Remember Me
forgot your password?

What are Allergies? Types, Symptoms and Causes of Allergies

Powered by iMedix Search for health information:

e.g.: diabetes, headache, Lipitor etc.
Related Searches to This Article:
allergies | causes | types of allergies | what are allergies

What are Allergies?

Allergies are abnormal immune system reactions to things that are typically harmless to most people. When you're allergic to something, your immune system mistakenly believes that this substance is harmful to your body. (Substances that cause allergic reactions, such as certain foods, dust, plant pollen, or medicines, are known as allergens.)

Types of Allergies

1) Dust Mite Allergy-A dust mite allergy is an allergic reaction to a microscopic organism that lives in the dust that is found in most buildings and houses. Dust mites are a common cause of perennial allergic rhinitis. Dust mite allergy usually produces symptoms similar to pollen allergy and also can produce symptoms of asthma.

2) Corticosteroids -- These anti-inflammatory agents are used to treat the itching and swelling associated with a variety of allergic disorders. The most commonly used forms are corticosteroid nasal sprays for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis (such as Flonase, Nasalide, Nasocort, Nasonex, Rhinocort), over-the-counter topical corticosteroid creams for hives, dermatitis, and insect sting reactions, and inhaled corticosteroids for asthma. Oral or injected corticosteroids are used less frequently for more severe cases of asthma, dermatitis, or other allergic reactions.

3) Epinephrine -- Epinephrine (adrenalin) is used for emergency treatment in cases of anaphylaxis due to insect sting, food, or drug allergies. It is most commonly administered with a device called an EpiPen, which is a self-injectable shot of epinephrine. Epinephrine constricts the small blood vessels in the skin and mucous membranes, which increases blood pressure and heart rate back to normal levels. Epinephrine also is an antihistamine.

4) Immune complex allergies-Medication allergies are often type-III reactions. Foreign substances in the blood – such as medication – bond with antibodies, and then with the blood vessel walls in the smaller blood vessels, for instance, in the skin or kidneys. This leads to local inflammation, for instance, a skin rash, often in conjunction with haemorrhaging, skin damage, and itching.

5) Mold Allergy-A person can develop an allergy to the molds and yeasts that are commonly found indoors and outdoors. This eMedTV segment offers an in-depth look at the specific types of molds that cause allergies, as well as several ways to prevent mold allergy.

Symptoms Of Allergy
1) Tingling in the mouth
2) Hives, itching or eczema
3) Swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat, or other parts of the body.
4) Watering eyes.
5) Cramps
6) Vomiting
7) Diarrhea

Cure for Allergies
1) Vacuuming the Right Way-If the carpet can't be replaced by a solid surface such as linoleum or hardwood, then it must be cleaned thoroughly and frequently. Also remember to vacuum upholstered furniture, draperies, and other fabric items that cannot be washed, removed, or replaced. The trouble with vacuuming is that the allergenic dust mite and mold particles become airborne during the process. Dust mite particles can remain airborne for about 15 minutes and be redistributed throughout the home environment. Allergic persons clearly should not be doing The vacuuming and should also stay out of the area until the dust particles resettle
2) . Antihistamines- are used to relieve or prevent the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and other allergies. Antihistamines prevent the effects of histamine, a substance produced by the body during an allergic reaction. Antihistamines come in tablet, capsule, liquid, or injection form and are available both over-the-counter and by prescription.

Rate this Article: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)
Print Email Re-Publish


Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/what-are-allergies-types-symptoms-and-causes-of-allergies-328885.html
Add new Comment



Captcha

  • Latest Health Articles
  • More from Peter sams

The Cholesterol Lie - Dr. Dwight Lundell The Cholesterol Lie Review

By: Chris Jensen | 06/07/2009
For years, people have believed that cholesterol is the major cause of heart disease. But as more and more people are diagnosed with heart diseases, efforts to expose the cholesterol lie have been taken. Dr. Dwight Lundell is one the experts who have looked deeper into the cholesterol lie and he has found a real cure for heart disease.

The Cholesterol Lie - Types Of Heart Disease

By: Chris Jensen | 06/07/2009
These days, more and more people are becoming more vigilant to heart diseases and other cardiovascular problems. How does one tell if he or she is suffering from some kind of heart disease prior to seeking medical attention? Reading more on cardiovascular conditions will introduce you to different types of heart disease that affects any age group.

The Cholesterol Lie - Causes Of Heart Disease

By: Chris Jensen | 06/07/2009
Each year, more and more Americans are diagnosed with some form of heart disease and a lot of these cases breathe their last breath without realizing it. Most patients with cardiovascular complications are found to have clogged or hardened blood vessels or what cardiologists refer to as atherosclerosis.

Minneapolis Outpatient Drug Rehab

By: addiction | 06/07/2009
Mexican heroin is affecting the Twin Cities and residents want to know how outpatient treatment can help.

Fuller Lips with Lip Augmentation

By: Evan Langsted | 06/07/2009
Lip augmentation is achieved through injections of fillers into the lips. The size and shape of the lips can be dramatically altered in a single session, giving you fuller, more shapely lips. Depending on what final result you wish to achieve, you might need more injections, but the procedure can generally be completed in one office visit.

Hospitals - Kill or cure, another view on treatment in the UK

By: russell jones | 06/07/2009
Targets are more important that patients according to recent reports. Are we heading to NHS meltdown. Even before the credit crunch the health service was suffering, but now it appears patient safety is a casualty too.

Power Body Toning - Ivar Nordtveit Power Body Toning Review

By: Chris Jensen | 06/07/2009
People would usually go to the gym if they want to lose weight. But with all the fitness programs and books on losing weight, there are still those who notice too little progress in their efforts. If you are one of those people who are sick of all the fat loss books, diet restrictions, and time consuming gym schedules, check Power Body Toning from Ivar Nordtveit.

Superfeet Has The Ideal Cushioning Arch Support For Any Foot

By: TheInsoleStore.com | 06/07/2009
Superfeet Premium Insoles offer a variety of high quality, durable insoles for every purpose. Whether you need something for tight fitting dress shoes, casual shoes, or running shoes, Superfeet has what you need.

Skin Care – How to Get Rid of Oily Skin

By: Peter sams | 08/03/2008 | Skin Care
Oily skin is shiny, thick and dull colored. Usually a chronically oily skin has boorish pores and pimples and other embarrassing blemishes. In this type of skin, the oil producing sebaceous glands are overactive and produce more oil than is required.

Skin Care – Young Skin Care Tips

By: Peter sams | 08/03/2008 | Skin Care
Your skin mirrors your lifestyle. All men and women like healthy skin all age. Your skin is the largest organ in your body and it is very must to keep it as healthy as your heart, lungs and liver.

Guidelines for Eye Makeup- How to Apply Eye Makeup, Eye Shadow, Eyeliner Pencils

By: Peter sams | 08/03/2008 | Skin Care
Making the eyes come alive is a real art and like any good artist you will have to first leam the exacting techniques of accurate Brush work and careful color-blending.

Atypical Moles Information

By: Peter sams | 08/03/2008 | Skin Care
Atypical Moles is basically a skin disease typical to youth, but Atypical Moles may occur to the people at any age.

Tips to Make Your Hair Shine and Healthy

By: Peter sams | 08/03/2008 | Hair Loss
Beautiful hair must be shiny and healthy. Healthy, glossy, manageable hair reflects light and falls around the face beautifully, is the dream of every woman that is not so difficult to attain after all.

Dry Eye – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

By: Peter sams | 08/03/2008 | Diseases & Conditions
Dry eye produces discomfort and reduces vision when the tear film becomes chronically table or unavailable thereby leading to dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea.

Dandruff – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

By: Peter sams | 08/03/2008 | Hair Loss
DANDRUF is a very common problem indeed, that of flakes falling from the scalp every time a person combshis/her hair or rubs the head. Dandruf is caused by a commonyeast cell pityresporen ovale which causes an inflammation of the scalp, making it shed flakes.

Typhoid – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

By: Peter sams | 08/03/2008 | Diseases & Conditions
Typhoid Fever disease is caused by a bacteria called Salmonella typhi. It is a common diseasein the sub continent and affects all age groups. The poor hygiene conditions, open sanitation habits, flies, sale of exposed food, and illiteracy is responsible for this disease.

Submit Your Articles Free: Signup


Article Categories




Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2008 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved. (0.29, 6)