: Facial rash or hives, itching, or a tingling sensation in the mouth.
• Chocolate: Rashes or hives.

To prevent common allergies like dust etc…

• Make sure you dust and vacuum regularly.
• With each season’s change, clean all air filters, air conditioner filters, and duct filters. Remove and replace moldy, dusty wallpaper.
• Whenever possible, replace carpet with vinyl, hardwood or tile flooring. Wipe walls and hard floors with a damp cloth on regular basis. Wash rugs and furniture often.
• Keep the basement as dry and clean as possible. Enclose toy boxes and bookcases. Frequently wash summer sports equipment made of nylon, plastic, or canvas with mildew retardant to prevent allergen growth.
• Use exhaust fans over the stove and in the bathroom to decrease humidity when cooking or showering. When cleaning the bathroom use mold preventing and killing solutions.
• Use machine washable bath mats that you wash in hot water frequently. After a shower or bath, stretch out the shower or curtain to deter mildew growth.
• Always air out damp clothes or shoes before putting them away. Try not to leave damp laundry lying in the washer for extended periods of time.
• Try to maintain your home’s humidity below 50% by using air conditioners and dehumidifiers. Indoor plants encourage mold growth, so try to keep them to a minimum within your home.
• Try to avoid the use of wood burning stoves and fireplaces. If they must be used, store firewood outdoors.
• Use hypoallergenic plastic covers and cases for mattresses, box springs, and pillows made of feathers, down, or foam.
• Use cotton/polyester comforters instead of wool comforters. Wash them frequently in hot water.