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Do you feel you have allergies? Do you understand what an allergy really is?
The word "allergy" is confusing because many people use it casually in a generic term for true allergic reactions and non allergic adverse reactions, also known as sensitivities.
A sensitivity, as opposed to an allergy, happens gradually and isn’t life-threatening.
For instance, if your stomach aches and you cramp up after eating a pint of ice cream, but feel fine when you eat cheese on your sandwich, then you may have lactose sensitivity. More severe food sensitivities,Aka- intolerances, occur when the body lacks a particular enzyme for digestion (such as in celiac disease). But intolerances are not necessarily life-threatening. (according to everyday health.)
In contrast, a true allergy can trigger anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction by your immune system that causes the body to go into shock. Usually people that have severe allergies are aware of them and have emergency medicine on-hand.
The most common cases of true allergic reactions involve: tree nuts, insect stings, or medications. Again, people are often confused about whether they have a sensitivity to a medication or a true allergy. Do you have your own reactions? My mom told me I was allergic to penicillin and sulfa when I was a kid. I honestly don’t know if this is true. I had food allergy tests as a child which indicated I was allergic to several foods but nothing life threatening. In my opinion I have grown out of these.
Today we have Dr Harding and I’m going to ask her IF we do in fact grow out of these allergies/ sensitivities/ intolerances.
One commonly reported medication allergy; is an allergy to penicillin. In reality, however, doctors are finding that more people have sensitivities to medications like with penicillin than true allergies. Someone who is truly allergic to penicillin generally reacts immediately or within a few hours after a dose, with symptoms that range from mild wheezing to anaphylaxis. ( from Everyday health) nothing to gamble with in my opinion..I avoid.
Here are a few Common Allergy reactions- symptoms that can easily be controlled by over the counter medicines. But, if they are not under control seek your friendly
Doctors care.
Nose related
NASAL CONGESTION:
When you breathe in an allergen, your immune system responds by releasing chemicals—also called “allergic substances”—that create inflammation in your nose. This inflammation opens the blood vessels in the lining of your nose and causes swelling and congestion.² Congestion from allergies is often one of the first symptoms to appear once exposed to an allergen.¹
RUNNY NOSE:
It’s normal for your nose to produce a thin, clear liquid called mucus. But when you’re exposed to an allergen and your nose becomes irritated from inflammation, mucus production increases and results in a runny nose.¹
SNEEZING:
This sudden, forceful burst of air from your nose and mouth is another common allergy symptom. Sneezing is your body’s way of removing an irritant from your nose. While repeated sneezing can be annoying, it’s hardly ever a sign of a serious health problem.⁴,⁵
ITCHY NOSE:
An itch on any part of your body can be annoying, but the itchy nose that accompanies other nasal allergy symptoms can be especially distracting—and difficult to scratch!⁶
Eye related
Itchy watery eyes..
Even though they’re called nasal allergies, itchy eyes from allergies can be a major source of discomfort when allergy season hits.⁸ This is because the same immune system reaction that creates inflammation in your nose can also make the tiny blood vessels in your eyes leak, leaving you with eyes that are watery as well as itchy.⁷
This is the cottonwood season and my eyes and nose are feeling it..
What additional environmental influences
Allergens are allergy-causing particles that travel through the air. Below are the most common types of allergens. These are just a few common ones :
Animal Allergens
Some types : Minute airborne particles produced by pets like dogs or cats are called “pet dander.” Some cats have more dander than others. I found the short hairs less irritating for me.
Indoor Allergens
Some types : Mold and particles from dust mites are with us all year long. Dryer sheets!! These are mostly toxic and can really cause respiratory issues if exposed to.
Outdoor Allergens
Some types: These include the various types of pollen—from grass, weeds, and trees. Trees pollinate at certain times of the year, especially in the spring. Cottonwood Season is here…
For more details on Allergy Alert- VISIT- Pollen.com
Do sensitivities- intolerances or Allergies go away with time? What can help long term?
Do they hurt our overall health if gone untreated? These are questions I am asking Dr. Harding today on the next podcast.. Please Listen In !
Thank-you for visiting!
Take good care of you and your loved ones..
Having the Best Health is worth pursuing! Which We DESERVE THE BEST!!!
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Sources
1. ACAAI. Allergy Rhinitis. https://acaai.org/allergies/types/hay-fever-rhinitis Accessed May 3, 2019.
2. Medline Plus. Allergic rhinitis. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000813.htm Accessed May 3, 2019.
3. Marshfield Clinic Health System. Allergic and Non-Allergic Rhinitis Frequently Asked Questions.
https://www.marshfieldclinic.org/specialties/allergies/allergies-allergic-and-non-allergic-rhinitis-frequently-asked-questions Accessed May 3, 2019
4. KidsHealth. What Makes Me Sneeze? http://kidshealth.org/kid/talk/qa/sneeze.html Accessed May 3, 2019.
5. Medline Plus. Sneezing. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003060.htm Accessed May 3, 2019.
6. Medline Plus. Itching. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003217.htm Accessed May 3, 2019.
7. ACAAI. Eye Allergy. https://acaai.org/allergies/types/eye-allergies Accessed May 3, 2019.
8. Healthline- 2021