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Allergy & Treatment
What is allergy?
Allergy is an overreaction of our immune system to a substance which normally causes no reaction at all. The reaction causes the release of chemicals in our blood, mainly histamines that can travel and target various parts of our body giving varied symptoms from headaches, irritable bowel syndrome to the common sneezing and blocked breathing, fatigue, dizziness and sinus infections... Types of allergy.
Inhalant/Airborne:
We may become allergic to house dust and mites, tree pollens, weeds, animals and molds. Dust mites and House dust are actually separate allergens. House dust allergen may contain mite, dirt particles, human and animal dander and mold. Mite allergen consists of a specific mite; mites feed from the dander of humans and animals.
In the early months of spring, the trees and grasses begin their pollination. Tiny particles are released into the air and cause the first symptoms of “hay fever” In late fall weeds pollinate and cause their greatest increase in symptoms. The most common symptoms are itchy, swollen red or watery eyes, nasal itching and clear nasal discharge.
Molds and fungi are found everywhere. As you walk through the park you will see them on trees or decaying leaves. You find them in your bathrooms, refrigerators and your bread. A handful of soil contains thousands of molds and fungi.
Food Allergies:
There are the immediate and delayed types of food allergies.
Immediate food allergies can cause instant reactions such as breathing problems and blood pressure collapse. (Peanuts)
Delayed food allergies is hidden and may cause fatigue, headaches, dizziness or digestive problems. It can also cause skin rash and itching. (Milk, Eggs and Grains)
Testing and Treatment for Airborne Allergy & Food Allergy
There are two types of testing for airborne allergy or food allergy:
Skin or blood testing.
Skin testing can be done in several ways: scratch, prick, intradermal, and skin end-point titration (IDT). IDT is the most accurate method of testing, and is recommended by the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy.
IDT method is applying a series of antigen dilution intradermally to obtain an end-point reaction. From this result, a safe neutralizing dose is calculated for immunotherapy.
Blood testing is known as RAST and it is the measurement of the antibody IgE in your blood serum
Treatment
1.The most effective method is Immunotherapy. The serum is customized based on your test results and you receive injections for a period of time.
2. The use of antihistamine and nasal spray is also helpful.
The Foods that you eat may be harmful to your health.
Treatment is to identify the foods that you are sensitive or allergic to and go on a rotation diet.
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