Nowadays, over 50 million people worldwide suffer from some type of allergy. If you are one of them, then you already know how much these allergic symptoms can influence the quality of life and hinder you in your everyday activities. Allergy symptoms can be manifested with respiratory difficulties, skin issues or digestive problems
It is well known that our immune system protects our body from anything that can cause illness. Sometimes the immune system sees the harmless substance as dangerous to the body. That substance is called allergen. In that case, the immune system overreacts and cause cells to release histamine and other chemicals that further cause an allergic reaction
The most common allergens are airborne allergens like pollen, ragweed, dust, animal dander, mites and mold. Strong allergy reaction can also provoke insect’s sting, certain food, medication or latex.
Allergy attacks can be various; from mild to more severe and some allergy reaction can even put you in life threatening situation. If frequent sneezing, coughing, watery, red or swollen eyes, runny or stuffy nose, happens only during certain times of the year, like in spring and autumn you may have seasonal allergies. Allergy to pollen and ragweed are the most common seasonal allergies.
What can we do to protect ourselves from allergies?
First, we need to know our allergy triggers so we can avoid them. Allergy test is usually sufficient to identify the causes of allergies, and sometimes you will see yourself what caused the allergic reaction (food, chemicals, dust, animals).
Then, we must try to avoid contact with known allergens. This is difficult to implement with allergies to pollen, sun, dust and other allergens that are always around us. If we are allergic to pollen we should avoid morning’s walks when the maximum concentration of allergens is in the air. Sunglasses can also help to prevent eyes contact with pollen. Taking a shower after walk, washing hair and changing the clothes more often can help us well.
In order to fight allergies, it is very important to strengthen the immune system. Increase the intake of food rich in vitamins C, A, E, minerals such as calcium, zinc, magnesium, and selenium. We should give priority to raw food, use a lot of green vegetables and fruits, nettle and green tea as well.
There are many effective anti-allergic drugs, such as: antihistamines, corticosteroids, eye and nose drops, and all this should be taken with the advice of a doctor
Some patients who are suffering from allergies choose to try a treatment called Immunotherapy. This treatment involves giving injections or tablets of allergens in an increasing dose over time. In this way the person becomes less sensitive to the specific allergen and next time when allergen appears, an allergic reaction can be absent. We should consult our allergist to learn more about these methods.