May
27
What
Filed Under Allergy Symptoms | Leave a Comment
An anaphylaxis reaction is a severe reaction to an allergen. This reaction is the most severe allergy symptom that you as the sufferer can possibly get since it can be life threatening.
The anaphylaxis reaction can include skin swelling, hives, lowered blood pressure, fainting and also dilated blood vessels. Shock often results upon exposure to the allergen. If not treated immediately, the sufferer can die.
What happens in the body is a reaction to the food eaten. A signal is triggered of a foreign invader and that the body must react by producing disease-fighting antibodies called immunoglobulin E or IgE. The first exposure to the allergen may not produce any symptoms but may just cause a production of antibodies none the same. However, upon repeated exposure, the antibodies that were produced the first time will release a large amount of a protein called, “histamine”. This histamine will cause the symptoms associated with the allergic reaction such as the hives, breathing difficulties, drop in blood pressure swelling of throat or lips etc.
Usually itching is first experienced, becoming more severe within minutes. Then, this is followed by more serious symptoms such as swallowing difficulties and breathing difficulties, abdominal pain, abdominal cramping, vomiting, diarrhea, skin hives or angioedema (which is swelling like hives but under the skin). The emergency hotline number should be dialled immediately, if serious symptoms are observed.
A sufferer of severe allergies should prepare for any possible attacks by carrying medication on their person (purse or briefcase, pocket). A common auto-injector, is called, the EpiPen. It may also be wise to carry some medication around in the case of an emergency taking place.
Mar
18
Allergy
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We look forward to the flowers and fresh breezes of spring. Everything smells so new and fresh that it makes you want to step outside your door and take a deep breath. For many people, these joys of spring are countered by uncomfortable or even dangerous allergy symptoms.
Seasonal allergies have brought down a favorite season for a vast number of people. Instead of going outside to plant flowers and enjoy the green grass, many people stay indoors with their windows shut and their air purifiers running at top speed. Is there any way to get out there and experience the season first hand instead of watching your neighbors through a plate glass window?
There are a few tips for allergy relief that may get you across the threshold and back to your outdoor hobbies.
1. Consider wearing a face mask. It may not be the exact look you were going for, but it beats staying indoors or having bright red eyes and nose. Although a mask will not keep all allergens out, it can reduce them substantially, thereby reducing allergy symptoms.
When you come in from outside, immediately shed your clothes and shoes. Get them into a hot washing machine and yourself into the shower to wash off the pollen that may have settled on your hair or skin.
2. Keep your house free of allergens by following household tips for an allergy–free home so that you have a safe refuge from allergens.
3. Consider the plants growing around your house. Even if you love the big, flowering bush immediately outside your door, it may be part of the reason you have been staying inside. If you know which plants you are more sensitive to, you can choose to landscape with less offending species of plants.
4. If you have skin allergies to plants or insects prevalent in the spring time, consider wearing long sleeve clothes and pants that hug the ankles. You can also put strings or rubber bands around your pant legs to keep plants or insects from ‘getting’ your ankles. If the weather is warm, you may be able to choose a light fabric that keeps plants and insects out, but lets you stay comfortable.
5. Some people choose to ‘step up’ their homeopathic treatment of allergies during the season when they have more symptoms. A natural remedy can help you manage your allergies without giving up your time outside. Choose a natural allergy treatment best suited to your individual needs.
Before you give up on doing your own gardening or even sitting out for a barbeque or picnic lunch, try a few tips to reduce allergy symptoms. You may want to start slow. Spend a little more time outside every day until you find what length of time you are comfortable with. Some days may be better than others, depending on the weather, humidity, and pollen count. However, with a little forethought and a few new ideas, this may be the best spring you have had in years.
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