Coughing, sneezing and congestion are all signs for many people that Spring has arrived. We commonly think of allergies in this way, as histamine production spurred on by inhaled particles. But allergy simply refers to over-the-top immune responses, and they come in many varieties, presenting a whole host of symptoms that can be misdiagnosed or over-looked until they cause some further complication. While most pollen sufferers have recourse to histamine-blocking medications for controlling the outburst of symptoms, those who are less than healthy, don't want to take medicine every year for the rest of their lives, or suffer from other forms of allergies are left seemingly without options.
That allergies are so common is due to three factors: better diagnosis owing to increased knowledge of how allergies work, an increase in environmental toxins, and the processed-food diet. Many disorders have been identified as stemming partly or wholly from allergic reactions, such as colic and rheumatoid arthritis, while others are still being researched to investigate the possible connection, from ADHD to obesity. Additionally, symptoms such as bed-wetting, bloating and leaky gut are all suspected to be linked to various allergies. The most common types can be classed into the three main groups listed below.
- Environmental Allergies The most recognizable groups of allergies, and the most marketed to, are those caused by environmental irritants. Pet dander, pollen, and smoke are the common, but not the only, environmental allergens to which people are most sensitive. Laundry detergents and cosmetic products can also be added here, because they can effect anyone in their vicinity.
- Medication Allergies Many people have demonstrated allergies to commonly prescribed medicines. It's not surprising, given that all are made in labs and have no history of being safe for human use. Even those with demonstrated clinical safety in humans have generally only been manufactured for the past 30 years or so, and allergic reactions are often simply marked as headaches or other common side effects.
- Food Allergies The most familiar types are lactose, legume and gluten intolerance, but if there is a food out there, it is a safe bet that someone is allergic to it. Food allergies were not so common half a century ago, because less variety was available at any given time and misdiagnosis was common. Now milk and corn can be found fresh in the dead of winter, and peanuts are eaten in even the coldest climates. What's worse, most processed foods contain a huge number of potential allergens, which are often not labeled properly.
Finding the Culprit
All allergic reactions can be specifically traced to the source through a process of elimination, though some types will be harder to identify. An allergy to MSG in someone that eats a diet of mostly processed food will be hard to spot without major changes toward a whole-food diet, for instance. Even so, it is the best method for finding the allergen and controlling breakouts. Scratch tests and other diagnostics can be requested from a physician, but they are not always reliable.
Other types of allergies may seem obvious but are not. An apparent sensitivity to seasonal pollen could in fact be increased temperatures and moisture causing sudden mold growth in the home. Another sensitivity associated with late autumn pollen could be an increase in pet dander due to drier weather. Since finding the allergy is key to controlling breakouts, it makes sense to look at the elimination methods from the standpoint of different symptoms.
Tips for Controlling or Eliminating Breakouts
Respiratory symptoms generally suggest an environmental toxin, but it doesn't have to be pollen. The first step to elimination is cleaning the home thoroughly. In the process of dusting, removing or steam-cleaning carpets, installing better air filters for the central heat and air, and figuring out how to keep the pets out of the bedroom, stumbling on the allergy is likely. If the symptoms clear up and then return when leaving the house the next day, it is a sure sign of pollen allergy.
While medication does offer a few options, the following techniques can help as well in controlling an environmental allergy.
- seal doors and windows with weather-stripping
- change the air filter at least once a month
- vacuum and dust regularly
- use hypo-allergenic pillows and sheets
- keep pets out of the bedroom
When fatigue, headaches, diarrhea, abdominal pain, digestive irregularity, or other mystery symptoms appear, it's a good idea to assess any new medications or foods in the diet and isolate them first to see whether the symptoms disappear. For long-time sufferers of mystery symptoms, an elimination diet may be the only recourse to finding out what is wrong. Any current medicines are the best starting point. Check the side effects and try removing each one for a week to see if symptoms disappear. Be sure to let the prescribing physician know, because some medicines can cause serious problems when stopped abruptly.
An elimination diet for food can be a daunting task that challenges the willpower, but it will be well worth it to control those breakouts. Pare down the diet to exclude all the common allergens. The restricted foods can then be introduced one at a time to determine which is causing the immune system to go haywire. While it is restrictive, there are many books available and competent physicians that can help with this diet.
Beyond these tactics, there are supplements that have been shown to help control allergies. Modern diets are extremely deficient in omega-3 essential fats, which contribute to the anti-inflammatory response. Supplement with fish oil to remedy this. Pro-biotics can strengthen the immune and digestive systems, providing a long-term, natural cure. Alternative medicine practitioners may recommend a variety of treatments and herbs as well, depending on the diagnosis.
Allergy Information
When encountered with allergies you better get yourself well informed. Visit following websites for more information about different allegries and their symptoms.