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An allergy can occur when an ordinary substance causes a reaction in the body. The body sees this substance, or allergen, as an enemy and large amounts of a substance called histamine is then released into the body to fight off the allergen. With too much histamine now in the body, the cold like symptoms begin.
People can be allergic to many things such as pollen, food, dust, insect stings or bites, animal hair, and medications. In fact, almost anything can be an allergen. Allergies can develop at any time in your life.
The symptoms of an allergy are about the same as with a cold such as sneezing,itchy watery eyes,nose, and throat. The difference between a cold and an allergy is that a cold is caused by a virus and usually lasts from five to seven days. A reaction to an allergen in an allergic person will not improve until the allergen is taken away.Some more serious problems which can occur with an allergic reaction are wheezing,and shock. In some cases the more times you are exposed to a substance that you are allergic to the more serious the reaction gets.
For some allergies such as animal hair the best treatment is to simply avoid being around animals. For an allergy to pollen however, it is almost impossible to just avoid it since pollen is everywhere outside.In this case an antihistamine can be taken when symptoms occur.
Dust can also cause problems for people who are sensitive to the tiny dust mites that are attached to the dust particles. In these cases an air cleaner may be helpful. Your vaccum cleaner should also have a hepa filter to trap the particles so the dust is not sent back into the air. Vaccum your mattress about once a month to eliminate the dust mites that feed on dead skin cells that are on your mattress.
Some people have allergies to foods. A common food allergy is peanuts. This allergy can be very dangerous because a lot of foods are prepared with peanut oil. If you are allergic to peanuts, care should be taken when purchasing food. Read all lables to make sure that foods do not contain peanuts or peanut oil.
Many insects can also cause an allergic reaction to a person with a sensitivity to insect venom. Some of the most common insects that people are allergic to are hornets, fire ants and fleas. Just one sting or bite from an insect on a person who is severely allergic can cause death. A bee sting kit should always be carried by a person who is allergic.
Most people will have a reaction to allergens such as poison ivy and poison oak plants. Once exposed to the juices of these plants an itchy rash will most likely occur. Once this occurs the only treatment is to take an antihistamine orally and apply a topical lotion such as calamine or hydrocortisone to the affected areas. An oatmeal bath may also give you some relief. If the symptoms do not improve in about one week or become too uncomfortable to deal with you should call your doctor for advice and treatment.
If you witness someone having a severe allergic reaction, call 911!
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