When a person is allergic to foods or inhalants, such as dust or chemicals, those allergens set off an allergic response that eventually results in an irritation of the lining and muscles in the lungs.

Most doctors are well aware that the allergic process will manifest itself to target several of our organs, be it the digestive tract, the skin, or the nervous system.

Therefore, it comes as no surprise that what we call gastritis may result, in part, from an allergic reaction targeted at the digestive tract, or that what we call arthritis may be an allergic reaction targeted at the joints.

The same is true of asthma. What we call an asthmatic attack may be an allergic reaction targeted at the lungs.

Do you know that there are lots of “hidden” allergies that are so hard to detect and control. It is the negative reaction to a given food that may not occur until several days after contact.

Therefore, it is our body’s biochemistry which is the first suspect to our asthmatic allergic process.

There are different types of allergies. IgE-mediated allergies, allergies to common grasses, pollens, molds, and dander.

The IgE also known as Immunoglobin E allergy antibody was discovered in 1967. According to Dr Alfred Zamm, he mentioned that the body’s defense system mistakenly recognizes an allergen as an enemy, a foreign substance, as something that must be eliminated quickly.

He said, “The immune system starts churning out a special kind of antibody to neutralize or annihilate the invaders, just as though they were disease germs. Now the body is “sensitized,” primed for the next invasion. (If it doesn’t come, the antibodies diminish in number; that’s why the longer one can stay away from an offending substance, the better.)

Now the allergen particles reappear. Whenever an antigen meets its specific antibody, they lock together like two magnets. One effect is that the small blood vessels dilate; another is that some of the specialized mast cells to release histamine that circulates and settles all over the body, and those sues that are particularly sensitive react, swelling and stimulating surrounding nerves, causing itching, burning, redness, and all the uncomfortable symptoms associated with an allergic reaction.

If the reacting organ is the skin, its blood vessels and cells–now swollen, distorted, Broken down, and oozing their contents–appear as a rash. If it happens in the mucus lining of the nose, sinuses, or tracheobronchial tree, the glands produce surplus mucus, which the victim attempts to get rid of by coughing, sneezing, or nose blowing.”

You may be particularly sensitive to other substances but other antibodies are still poorly understood. Most food allergies are not IgE-mediated and attention is not paid to them in adults.

Do you know that other substances, to which you may be sensitive, such as chemical and automotive fumes, formaldehyde, perfumes, natural gas, and petrochemical products not mediated by this antibody, are also often not acknowledged by conventional allergists?

Some people with asthma know that they are chemically sensitive, especially if they have connected the onset of their asthma with the sensitivity. Whether these are “true” allergies or not, the outcome is exactly the same.

That’s why the question is to what you are allergic to, still continues to puzzle most asthmatics.

About the Author
Eddy K. Elton is the author of 17 Minutes Asthma and Allergy Secrets ebook. Drop by at Asthma Relieving Techniques for more details.

Dermatis is the inflammation of skin. It is generally a rash resulting from contact with metals, chemicals, rubber, plants, and pets. Symptoms of dermatis are redness, swelling, burning, stinging, itching, and blisters. These symptoms generally appear on the face and hands.

Prickly heat can result in a rash that appears for no apparent reason. It can be itchy, and generally goes a way in a few days. Some people do not even feel it, but other notice it. This is common in small children who take medication for seasonal allergies. Often, the back is the only area to break out.

Uritcaria settles in the middle of the skin. It is caused by eating a food you are allergic to or a side effect of taking a medication. The area often looks burned because it is light red on the outer edges, and very red in the middle.

Hives are red and itchy blotches. There are 2 types of hives. Acute hives last up to 6 weeks. They are caused by food allergies, medications, bug bites, and signs of diseases. Chronic hives are not very common. The last indefinitely, on and off over long periods of time. The cause is not known. Some doctors believe them to be stress related.

Skin allergies can be embarrassing and painful. They are time consuming to treat. It is recommended that you see a dermatologist for any skin discomfort. They can treat it with over the counter products such as Benedryl, cortisone creams, and allergy shots.

Peanut allergies are said to be the worst. Not only do they cause the most severe symptoms, peanut oil is used in so many foods that the number of items that the person has to avoid can be very long. Last year, a teenage girl died. She had gone to the library to study with friends. Her boyfriend had eaten a peanut butter sandwich after school before joining them. He gave her a goodbye kiss at the library, and the reaction from the peanut oil swelled her throat shut. While it sounds extremely, sadly such occurrences do take place.

Very young children can have food allergies. It is recommended that you attach a list of any food allergies securely to the diaper bag. This will be a constant reminder to friends, family, and childcare providers. It is important children with food allergies are aware of the reasons why they can’t have certain foods. This will remind them to make the right food choices at school. It is important that your child’s principal and teachers know about the allergies as well. Often there are class parties, and if your child is tempted to eat food they are allergic to, the teacher can remind them.

While there is no cure for food allergies that we know of, properly learning about such food allergies and working with a qualified doctor can help you find ways to control them. It is important if you or a family member has a food allergy that you make it know to those you are frequently in contact with. This includes co-workers, family, friends, neighbors, and daycare providers. This will help them learn about the issue as well as be able to get medical attention to you if the situation arises. The fact that they are able to let medical professionals know you have such food allergies can make all the difference in h how fast they are able to administer treatment.

If you want to keep your dog, but reduce the effects it has on you, a HEPA filter might be beneficial. It removes particles from the air. This will reduce the amount of dander around your home. Vacuum your carpet daily and your curtains monthly. This will reduce the dander in your home as well. Some people believe washing their dog daily will fight dander. That is not true. In fact, the more you bathe your dog, the more dander will appear. You should only wash your dog about once a month. If these things don’t reduce your symptoms enough to make you comfortable, consult your doctor about allergy shots or medications.

If you already suffer from allergies, but want to get a dog, consider a breed that sheds their skin slowly including poodles and schnauzers. The breeds that shed their skin the fastest and should be avoided include cocker spaniels and basket hounds. You might also consider getting an outdoor dog. This will reduce the symptoms you feel while in your home.

Allergies from your dog can be a nuisance, but they can be controlled by following these simple tips to make your home more agreeable with your allergies. Feeding your dog quality dog food can also reduce dander particles because it keeps their coat shiny and healthy.

There are several things you can do to make your allergy symptoms lessen so you will be able to keep your cat. The allergen is the dander from the cat that compiles around your house in the bedding, curtains, and on the furniture. Since most of us spend at least 6 hours per night in our bed, it only makes sense to stop letting your cat on your bed. This will eliminate pet dander while you are resting. It is also recommended that you shower before bed to remove any pet dander that may be on you before getting into bed. You may want to take it a step further, to not allow your cat in your bedroom at all. This will offer you a safe retreat when your allergy symptoms are flaring up.

If you have cat allergies, change your bedding weekly. Vacuum your carpets daily, and wash your curtains at least once a month. These things will all greatly remove the amount of dander in your home. Your vacuum should have a HEPA filter for best results.

Keeping yourself healthy is the important thing, but hanging on to your cat is also important. Following the basic steps listed here as well as talking to your doctor about allergy shots and medications should allow you to feel good and keep that beloved feline.

Symptoms of allergies vary by person. They are classified by degree of severity, including mild, moderate, and severe allergic reactions. While there is no cure for allergies, they can be treated. Most people experience only mild symptoms. They may include watery eyes, itchy skin, a runny nose, coughing, and hives. This type of allergy can be controlled by using an antihistamine. There are several over the counter available, as well as those you can only get with a prescription. You can help reduce the affects by remaining indoors during that time of year. You may also want to consider getting an allergy shot.

While very rare, they are a serious matter. Generally these are the result of food allergies. Peanuts, milk, and eggs are the most common. Symptoms include swelling of the face, abdominal pain, cramps, hives, and angioedema which are hives inside the throat. It is important to seek immediate medical attention for symptoms of a severe allergic reaction. Often a shot can help offset the reaction. The hives and rashes take longer to go away. They can be reduced by using a cortisone cream.

Pet allergies are very difficult to control. It may take up to 2 years exposure to an animal to develop and allergic reaction. In addition, it can take months after you have stopped being around that animal or their dander for the symptoms to stop. This makes it hard to pinpoint the animal as they allergen because you can be fine for years, then it develops. Most people think as soon as you are away from the animal it should stop. When it doesn’t they believe it must be something else causing the allergy, so they go back to their routine of interacting with that animal.

An interesting allergy is to latex. The material is often used in gloves many people use to clean their homes. The skin often turns red and itchy. For people with asthma, a latex allergy can be life threatening because it can block the airways.

Some people have a severe allergy to insects, especially those with stingers. They may require medical attention to receive a shot of epinephrine.