Are your eyes itchy, nose is running, you're sneezing, and you're covered in hives? In that case the most well-known enemy, “SEASONAL ALLERGY” has attacked you. It is the allergy season again, and allergy being a very prevalent problem, freedom from this situation is like a dream. 

There is a great misunderstanding that allergies are caused by allergens, they are actually caused by an unusual reaction of our body’s weak immune system to things that are usually not harmful to a healthy body like various allergens such as pollen, dust, cat dander, mites, and several more. 

In an effort to defend the body from that allergen, the immune system produces antibodies called Histamine. The histamine then acts on a person's eyes, nose, throat, lungs, skin, or gastrointestinal tract and causes the symptoms of the allergic reaction. Future exposure to that same allergen will activate this antibody response again. 

Therefore, treating symptoms or avoiding the allergen is the first step towards instant relief. The permanent cure would be to strengthen the body's immune and defense system.

Causes of Allergy:

  • Dust mites, mold and mildew
  • Animal dander and pollen from grass, flowers and trees
  • Insect bites and stings
  • Latex, cosmetics, laundry detergent, dyes, household cleaners and pesticides

Symptoms of Allergy:

  • Sneezing, itching and irritation of nose (stuffy or runny nose), ears, throat & skin
  • Cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath
  • Skin rashes
  • Throat hoarseness with soreness
  • Headaches and / or heart palpitations
  • Fatigue, joint aches, muscle pains
  • Stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

Treatment:

Treatment of allergies depend on the severity of the symptoms. There are several ways to treat an allergy which includes medications, home remedies as well as alternative medicines (Ayurvedic or Homeopathic).

15 self care measures/tips to follow:

  • Keep family pets out of certain rooms, like your bedroom, and bathe them often. 
  • Remove carpets or rugs from your room (hard floor surfaces don't collect dust as much as carpets do). 
  • Get rid of items like heavy drapes that allow dust to build up. 
  • Clean your house very frequently. 
  • Use special plastic covers to seal pillows and mattresses if you're allergic to dust mites. 
  • If you're allergic to pollen, keep windows closed and use AC’s. Don’t use fans since they can stir up dust.
  • Change your clothing after being outdoors and air out damp clothes and shoes before storing.
  • Don’t leave wet clothes in the washer, remove them promptly.
  • Don’t hang clothes out in the backyard to dry, as pollen and molds may collect in them. 
  • Keep damp areas such as basements, garages and bathrooms clean and dry.
  • Don't allow smoking in your house or in your car. 
  • Make sure there is an exhaust fan over the stove to remove cooking fumes. 
  • Use a tissue and blow your nose when you feel a sneeze coming on. You want to make sure you're spreading the germs to others around you.
  • Keeping your hands clean is crucial to avoid getting sick. Wash your hands often with soap and clean water. If soap and water are unavailable, then use a hand sanitizer.
  • Stay well hydrated. Water hydrates you and prevents sneezing triggered by dried nasal passages. Water flushes out the toxins, cleanses the body and offers relief. Consult a General Physician on Practo now if you have had prolonged symptoms of nose congestion and sneezing. Stay Warm, Stay Fit, Stay Healthy!