Treatment for allergies

Treatment for allergies is always a challenge. Although allergens can differ from person to person, the physical reactions are often the same. Allergic reactions happen when the body’s immune system releases antibodies called immunoglobulin, which secrete histamines that cause the symptoms. It is the body’s way to eliminate the allergens it considers invaders. In this article, we’ll discuss different approaches to the treatment of allergies, both traditional and alternative.

Medications for allergies.

Depending on your allergy, medications for allergies can help reduce your immune system reaction and ease symptoms. Patients are often treated with antihistamines, nasal sprays, and decongestants. However, there are some adverse side effects observed in some patients who take these medications. Some of the most common side effects from the use of medications for allergies observed are sleepiness, headaches, blurred vision, dryness in the throat, mouth, nose, and eyes, an upset stomach, dizziness, nausea, and constipation.

Oftentimes, the side effects from the use of medications for allergies happen because of overdosing or taking the medicines with other medications prescribed for other diseases. Nasal sprays, for example, often provide immediate relief with their albuterol and beta-based content, which relieves difficulty breathing. However, a patient can suffer side effects if nasal sprays are used too frequently.

Doctors may also prescribe corticosteroids to lessen inflammation in the bronchial area. However, some people may also have reactions to it, such as blurry vision, abdominal pains, swelling of the eyelids, stuffy noses, acne or skin rash, muscle cramps, and general fatigue. In other instances, the use of medications with corticosteroids for a long time may also lead to weight gain and liquid retention. Cataracts may also develop, as well as high blood sugar, which can lead to diabetes.

Allergies are one of the leading causes of disease in the USA. The annual amount spent on allergies in the USA is $18 billion. Allergies could get complicated and even ruin a person’s life. Allergies generally mean an overreaction or hypersensitivity to a particular substance or product. The substance could make a person sneeze, wheeze, or create rashes.

What is an allergy?

Allergy is a particular immune response or reaction to a specific substance that is not harmful but causes a discomforting reaction. Substances such as foods, pet dander, and plant pollen can trigger an allergic reaction in people with immune deficiencies. A certain change in some immune deficiency diseases is likely to increase the chance of someone having allergies. An allergy is an irritation where an agent causes chemical reactions in the host. In common language, this refers to a form of chemical reaction in the body as a response to a foreign chemical or an environmental condition.

The agent that causes the irritation or reaction in the body is called an allergen. Allergens take on many forms. This means that there are many forms of allergies. The reaction that the human body produces is called an allergic reaction.

Causes of allergies

Allergy is a particular immune response or reaction to a substance that is not harmful but causes a discomforting reaction. Substances such as foods, pet dander, and plant pollen can trigger an allergic reaction in people with immune deficiencies. A certain change in some immune deficiency diseases is likely to increase the chance of someone having allergies to allergens the body’s immune system triggers. Triggers could be dust, tree pollen, food, weeds, drugs, food, insect venom, mold, pets, and other materials. When the immune system senses the peculiar trigger, the body releases histamine.

An environmental condition, such as a change in temperature or sunlight, can also be a trigger. Touching as rubbing the skin roughly can also trigger an allergy.

Although the reasons why allergies develop aren’t known, some substances commonly cause an allergic reaction. People who have allergies are typically allergic to one or more of the following:

• Pet dander
• Bees sting or bite of other insects
• Certain foods, including nuts or shellfish
• Certain medications, such as penicillin or aspirin
• Certain plants
• Pollen or molds

Symptoms of allergic reaction

At one time or another, almost everyone has experienced some allergic reaction. The most common allergic reaction symptoms occur when confronted with seasonal allergens such as pollen or ragweed and may cause itchiness, a runny nose, and sneezing. However, these allergic reaction symptoms can be easily controlled and cause no serious health effects.

However, those suffering more severe allergic reactions (often in the case of food allergies) may experience congestion or even difficulty breathing. In rare instances, a constriction of the airways can even cause death. That’s why understanding and treating your allergies properly is vital to staying healthy and symptom-free.

Most allergies are categorized into three types of reactions: mild, moderate, and severe.

Most allergies are categorized into three types of reactions: mild, moderate, and severe.

Pollen, pet dander, mites, and dust are common airborne allergens that cause mild allergic reactions. Both over-the-counter and prescription medications are frequently effective in treating these conditions.

Mild allergic reactions remain in the affected area, not spreading to other parts of the body, and may include:

• Rash.
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Congestion.

Moderate allergic reactions can spread to other parts of the body and may include such symptoms as:

• Itchiness.
• Difficulty breathing.

A severe allergic reaction, also known as anaphylaxis, can be life-threatening. Anaphylaxis is rare but serious. It is a life-threatening emergency in which the body’s response to the allergen comes on suddenly (without much warning) and can affect the entire body and how it works. Anaphylaxis often begins with sudden itching of the eyes or face. Within minutes, it may progress to more severe symptoms, which may include:

• Varying degrees of swelling can make breathing and swallowing difficult.
• Abdominal pain.
• Cramps.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Mental confusion or dizziness.

There are a few different types of allergic reactions

Allergies often lead to sneezing, a runny nose, or watery eyes. Although these are symptoms of some types of allergic diseases, it is crucial to understand that an allergic reaction is the result of a chain reaction that begins in your genes and is expressed by your immune system.

What occurs in your organism when you suffer from an allergic reaction? Read on to find out.

Allergic Rhinitis (Hay fever)

Inhaling a particular allergen that is peculiar to a person causes hay fever. The symptoms of allergic rhinitis include a runny nose, sneezing, and a stuffy and itching nose. The person may also have red and itchy eyes that are watery, and the severity varies from person to person and also depends on the season. Hay fever can grow worse and become rhinosinusitis, which can breed infection.

Managing hay fever includes taking the following steps:

Staying away from allergens such as mold, pet dander, and dust mites

• Avoid smoke and strong odors
• Taking Allergy shots (immunotherapy)
• Taking oral, non-sedating antihistamines
• Use of nasal steroids with severe nasal congestion

Allergic Asthma

Asthma is a chronic allergic condition that affects the lungs, making breathing difficult. Such a person may experience the following symptoms of allergic asthma:

• chest tightness,
• coughing, and
• wheezing

Typically, allergens like tree pollen or mold cause these allergic asthma symptoms. Temperature change, smoke, and a strong odor can also trigger the condition. The management of asthma is a continuous one.

Treatment includes taking albuterol, which helps dilate airways for relief and inhaling steroids administered at varying intervals depending on the severity of the condition.

Food Allergies

Food allergies occur due to an individual response by the immune system to a particular food. The person reacts to taking a particular food minutes or hours after eating it. Reactions could include the following symptoms of food allergy:

• vomiting,
• diarrhea, and
• hives similar to mosquito bites,
• abdominal cramping,
• flushing, and
• itching of the skin.

Other severe symptoms of food allergies could be:

• Difficulties in breathing,
• Throat closure,
• A decrease in blood pressure and
• Such a person can become unconscious.

Of course, the best treatment for food allergies is to avoid foods that trigger the symptoms of food allergies.

Food Intolerances

Food intolerance differs slightly from food allergies because it does not involve the immune system and is not life-threatening. Food intolerance symptoms are polymorphic and specific to each kind of food. For example, someone with lactose intolerance will experience abdominal cramping and diarrhea because of an inability to break down milk sugar.

Eczema

Food or environmental allergens can cause atopic dermatitis, eczema, or chronic skin inflammation. Eczema is activated when there is a breakdown in the skin barrier and the immune system, leading to a reaction such as itching skin. Thus, the most common symptoms of atopic dermatitis are itchiness, burning, redness, etc. The skin barrier maintains water flow under the skin and prevents bacteria and allergens. When there is a breakdown of this barrier, immunity can set in.

One can treat this condition by frequently bathing to keep the skin moist and restore the skin barrier to its proper shape. Topical steroids and other drugs can also prevent the immune response in their standard form. As a result of the use of topical creams along with steroids, the symptoms of eczema usually diminish for a short while before flaring up again.

Drug Allergies and Intolerances

The development of drug allergy symptoms is more prominent in people with immune deficiencies. Due to their exposure to lots of drugs, patients become more susceptible to drug allergies. Not all drug reactions make a person allergic to drugs.

Stinging Insect Allergy

It is expected to have swelling and redness on the spot where there is an insect bite. Individuals with an allergy to stinging insect venom experience more severe reactions than this, such as anaphylaxis. The most common stinging insects are bees. Symptoms of bee sting allergic reactions can include hives, itching, blisters, skin rashes, or skin peeling.

Epinephrine can be administered to treat anaphylaxis, which must be done on time.

Identifying which allergens you react to and avoiding can go a long way toward preventing the discomfort and risk allergies can cause.

Natural treatments for allergies

With all the possible side effects that a person can get from frequent use of anti-histamines, anti-inflammatory drugs, and nasal sprays often prescribed for allergy relief, it is no wonder that people are looking for natural allergy treatment. Keeping yourself informed on the pollen level of your area will also help you avoid exposure to pollen, which may trigger allergies.

A change in diet and lifestyle can work wonders for allergy relief. Increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables that are rich in natural vitamins can increase your body’s resistance to allergies without necessarily taking anti-allergy medications. Avoiding foods you know will trigger your allergies is also a practical solution. Dehumidifiers and air filters can also clear your environment of allergy-producing substances such as pollen, dust, mold, and mildew.

Listed below are different approaches to natural treatment for allergies

Home remedies for allergies—the most common natural treatment for allergies

Home remedies for allergies are natural remedies for allergies that have been proven to be effective. For individuals who need to get rid of allergies, below are some home remedies that can cure allergies properly.

Use nasal irrigation

• If you are unfamiliar with nasal irrigation, consult your doctor about it. It is usually used to help your sinus problem by using salt and water. Many doctors believe that this method is very effective in treating allergy symptoms. You can get the nasal irrigation device very quickly from the retail store.

Avoid smoking

• Smoking is really dangerous for those of you who have allergies because it can clog your nasal system. As a result, you won’t be able to breathe easily. Many studies show that smoking is very bad for your health because it can stimulate the growth of cancer cells in your body. You should stop smoking now if you want to live a healthy life.

Other home remedies for allergies that have been effective are:

• Maintain clean bedding and pillowcases.
• Do not take too much alcohol or nicotine.
• Take vitamin C supplements and vitamin C-rich foods. According to research, such a vitamin is known to help you become more immune to allergens.
• You can take mashed almond leaves to lessen the impact of allergens on you.
• Mix 1/2 fresh lime into a glass of water at room temperature, plus a teaspoon of honey. You can drink such a solution every morning to help you protect yourself from allergens.

Herbs for allergies: an effective home-based natural treatment for allergies

Herbs for allergies are natural remedies for allergies that have been proven effective without any side effects. Many Chinese herbs for allergies have proven their effectiveness.

Listed below are the most popular herbs for allergies:

Licorice:

• It’s among the best herbs for allergies that help eliminate asthma. Using this herb to stop chest blockage and coughing is also possible. The anti-inflammatory materials inside the root of licorice work as the most effective remedy for allergies such as hay fever and conjunctivitis

Nettle:

• This herb for allergies helps you eliminate hay fever. The root extracts of nettle increase the creation of T-cells within your body.

Eucalyptus:

• The oil obtained from eucalyptus can help eradicate chest blockage. Eucalyptus, any time used in steam inhalation, can also help one get rid of nasal blockage.

Chamomile:

• This herb for allergies is well known for its anti-inflammatory qualities. When consumed in the form of tea, this specific herb functions as one of the best herbs for allergies.

Homeopathy for allergies: #1 natural treatment for allergies

Homeopathy for allergies is a natural allergy treatment used to cure allergies and their symptoms effectively.

Homeopathy for allergies aims to treat the root cause of these allergies. Homeopathy thus focuses on treating the body’s hypersensitivity to the allergen that causes the allergic symptoms.

Listed below are the most commonly used homeopathic remedies for allergy

Natrum Muriaticum

• This homeopathic remedy for allergies is one of the most effective; this medicine helps individuals get over nasal congestion.

Euphrasia,

• This homeopathic remedy for allergies is perfect for allergies such as swollen eyes, coughing, burning tears, and watery nasal discharge.

Poison Nut:

• Better known as Nux Vomica, this homeopathic remedy for allergies works best in healing allergies, including runny and tickling noses.

Allium Cepa

• This is an effective homeopathic remedy for allergies that enables patients’ immune systems to eradicate symptoms of allergies, including consistent sneezing, frontal headaches, a continual urge to rub eyes, burning eyes, and nasal discharge.

Acupuncture for allergies: an ancient Chinese natural treatment for allergies

Acupuncture is an ancient healing art that has been practiced for more than 3,000 years. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners have used acupuncture for thousands of years as a natural healing process to balance yin and yang in the body. Acupuncture is a natural method of treating an illness and involves stimulating and balancing Qi through points, called acupoints, located throughout the body.

Acupuncture for allergy works to resolve allergies by decreasing the body’s overreaction to an allergen, strengthening the immune system, and helping to normalize overall body function by balancing the body’s Qi. Acupuncture for allergies can help resolve allergy issues by removing energy imbalances and blockages in the body.

Allergies often lead to sneezing, a runny nose, or watery eyes. Although these are symptoms of some types of allergic diseases, it is essential to understand that an allergic reaction is the result of a chain reaction that begins in your genes and is expressed by your immune system.

One scientific study by German scientists published in the Annals of Internal Medicine examined two participants: allergy sufferers who sought relief with acupuncture and those who took antihistamines to treat allergy symptoms. After two months, those who received acupuncture reported less need for medications to treat allergies and an overall improvement in the quality of life compared to other controls. Although the results are mixed, the measurable evidence suggests that acupuncture effectively alleviates allergies and reduces the need for allergy medications.

Regular acupuncture treatments can naturally relieve allergy symptoms such as:

• runny nose
• Itchy eyes
• Scratching throat
• Inflammation
• Puffy eyes
• Eczema

Since acupuncture aims to improve immunity by circulating the body’s energy, allergy treatment focuses on the front of the body. By stimulating defensive qi in this area, the body can naturally strengthen the immune system and act to reduce the onset of allergic reactions.

Natural treatments for allergies in Philadelphia

Philadelphia Acupuncture Clinic is the leading acupuncture treatment center in Pennsylvania. Our licensed practitioners, led by Victor Tsan, MD, provide traditional acupuncture treatment for various medical ailments, including allergies. Victor Tsan, an internationally recognized physician-homeopath, combines acupuncture with homeopathic treatment to achieve the best healing effectiveness. Philadelphia Acupuncture Clinic is rated one of the three best in the city.

To schedule your appointment for an initial evaluation and natural treatment for allergies, contact us at 267-403-3085 or use our online booking application.