Gesundheit! It’s that time of year again. Sneezing, runny noses, and puffy eyes are some of the joys people get to experience when the pollen count increases, the cats get too close, or the food makes you tingle.
Basically, allergies are a result of having a functioning immune system. The immune system is the body’s defense system. It is able to destroy foreign invaders and keep our bodies from infection. However, the immune system works a little too well when faced with an allergen, a harmless substance that can cause an allergic reaction. During an allergic reaction, our bodies produce an antibody called IgE (immunoglobulin E), which will attach to the allergen and release histamine. Histamine will then cause allergy symptoms such as runny noses, sneezing, and itching.
Extensive research has been done to try and identify whether or not one is born with allergies, or if there are means to prevent it. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, newborns exposed to dirt, dander, and germs may have a lower risk of developing asthma and allergies. This adds to the previous research that shows that children that grow up on farms have lower allergy rates. Consequently, not all dirt and germs are bad. When exposed to dirt and germs as children, people may grow tolerant to them and these allergens can strengthen their immune systems.
Image Source: Maria Fuchs
Plant Allergies
Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, doesn’t have anything to do with a fever or hay. Rather, the watery eyes and stuffy noses are due to the pollen from the beautiful plants and trees adorning your yard or neighborhood. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, there are ways to help manage your seasonal or year-round allergies by keeping windows closed for high pollen periods and wearing sunglasses when outdoors to keep pollen from getting in your eyes.
Pet Allergies
Allergens can be found in animal saliva and dander. These strong allergens can stay on the animal for several months, thus making allergies much worse. Bathing your pet could also help reduce the amount of allergens present. If you still want the love from an animal without the hassle of the allergies, hypoallergenic dog breeds, such as bichon frises, shih tzus, or poodles are good options.
For those allergic to animals, here is a picture we can all relate to.
Food Allergies
Food allergies are another type of allergy people battle. Food allergies are a serious medical condition affecting approximately 15 million people across the United States. Some symptoms of a food allergy include hives, eczema, chest pain, or swelling. Food Allergy Research and Education reports that one in every 13 children in the United States has a food allergy.
Treating Allergies
Depending on the severity of your allergy, doctors will prescribe different treatments. Over-the-counter antihistamines such as Claritin and Zyrtec can be taken every morning as a preventative approach to the less severe cases of allergies. Benadryl can be used to treat hives. If these medications don’t do the trick, your doctor can then prescribe nasal corticosteroid sprays such as Flonase or Nasonex to ease the symptoms. Additionally, you can visit an allergist to get shots to ease your allergies.
Overall, allergies are a big part of today’s society. As our country continues to grow more sanitary, it will be interesting to see if the future generations continue to become more and more allergic to the environment. For now, keep your allergy medicine close and rinse your face frequently to ease the runny noses and constant sneezing!
