Our immune system protects the body against infections but under certain circumstances, this system fails to carry on its protective functions and responds abnormally to certain stimuli like food ingredients, dust or certain strong smelling compounds like naphthalene. This kind of reaction where the bod perceives these stimuli as harmful is called an allergy.
The substance that triggers the immune system is called an allergen. For example, pollens, dust, chemicals, smoke, oil and cosmetics may become allergens. Food allergies are among the most common type of allergies and some of the triggers for a food allergy include milk, seafood, peanuts, strawberries, and chocolates. Oranges, eggs, fish, and tomatoes are some of the other foods that can also cause allergic reactions.
Types of Allergies:
- Respiratory Allergies: Spring allergies like sore throat or other seasonal allergy symptoms are generally caused by airborne allergens in the environment like pollen. The process of pollination is naturally seasonal, which is why allergies of this nature are referred to as seasonal allergies. While pollen may be the biggest cause of respiratory allergies in some arts, dander from animals (skin flakes shed from an animal's fur or feather), certain moulds and dust mites may also act as allergens that are often responsible for allergic reactions that could involve sneezing, coughing, watering of the eyes and nose, or more severe asthma like symptoms.
- Insect Bite or Sting Allergies: Allergic reactions to insect bites and stings are also common, particularly problematic during the summer months when most of us spend a lot of time outdoors. Insect sting allergies can produce very severe reactions in some individuals and the symptoms could vary from exhaustion, local swelling, dizziness and hypotension. When considering allergic reactions of this nature, wasps and bees pose the biggest threat.
- Food Allergies: Food allergies are among the most common of all allergies and the reactions to food allergens could vary greatly, with some individuals experiencing severe diarrhoea or flatulence and severe vomiting while others may experience eczema and skin rashes or swelling of the throat and hypotension.
- Contact Allergies: Contact allergies or contact dermatitis can be caused by exposure involving direct contact with certain substances that could act as an allergen like some metals, fragrances, deodorants, soaps, or latex. Nickel allergy is probably the most common type of contact allergy. Symptoms of allergies caused by direct skin contact could include itching, inflammation and burning, or the formation of blisters on the affected area.
Causes:
- Consumption of canned food which is not hygienically packed or stored or passed its expiry date.
- Consumption of sweets which has artificial colors/ chemicals/ flavors.
- Poor immune system
- Intolerance to a particular food ingredient.
Symptoms:
Allergy symptoms are manifested in various forms in different organs. These include recurring headaches, migraine, dizziness, irritability, nervousness, depression, neuralgia, conjunctivitis, eczema, hay fever, a stuffy or runny nose, diarrhoea, vomiting, urticaria (hives), asthma, shortness of breath, and swelling of the face and eyes. The same substance can cause different symptoms in different people at different times.
In some cases the allergic reaction can turn very severe and the symptoms caused by such a severe reaction are referred to as anaphylaxis. In such a scenario the individual not only experiences difficulty in breathing and swallowing, but there is also severe inflammation of the lips, tongue, and various other parts of the body and the individual may even experience loss of consciousness.
Home Remedies:
- 5 drops of castor oil added to half cup of water and taken daily on an empty stomach in the morning can provide protection to allergies affecting skin, digestive system and respiratory system.
- Drinking a glass of warm water with a teaspoon of honey and 2 teaspoons lime juice first thing in the morning every day, acts as anti-allergic agent.
- When skin develops rashes, apply black pepper powder mixed with ghee (clarified butter) on the rashes and bathe with cold water. It acts as a counter irritant and cures the allergy.
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