by Freda Coetzee
10 Common Causes of Allergies
Allergies are becoming more of a common sight by the day. The body is bombarded with unwanted substances from our air, water and food and is constantly on high alert to defend itself from whatever it sees as a possible threat. We will be looking at some common causes of allergies to help you manage them. Here are 10 common causes of allergies: Your Overactive Immune System Many things can trigger an allergic reaction. That’s when your body’s defences attack a usually harmless substance, such as pollen, animal dander, or food. The reaction can range from mild and annoying to sudden and life-threatening. About 1 in 5 people have allergies. Pollen Pollen from grasses, trees, and weeds can trigger hay fever or seasonal allergies. You might be sneezing and have a runny or stuffy nose and itchy, watery eyes. Treat these with over-the-counter products, prescription drugs, and allergy shots. To prevent symptoms, stay inside on windy days when pollen counts are high, close windows, and run the air conditioning. Animal Dander A reaction to proteins in an animal’s saliva or in oil glands in their skin might take 2 years or longer to become an allergy. If your pet is the trigger, you may still be able to live with him. Make your bedroom a pet-free zone, opt for bare floors and washable rugs instead of carpets, and bathe him regularly. A HEPA filter and allergy shots may help, too. Dust Mites Dust mites are tiny bugs that live in bedding, mattresses, upholstery, carpets, and curtains. They feed on dead skin cells from people and pets, as well as pollen, bacteria, and fungi. They thrive in high humidity. To cut down on problems, use hypoallergenic pillows, cover mattresses, pillows, and box springs, and wash sheets weekly in hot water. Keep the house free of dust-collecting items such as stuffed animals, curtains, and carpets. Insect Stings A sting or bite could cause swelling and redness that may last a week or more. You might feel sick to your stomach and tired and have a low fever. In rare cases, insect bites trigger a reaction that can be life-threatening, called anaphylaxis. If you’re severely allergic, you’ll need epinephrine right away. Your doctor may recommend allergy shots to prevent reactions. Mould Mould needs moisture to grow. It can be found in damp places such as basements or bathrooms, as well as in grass or mulch. Since breathing in or touching mould or mould spores can set off an allergic reaction, avoid activities that could trigger symptoms, such as raking leaves. Get the air moving in moist areas of your home. Food Milk, shellfish, eggs, and nuts are among the most common foods that cause allergies. Within minutes of eating the trigger food, you could have trouble breathing and get hives, vomiting, diarrhoea, and swelling around your mouth. If your reaction is severe, you may need a shot of epinephrine. Are food allergies causing you to gain weight? Learn more… Latex Latex in gloves, condoms, and some medical devices can trigger a reaction ranging from itchy, red skin to anaphylaxis with trouble breathing. Symptoms can include a rash or hives, eye irritation, runny or itchy nose, sneezing, and wheezing. If you have a latex allergy, wear a medical alert bracelet and carry an epinephrine kit. Medication Penicillin, aspirin, and other drugs can cause hives, itchy eyes, stuffiness, and swelling in your face, mouth, and throat. If you’re allergic to a drug, it’s best to not take it. But if you do, your doctor could recommend treating mild symptoms with antihistamines or steroids. For severe symptoms, which can be life-threatening, you may need epinephrine. Cockroaches Not only are cockroaches creepy, but a protein in their droppings can be a trigger. Roaches can be tough to get rid of, especially in a warm climate or if you live in an apartment building where they can pass back and forth between neighbours. Treat them with bug killers, and keep a clean kitchen. Repair cracks and holes in floors, walls, and windows to keep them out of your home. Alternative Treatments against Allergies Take the Manna Sinus Support as part of your allergy treatment. Allergies can cause a build-up of mucus, which lead to inflamed and painful sinus cavities. Apply the Sinus Gel on the outside of the sinus cavities for immediate relief.
