Allergies

Millions of people around the world suffer from allergies and its resultant symptoms. Allergic reactions are as simple as the fact that if you find yourself sniffing in the summertime or sneezing while spring cleaning, it may be because you are allergic to something in the air. Many people never bother to seek a definite medical diagnosis for their allergies, because these may not be serious enough, and may not require medical treatment. As many allergic reactions can be fatal, it is a wonder why most people are not worried about what they could be allergic from. For most of us who sniffle and sneeze our way through life our symptoms just doesn’t bother us much. However for many millions of people in the world these same symptoms and reactions to substances and these allergies may seriously interfere with their ability to enjoy life and may prove to be fatal in cases, hindering them in many ways in the course of their lives. Naturally such people usually want some form of treatment, perhaps an over-the-counter remedy, which might possibly help them lead a normal life. There are also a few people, for whom allergy is a serious, and a very dangerous condition that needs expert medical attention and constant vigilance in order to prevent a life threatening allergic reaction, due to some allergen. The diagnosis of allergies has however been very hard even though they are quite common and many people seem to be affected. Because allergies may often be mistaken for other chronic and debilitating conditions such as digestive and intestinal failures, a proper diagnosis must first take care of correctly pointing out the cause.

Almost all complaints of allergies by patients to their doctors contain the following symptoms:

Most symptoms seem to be respiratory or nasal in provenance and mostly of the type associated with a head cold or reactions such as hay fever – these may include watery eyes, a running nose and uncontrollable sneezing, other problems such as those that have to do with the sinuses and things like headaches manifested in a pain in the forehead. There could be shortness in breath and wheezing-especially during exhalation and things like tightness in the chest, and a hard time exhaling properly. Though a variety of other conditions may cause these, they are in fact the typical symptoms of asthma. Though there is not always a connection between asthma and allergy. Other symptoms of allergy are very itchy hives or rashes, and other irritations of the skin. One of the first things the person will suspect will be a food allergy or skin sensitivity to a chemical substance, perhaps something as common as suntan lotion. Other symptoms may be internal and include diarrhea, chronic indigestion, and sudden feelings of nausea. The first suspicion of the patient is usually some form of food allergy. Symptoms may include headache, irritability, and physical fatigue. A suspicion may arise in the person that something in the food or in the air has caused these symptoms to appear.

Many patients suffering from symptoms of an allergy may not necessarily make the connection, and it is because most symptoms that come along with allergies are the ones that are at the top of the list in given above. Such symptoms as fatigue, recurrent headaches, or a feeling of jumpiness probably would not make the person suspect that they have an allergy since there are a variety of reasons and conditions that can bring these out in the human body and understandably most people will not approach an allergy specialist for these. However it is now very much in medical thinking that a variety of such symptoms may in fact be caused by a reaction to an allergen or an allergy like condition and the resultant physical and internal intolerance of the body to certain substances.

Very fortunately most sufferers from allergies do seem to indicate a common pattern in the symptoms and the development history of the allergy and therefore a medical practitioner is able to give a quick and ready diagnosis of the reasons behind most allergies by the simple expedient of asking the correct questions at the right time, such an approach can also lead to a rapid identification of the allergen causing the allergy. And hence time and effort are not wasted in the diagnosis and the treatment offered by the doctor handling the case, this has been possible because of the number of people making complaints about allergies and what could be learnt from their case histories.

If both your parents suffered from any form of allergy or reacted badly to certain types of allergens, then the chances of your suffering from such allergic reactions are increased, there is therefore a genetic and an inherited component in the development of allergies. For example respiratory allergic reactions typically will have symptoms and certain physical signs that indicate allergy including swollen, darkened eyes, where eyes become almost black. Patterns may also be identified by the person who is allergic, by seeing the same symptoms appear again and repeat themselves as they suffer through the allergic reaction. This is usually the first clue that tells a person that they are allergic to some specific substance or stimulus. Especially in cases where the allergy may have a seasonal component, may come on when they are in a particular area or when they eat certain food stuff’s. Therefore the substance known as antihistamines are prescribed by doctor’s and this tells the person may have had an allergic reaction to some foreign substance, antihistamines and similar chemicals block allergic reactions and aid in minimizing the reactions and the symptoms that come with allergies, when a particular symptom is identified it becomes very probable that some allergen is involved in manufacturing it. That is the reason that our knowledge about allergens and allergies has largely come into the picture because of the evidence gathered from the trials and the errors involved in people who have developed allergies.

The immune system is the part of the body that triggers the allergic reaction in a person, it is the job of the immune system to recognize and fight against the allergen, and the external factor that brings on the reaction, it is a very complex system and is the first to recognize the presence of allergens inside the body. The onset of an allergic reaction can therefore be said to be a mistake made by the body’s defenses in identification and control, nonetheless the body reacts immediately and vigorously, to at times seemingly very harmless substances. A good example, is that of a family cat, where most members in a family may not react to a cat except a daughter who may react violently after a few weeks or months passes and may begin to sneeze and wheeze anytime she is around the cat, in this case this person has suffered an allergic reaction to the cat dander and her immune system has for some reason recognized a substance that is seemingly harmless to everyone else as being an irritant. She, is therefore sensitive to cat dander. For some inexplicable reason her body reacts to the harmless cat hair as if the substance were pneumonia bacteria or even some other life threatening substance, this is how allergies develop. Her immunity has gone haywire.

The immune system has thus made a mistake and the allergic reactions are the products of that mistake, these reactions of the immune system, seem to appear from the body's protective reaction to ward off parasites. In fact parasites and allergens are fought off by the immune system in very similar ways. Essentially a large production of antibodies called immunoglobulins E (IgE) is begun in the body. Other types of immune reactions lead to the production of different classes of substances.

People in underdeveloped countries are very susceptible and face exposure to a wide array of pathogens that is why the production of IgE has a protective value. The production of IgE is the issue for the young person we have talked about, in her allergy to cats. The first signs of an allergy are usually not evident and there are no visible symptoms, and this stage of allergy development is called sensitization as the body is undergoing the first immunological reactions. Unfortunately, her immune system is developing the first signs of an immunological reaction and a lot of IgE antibody molecules are being actively produced inside her. The mast cells in the bone marrow are the places these antibodies attach themselves to, these mast cells are part of the connective tissue in the body, and they are heavily distributed especially near the small blood vessels in the tissue that lines such organs like the skin and the intestines, this tissue is known physiologically as the epithelial tissue. A type of white blood cell or WCB also known as a basophils, is the vehicle that the antibody uses for transport as they can penetrate the small blood vessels, these then form around the foreign particles to destroy it.

The mast cells and basophils are where the antibodies are now attached and these in turn resemble more and more, mobile grenades fully provided with ammunition, which includes such biological additives such as the anti-allergic substance histamine and a variety of allergy alleviators. For this allergy to begin, it needs a trigger of a new invasion from the allergen, the activators of this allergic reactions from the cat dander, which will eventually set off and activate those grenades which would in the course of time set off the dangerous symptoms and evidences for cat allergy and the reactions produced the following symptoms are the typical results which include a burning the eyes, symptoms of sneezing and other attendant cold type of symptoms. This stage is characterized by the appearance of serious and acute symptoms and is considered the second stage of the allergic process, within the human body.

The design of the IgE antibodies is tuned to recognize and attach to the specific allergen that is the cause of their beginning. The Y –shaped IgE molecules resemble all other antibodies in being typically a known shape; that is that their bases are attached to the basophil cells or as they are known; the mast cells, and they have the arms extending outward as is typical. A cascade of substances is released when the incoming foreign bodies trigger and attach themselves to at least two IgE bodies, thus beginning the allergic reaction and resultant symptoms. Histamine is the most important of these substances; it is active in the dilation of blood vessels and brings about shock in very extreme cases. Shock, besides brining about a redness in the affected part, it’s release can also severely impair normal breathing because of it’s constriction of the bronchial tubes and at the same time it can unduly irritates nerve endings, causing much pain and itching sensations, all these reactions can bring about the increase in the production of mucus in the respiratory system, thus these symptoms are very informative while at the same time causing itching and pain; and stimulating the production of mucus in the respiratory system. It is therefore important to remember why histamine is so well studied in the development of an anti allergic drug.

The study of histamine is very important considering it’s harmful effect on most parasites and has been considered indispensable ever since the plague of worms and their regular identification inside the human body. The effectiveness of histamine within the human body is extremely well researched and since histamine is also known to be toxic to most human internal parasites, those who are active in the field of parasitic worms consider its study very expedient.

There is late-phase reaction in the history of allergy development, a delayed, sometimes prolonged period of immune activity also considered to be the third stage in the process of the allergen’s reaction to the human body. Other types of WBC’s or the so called eosinophils play a major role in this stage, these eosinophils play a role by way of an elevated eosinophil count which can help to diagnose the presence of an allergic reaction in the human body. Damaged tissue and inflammation are caused by the two kinds of basophils and eosinophils, along with other types of white blood cells in the region of the allergic reaction.

As an allergen, this may thus cause an acute asthma attack once it reaches the vicinity of the lungs. Any foreign substance capable of causing an immune system reaction is called an antigen, the reaction of the immune system to this particle or organism is what produces antibodies within the human body. Therefore special types of allergens are known antigens and they almost always cause an allergic reaction within the human body. As such very common allergens may be things that are quite abundant in the living space, things that include animal dander, pollen from flowers, bee venom if stung, from humid areas; mold spores, and different foods-stuffs and medications, including common items such as penicillin and peanuts.

Most antigens and thus the allergens have to find their way into the human body as invaders, in order to affect their human host’s. The conjunctiva-the tissue that lines the eye’s and the skin are very hard to penetrate, and they offer very solid protection against the antigen. Any reactions that the molecules of the allergen may have, for example cat dander with the skin are very limited and localized reactions, that is if there is any effect in the first place, the only symptoms the first time might be a slight rash and feelings of itchiness. Antibody formation can however be easily engendered by the use of different types of chemical compounds, which seem to penetrate the skin and travel through the body sensitizing it for antibody production, substances such as antibiotic creams often used topically may easily sensitize and cause antibody formation and consequent allergic reactions. Therefore an allergic reaction may later be experienced due to this usually in the form of a rash or fever or types of allergic manifestations.

Access into the human body is very easily made through the respiratory and alimentary tracts by potential allergens and antigenic particles. Therefore the antigens or particulate matter breathed in or swallowed can very easily affect whole of the respiratory tract starting from the nose to the pulmonary system and even the alimentary canal up to the intestines starting from the lips. The causes of hay fever for example, is simple ragweed pollen which can be breathed in through the nose accidentally by a person very sensitive to the matter besides the incident hay-fever. Asthma can also be provoked and started through the presence of animal dander just as hay-fever can when an allergic reaction has set in.

The bloodstream is the main transport system used by the allergen molecules in their escape from the confines of other systems by which they may have gained entry. Therefore hives and rashes may be activated by allergens present in food when they stimulate mast cells in the skin. A widespread reaction in the body may moreover, brought about by the histamine and other chemicals produced during an allergy.

One case study has shown that in some rare cases, an allergen reach and cause difficulties even in the liver and kidneys and other remote organs from the site of reaction. Penicillin the common antibiotic was being administered to a patient in a large metropolitan hospital, for streptococcus infection, the patient consequently developed a fever, a rash came on, and there was blood in the urine. Which simply meant that the patient had developed an allergic sensivity to penicillin and hence kidney failure resulted. When prednisone, which is a steroid medication, used in the reduction of swellings and suppressing the immune system during allergy reaction was substituted instead of penicillin, renal function was restored.

Supplements and herbs

The following supplements given below are to be taken from early spring to the time of the first frost for seasonal allergies. Try substituting quercetin in the place of over the counter medications, this substance is a flavonoid that inhibits histamine release without any attendant side effect, this is in direct contrasts to many medications that simply block the effect of histamine during an allergic reaction. This substance combined with the herb nettle is effective against sneezing, the allergic manifestation of itching, and nasal passages that become swollen.

Immune system supporting substances like vitamin A and vitamin C are extremely useful. Besides it’s anti-inflammatory activity vitamin C, is also the main antioxidant in the cells of the respiratory passages, and has active antihistamine effects. Nasal congestion may be greatly reduced by the B vitamin (pantothenic acid) in combination. Along with traditional medications that deal with symptomatic relief, it is advisable to take these three nutrients during allergy season.

In order to open the respiratory passages during severe cases of hay fever, ephedra -(ma huang) may be very effective. However it is not advisable to use ephedra with over the counter anti-histamines and decongestants it is only to be used in combination with quercetin and nettle. Sleeplessness or insomnia may be induced by the usage of ephedra. People with heart disease, hypertension, or diabetes should avoid using it in any form or combination.

Aromatherapy

Commonly used essential oils for allergies:

• Patchouli

Homeopathy

An experienced homeopathic practitioner is usually the best guide to the remedies given here, especially when they fit the individual, in the form of a holistic constitutional remedy which in due course will gradually help a person overcome the problems in his or her system.

• Arsenicum album
  Arsenicum album is to be prescribed and is considered useful only for people who feel restless, ill and exhausted in combination with a high sensitivity to various substances and foods. Common reactions in such people are asthma and digestive disorders including vomiting and diarrhea. People who feel a frequent burning sensation and are relieved only by warmth, and enjoy small sips of water frequently can be prescribed this regimen. Neatness, details and the maintenance of order may obsess the person who needs Arsenicum, who will also have a strong tendency towards feelings of anxiety.
• Calcarea carbonica
  Calcarea carbonica is a prescription for people who become fatigued and overwhelmed, and were previously often helpful and responsible, even very steady people who have become anxious and may display phobias such as a fear of heights or sudden feelings of claustrophobia. A low stamina, clammy hands and feeling cold distinguishes such persons. Symptoms such as gas and heartburn are common digestive complaints in these people especially with regard to grains and dairy products. They are easily tired from even minor exertions and there may be a swelling of the lymph nodes and the tonsils, and the heavy sweats in the head region while asleep. Other physical signs may include besides the craving for sweets, things such as back pain, dizziness, and nightmares at night. Aspirin may bring on an extra reaction in such individuals.
• Calcarea phosphorica
  Calcarea phosphorica is to be prescribed when the symptoms include headaches and general irritability besides the craving for “junk foods” and other oily preparations and the appearance of stomach and abdominal pains. Sensitivity to cold weather and physical signs such as a stiffness in the neck and back and leg cramps are usually encountered. A strong desire for change and dissatisfaction with the prevailing circumstances may mark the person and in addition a tendency to complain under fatigue and problems with health may appear in the person. Picky children who are restless and whiny, during growth can be aided greatly by this prescription, including those very particular about food and with constant headaches at school.
• Carbo vegetabilis
  Carbo vegetabilis is useful to people who react strongly to foods or substances with resulting weakness, a feeling of faintness, being chilled and cold, and various digestive problems. Frequent burping and flatulence and physical signs of bloating are usual. The person may constantly desire cold and invigorating air even when breathing may be difficult for him or her and even when they obviously feel cold. The person may show signs of insecurity and may be very demanding and easily upset and these signs can worsen in the evenings and are shown with a lot of feeling towards the members of the family.
• Gelsemium
  Gelsemium is a prescription for allergic reactions resembling flu-like symptoms and may include sudden weakness, trembling, aching muscles, droopy-looking eyes, and chills along the spine in the patient. Pain in the muscles of the neck and severe headaches in the back of the head are physical signs. An internal shakiness with weakness and illness may mark the person who needs this remedy. The person may become mentally and physically agitated and feel under pressure to perform during things like exams, public speaking engagements and other social gatherings, and may not take well to bad news.
• Hepar sulphuris
  Hepar sulphuris is a prescription for extremely irritable and touchy people who are at the same time oversensitive to stimuli and react strongly to various substances, and often react badly to a exposures to cold weather or drafts. Such people may develop various skin problems, ear infections, or as a result of the allergy respiratory problems with yellow discharges which are foul smelling and sour or cheese like in odor. Public engagements may be their greatest fear since they feel so vulnerable. Anger and despair about the state of their health are common signs in such people.
• Lycopodium
  Lycopodium is to be used as a prescription in people with allergy problems and manifestations such as heartburn, gas, a rumbling abdomen and discomfort. Hunger typifies this person but the person quickly gets bloated from eating even a very small serving. By missing meals the person feels weak and at the same time fatigue or drowsiness develops after eating. The symptoms worsen in the evening starting in the late afternoon. Discomfort on the right side of the body, a glazed and chronic worried look, a craving for sweets, a preference for warm drinks, distinguishes the person.
• Natrum carbonicum
  Natrum carbonicum is to be used for people on a restricted diet with digestive problems including the difficulty in assimilating many kinds of food stuffs. A variety of food stuffs may bring on indigestion, heartburn, and even ulcers when eaten. Diarrhea that can often empty the stomach can lead from eating milk and other dairy products, which may also bring on flatulence. There is a craving for milk products and sweets and even potatoes, which usually leads to sickness. These persons may prefer to be alone and resting, although often pretending to be cheerful and considerate and they are sensitive to changes in weather and temperatures, as well as food stuffs.
• Natrum muriaticum
  Natrum muriaticum is to be used as a prescription for people who react to allergens in many physical ways for example with headaches, and mouth sores, and hay fever like symptoms, along with other respiratory problems, including back pain, and fatigue. These symptoms like asthma may worsen in the early evening and in the late mornings and the early afternoons the headaches may worsen. These signs such as a weakness and headache can result from long exposure to the sun. Psychologically these people have deep feelings but are usually reserved, disliking consolation when ill or upset. The sign that this remedy should be used is a craving for salt and a very strong thirst.
• Nux moschata
  Nux moschata to be used as a prescription for people who react strongly to chemical or allergen exposure by becoming absent minded and are overcome by a feeling of sleepiness, dizziness and become progressively giddy. Characteristic symptoms include a very dry mouth, dry eyes, and a sense of numbness in all the extremities of the body and a feeling of weight on the chest. The other signs are joint pains and recurrent constipation of the bowels.
• Nux vomica
  Nux vomica to be prescribed to people subject to cramping pains, irritability and the cold. Other physical signs may include an over sensitivity to substances manifested through can lead to many bodily pains such as headaches, a runny nose, shortness of breath, presence of heartburn, stomach ailments, constipation, chronic back pain, and even insomnia. Other signs for its use is shown by behavior such as people becoming irritable and impatient, having problems relaxing and are generally short tempered and show signs of frustration. Escape may be sought in a variety of stimulants, like alcohol, tobacco, sweets, and strong foods, which they may crave but which will probably worsen their condition. The patients may also be very sensitive to harsh noises, light and strong smells.
• Petroleum
  Petroleum to be prescribed to people who can become extremely sensitive automotive and industrial exhaust, typical reactions may include headaches, shivering and diarrhea, even a sudden emptiness inside translated into nausea. The patient may display signs of anxiety, disorientation and confusion on exposure to toxins. Skin may sometimes show signs of eczema especially on the palms and the fingers, becoming cracked and inflamed.
• Phosphorus
  Phosphorus is to be used as a prescription in people who are often excitable, and have an active imagination, and are very sensitive to impressions, displaying very strong anxieties and fears. Other physical problems they may display may be a strong reaction to many foods and substances symptoms including tiredness, feeling spent and dizzy, along with headaches and nausea, signs like nosebleeds, respiratory problems and even diarrhea. The symptoms may be minimized through regularity in eating and sleeping and may worsen if the patient misses meal times. Other indications for phosphorus use are craving for ice cold drinks, ice cream, and chilled foods.
• Silicea
  Silicea is to be used as a remedial measure in individuals with a low stamina, who are sensitive to substances and are prone to fatigue. The health of the patients and their susceptibility to infection may be high symptoms like colds, sore throats, and swollen lymph nodes being common complaints. Sweaty feet with a foul odor, thinning hair and tender skin, nails which are weak and brittle are often the physical signs in such persons, stubbornness is a trait in people who need this remedy although they usually display signs of nervousness, shyness and seem refined, and fragility. They may crave sweets, and moderate exercise can easily excite them, silicea is the remedy in these cases.

What else you can do

Staying inside the house with the windows closed can prevent allergies from pollen when pollen counts are high in the air. The car must have an effective filter and an air-conditioner and these must be cleaned regularly. Things that can collect dust and dirt like carpets must be avoided, washable furniture slipcovers should be used. Launder bedding weekly with steaming hot water and encase mattresses and pillows in allergy-proof covers. Regularly wipe damp areas to prevent the mold growth and dust regularly as there is a chance of dust mites multiplying.

Usual dosage

• Nettle, take on an empty stomach 250 mg three times daily . Standardized to contain at least 1% herb silica.
• Ephedra, 130 mg standardized extract three times daily. If you have anxiety, heart disease, high blood pressure, or take an MAO inhibitor, do not use it.
• Vitamin A, 10,000 IU daily. Pregnant women should not exceed 5,000 IU daily.
• Vitamin C, 1,000 mg three times daily. If diarrhea develops, reduce the dose.
• Quercetin, 500 mg two times daily. Take about 20 minutes before meals.
• Pantothenic acid, 500 mg three times daily. Take with food.

For kids

See age-appropriate dosages of herbal remedies

The Chinese herb astragalus (botanical name-Astragalus membranaceous) can help build overall health and strengthen the body. One month before hay fever season you should give your child one dose daily as a precautionary step. For your attention: if signs of an infection or fever exist then this herb should not be given. Children who have chronic allergies, can be given a dose twice to thrice a day, from five days to a week of a combination formula of the herbs Echinacea and goldenseal for an enhanced immune system.
Attention: Echinacea on a daily basis for more than ten days at a time, loses its effectiveness and should not be given to a child, for relief from nasal and sinus congestion, prepare a fenugreek and thyme tea and give your child one dose of this tea, twice a day, as these herbs are mild decongestants. A runny nose can be cured by garlic, it is bactericidal, and an odorless form, in capsules can be given to children one capsule, twice a day. Or alternately the contents of the capsule can be dissolved in warm water or soup and taken as a liquid meal. The adrenal glands can be strengthened by licorice. Licorice and astragalus in combination can be used with children before the hay fever season in single doses daily for two weeks.
Attention: children with a high blood pressure should not be given this herb. The herb ma huang is very effective in relieving nasal congestion and in fact the original source for decongestant pseudo ephedrine substance-commonly called Sudafed, dosage for children must be for up to three days in a tea, drunk at least twice a day.
An increased heart rate and active stimulation of the nervous system can be resultant from its use in the body. This herb cannot be used after three pm and must not be given to a child under thirteen. Another herb minor bupleurum can help to strengthen the immune system, and can be used with children with chronic allergies, dosage maybe one dose, twice a day, at least two weeks out of every month. Continue for three months.
Children with a fever or any other sign of an acute infection must not be given minor bupleurum. For drying out the sinuses nettle can be used and is highly effective in a freeze-dried form for chronic allergies especially allergic rhinitis. Dosage can be given to the child thrice a day, for three to four days. Attention: nettle can easily upset the stomach and cause indigestion in some children. Stop using the herb immediately if this happens. For children under four years of age, this herb should not be used.

More useful herbs

• Acerola
• Avens
• Catnip
• Devil's Claw
• Chen-Pi
• Elder
• Eyebright
• Feverfew
• Goldenrod
• Horehound
• Horseradish
• Lemon Balm
• Reishi
• Rooibos
• Turmeric
• Visnaga