A Shield against Hypersensitivities

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 07:43:51 +0100

Food Allergies

Nearly everyone can be affected by food allergies and food intolerances. Oftentimes, there are people who do not now that they have allergies. When they eat food that gives them unwanted reactions, they wonder why.

One third of the population claims that they have food allergies or they just control their diet because a family member is believed to have a food allergy. However, there are approximately 5% of children reported to have food allergies. There are 4% of teens and adults who have acquired food allergies.

There is a misconception of the difference between food allergies and food intolerances. Because of this, the perception of the public to food allergies and the clinically proven cases of this are altered. A food allergy is defined as the hypersensitive reaction of the body towards an allergen. Some symptoms of food allergy may be similar to that of food intolerance. However, the immune system is not the culprit for the symptoms brought about by food intolerance. One example of this is in the case of two different persons having either milk allergy or milk intolerance. The person having milk allergy experiences symptoms the same with the symptoms experienced by the person who is lactose intolerant. However, they are still two different conditions.

Overview of the Allergy Symptoms

The most common symptoms include runny nose, sneezing, wheezing, itchy eyes, and skin rashes. How a person experiences the symptoms depends on the allergen and how he was exposed to it.

I.E., inhalation of pollen causes difficulty in breathing, application of an allergen on the skin causes dermatitis, and ingestion of food with an allergen causes vomiting and nausea. Other individuals acquire allergies because it runs in the blood. This is referred to as atopic allergy. Girls are less likely to inherit allergy. On the contrary, babies who are born light in weight are more prone to develop inherited allergy. The intensity of the reaction varies from mild to severe.

There are cases that are life threatening. This is also known as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis needs immediate medical intervention.

Pollen Allergies Facts

These round or oval pollen grains used by plants for reproduction are tiny so that it cannot be seen by the naked eye In some species, the plant uses the pollen from its own flowers to fertilize itself. Others must be cross-pollinated by other plants of the same type.

For cross-pollination, pollen must be transferred from the flower of one plant to that of another of the same species in order for fertilization to take place and seeds to form. Flowering plants either depend on insects or wind transport for pollination. We usually thought that allergic reactions are caused by plants with showy flowers but in actuality, it is the trees, grasses, and weeds or the plain looking type. In order to be suitable for air transport, the pollen grains produced by plants have to be light, small and dry.

Mold Allergy Explained

Pollen, dust mite, and mold allergies have similar symptoms. It may include congestion, itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, runny rose, and coughing. Keep the basement and bathroom well ventilated. This will help in preventing the fungi to flourish in moist places. In addition, doors and windows should always be kept closed. House plants should be kept in a minimum. Their soil can contribute in mold growth.

Treating mold allergy is similar with dust and pollen allergy. Prevent the occurrence of mold allergy. An individual can do so by avoiding outdoor activities like raking leaves. A similarity of symptoms is observed with pollen, dust mite, and mold allergy. Common symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, and congestion.

Pet Allergy Explained

A lot of people think that pet allergy is caused by their pet’s fur. The protein found in saliva causes allergy. Proteins from saliva remain as the animal licks itself. Aside from the skin, the urine also carries the proteins that cause allergies. Proteins float because the material to which it sticks has dried.

Dogs do not cause as much allergic reactions as cats do for these animals are not fond of licking their bodies often. Guinea pigs as well as other rodents have become popular pets. People can get allergic reactions from the urine of some rodents like guinea pigs and gerbils.

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A Shield against Hypersensitivities