ALLERGIES:

Allergic reactions or allergies are nothing but a disorder of the immune system. Also referred to as Asatopy, allergies are caused generally by harmless environmental substances called Allergens. Hypersensitivity in humans is of four types and strictly speaking, allergies are nothing but type-1 Hypersensitivity. These are predictable, rapid and immediate. Allergic reactions occur when there is an excessive or aggressive production of white blood cells by an antibody called IgE. There are many kinds of allergic reactions that are observed in the humans. But the most commonly observed allergies are:

• Eczema

• Urticaria or Hives

• Hay fever or Allergic Rhinitis

• Asthma attacks

• Food allergies

• Reactions to the venom of stinging insects such as wasps and bees.

Mild allergic reactions like hay fever can result in other issues like asthma, allergic conjunctivitis, itchiness and running nose. In some cases, the symptoms caused by these allergies like asthma can turn serious and can even be life threatening.

SYMPTOMS:

Allergic reactions to different sensory organs can be identified through certain symptoms. Some of those symptoms are listed below corresponding to the organ that is affected by the allergy.

• EYES: Sudden redness and constant or regular itching of the conjunctiva. It’s commonly known as Allergic Conjunctivitis.

• EARS: Feeling of closure, impulses of pain, Scratchy hearing ability.

• NOSE: Allergic Rhinitis – Swelling of the nasal mucosa.

• SINUSITIS: Allergic Sinusitis which can sometimes be identified by swelling at some part of body externally. Internal Sinuses would be recognized through some examinations.

• AIRWAYS: Constant sneezing and coughing, wheezing, asthma effects like improper intake of breath etc because of swellings in the airways.

• SKIN: Regular appearances of Rashes, Eczema and Hay Fever.

• GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Abdominal pain, bloating etc.

CAUSES FOR ALLERGIES:

The occurrence of allergies can be placed under two risk factor categories. They are namely

• Host factors

• Environmental factors

CAUSES OF ALLERGIC REACTIONS:

Some of the common substances to which people may develop allergic reactions are:

• Foods: Wheat, mostly gluten that is extracted from wheat, milk and dairy products, sea foods like shellfish, alcohol, soy, eggs, peanuts, and certain vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes and egg plants etc.

• Environmental Factors: Some of the common environmental factors that cause Allergic reactions are dust, pollen, mold, animal fur (from dogs, cats, or other pets), dust mites, and sunlight. With the day by day increase in the pollution, the amount of people suffering from allergic reactions due to pollution is also increasing.

Summary: Allergic reactions vary from person to person depending on the immune system and vulnerability to allergens of the person. Homeopathy studies the person as a whole and treats the allergic reaction accordingly.