Allergies and Homeopathy

Allergies are inappropriate or exaggerated reactions of the immune system to substances that, in the majority of people, cause no symptoms. Symptoms of allergic diseases may be caused by exposure of the skin to a chemical, of the respiratory system to particles of dust or pollen (or other substances), or of the stomach and intestines to a particular food.

The allergic symptoms and their severity vary depending on the type of allergen, the part of the body that is affected, and the level of sensitivity and reaction of the individual to the allergen, for example, Asthma, Bronchitis, Cyanosis, Fever, Hay fever, Hives, nausea, Vomiting, and Wheezing. Nasal allergies manifest like the common cold or sinusitis, food allergies produce nausea, vomiting and skin irritation manifests as hives.

Body's Reaction: Normally, the immune system protects an individual against invading agents such as bacteria and viruses. If an individual has allergies, otherwise harmless allergens can cause his body to react as if they were dangerous invaders. In effect, the immune system is responding to a false alarm.

 

The immune system thinks it is protecting the individual by generating large amounts of a type of antibody specific to the particular allergen to which he is allergic. This antibody attaches itself to certain cells in his body. The next time he comes into contact with the allergen, the allergen attaches to the antibody like a key fitting into a lock. This lock-up causes the release of inflammatory substances into the system. These substances, including histamine, move into various parts of the body, such as the respiratory system, to cause allergy symptoms like runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing, among others.

Exposure to allergens when the body's defenses are weakened (such as after a viral infection, during puberty, or during pregnancy) may contribute to the development of allergies. People with year-round allergies are more likely to have developed them as adults. Women are more likely to have year-round allergies. Allergy symptoms can lessen as you get older, but they rarely completely disappear.

Allergens: In some people, pollen, pet dandruff, chemicals, dust, certain medicines, insect venom, latex, or foods can cause allergic reactions. Some individuals may be allergic to some situations like negative reaction to some event, reaction to stress, physical problems, or people in general.

Food allergy or food intolerance affects nearly everyone at some point. When people have an unpleasant reaction to something they ate, they often think that they have an allergy to the food. One out of three people say that some member of their family has an allergy to food that has necessitated a change in their diet. Actually, however, only about 1% of adults and 3% of children have clinically proven allergic reactions to food.

Food intolerance is also an abnormal response to food, and its symptoms can resemble those of food allergy. Food intolerance, however, is far more prevalent,  manifests itself in a variety of diseases, and is triggered by several different mechanisms that are distinct from the immunological reaction responsible for food allergy.

Some facts on food allergies:

• All symptoms of a food allergy occur within a few minutes to an hour of eating.
• A food allergy can initially be experienced as an itching in the mouth and difficulty swallowing and breathing.
• During digestion of the food in the stomach and intestines, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain can start. (Incidentally, gastrointestinal symptoms are those that are most often confused with the symptoms of different types of food intolerance.)
• When the allergens reach the skin, they can induce hives or eczema, and when they reach the lungs, they can cause asthma.
• As the allergens travel through the blood vessels, they can cause light headedness, weakness, and anaphylaxis, which is a sudden drop in blood pressure. Anaphylactic reactions are severe even when they start off with mild symptoms, such as a tingling in the mouth and throat or discomfort in the abdomen. They can be fatal if not treated quickly.

Foods that cause allergies:
There are eight types of foods that are accountable for 90% of all food-allergic reactions. The foods that most commonly cause anaphylaxis (called allergenic foods) are:

• Peanuts
• Tree nuts (walnuts, pecans, etc.)
• Shellfish
• Fish
• Milk
• Soy
• Wheat
• Eggs

Food Allergy Symptoms:
Symptoms of food allergies can range from mildly irritating to life threatening. The most common symptoms of food allergies are:

• Hives
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal cramping
• Swelling of the throat, lips, or tongue
• Difficulty in breathing or swallowing
• Metallic taste or itching in the mouth
• Generalized flushing, itching, or redness of the skin (hives)
• Nausea
• Increased heart rate
• Plunging blood pressure (and accompanying paleness)
• Sudden feeling of weakness
• Anxiety or an overwhelming sense of doom
• Collapse
• Loss of consciousness

The most common medications that cause allergic reactions (called allergenic medications) are:

• Penicillin
• Sulfa antibiotics
• Allopurinol
• Seizure and anti-arrhythmia medications
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS, such as aspirin and ibuprofen)
• Muscle relaxants
• Certain post-surgery fluids

Common allergic symptoms due to Allergenic medications:

• Itching
• Hives
• Swelling of the throat
• Asthma
• A drop in blood pressure
• Irregular heart rhythm
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal cramping
• Loss of consciousness
• Death

Insect Allergies     Top

The insects most commonly associated with triggering severe allergic reactions belong to the Hymenoptera order of insects.

• Bees
• Wasps
• Yellow jackets
• Hornets
• Ants, especially the fire ant

Symptoms include:

• Itching and hives over much of the body;
• Swelling in the throat or tongue;
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing;
• Dizziness, severe headache;
• Stomach cramps, nausea, or diarrhea;
• Rapid fall in blood pressure;  and
• Shock and loss of consciousness.

Avoidance: Avoidance is a key element in guarding against severe allergic reactions to insect stings. Simple steps that people can take to avoid attracting or provoking stinging insects when outdoors include:

• Avoiding brightly colored clothing or sweet-smelling cosmetics and shampoos ;
• Keeping food and garbage covered;
• Wearing shoes to guard against stepping on insects;
• Keeping arms and legs covered during activities (such as gardening or hiking) that may expose you to stinging insects;
• Refraining from swatting or crushing insects;
• Steering clear of areas where insects have nested;

Symptoms include:

• Itchy rashes, hives;
• Nasal congestion (rhinitis);
• Swelling, especially around the nose, mouth, and throat;
• Eye irritation or conjunctivitis; and
• Respiratory problems, including asthma and rhino conjunctivitis.

When people are exposed to any products made from latex they will develop allergic symptoms. The most common latex products we see are:

• Latex Car tires
• Rubber bands
• Elastic
• Carpet backing
• Hospital and dental equipment

Dipped latex products are the biggest culprits in triggering allergic reactions. These include:

• Rubber (latex) gloves
• Balloons
• Condoms

Symptoms of allergic reactions to latex:

• Dermatitis: Irritant-contact dermatitis, manifested as raw, inflamed, even blistered skin
• Itchy rashes, hives
• Nasal congestion (rhinitis), manifested as swelling, especially around the nose, mouth, and throat
• Eye irritation or conjunctivitis
• Respiratory problems, including asthma and rhino conjunctivitis

Avoidance: Avoidance is crucial in guarding against further sensitization and severe allergic reactions to latex. People who exhibit allergic symptoms after contact with latex should use latex-free versions of latex products in their homes and workplaces and should alert their health care providers that they need to be treated with latex-free equipment.

Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that occurs in response to a particular trigger. The most commonly documented causes of anaphylaxis are:

• Food
• Medications
• Insect venom
• Latex
• Exercise