Allergy - Meadow Fescue Tips

Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, is a type of inflammation in the nose which occurs when the immune system overreacts to allergens in the air. An allergen is something that triggers an allergy. When a person with allergic rhinitis breathes in an allergen such as pollen, mold, animal dander, or dust, the body releases chemicals that cause allergy symptoms.

Signs and symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, red, itchy watery eyes, and swelling around the eyes. coughing, a sore or scratchy throat, itchy eyes, watery eyes, dark circles under the eyes, frequent headaches, eczema-type symptoms, such as having extremely dry, itchy skin that can blister and weep, hives, excessive fatigue. You’ll usually feel one or more of these symptoms immediately after coming into contact with an allergen. Some symptoms, such as recurrent headaches and fatigue, may only happen after long-term exposure to allergens. 

Risk factors for allergic rhinitis - 

Allergies Can affect anyone, but you’re more likely to develop allergic rhinitis if there is a history of allergies in your family. Having asthma or atopic eczema can also increase your risk of allergic rhinitis.

Some External factors can trigger or worsen this condition, including:

cigarette smoke, chemicals, cold temperatures, humidity, wind, air pollution, hairspray, perfumes, colognes, wood smoke, fumes

Complications of Allergic Rhinitis

Long-term (chronic) allergic rhinitis may cause a number of health problems including:

1. Sinus infections (sinusitis) - Allergic rhinitis can block the tubes that drain the sinuses, leading to infection of the sinus cavities (acute sinusitis). Symptoms include pain in the front of the head and upper face, postnasal drip, stuffy nose, and thick, colored mucus. With a severe sinus infection, you may have a fever and feel sick. Allergic rhinitis can also cause long-lasting (chronic) sinusitis or inflammation of the sinus cavities.

2. Plugged ears, pressure or pain in the ears and ear infections (otitis media) - These can occur when allergic rhinitis affects how much mucus you have in your ears and the eustachian tubes, which run between the inside of the ears and the back of the throat. In children, problems with the eustachian tubes can lead to difficulty hearing.

3. Asthma - Many people have both allergic rhinitis and asthma. If you have an allergy, you are more likely to develop asthma. And for people who already have asthma, allergic rhinitis can cause their asthma symptoms to get worse.

4. Nasal polyps - These are soft, noncancerous (benign) growths that develop on the lining of your nose or sinuses due to chronic inflammation. Small polyps may not cause problems, but larger ones can block the airflow through your nose, making it difficult to breathe.

Prevention

1. Do saline gargles.

2. Whenever possible do steam inhalation also.

3. Cover your nose and mouth with hanky for at least 30sec when you go in dusty areas also when you go in and out of AC. As our noses the most sensitive part of our body, When there is a temperature difference between two rooms or inside and outside, then if we do not protect our nose, it gets affected.

4. Drink Hot Liquids --Hot liquids relieve nasal congestion, prevent dehydration, and soothe the uncomfortably inflamed membranes that line your nose and throat.

5. Sleep With an Extra Pillow Under Your Head--  Elevating your head will help relieve congested nasal passages. If the angle is too awkward, try placing the pillows between the mattress and box springs to create a more gradual slope.

6. Treat That Stuffy Nose With Warm Salt Water--Salt-water rinsing helps break nasal congestion, while also removing virus particles and bacteria from your nose.

7. Blow Your Nose Often (and the Right Way)-- It's Important to blow your nose regularly when you have a cold rather than snorting mucus back into your head. But when you blow hard, pressure can carry germ-carrying phlegm back into your ear passages, causing earache. The best way to blow your nose: Press a finger over one nostril while you blow gently to clear the other.

8. Do not smoke or let other people smoke in your house. Smoking and breathing in other people's smoke will irritate the lining of your nose, eyes, throat and airways, and can make your symptoms worse.

Homeopathy

When it comes to the treatment of allergic rhinitis/cold, Homeopathy is much better at treating the problem. Itis in stark contrast to allopathy, where antiallergic and steroids are used to suppress inflammation. Homeopathic medicines do not aim at just reducing inflammation. They also intend to cure the basic cause of recurrent inflammation. This way, not only the symptoms of rhinitis are treated but the incidence of attacks is reduced/eliminated. It is worthwhile to mention here that all Homeopathic remedies are natural and do not contain any chemicals. That is why these purely natural homeopathic remedies do not have any side effects at all. Here is a list of the top homeopathic medicines for asthma, along with the symptoms when they are used -

• Ars Alb: Thin watery discharge from the nose with irritation and sneezing.Restlessness. Arsenicum is an efficient homeopathic medicine, which treats attacks, which take place after midnight. The patient is anxious, restless, and cannot sleep because of the fear of being suffocated.
   
• Allium Cepa: Is useful when nasal mucus irritates your nose or upper lip; your eyes are runny but the discharge is bland and non-irritating; you feel worse from warm rooms and better in the open air.
   
• Natrum Mur: Watery transparent discharge causing blister-like an eruption. Loss of taste or smell.
   
• Sabadilla: Fluent coryza and violent sneezing, knowing not when will it end. Worse cold.Asthmatic form of rhinitis.
   
• Euphrasia: Copious burning discharge from the eyes n bland discharge from the nose.
   
• Bryonia: Nose blocked with congestion in the head. Cannot breathe through the nose. Dry cough with pain in the chest.
   
• Gelsemium: It is indicated in bland discharge from the nose which is thick. It has sneezing, headache, chilliness in the back and aching pains. The patient is dull n weak

Homeopathy has no side effects and treats the underlying cause. You Should consult a homeopathic practitioner before starting homeopathic treatment for rhinitis.

A rash on your child’s body or their regular cough bouts can sometimes be triggered by an allergy. We can excuse it by calling it a common flu or a heat rash, but the reason behind it might be something you are not aware of. Your child might be allergic, and it is imperative for you to find out that exact thing your child is allergic to, it can be dust, nuts that you may think is beneficial for your child’s health or even the fabric of the clothes you put on them. Allergies are caused when children come in contact with allergens, which can he inhaled, injected or even eaten unknowingly. If you see any of the symptoms of allergies, consult your doctor at the earliest and do not treat it lightly.

Some common triggers for allergies

These are divided into four groups

1. Foods: Certain foods like peanuts, eggs, milk and it products which you feed your child might be triggering their allergy.
2. Outdoors: When kids play outside pollens from trees or flowers might causes allergies. Even insect bites and stings are a major trigger
3. Indoors: Animal fur or hair and even dust mites and mold that exist in your house can trigger an allergy
4. Irritants: Common irritants like cigarette smoke, perfumes or even car exhaust should be watched out for.

Symptoms of common allergies

1. Nasal Congestion: It is referred to as stuffy nose, which is very common in kids. Allergies are the most common cause of chronic nasal congestion (a stuffy nose) in children. Sometimes a child’s nose is congested to the point that he or she breathes through the mouth, especially while sleeping.
2. Allergic rhinitis (hay fever): It is also common and its symptoms include a runny or itchy nose and constant sneezing. A child with allergies may also have itchy, watery, red eyes and chronic ear problems. Even though it’s commonly known as “hay fever,” allergic rhinitis isn’t triggered by hay and doesn’t cause fever.

If you suspect your child has an allergy, make an appointment to consult a specialist. Start a diary before the appointment and keep track of what symptoms your child experiences and what you think causes them.

It is an episodic chronic respiratory disorder in which there is airflow obstruction causing difficulty in breathing. It is a very common disorder affecting children more than adults For some, the condition is mild with infrequent episodes & for others it is a serious medical emergency-An episode may pass away quickly and may be short lasting or at times lasts longer & requires immediate medical help.

Causes behind it

Hereditary & familial tendency or history of allergy, which may be skin allergy also predisposes to asthma in the offsprings. Allergy mostly inhaled is the most common cause of asthma.

Allergens can be: 

1. Environment - smoke, dust & pollution and petrol fumes. 
2. Pollen and molds from grass, flowers and trees. 
3. Strong perfumes 
4. Paints & varnishes 
5. Tobacco smoke 
6. House dust mite 
7. Chemical fumes 
8. Food, which can cause allergy are: 
   • Sour food 
   • Citrus fruits 
   • Cold food & drinks 
   • Artificially colored & flavored foods 
   • Fish 
   • Beer, wine 
   • Vinegar 
   • Grapes 
9. Canned vegetables
10. Infection of the lung, which can be bacterial, viral predisposes to asthma. 
11. Emotional stress is a known trigger factor for an asthmatic attack.
12. Over strenuous exercise and inhalation of cold air and climatic changes are also trigger factors.

Symptoms 

1. Initially there is a feeling of restlessness with a painless, tightness in the chest. 
2. There may be cough, sometimes with phlegm and a wheezing or whistling sound when breathing. 
3. Mild to moderate shortness of breath and shortness and rapid breathing follow with a feeling of anxiety, sweating & inability to lie down on the back.
4. Usually the sufferer finds comfort in sitting bent forwards and near the windows.

Dietary management

1. For infants born in vegetarian family, vegetarian food is preferred. 
2. Avoid food and drinks known to cause allergy - cow milk, vinegar, lemon juice, grapes, instant tea, corn syrup, fruit toppings, cold food and drinks, canned food, food additives, beer and wine. 
3. Eat balanced nutritious diet. 
4. Eat fresh unprocessed food. 
5. Consume Bitter gourd (Karela) cooked or juice, it strengthens the immunity. 
6. Every morning, drink boiled mixture of – ½ cup water, little ginger, 2-3 leaves of sweet basil (tulsi) and mint leaves, or you can eat the raw leaves, this will boost up you immunity.
7. Boil a mixture of Bishops weed (Ajwain), tea leaves and water and inhale the steam, helps to decongest.
8. Consume garlic and onions, will be beneficial, but avoid them if you are on homeopathic medicine.
9. Consume lots of Vitamin B complex. 
10. Liver, kidney, pancreas, yeast (Brewer's yeast), lean meat especially pork, fish, dairy products, poultry, egg, shrimps, crabs and lobsters,. 
    • Milk and milk products, green leafy vegetables, legumes, nuts, whole grain cereals. 
    • Carrots, bananas, avocado, raspberries, artichoke, cauliflower, soy flour, barley, cereals, pasta, whole grains, wheat barn like rice and wheat germ, dried beans, peas and soybeans.
    • Increase intake of magnesium in your diet. 
    • Sea food, nuts, green leafy vegetables. 
    • Peas, lotus stem, pulses, whole grains, fruits.

Do's & Don'ts

1. Try to recognize the trigger factors that bring on your attack, so that you can avoid them In families with history of allergy (asthma, eczema), avoid artificial milk, eggs, cocoa, juices & wheat preparations till completion of 6 months. In such circumstances you can only breast feed till 6 months.
2. Do breastfeed your baby for the first 6 months to strengthen the immune system and avoid contact with allergens such as in cow's milk .
3. Avoid foods & drinks that are known to cause a problem such as vinegar, lemon juice, grapes, instant tea, corn syrup, fruit toppings, cold food & drink, canned vegetables, beer and wine Avoid smoke, pollution, dust as far as possible.
4. There are three steps to be taken when dealing with an allergy.
   1. Firstly, identify the cause or allergen
   2. Secondly, avoid it.
   3. Thirdly, if avoidance is impossible, treat the symptoms.
5. Keep a diary and try to trace a pattern or relation between your allergic reaction and the allergen. E.g. Sneezing while doing housework could mean you are allergic to house dust.
6. Take steps to deal with stress, anxiety and tension as these can influence the frequency and severity of symptoms
7. Good nutrition, balanced diet, adequate rest and relaxation will be beneficial. 
8. Yoga can help you by breathing exercises. Breathing exercise will help better utilization of available lung space.

Homoeopathy at your rescue

Homoeopathy helps to get rid of inhalers & nebulisation quickly & permanently. Homeopathy not only deals with disease it deals with patient as a whole.

Note

1. Avoid smoke, pollution, and dust as far as possible. 
2. Try to reduce stress, anxiety and tension, practice yoga will help to relax and relive stress.
3. Yoga will also help by breathing exercise. Breathing exercise will help better utilization of available lung space. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a homeopath.

A change in weather bring about changes in the composition of dust and pollen and induce seasonal allergies, which a huge number of people fear. The good news is that there are a number of common food substances which can help control these seasonal allergies. There are specific ingredients in these foods which improve immunity and provide antihistamine-like effects (which is what most anti-allergic drugs do). Some of these foods are mentioned below:

1. Green tea: With its natural dose of antihistamines, it prevents you from developing allergies. A hot cup in the morning acts as a good shield against sneezing, which is common with pollen and dust allergies.
2. Oranges and strawberries: Vitamin C is essential for controlling allergies and it is always recommended to reach for a couple of fresh oranges or strawberries than popping a vitamin pill. They also contain other substances like traces of Omega-3 fatty acids and Quercetin.
3. Garlic: This blocks the production of chemicals that can cause allergies. Eating a couple of cloves in the morning daily will do wonders for the allergy prone people.
4. Turmeric: This miraculous Indian spice has strong anti-inflammatory properties and helps prevent all kind of allergies.
5. Nuts and seeds: For the vegetarians, eating walnuts and flax seed is a good alternative. A handful of walnut is equal to 3 ounces of salmon. Flax seed also contains selenium which has anti-allergic properties.
6. Cabbage and broccoli: The flavonoid called quercetin helps by reducing inflammation that is usually associated with allergies. Other sources include apples, onions, berries, and cauliflower.
7. Fatty fish: These contain a good amount of omega 3 fatty acids, and work better than the supplements any day. Take your pick from mackerel, sardines, salmon, tuna, trout, bluefish or herring. These have two types of Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) which are known to prevent people developing allergic symptoms. This anti-allergic property provides great relief in people who see seasonal allergic changes.
8. Local honey: For those who suffer from pollen allergy, a morning dose of honey helps build tolerance to this kind of allergy.
9. Wasabi: This pungent green paste helps breathing by opening up the airways and is very good for blocked nasal passages. It also is rich in antihistamines and helps prevent you from developing allergies.
10. Yoghurt and Kefir: These and other dairy products are rich in probiotics which contain a lot of friendly bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which are generally found in the intestines. They also help build immunity and increase body’s ability to fight allergens better.

So, for those prone to seasonal allergies, there are few things that are easy to find and well within the reach of regular kitchen and can shield against allergies.

Allergy is a response of the immune system. It only occurs when a harmless substance attacks the body and it tries to attack it by creating antibodies as a triggering response. While there could be a lot of triggering agents, some of the basic ones include dust, food, and dander. Conventional allergies can be easily treated with medicines and environment changes whereas chronic allergies need medical attention. Either way there exists some great natural supplements which when applied can immediately deal with seasonal and occasional allergies:

1. Probiotics: Natural probiotic supplements include kombucha, yogurt, sauerkraut etc. They are known to assist the immune system and can alter the course of allergy. The fermentation of probiotic produces good bacteria that assist the immune system.
2. Quercetin: It is a bioflavonoid that can be found in beans, onions, red wine, leafy vegetables, apples, etc. They have anti-oxide and anti-inflammatory properties can give allergies a run for their money. Research suggests that quercetin contains certain substances that successfully block allergy creating elements.
3. Vitamin D: Vitamin D plays get strokes in fighting allergies and setting the immune system right. They can successfully stop the development of allergies in the body. The body fetches the right level of vitamin D with a 10 minutes walk in the sunlight.
4. Stinging Nettle: This is a plant that effectively counters allergy by fighting with symptoms such as a headache, anaphylaxis, migraines etc. The anti-inflammatory properties of this herb fight allergy symptoms instantly.
5. Butterbur: This again is a herb that contains medicinal properties and can successfully counter allergic symptoms. A study found that butterbur is as effective as a certain allergic medicine such as Zyrtec. Another good thing about this supplement is the fact that they do not put a person to sleep like other allergic drugs.
6. Steam inhalation: When hot steam is accompanied with eucalyptus oil, tea tree, rosemary oil, myrtle oil and inhaled for about 20 minutes, instant relief is expected. For patients with chronic allergy, this natural supplement can be tried twice in a day.
7. Lemon oil: Lemon oil is one of the versatile agents for treating allergies. It fixes the immune system, drains lymphatic fluid and detoxifies liver toxins. They can also be used as a disinfectant for washing clothes and home.
8. Honey: Honey is one of the most tested agents for countering allergy. They can create greater tolerance to pollens and is widely considered as one of the most effective long-term solutions for chronic allergy patients.
9. Turmeric: Turmeric contains curcumin that is extremely effective for treating cold and allergy. Being a disinfectant, turmeric can instantly arrest allergic symptoms.
10. Astragalus: It is a Chinese herb, which has proved to be mighty effective for treating allergy over the years. Its anti-inflammatory properties can arrest allergic symptoms such as sneezing, asthma and itching.

 If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a doctor.

If your eyes suddenly look reddish and feel extremely itchy, you may be suffering from allergic conjunctivitis. Allergic conjunctivitis is triggered by exposure to allergens like pollen or mold spores. An allergy to eye drops or contact lens solution can also trigger this condition. Allergic conjunctivitis is a very common health condition and more common during the hay fever season.

There are two types of allergic conjunctivitis; acute allergic conjunctivitis and chronic allergic conjunctivitis. Acute allergic conjunctivitis is characterized by the swelling of eyelids and intense itchiness and burning. Amongst the two, this is a more common condition. Chronic allergic conjunctivitis can occur during any season and has symptoms that come and go. It is a milder response to allergens such as dust, food, pollen, chemical scents etc.

On presenting the symptoms of conjunctivitis to a doctor, he may ask for an allergy skin test, a blood test or a scraping of the conjunctival tissue to understand the type of conjunctivitis you are suffering from. Allergic conjunctivitis can be treated with a combination of medication and home care.

Antihistamines are the most common form of treatment for this disease. This can reduce and block the release of histamines in the body. Artificial eye drops may also be used to create a screen over the eye and prevent the eye from coming in contact with the allergen. Eye drops may also be used to shrink swollen blood vessels in the eye. Steroid eye drops may also be used along with anti inflammatory eye drops.

Home care to treat allergic conjunctivitis focuses on preventing the trigger. Today, apps on your phone can update you n the pollen levels in the air. Close your windows every time you notice a higher than normal pollen count and keep your home as dust free as possible. You could also use an air purifier in your home. Also, avoid exposure to strong chemicals, dyes, perfumes etc.

To avoid the condition from worsening, avoid rubbing your eyes and wash your hands every time you touch your eyes. Disinfect your towels, sheets and pillowcases that come in contact with your eyes every few days with hot water. Wash eyes with cold water twice daily especially after coming home from outside. Do not share your make up or brushes with other people. This is a healthy habit to follow even when you are not suffering from this condition. While you suffer from pink eye you should also not wear contact lenses. Once the eye has healed, discard the old lenses and replace them with a new pair. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult an Ophthalmologist.

Eye allergies are characterized by red and itchy eyes which may result from various allergens coming in contact with the eye. Eye allergies can cause swelling of the eyelids, redness in the eyes and may also lead to conjunctivitis. Conventional treatments prescribe eye drops containing chemicals that may aggravate the condition.

Homeopathy-the best natural treatment for eye allergies-

The allopathic system relies mainly on steroids and anti-allergic medicines for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis. Even  then, it is unable to cure the allergy. It only ends up controlling it or keeping the symptoms under check. In homeopathy, the intention is to completely cure the allergy. Homeopathy recognises that the immune system of the body sometimes overreacts to some seemingly harmless things. This overreaction of the body is the root cause of problem.

Therefore, it tries to correct the immune system. In this the medicines that are used by homeopathy are perfectly natural medicines. None of the medicines are chemical in nature. They are made from natural sources like plants or fruits or vegetables or minerals. The basic material is further diluted by a special mechanism which reduces the content of the original matter while increasing its latent healing powers. That is why these natural homeopathic medicines do not have any side effects.

The homeopathic remedies for eye allergies are:

1. Euphrasia

This remedy is used to treat allergies which cause watery discharge from the eyes and which tends to have burning sensation on the skin. The condition tends to aggravate during the evening and in closed spaces.

2. Argentum nitricum

Argentum nitricum is used to treat eye allergies which show symptoms such as aversion to bright light and conjunctiva swelling. The symptoms may be accompanied by gas in the abdomen.

3. Ruta

This is an effective remedy for allergic conjunctivitis where you may experience a constant feeling of something being stuck in the eye. There may also be swelling in the eyelids, redness and continuous watery discharge.

4. Pulsatilla

Pulsatilla is recommended if symptoms such as itchy eyes, yellowish discharge from the eyes and swelling of the eyelids are present. Hot and humid climatic conditions tend to aggravate this.

5. Apis Mel

Apis Mel is another homeopathic remedy that is used to treat eye allergies. Symptoms such as swelling of the eyes, burning sensation and intense pain in the eyes are very common. The symptoms are aggravated by hot weather conditions and direct exposure to the sun.

Most people, at some point of time, have been affected by allergic reactions. An allergic reaction is a hypersensitive reaction triggered by an Allergen (substance that has the potential to trigger an allergic reaction). Allergies can be Perennial or Seasonal. Perennial allergies are not season specific and can occur throughout the year.

Seasonal allergies, on the other hand, are season specific, for example, Hay fever (triggered by pollens) is a common allergic reaction during the spring season. 

A number of substances can act as a potential allergen, triggering a hypersensitive reaction in a person. The allergens can be 

1. Environmental factors, such as pollen, dust mites, sunlight, fur of some animals, or mold
2. Certain foodstuffs like milk and dairy products, peanuts, wheat, soy, tomatoes, eggplant, alcohol or shellfish.
3. Synthetic and natural substances like pesticides, nickel, latex
4. Certain medications like sulfa drugs, penicillin
5. Animal stings; mostly wasps and bees, can also trigger an allergic reaction.

The allergic reactions affecting a person can vary depending on the source of the allergen. It can be a skin allergy, nasal and cough allergy, food allergy or a dust allergy. The best way to treat an allergic reaction is to identify the allergen involved. Homeopathic treatments are very effective against allergic reactions. Though time consuming; homeopathic treatment provides long lasting and permanent relief. In addition, the homeopathic medicines have no harmful side effects. No wonder, more and more people are going for homeopathic treatments.

The following homeopathic medicines, if taken regularly and diligently, can successfully treat a number of allergic reactions:

• Arsenic Album: Many people suffer from watery eyes, continuous sneezing, running nose accompanied by a burning sensation. These all are signs of a nasal allergy. Arsenic Album is an effective homeopathic option against nasal allergy.
• Sulphur: It provides great relief from skin allergies. Sulphur is a boon for people suffering from very dry and itchy skin.
• Natrum Mur: It is an effective homeopathic (natural) medicine against nasal and skin allergies.
• Pulsatilla, Natrum Carb and Aethusa Cynapium: These homeopathic medicines act as a blessing for people suffering from milk allergy.
• Urtica Urens: If you are allergic to shellfish, Urtica Urens is just for you.
• Bromium and Lycopersicum: they are very effective against dust allergies. Arsenic Album is also an excellent option.

There are people who are allergic to certain hair dyes. Arsenic Album and Sulphur effectively deals with such allergies. Natrum Mur and Sepia cannot be neglected either. Do not allow allergies to make your life miserable. Switch over to the homeopathic treatments and enjoy a stress free life, sans the allergies.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa. In popular parlance, it is called hay fever. Allergic rhinitis is the response to the presence of certain allergens (usually harmless but they bring out allergies in certain people). It afflicts people during season changes because that is the time when flowers blossom and pollen (an allergen) becomes prevalent. It affects 10 million people in India every year.

Allergic asthma like allergic rhinitis is a reaction against certain allergens that constrict the trachea. 50% of asthma attacks in adults are triggered by some form of allergy. If you exercise at a time when pollution levels go up, or if you smoke, your chances of asthma attack due to allergies increase.

What causes an allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma?

When our body senses the presence of allergens, it starts producing histamine. Histamine helps the body combat the allergen. The symptoms of allergic rhinitis are actually the side effects of histamine.

What are some common allergens responsible for allergic rhinitis and /or allergic asthma?

• Grass pollen
• Mold
• The saliva of a pet
• Dust mites
• Sloughed off cells of animal skin
• Perfumes/hair spray
• Cigarette smoke

What are the symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis/allergic asthma?

These symptoms manifest the moment a person comes in contact with an allergen.

• Sneezing
• Sore and runny nose
• Blocked nose
• Coughing
• Agitated throat
• Watery or itchy eyes
• Headaches
• Eczema-like patches of skin that are accompanied with itching
• Fatigue
• Hives

Allergic reaction differs from one person to another. Some people become affected when exposed to a small amount of allergens. Some can recover from hay fever in a short span, whereas, many have to live with the symptoms recurrently throughout the year.

What are the types of allergic rhinitis/allergic asthma?

1. Seasonal allergic rhinitis: it afflicts people during certain times of the year. It becomes especially wide spread during spring and autumn.

2. Perennial allergic rhinitis: it can afflict a person all through the year. Perennial allergic rhinitis is a reaction to allergens that float around in the air throughout the year.

What are the tests that can diagnose allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma?

1. The Skin Prick Test: The simplest and extensive practiced test is the Skin Prick Test. The doctor places small quantities of known allergens on a section of your skin to determine which substance you are allergic to. This test is effective for determining the cause of both allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma.

2. Radioallergosorbent Test (RAST): It is a blood test that takes stock of the amount of immunoglobulin E antibodies present in your blood. Based on the test, your doctor will decide on the medication.

3. An IgE or slgE is a simple blood test that can detect allergic asthma.

How is allergic rhinitis/allergic asthma treated?

The same kind of treatment that is works against allergic rhinitis is also effective in curbing allergic asthma.

1. Antihistamines: this is the most trusted medication when it comes to curbing allergic rhinitis. Antihistamines inhibit the production of histamines which is the cause of allergic reaction. These are prescription drugs.

2. Decongestants: they can clear congested nose or ease sinus pain. But they should not be used for prolonged stretches of time because that has a rebound effect. Your allergies will come back when you stop using a decongestant. If you have a history of stroke, sleep disorder, abnormal heart rhythm then you should consult your doctor before using a decongestant.

3. Corticosteroids: they help bring down nasal inflammation and raises your body’s immune response.

4. Immunotherapy: immunotherapy consists of allergy shots. A doctor suggests immunotherapy when you show signs of severe allergic rhinitis. The shots are spaced out and you need to complete the regime.

Home remedies for allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma-

1. Tea made with chamomile, mint, ginger, asafetida, chillipeppers can bring the symptoms of allergic rhinitis under check

2. Install a filter to your air conditioner.

Allergic reaction is a common inconvenience that is not much cause for worry. It can easily be treated and controlled.

Skin allergy is one of the most common complaints in the general population. While the skin has an overall protective function, it also comes in contact with multiple chemicals and substances including pollen, animal dander, environmental pollutants, various metals that might irritate the skin.

When the body comes in touch with any of these, it produces what is known as histamines. Excessive histamines can cause the liquid portion of the cells (plasma) to escape, causing swelling, redness, and itching. This can happen due to either of the two reasons:

• Contact dermatitis, wherein the skin comes in touch with an irritant. This could be animal dander, detergents, laundry products, soaps, etc.
• It could also be due to eating some allergy-inducing substances like eggs, chocolates, milk, peanuts, etc.

Most common causes of contact dermatitis are listed below:

• Metals like nickel, which are used extensively in artificial jewelry
• Latex which could be used in kitchen and bathroom gloves
• Toiletries including soaps, creams, lotions, scrubs
• Laundry and toilet cleaning products
• After the first contact, it could take up to a week to 10 days for the symptoms to manifest

Testing for allergy: It is not easy to pin down the exact cause of the allergic reaction. Skin tests are done usually by exclusion, wherein the most likely causative agents are tested to see if they produce an allergic response. Once detected, the patient is advised to avoid contact or use of that particular agent. Patch test is done where the suspected allergy-causing agent is applied on the skin to see if it indeed causes an allergic reaction.

Management: Skin allergies are treated by a combination of topical and systemic therapy, both immediate and long-term.

When an allergy has actually happened, then the following needs to be done?

1. Keep the area moisturized
2. Avoid itching
3. Apply a topical antihistamine agent
4. Keep it free of metal or any other objects
5. Avoid tight clothing, so that air circulation can help in healing
6. Oatmeal powder helps in getting rid of the itching
7. Use cool compresses to control the inflammation
8. Use calamine and hydrocortisone creams
9. Keep yourself hydrated
10. Take systemic antihistamine if required to bring down the allergy response
11. Once the causative agent is identified, it should be avoided.
12. It is not easy to identify the allergen, but keeping a dairy whenever there is an allergic reaction helps. Look back to see what products or chemicals you came in touch with or used recently and by excluding some, the cause can be identified.
13. If you are prone to skin allergies, always carry an antihistamine and also topical anti-allergy cream to manage the allergy. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can ask a free question.