Allergies

Getting the Facts on Allergies

These days, it seems like everyone has at least one allergy. Sometimes, even people who were previously allergy-free will develop allergies, suddenly going into sneezing fits when the family cat enters the room or breaking out in hives after eating shellfish. What causes allergies, and how can people make themselves aware of their allergies before their health takes a beating?

Ø Diagnosing Allergies
The best way to determine if a person is allergic to something is for them to take a battery of allergy tests. During these tests, a doctor will usually perform a series of skin prick tests. During the tests, the doctor will place a small amount of an allergen extract on a patient's skin and will then prick the area with a small needle. If a red bump appears on the patient's skin, he or she is allergic to the substance. Skin prick tests can help diagnose asthma, hay fever, allergic rhinitis, eczema, oral allergy problems and food- or drug-related allergies.

Ø Allergy Symptoms
Allergies occur when a person's immune system becomes very sensitive to materials that he or she might have tolerated at one time. Once exposed to allergens, an allergic person can have a variety of allergy symptoms, including:

· Itching
· Rashes
· Sneezing
· throat closure.
An allergic person can also experience symptoms that one might not typically associate with allergies, such as:

· abdominal pain
· difficulty talking
· loss of consciousness
· vomiting.

Ø Common Allergies
We have all heard about common allergies, ranging from latex allergies to detergent allergies to deodorant allergies to food allergies. Indoor allergens, such as mold and animal dander, can also wreak havoc.

Outdoor allergies, especially pollen allergies, are also very common. People who have pollen allergies experience a variety of symptoms, most notably a lack of energy and/or itchy, watery eyes. Thankfully, people who have pollen allergies typically experience symptoms only during certain seasons.

Ø Detergent and Deodorant Allergies
Some people are highly sensitive to some of the ingredients found in certain laundry and dishwashing detergents. Often, they are allergic to the dyes and perfumes found in these products. When exposed to these chemicals, people who suffer from detergent allergies typically break out in itchy, red rashes.

Deodorants can also cause allergic reactions on a person's skin. Two allergens associated with deodorant allergies are cobalt chloride and neomycin sulfate. A person who suffers from deodorant allergies may experience bumpy, irritated skin.

Ø Latex Allergies
Latex allergies occur when a person is allergic to sap from rubber trees. People who have latex allergies should avoid any products that contain latex, such as latex gloves and latex condoms. Many medical supplies, such as IVs and bandages, also contain latex, so people with latex allergies should notify medical practitioners of their condition. Swim goggles, shoe soles and toys can also be made of latex and can cause allergic reactions in people with latex allergies.

Here's a list of some common latex allergy symptoms:

· cough
· difficulty breathing
· hives
· itchy, watery eyes
· stuffy nose.
· Some more serious latex allergy symptoms include:
· blue skin
· confusion
· diarrhea
· rapid or weak pulse
· slurred speech
· wheezing.
Ø Traditional Treatments for Allergies
Once an allergen has been identified, doctors have several traditional options to treat a patient's allergies. These traditional allergy treatments include steroids, antihistamines or anti-inflammatory medicines. These medicines can be taken orally, rubbed on the body or inhaled.

Ø Natural Allergy Remedies
While there are many traditional cures for allergies, many people are currently seeking out natural allergy remedies. Here's a list of some herbs that you can use to treat your allergies:

· elderberry
· fenugreek
· marshmallow
· thyme.
Vitamins are another option for people who are looking for natural allergy remedies. The best choices to try include vitamin A, B-complex vitamins and vitamin C. Some people also rely on aromatherapy to help alleviate allergies. Some scents to try include lavender, eucalyptus and peppermint.

Ø Tips for Preventing Allergies
Coming into contact with even the tiniest amount of an allergen can cause significant health problems in people with allergies. The best way to control your allergies is to avoid contact with allergens and to talk to your doctor about your treatment options.