Many people dismiss allergy symptoms as minor nuisances; however, left untreated they can lead to significant health implications.
Allergies arise when the immune system overreacts to usually harmless substances – known as allergens – such as pollen, bee stings and pet dander.
Reducing Allergens
Allergies are caused by your immune system overreacting to substances that normally do not bother most people, such as pollen, dust mites or pet dander (the skin cells shed from animals with fur or feathers). When exposed to allergens like pollen or dust mites, or pet dander (skin cells shed by animals with fur or feathers), your immune system reacts as though they were germs or viruses and attacks them as if they were harmful substances, leading to symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion runny nose runny nose itchiness and even itching of eyes or mouth with breathing difficulty or even worse anaphylaxis reactions possible resulting in potentially life threatening reactions called anaphylaxis reactions possible as anaphylaxis reactions are anaphylactic reactions caused by anaphylactic reactions known by people allergic reactions caused by being exposed to anaphylactic reactions in people sensitive enough when exposed to anaphylactic reactions occur from anaphylactic reactions called anaphylaxis reactions caused by antibodies attacking something harmless, like pollen pollen pollen pollen pollen dust mites or pet dander (like skin cells from animals) this causes an immune response against them like germs viruses are attacking as harmful substances causing symptoms such as snesian reactions which may even life threatening situations due to severe reactions such as anaphylaxis.
There are ways to limit allergenic substances in your environment, though the best strategy may be avoiding those substances which trigger your symptoms directly. Unfortunately, this is often easier said than done when allergies arise from airborne sources such as pollen, mold and pet dander; staying indoors as much as possible when pollen counts are high and using an air purifier and HEPA filter are recommended; also regularly wash clothes and bedding in hot water to rid yourself of pollen, mold and pet dander that has attached itself.
Untreated or poorly managed allergies may also contribute to other health concerns ranging from mild to severe, including:
Managing Symptoms
Asthma may present with symptoms such as runny noses, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, sinus congestion and itchy or flaky skin that are annoying but manageable for most people; however, for others these allergies can be far more serious; an untreated severe allergy could result in life-threatening anaphylaxis reactions which require medical intervention immediately if severe allergic reactions arise. If this occurs to you or anyone you know, seek emergency care immediately.
If your symptoms are mild, over-the-counter remedies may suffice. If they don’t help, make an appointment with your physician; he or she can create a plan to manage your allergies so you can feel better and live your best life.
Your doctor will likely first recommend that you try to avoid allergens – the substances which trigger your reactions – by changing clothes before going outside, staying indoors when dusty or windy conditions arise, and using a humidifier in order to alleviate dry, itchy nasal passages.
Medicines available in pill or liquid form, or nasal sprays and eye drops, can help ease allergy symptoms such as swelling and itching in your skin, nose or throat. Natural remedies — like low-fat diet, vitamin C supplementation and blackcurrants — may also provide some relief; wearing an ID bracelet that outlines your allergies can ensure prompt medical assistance should an allergic reaction arise.
Getting Help from a Healthcare Provider
If you suffer from allergies, it’s essential that you maintain communication with your healthcare provider. They can assist in identifying allergy triggers and providing appropriate medications or treatment plans; in addition, they may refer you to specialists or local support groups as necessary.
Allergies are an overreaction by your immune system to normally harmless substances known as allergens, often harmless substances that your body mistakenly perceives as germs or viruses, producing chemicals which lead to symptoms like sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes and skin that can range from mild to severe – in extreme cases even life-threatening reactions may arise.
As with seasonal allergies, keeping track of your symptoms is also beneficial so you can quickly act when they worsen. With that in mind, seasonal allergies require you to be especially aware of what’s triggering their symptoms when they happen – for instance trees release pollen in spring; grasses produce theirs during summer/fall months; while weeds appear late summer/early fall.
Living with food allergies can be disconcerting and bewildering, particularly for newly diagnosed individuals. But with guidance and support from healthcare providers, you can find relief and live comfortably with them. Don’t be afraid to pose questions and seek answers; repeat back what your healthcare provider says so you fully comprehend his/her advice.
Educating Yourself
Allergies are a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, caused when your immune system misidentifies harmless objects like pollen or pet dander as threats, acting like germs or viruses and producing symptoms like sneezing, itching, hives and trouble breathing as if they were harmful substances.
Symptoms can range from minor (such as runny nose or itchy eyes) to more serious issues like difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis). Most individuals living with food allergies are able to effectively manage their symptoms by visiting a healthcare provider, getting tested for allergens, taking medications as directed and learning more about managing allergies.
Allergies can negatively alter your daily routine and quality of life, restricting activities and impeding school or work performance. Frequent allergy flare-ups may even impede sleep quality.
It’s essential that both you and your child be able to communicate about allergies in an age-appropriate manner, and ensure they understand their food allergy fully, becoming confident advocates, avoiding certain foods, and knowing when and how to use their EpiPen. This will allow them to better face the challenges associated with living with food allergies.
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