Allergy - Allergies

Allergies are caused by allergens which contain protein, which is found in all living organisms, and it is this protein which causes allergies. If your body reacts to a substance in an adverse way then you are said to be allergic to that substance. Four of the most common allergies are; dust mites, nuts, pollen and animal (pet). An allergic reaction happens when you come in contact with an allergen through your skin, the lining of your lungs, mouth, gullet, stomach or intestines. Allergic reactions can cause a range of symptoms, some mild, some serious and very occasionally fatal. If the allergen is airborne then the allergic reaction will occur in the eyes, nose & lungs. If the allergen is swallowed, the allergic reaction will occur in the mouth, stomach & intestines. When in contact with an allergen your body produces chemicals (antibodies) to fight off the allergen. Sometimes enough chemicals are released to cause a reaction throughout the body such as hives, decreased blood pressure, shock or loss of consciousness. This severe type of reaction is known as anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock which may be life threatening. In the US 20% of adults and children suffer from allergies. In the UK approx 1 in 4 people suffer from allergies at some point in their lives. In Australia there has been a dramatic increase in allergies recently with an estimated 40% now suffering from some form of allergy. The best & easiest way to prevent allergies is to avoid contact with the allergen - the substance which triggers your allergy. There are many OTC (over the counter) treatment for allergies the most common being: Antihistamines; These treat allergies by blocking the action of the chemical histamine, which is a chemical released by the body when in contact with the allergen. Antihistamines can be taken in pill, cream or liquid form. You can also take eye or nasal drops. Decongestants; Relieve symptoms of allergies such as blocked noses, often caused by hay fever, dust & pet allergies. They can be taken as pills, capsules, liquid form or nasal spray. Nasal Sprays & Eye drops; these help relieve symptoms of allergies such as sore itchy eyes & irritation & swelling of the nose. Some treatments are only suitable for adults so check before purchasing remedies for children. John Mac is author & owner of http://www.fitnessdiethealth.com a website aimed at providing help & information for people looking to improve their fitness, diet & health & for information about allergies Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Mac Allergy - Dust Away Dust Allergy Dust allergy is one of the most common forms of allergy reported or recorded not just in the United States, but around the world. Because dusts are everywhere, the occurrence of dust allergy is almost always inevitable and its number is rapidly increasing. Dust allergy is usually taking the form of the most common allergic reaction known to and experienced by humans --- asthma. Dust allergy does not exist or is not recognized independently in the medical world. It is usually accompanied by asthma, an allergic reaction that characterized by the narrowing of the airway passage in the human respiratory system. Why dust allergy is so prevalent Dust allergy is so prevalent because dusts are everywhere. Dusts are very tiny and miniscule particles consisting of small molecules of soil or other substances. Dusts are easily carried through the air and the wind because of its very light and significantly feather-like weight. It is this attribute of dusts that make it very dangerous and threatening to humans. Because in almost all dry places there are dusts, people are practically living in a world full of dusts. Logically, the situation would not be ideal and optimal for people who have developed an immune resistance to the particles. A very big and significant portion of the population in the United States alone suffer or at least have suffered from dust allergy and dust allergy attacks. Because dust allergies are not diseases, but rather just mere and simple body reflex reaction against dusts that try to get into the body, many people underestimate dust allergy's potential to pose serious health risk. Symptoms of dust allergy Symptoms of dust allergy are very easy to identify and determine. First, because dusts are substances that do not naturally get into the body, the immune system try to block its entry through constricting the air passages, where dusts usually get in. The constricting movement of the air passages make up for the uneasiness to breathe. Thus, asthmatics find it really hard to inhale breathe during asthma attacks. To some very sensitive people, uneasy breathing is also coupled with the development of skin rashes and itchiness around the body. Fever is not a usual symptom to dust allergy, but if a dust allergy occurs and fever appears, there must be something wrong. Fever indicate the presence of pathogens or living organisms trying to invade the body. Hence, fever in dust allergy attacks indicate that complications are present, usually diseases caused by either viruses or bacteria. The occurrence of such fever indicates that proper medical treatment and consultation from a doctor is imperative. Treatment and prevention of dust allergy Like any other form of allergies, dust allergy is treated by taking in proper and effective dosages of antihistamines. Antihistamines are especially formulated medicines or drugs that contain chemicals and enzymes in exact amounts to curtail and control onset dust allergy or other allergies. Exposure to dust, the primary proponent and cause of dust allergy, will also be the most basic and most effective treatment. Remember that medications like antihistamines would never be really potent and efficient if exposure to dust is not eliminated or significantly reduced. Dust allergy will also be effectively avoided by reducing exposure to dust. Cleanliness of surroundings and personal hygiene would greatly help to avoid the occurrence of dust allergy. ---------------------------------------- Note: This article may be freely reproduced as long as the AUTHOR'S resource box at the bottom of this article is included and and all links must be Active/Linkable with no syntax changes. -----------------------------------------