You have probably experienced the upper respiratory or skin symptoms of an allergic reaction at some point in your life. In fact, an estimated 1 in 3 people suffer from allergies. Sometimes, your allergies can be so frequent and draining that you require allergy shots to help you get through your day. Although everything from food to insect bites can stimulate an allergic reaction, one of the most common causes of allergies are airborne particles.
First, it is important to understand why allergies occur. Essentially, an allergic reaction is solely the result of your immune system’s overreaction to a common, non-harmful item. The immune system is “plastic,” or easily adaptable. As you encounter pathogens, your immune system develops antibodies to recognize and attack these invaders. Sometimes, though, these antibodies can be targeted to regular things in your environment, such as dust. Then, every time you encounter dust, your antibodies attack.
When your immune system believes it is under attack, it releases many chemicals such as histamine into your body. Normally, these chemicals help you fight a true invader. However, if your body is not actually under attack, the histamine can cause the painful, irritating symptoms of an allergic reaction. Common airborne particles that can be mistaken for invaders include:
-Dust mites -Animal dander -Mold spores -Pollen -Air pollution
As your immune system overreacts to one of these substances, you can suffer from a debilitating allergic reaction. Normally, airborne allergens affect your upper respiratory system as this is where you are first exposed to the particles. You can develop symptoms such as:
-Runny nose -Red, itchy eyes -Watery eyes -Congestion -Sneezing -Scratchy throat -Itchy nose
Allergies can make you feel miserable. If your symptoms are frequent and severe, you may want to take allergy shots in order to help reduce your immune system’s response to airborne allergens. However, it can be difficult and costly to seek this medical care every two to four weeks. Thankfully, though, you can find a health insurance plan that fits your needs. To find the right health insurance plan for your needs, contact a California health insurance agent from Catherine Michaels Insurance Services today.
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Skin Allergies
Red, bumpy, scaly, itchy, swollen skin….any of these symptoms can signify an allergic skin condition.
These skin problems can be caused by a range of different things: animals, plants, medicines, foods, jewelery or even your clothes.
Generally these attacks that are brought on by the unfortunate intersection of allergies and skin rashes fall into one of two categories: dermal allergies and systemic allergies that present as skin rashes.
What are the most common allergens?
Pollen from trees, grass and weeds. Allergies that occur in the spring (late April and May) are often due to tree pollen.
Mold. Mold is common where water tends to collect, such as shower curtains, window moldings and damp basements.
Causes Skin Allergies
Dust mites, cockroaches, molds and animal dander, are examples of year-around allergens.
Tree, grass and ragweed pollens are primarily seasonal outdoor allergens. Seasonal pollens depend on wind for cross-pollination. Plants that depend on insect pollination, such as goldenrod and dandelions, do not usually cause allergic rhinitis.
Allergy is caused by an oversensitive immune system, which leads to a misdirected immune response. The immune system normally protects the body against harmful substances, such as bacteria and viruses. It reacts to substances (allergens) that are generally harmless and in most people do not cause a problem.
Grass and tree pollens
Dust mites (living in and feeding on house dust)
Food (cow’s milk, hen eggs, wheat, soya, seafood, fruit and nuts)
Fungal or mould spores (in the bathroom and other damp areas)
Poison ivy is the classic example of acute ACD in North America. ACD from poison ivy is characterized by linear streaks of acute dermatitis that develop where plant parts have been in direct contact with the skin.
Symptoms Skin Allergies
Pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, and some skin cysts are markers of acne. Get up to speed on acne symptoms
Allergic shiners – the dark circles children with allergies often get under their eyes
An allergic salute common in children – the upward tilt of the nose with a crease on top, caused by the child’s continual upward swiping at an itchy nose.
Another skin condition, urticaria (hives), is often considered a symptom of allergies, but not all urticaria is caused by an allergic response. Allergic urticaria is often related to drug, food, or latex allergies, but many times it is not known what triggers the urticaria.
wheezing, noisy breathing or shortness of breath
rash or redness of the skin
loss of consciousness
Treatment Skin Allergies
Antihistamines like diphenhydramine, chlortrimeton, or loratadine (Clari tin, Clari tin RediTabs, Al avert); and moisturizing lotions.
Keep windows and doors closed during heavy pollination seasons.
Use the air conditioner in the house and car.
Rid the home of indoor plants and other sources of mildew.
Gargle with warm salt water to help reduce swelling and relieve discomfort:
Gargle at least once each hour with 1 tsp (5 g) of salt dissolved in 8 fl oz of warm water.
Use acaricide (a chemical that kills house-dust mites) or a tannic acid solution (solution that neutralizes the allergen in mite droppings).