Allergies – Their Causes and Treatments

Allergies are hyperactive responses or reactions of the immune system to particular substances that are foreign to our bodies. These substances are called allergens and they can range from food and pollen to dust and drugs. Allergies are something we acquire throughout our lives and can be taken from the environment or inherited from our parents and grandparents. Not all people are prone to allergies but some people are more susceptible than others.

The immune system is the body’s organized defense mechanism against foreign invaders, particularly infections. Its job is to recognize and react to these foreign substances, which are called antigens. Antigens are any substance (as a toxin or enzyme) that stimulates an immune response in the body. Antigens may or may not lead to an allergic reaction. Allergens are certain antigens that cause an allergic reaction and the production of IgE (Immunoglobulin E).

There are many causes of respiratory allergies and allergens can come from many sources. Common respiratory allergies are due to the inhaling of allergens such as dust, pollen, mold spores, animal dander, or cockroach or dust mite droppings. Once you inhale allergens, it would cause a respiratory reaction such as sneezing and runny nose. Other types of allergies, such as food, drug, and insect sting allergies can also produce respiratory allergic symptoms. These can be severe and include shortness of breath and swelling of the throat. This might even lead to death.

If you are one of those who are allergy sufferers, you can do something to treat this disorder. There are lots of allergy treatments options that are available. There are over the counter and medication creams that can ease the irritating symptoms of allergies. These common allergy drugs include antihistamines, decongestants, combination medicines, corticosteroids, and many others. If you want a natural way of treating the symptoms, you can use herbs to relieve the allergy. Herbs like chamomile, nasal spray, grape seed and dried nettles can be very effective.

The best treatment for allergies is prevention. It is the most effective and the simplest way to avoid this kind of disease. Extensive and regular cleaning generally makes a huge difference in keeping your house totally clean and mold and dust free as possible. Usually most people acquire asthma because they are exposed to dirty air due with dust, mites, molds and other indoor allergens. You may also want to consider allergy-proofing your home buy getting air cleaners and air purifiers to eliminate bacteria in your indoor air.