The term “allergies” encompasses several different recognized diseases. So let’s take a brief look at these conditions and see what can be done about them.

Asthma

This is the most serious of all the allergic diseases and is still a killer, although many who suffer from it can lead normal lives. The free movement of air in and out of the lungs is blocked—thus the typical wheezing during an attack. The problem can be curbed through prevention—removing the known allergens from the home or work environment and doing breathing exercises. Moreover, there have been several recent advances in treatment, both with tablets and with inhalers. The asthmatic patient should be encouraged to be as active as possible without overexertion. Relatives and friends must resist the temptation to overprotect the person who has asthma.

Hay Fever

This is the most common allergic reaction. Although hay fever is not generally dangerous, when it is severe the patient suffers greatly. “Hay fever” is a misleading name, for hay is not responsible for the symptoms. Pollen, or at times mold, generally is, and the patient rarely has an actual fever. Hay fever usually occurs in either spring or fall when grasses, weeds, or trees are flowering. Antihistamines and inhalants may control the worst symptoms.

Perennial Allergic Rhinitis

It is a condition of year-round nasal irritation and may include the common annoyance of a runny or stopped-up nose. Children are often affected, leading their parents mistakenly to believe that the children are repeatedly catching cold. The most common causes are house dust, animal dander, and molds. Skin tests may be helpful here, but the results can be misleading. So regard these tests only as aids in identifying possible allergens. The best treatment for this illness is avoidance of the allergen whenever possible, which may mean getting rid of the family pet. Or special precautions may be necessary in the home to lessen the dust, which easily accumulates on mattresses, rugs, stuffed toys, and similar things.

Dermatitis

This is an inflammation of the skin marked by redness, blistering, oozing, or crusting. Today the word “eczema” is synonymous with chronic dermatitis. At home and at work, the skin is exposed to all kinds of irritants, and normally it is able to resist their harmful effects. But some of these substances lead to allergic reactions in certain people, and the number of such substances is increasing as new products and compounds are developed. In treating contact dermatitis, first remove the offending allergen.

Hives

They are raised, itching welts that appear suddenly on the skin, usually remain for a few hours, and then disappear as mysteriously as they came. In some cases they appear intermittently for months before disappearing. They may be caused by many things, such as cold, heat, and anxiety, as well as a wide variety of allergens. They are the bane of the allergist because the actual cause is hard to identify. “Anti-itch” medicine may be used until the hives disappear.

Bites, Stings

They may cause hives, fainting, breathing difficulties, and even death to an allergic person. Tips to help you avoid being stung are: When out-of-doors, don’t walk barefoot; avoid hair sprays, perfumes, or lotions, which may attract wasps; wear light rather than dark clothing. If you do get stung, apply ice to lessen the absorption of venom and remove the stinger as carefully as possible. For those who are very allergic to stings, specific desensitization is now available.

Food Allergy

This is a controversial allergic disease and the most difficult to pinpoint and treat. It goes without saying that foods can and do bother many people in different ways, and yet the cause may or may not be food allergy. Some experts believe that true food allergy is rare; yet almost any food can be an allergen to somebody. Unfortunately, skin tests are generally of questionable value in diagnosing food allergy. The most effective treatment is to isolate the offending food and then not to eat it.

Drug Allergy

It has become worse in recent years. Allergic reactions to medications are baffling. Reactions vary and may be so serious as to cause death. If you sense a drug allergy, discuss it with your doctor. Visit www.toralife.com for more information.

http://toralife.com/tips-on-how-to-manage-asthma-hay-fever-and-6-other-allergies/

http://toralife.com/three-foods-can-help-boost-brain-power/

This might make FP if the mods decide to make it there so lemme dash my space here too.