Everyday Things That Can Cause An Allergy
It is possible for a persons immune system to be highly sensitive, so that it finds certain things in the atmosphere irritating, even if they are not harmful. These irritating things are called allergens, and they cause the body to produce histamines. The presence of histamines in the body causes symptoms such as a runny nose, itchy eyes and rashes. Someone who is suffering fro this is said to have an allergy. A lot of people will have some sort of an allergic reaction at some time in their lives.
Pollen is a common irritant to a lot of people as it causes hay fever in the summer when the plants are flowering. People suffering form this may have red and itchy eyes, a runny nose and a cough. A soon as the pollen season is over then the symptoms should disappear. A lot of people also find that as they get older then they do not suffer from hay fever as much.
Cats and dogs can cause allergies in some people. The severity of the attack can vary, as some people will start sneezing if they are in a room where an animal has been. Others have to be in contact with the animal for the symptoms to start. A common treatment is to take an antihistamine tablet, but advice should be sought first from a medical expert such as a pharmacist or a doctor.
Some people can find that they are allergic to certain kinds of foods. A common sensitivity is to nuts, and someone can feel slightly sick after eating a nut product, or in extreme cases have life threatening symptoms when in contact with a nut product. A lot of companies make sure that their foods are properly labelled as to whether or not they contain, or have been in contact with nuts.
Asthma is another common condition which is caused by the body being sensitive to irritants. It usually starts in childhood, and may mean that the sufferer needs to carry an inhaler to use during attacks. Asthma can be set off by smoking, dust or other pollutants or pollen.
Houses that are heated during the winter, and which have little ventilation have allowed dust mites to flourish. Sensitivity to these creatures can produce symptoms similar to a cold. Regular vacuuming can help, and there are also special mattress and pillow case covers available which are designed to lessen the presence of dust mites.
Although it is unpleasant and annoying to find out that you are sensitive to certain substances, in most cases the symptoms are easily controlled by over the counter or prescription drugs. A doctor or pharmacist will be able to offer advice. They may also be able to offer tests which can show exactly what the body is sensitive to.
Allergies are more often found in people who live in developed countries than undeveloped countries. This may be because the cleaning agents available nowadays are so efficient that there are far less germs in our homes. If a child is not exposed to very many germs then their immune system may not fully develop, leaving them at risk of developing an allergy to things that are normally found in the atmosphere.
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