Allergies - Forms and Treatment

It is estimated that about fifty million Americans are allergic to one or more things. Our bodys immune system produces antibodies when it mistakes any harmless substance or allergen as an intruder. These antibodies are produced to defend the body against the substances mistakenly regarded as offenders. The cells around the affected areas also produce histamine and other chemicals. The release of histamine can result to sneezing, hives, itchiness and other known allergic reactions. These allergic reactions usually appear in areas of the body where the allergen comes to.

Among the most common types of allergies are food allergies, allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma and allergic contact dermatitis. Each of these types has its own specific symptoms and probable form of treatment.

It is estimated that about 100 Americans are killed each year due to food allergies. Studies show that only 1 to 2 percent of all adults with allergies are suffering from true food allergies. The most common food allergens are milk, eggs, fish, peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, almonds and cashew. It is estimated that about 3 million Americans are allergic to peanuts and tree nuts - the number one causes of food allergy deaths. People suffering from food allergies may experience swelling and tingling of the lips. There may be itchiness, hives or rashes occurring in any part of the body. Additionally, those suffering from food allergies may also feel bloating, abdominal cramps, gas, diarrhea and vomiting.

In severe cases, food allergies can be life threatening. Fortunately, this is rarely the case. If you have known food allergies, the best treatment is to avoid the offending food sources. Otherwise, antihistamines may be administered for mild reactions. Corticosteroid creams may be used to treat skin rashes. For life-threatening reactions, an injectable epinephrine such as EpiPen may save your life. Allergy shots can also be administered especially if drugs dont work, or if you are unable to avoid the allergens.

Allergic rhinitis is a form of allergy which affects one in seven Americans. This form of allergy may occur during a specific season as in hay fever. This can also be perennial, meaning it can be a whole year round condition. Both types however, exhibit similar symptoms. Hay fever is commonly caused by pollen from trees (usually during the spring season), grasses and ragweed. On the other hand, perennial allergies are triggered by indoor allergens like dust mites, feathers, mold spores and pet dander. The most common symptoms of allergic rhinitis are itchiness, watery eyes, sneezing, sore throat and stuffy nose. Allergic rhinitis is commonly treated with antihistamines, decongestants and inflammatory sprays.

Allergic asthma is perceived to be a potentially hazardous disease. Once a person with allergic asthma is exposed to offending allergens, breathing difficulty may commence. This is often elicited by allergens such as pollen, spores, mold, feathers, pet dander and cockroach droppings. Allergic asthma is characterized by coughing, wheezing, tightness of the chest and shortness of breath. Bronchodilators are the treatment of choice during allergic asthma attacks. These function to widen the patients airways and cease sudden attacks.

Skin contact with allergens like poison ivy, skin care products, jewelries and a persons saliva can trigger allergic contact dermatitis. Common symptoms are itchy, dry, red skin patches with blisters. Corticosteriod creams are used to treat the mild forms of contact dermatitis. Oral corticosteroids may be administered for severe cases.

Finally, allergies affect both children and adults. It is observed that adults hardly ever outgrow their allergies completely. However, the symptoms may become lesser and less severe with time. Others also develop allergies as they grow older. The best defense against allergies is through avoidance of the known allergens.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Allergies

Your Allergies & Your Allergy Treatment
Allergies it seems just about everyone is suffering with them these days and many are enduring these season allergies without complaining. Instead they simply fill their pockets with tissues and sniffle on. So where do you, your allergies, and your...

You May Be in Need of an Allergy Treatment
A lot of people are suffering from allergies and simply dont have an idea about it. They sniff and sneeze every ten minutes and still they consider it a minor cold. This is not the case, and if you are one of them, you should prepare yourself to lear...

Sun Allergies
Sun and heat allergies are like regular allergies and are an immune system response to a substance that is normally harmless. Having true heat and sun allergies will occur only in certain people that are sensitive. It is not clear why some people w...

Which Allergy Treatment Should You Use?
Allergies seem to be on the rise for many different reasons. In fact 1 in 3 people will suffer from some type of allergies. If your allergies are severe you may have to see an allergist or an ear, nose, throat specialist but many times you can get ...

Do You Have Severe Allergic Reactions?
Today, allergic reactions seem to be everywhere. Turn on the television and you are likely to see ads for decongestants and antihistamines meant to treat allergy symptoms. Go to the drug store and you will see pills for seasonal allergies, creams for...

Allergy Treatment Guide - Know Your Options
People face some type of allergy to all sorts of things, this may include environmental allergens, odors, fumes, food, and cigarette smoke just to name a few. Allergy treatment and testing is required when symptoms become uncomfortable and occur on a...

The Various Types Of Allergies
Allergies can come from various sources. This being the case, it is not quite easy to come up with a single treatment plan that covers every type of allergy. When you learn about the different types of allergies that you have a reaction to, you can...

Differences and Similarities Between Allergies and Asthma
Allergies are the most common cause of the inflammation which underlies most asthma particularly in younger sufferers.Allergy rates are on the increase especially in Western countries (compared to people in less affluent rural parts of the world) and...

A Few Facts About Allergies
Allergies, which are extremely common today, can be caused by just about anything. They can be caused by something that touches your skin thus giving rise to a rash, anything you swallow or even inhale. It can vary in intensity, ranging from mild t...

Allergy Drops - Another Treatment Option For Allergies
Allergies can interfere with even the most commonplace of daily events; for those who suffer from allergies, even leaving their house during certain times of year can prove nearly impossible. For sufferers, finding effective, long-lasting allergy rel...