why and how to live with them.
So many of us have suffered from allergies. I have met people who have lived here for many years, who during spring start suffering.
Allergy symptoms vary in severity from person to person. Most of us have symptoms that cause discomfort without being life-threatening. A few people have reactions to certain foods or medication that can be life-threatening. This is called anaphylaxis and needs to be treated instantly.
Allergy is caused by an oversensitive immune system, which leads to a misdirected immune response. The immune system normally protects the body against bacteria and viruses. In contrast, an allergic reaction is when the immune system reacts to substances (allergens) that generally are harmless and in most people do not cause any reaction. In a person with allergies, the first exposure to the allergen triggers the immune system to recognize the substance. Any exposure after that will usually result in symptoms.
The most common allergic diseases are:
- Summer hay fever and perennial allergic rhinitis
- Asthma
- Eczema, contact dermatitis
- Allergic conjunctivitis
- Allergy to medication, insect stings
- Food allergies and additive intolerance
The most common allergens are:
- House dust mites
- Grass and tree pollens
- Pet skin flakes or dander
- Fungal or mould spores
- Certain food
- Wasp and bee stings
- Medications and latex
- Nickel, rubber, preservatives and chemicals.
The removal of a potential allergy trigger is the cornerstone of allergy treatment. If we can minimise levels of the offending allergen in the home, allergy symptoms and medication requirements will be reduced. This is not always easy to do, and sometimes nature behaves differently, like it has this spring in our area. Suddenly there seem to be more pollen than ever before, and more people are suffering allergic symptoms.
What can we do?
- It is very difficult to avoid pollen, but we can try to go for walks on the beach instead of in the countryside or near pinetrees. Remember to close the window when there is wind. Some people say there is less pollen in the morning.
- If there are allergens inside the house, keep your home dry and well ventilated.
- Cut down on dust and house dust mite. Household dust is a great breeding ground for house dust mite. Try to remove cushions, blankets and soft toys. If you cannot remove these, buy items that can be washed and cleaned in warm water every second week. Then place them in the freezer for 24 hours after which they should be thoroughly dried. Wash sheets and pillowcases every week and iron them afterwards to kill off more mites. There are also barrier covers to be bought for your beds.
- If you are allergic to furry pets, and cannot remove them from the home, try to keep them outside as much as possible. Wash them every two weeks if possible. Female animals produce less allergens and castration will reduce the production of allergen by male cats and dogs. If you are allergic to cats, and are visiting a catowner, ask them not to dust or sweep or vacuum on the day you visit. This will only disturb the dust. Cat allergens can remain in the air for over 24 hours.
If you are allergic and have taken medicall advise , you will probably have tried antihistamine and other products on the market. Apart from medication, I have good experience with echinacea (that is if you are not allergic to this plant). But I recommend not only 20 drops now and than, but 5 – 10 ml the moment you feel the allergy coming.
Lots of people have been helped with homeopathy, but if it is an allergy to pollen, they have to start in good time before the season. Reflexology can give relief of the symptoms after they arrive and will also help restoring the imbalance in the body. |
