What does an Allergy means?
An allergy refers to an exaggerated reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. It is exaggerated because these foreign substances are usually seen by the body as harmless and no response occurs in non- allergic people. Allergic people's bodies recognize the foreign substance and one part of the immune system is turned on. Allergy-producing substances are called "allergens." Examples of allergens include pollens, dust mite, molds,danders, and foods. To understand the language of allergy it is important to remember that allergens are substances that are foreign to the body and can cause an allergic reaction in certain people.When an allergen comes in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in persons who are allergic to it. When you inappropriately react to allergens that are normally harmless to other people, you are having an allergic reaction and can be referred to as allergic or atopic. Therefore, people who are prone to allergies are said to be allergic or "atopic."
Most
of us know what to do inside to diminish airborne allergy reactions.
Avoid using over-the-counter anti-histamines or steroid medications often
prescribed by your doctor. These
medications interfere with your body’s natural defense mechanisms.
Overuse of these products seriously effect mucous membrane and immune
system function with on-going use.
Of
course keep dust under control, and go carpet free if possible. Wash clothes and
bedding frequently in hot water. Avoid
any perfumed soap, cleaners, laundry products, and especially scented fabric
softeners. Keep your windows closed
on high pollen count days. Take showers at night to clean off pollen and dust
from your hair and body. Invest
in a high quality air cleaner to keep pollen, dust, and dander under control.
Ionizers available for use in your car are helpful when you are driving.
These
tactics, along with some daily exercise, help a sensitive immune system react
less, release less histamine, reducing symptoms and stress.
Less sinus, lung, and gastrointestinal congestion will be the result.
Watery
and itchy eyes, a runny nose, fatigue and mood swings often accompany hay fever.
About 25 percent of people of all ages are affected each year.
With the lowering of environmental protection this number can easily be
expected to increase.
An
over-reactive immune system is involved in allergy.
Most people think that their immune system is weak when allergies strike,
and they choose immune enhancing herbs or supplements.
In some cases this is true, but for most people the approach needs to be
broad based, in the direction of soothing over-reactive cells.
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