How To Reduce Allergy Symptoms

Ways To Manage Allergies

Allergies can cause great misery. Luckily, there are options to help manage symptoms and continue doing the things you enjoy. The goal is to find the treatment that best suits your allergies, your lifestyle, and your wallet. Here are three of the most common ways to find relief from allergy symptoms.

What Are The Symptoms Of Allergies

Allergy symptoms are classified as mild, moderate or severe:

• Mild reactions include local symptoms such as a rash or hives, itchiness, watery/red eyes, hay fever and runny nose. Mild reactions do not spread to other parts of your body.
• Moderate reactions include symptoms that spread to other parts of your body. Symptoms may include itchiness, hives, and/or swelling and trouble breathing.
• A severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, is a rare, life-threatening emergency in which your bodys response to the allergen is sudden and affects the whole body. Anaphylaxis may begin with severe itching of your eyes or face. Within minutes, more serious symptoms appear, including throat swelling , abdominal pain, cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, hives and swelling . You may also have mental confusion or dizziness, since anaphylaxis may cause a drop in blood pressure.

Food Allergy Symptoms + 6 Ways To Reduce Them

By Christine Ruggeri, CHHC

• 6 Ways to Reduce Symptoms of Food Allergies

Food allergies are immune-based diseases that have become a serious health concern in the United States. An estimated one-fifth of the population believe that they have adverse reactions to food, but the true prevalence of food allergies ranges between 3 and 4 percent in the general population.

Despite the risk of severe allergic reactions and even death, there is no current treatment for food allergies. The condition can only be managed by allergen avoidance or treatment of food allergy symptoms. Fortunately, there are natural allergy fighters that can help to boost the immune system and enhance the gut microbiota, which helps to reduce the development of food allergies and allergy symptoms.

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What Is An Allergic Reaction

An allergic reaction is the way your body responds to the allergen. A chain of events occur that result in an allergic reaction.

If you are prone to allergies, the first time youre exposed to a specific allergen , your body responds by producing allergic antibodies. The job of these antibodies is to find the allergens and help remove them from your system. As a result, a chemical called histamine is released and causes symptoms of allergies.

What Is A Cat Allergy

The symptoms of a cat allergy can vary from person to person and range from mild to severe. The most common symptoms of cat allergy are:

It is important to note that these symptoms can also occur with other allergies. You should see a doctor to ensure it is a cat allergy. The doctor can perform an allergy test to determine the cause of the symptoms.

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What Are Food Allergies

Food allergies consist of an immune system response to a disagreeable food. The body senses that a protein in a particular food may be harmful and triggers an immune system response, producing histamine to protect itself. The body remembers this and when this food enters the body again, the histamine response is more easily triggered.

The diagnosis of food allergies may be problematic because nonallergic food reactions, such as food intolerances, are frequently confused with food allergy symptoms. Intolerance derived from an immunological mechanism is referred to as a food allergy, and the non-immunological form is called a food intolerance. Food allergies and intolerances are often linked, but theres a clear difference between the two conditions.

A food allergy comes from a reaction of the allergen-specific immunoglobulin E antibody that is found in the bloodstream. Non-IgE-mediated food allergies are also possible this happens when someone is exposed to a food that causes signs and symptoms of an allergy, such as allergic contact dermatitis. A food intolerance is an adverse reaction to foods or food components, but not due to immunologic mechanisms.

Allergy Proof Your Home

There are many ways you can allergy proof your home, beyond the regular tidying up and standard cleaning practices, using these tips and tricks.

• Keep humidity low, and reduce moisture in the air, and use a dehumidifier if necessary
• Watch for leaks and floods that may spur mold growth
• Choose allergy-friendly insulation if possible
• Remove carpeting if possible, and replace with easy-to-clean flooring options
• Keep shoes off inside the home
• Hire eco-friendly pest control to control cockroaches and mice, and prevent re infestation
• Clean air conditioning filters regularly
• Have air conditioners inspected regularly
• Dust and damp mop solid surface flooring regularly
• Use portable air purifiers throughout your home, especially in the bedroom
• Use HEPA-filter vacuum cleaners regularly
• Keep household irritants use, like candles and fragrances, to a minimum
• Maintain good pet hygiene, and keep pets out of the bedroom
• Use low or zero-VOC paints
• Purchase allergy-friendly bedding with dust mite proof covers that can be easily washed
• Wash linens regularly in hot water, and use a high-heat dryer setting
• Shower regularly after any outdoor activity before coming inside

Keeping your home free from dust mites, mold, pet dander, and other environmental allergens can keep you breathing well and keep seasonal and perennial and respiratory allergies at bay.

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Keep Your Linen Clean

If you are sensitive to environmental allergens, spending hours every night in a bed that might actively be collecting dust mites can be problematic.

Change sheets, pillows, blankets, and other linens frequently to prevent this buildup.

Wash bedding in the hottest possible water to remove allergens.

Alternatively, you consider purchasing hypoallergenic bedding.

These are able to withstand frequent washing and are usually made from materials that have a barrier function to dust mites.

If you are really sensitive, consider switching to a hypoallergenic mattress, or get a hypoallergenic mattress cover for your current bed.

Qu Causa La Alergia De Primavera

El polen del árbol es un desencadenante frecuente de los síntomas de alergia de primavera. Los alérgenos pueden variar según la región, pero los árboles responsables de muchas alergias primaverales son: ceniza, abedul, olmo, pino, roble, pacana, nogal, álamo y nogal. Por ejemplo, un niño con alergia al polen de abedul tendrá más síntomas en primavera, cuando los abedules florecen. Otras alergias alcanzan su punto máximo en diferentes temporadas. Los niños con alergias al césped se verán más afectados durante el verano, y aquellos con alergias a las algas sufrirán más en otoño.

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How To Reduce Your Allergy Symptoms

You can thank this unusually warm and wet winter for an allergy season that has arrived early, and with a vengeance. Weather forecasters are predicting a “bigger and badder” allergy season for 2016, which means it’s already time to deploy your arsenal of allergy weapons.

Here are four weapons you can use to fight allergies this spring:

Allergy Weapon 1: Knowledge.

First, be aware of what triggers your personal array of allergy symptoms. Early spring is the peak time for tree pollens. Beeches, birches, elms, maples, oaks, and willows are some of the leading culprits. Just when tree pollen starts to ease off, it’s replaced by grass pollen in the late spring and early summer. Late summer and early fall mean the onset of weed pollens. Everyone knows about ragweed, but other weeds, such as cocklebur, pigweed, and Russian thistle, can release pollens that trigger allergies, too.

Next, know your local pollen counts. Pollen counts are daily measurements of pollen and mold spore levels taken from counting stations throughout the US. A high overall pollen count doesn’t necessarily mean your allergies will be triggered, though it depends on just what types of pollen are in the air. You may be allergic to elm tree pollen, say, but not birch tree pollen. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology’s National Allergy Bureau can give you pollen counts for your area, including the leading species.

Allergy Weapon 2: Avoidance.

Allergy Weapon 3: Protection.

Clean Your Sofa Often

Similar to carpets, fabric upholstery can be a breeding ground for allergens. This is often the case if any pollen or dust transfers from our clothes into the fabric. Vacuum your sofas with the upholstery attachment on a weekly basis. In addition, put your cushion covers or cozy throws into the washing machine, as these pick up dust daily.

For leather or faux leather sofas, you can easily wipe off pollen, dust, and dander. But you may want to check out how to clean a leather couch to do this properly, without damaging it.

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How To Decrease The Number Of Allergens In Your Home This Summer

If you suffer from sneezing, sniffling and itchy eyes thanks to allergies, you are not alone. Around 50 million people in the U.S. suffer from allergies every year.

What form those allergies take can differ from person to person and can vary based on the type of substance you are allergic to. Although most commonly assume that many allergens come from the outdoors , there are just as many, if not more, allergens indoors. A few examples of indoor allergens include dust, mold and pet dander.

Fortunately, there are ways to reduce indoor allergens and allergy-proof your home. If you think something inside your home is causing your allergies, here is what to do to keep those allergens out.

• Risks and Side Effects

According to the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America, one in five people, or an estimated 50 million Americans, suffer from some type of allergies. The chances are high that you or someone you know deals with ongoing allergies, whether seasonal allergies, food allergies or another type, and could use allergy relief at least from time to time.

Most people who struggle to find allergy relief go to the doctor to be treated and/or are routinely given pharmaceuticals ranging from acetaminophens to antihistamines, both of which may actually further aggravate the symptoms they were given for. If you prefer not to take prescriptions to keep your symptoms under a control, what can help allergies at home?

Tips To Help Manage Your Allergy Symptoms

1. Give your sinuses a bath.Nasal irrigation is another option whose effectiveness is backed by research. Try it yourself: Use a neti pot or bulb syringe and pour a saline solution in one nostril, letting it drain out the other. You will feel less congested and may need less medication.

2. Plan time outdoors wisely.Pollen counts tend to be at their highest between early morning and midmorning, as well as on hot, dry, windy days. Stay indoors during those times and go out later in the evening, to reduce the amount of pollen you inhale. You can also try wearing a face mask when you go outside.

3. Reduce pollen at home.Avoid bringing pollen back inside after youve been outdoors by taking your shoes off, changing your clothes and showering. In order to sleep better, you can try zipping up your mattress and pillows in hypoallergenic cases and wash your bedding in hot soapy water.

4. Find medication that works for you.It may take some trial and error to find the right allergy medication regimen for you talk to your doctor to create a plan of action. Nasal steroid sprays are usually recommended as a first line of treatment antihistamines and decongestants can offer some immediate relief. For a longer-term solution, consider allergy immunotherapy.

You should also talk to your doctor about prescription options if you have already tried several over-the-counter allergy medicines. An allergy specialist can help you formulate a plan for your specific allergies ahead of time.

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What Is An Allergy Test

An allergist performs tests to pinpoint the cause of your allergic reactions.

There are two kinds of tests:

• Skin tests: The doctor pricks the surface of the skin, usually on the upper arm, and injects a tiny amount of suspected allergens. If an allergy exists, the skin will react by becoming inflamed, red and swollen, which may cause temporary discomfort. Skin tests give fast resultsusually within a half hour or 24 to 48 hours.
• Blood tests: Blood is drawn and sent to a lab. The disadvantage is that it may take several days for the results to come back. However, more allergens can be tested with blood tests than with skin tests, Blood tests are used to identify seasonal allergies as well as perennial allergies, plus allergies to food, medications, and insect bites or stings. If you have chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema, blood tests are recommended instead of skin tests to prevent further irritation.

Its important to tell your allergist about any medications you are taking because some can compromise your allergy test results.

How To Relieve And Treat Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

You cant prevent seasonal allergies altogether. However, you may reduce your exposure to allergens and their impact of them. Some of the most accessible lifestyle solutions for seasonal allergies involve avoiding your triggers, whatever the years season. A few ways that help you to do this include:

• Stay indoors on dry, windy days when the pollen count is likely to be too high.
• Wash clothes and shower after being outside to get off allergens.
• Close doors and windows at night.
• Use air conditioning at home and in the car a HEPA filter may help.

Over-the-counter, non-prescription medications might help ease the symptoms. Treatments you may try to provide seasonal allergy relief can include:

• Antihistamines medications with the active ingredient cetirizine block or reduce histamines that cause symptoms.

• Combination medications certain types of allergy medication combine antihistamines and decongestants to relieve more symptoms at once, such as Zyrtec-D.
• Immunotherapy a seasonal allergy shot that aims to help the body develop immunity or tolerance to the allergen
• Nasal corticosteroids these nasal sprays work to reduce inflammation and allergy symptoms

Talk to your doctor if you have questions about the best way to relieve your worst allergy symptoms.

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What Is Allergic Rhinitis

Nasal allergy symptoms and hay fever are referred to as allergic rhinitis. Seasonal allergic rhinitis is nasal allergies that change with the seasons because of pollen from plants . Seasonal symptoms arise during the pollinating seasons for particular plants. Because you can be allergic to more than one thing, your symptoms may get worse at different times throughout the year, or may be constant.

Immunotherapy For Allergies To Pollen

In some cases, your clinical immunology/allergy specialist may suggest allergen immunotherapy which is also known as desensitisation. It involves a series of injections, tablets, sprays or drops given under the tongue of very small doses of the allergen over a long time. This can help to improve tolerance of the pollens that are triggering your allergy and reduce symptoms.

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Use Essential Oils For Allergy Symptoms

Lemon Inhaling the aroma of lemon oil is known to open the sinuses and ease chest congestion.

Peppermint Peppermint helps respiration by calming the sensitive tissues in your lungs and breathing passages.

Eucalyptus Eucalyptus contains menthol, an ingredient that is used in several cold and sinus medicines. Inhaling the cool menthol aroma helps to clear the sinuses.

Rosalina Rosalina oil is one of the best kid-safe choices for respiratory congestion, a common symptom of pollen allergies.

Blue Tansy This rare essential oil is best known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it the perfect go-to when those pesky allergy seasons roll through

Frankincense Its anti-inflammatory properties make frankincense very effective for reducing pollen allergy symptoms.

Clear Again Essential Oil Blend Clear Again Synergy was created to help alleviate respiratory symptoms, especially during times of high seasonal pollen.

Breathe Ease Essential Oil Blend This menthol-rich essential oil from Rocky Mountain Oilscontains a unique combination of respiratory-boosting essential oils that help promote your bodys ability to break up mucus or phlegm caused by pollen allergies. Its soothing menthol aroma can calm your respiratory system and make it easier to get full, deep breaths.

Ways To Reduce Symptoms Of Food Allergies

There is currently no therapies available to prevent or treat food allergies. The management of food allergies consists of avoiding the ingestion of the responsible allergen and knowing what to do if theres an unintended ingestion. The following natural treatments for food allergies will help you to cope with the food allergy symptoms and make them less severe.

1. GAPS Diet

The GAPS diet is a meal plan that is designed to repair the gut wall, boost the immune system, stop toxic overload and prevent toxins from entering the bloodstream. It is commonly used for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. The diet focuses on removing foods that are difficult to digest and damaging to gut flora and replacing them with nutrient-dense foods to give the intestinal lining a chance to heal and seal.

Under the GAPS diet, you avoid processed foods, grains, processed sugar, starchy carbs and potatoes, artificial chemicals and preservatives, and conventional meat and dairy. Instead of eating these inflammatory foods, you focus on consuming healing foods like bone broth, non-starchy vegetables, organic wild meats, healthy fats and probiotic-rich foods.

2. Digestive Enzymes

The incomplete digestion of food proteins may be linked to food allergies and can cause gastrointestinal symptoms. Taking digestive enzymes with meals can aid the digestive system in fully breaking down food particles, and it serves as a vital food allergy remedy.

3. Probiotics

4. MSM

5. Vitamin B5

6. L-glutamine

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