allergies

An allergy is a reaction to common substances such as foods, pollen or microorganisms like dust mites. Substances that have no effect on most people can cause reactions from itching and sneezing to hives and anaphylactic shock in sensitive people. Some allergies are merely annoying while others can be life threatening.

Symptoms of Allergies

Allergies can cause a wide range of symptoms.

The symptoms of allergies to plant pollens and dust mites include sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, and in severe conditions, asthmatic attacks as the bronchial tissues constrict.

Migraine - common triggers include dairy products, wheat, chocolate, eggs and oranges

Arthritis - many sufferers are sensitive to foods from the nightshade family, including potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, capsicum and chilli; avoidance of these foods may improve symptoms in some people

Digestive complaints such as flatulence, diarrhoea, constipation or bloating can occur, as well as the fungal infection Candida (also known as thrush)

Skin conditions such as dermatitis

Chronic fatigue syndrome

Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome: bowel conditions which cause symptoms such as diarrhoea and cramping pain, commonly related to stress and allergies

Children can suffer with food allergies from a very young age - conditions such as colic, conjunctivitis, ADD and recurrent ear infections are commonly caused or worsened by underlying food intolerance.

Causes of Allergies

An allergy occurs when someone comes into contact with the irritating substance, called the allergen. The body reacts to the substance by producing histamines, chemicals that stimulate gastric secretions and cause dilation of blood capillaries, constriction of bronchial tissues, and decreased blood pressure.

Diet - eating a food to which your body is intolerant of or sensitive.
Inhaled substances -when the allergen is present in the air you breathe, such as pollen.
Contact allergies, when your skin is sensitive to a substance which touches it, such as dishwashing liquid or jewellery.

One of the most reliable ways of pinpointing food allergens is by keeping a food and symptom diary. This involves writing down everything eaten over a period of several weeks, as well as the symptoms experienced.. Over time, it is possible to see a pattern developing and come to understand whether the symptoms are triggered or aggravated by eating certain foods. Bear in mind that some symptoms may take up to 48 hours to develop after the allergen has been eaten.

Other than food, different factors in the environment can trigger many types of allergic reactions. From dust mite to dry cleaning fluids, pollution to pollen, the environment can be hazardous to those who are sensitive.

If your hay fever or sinusitis occurs at the same time of year, every year, it is likely that you are allergic to pollen or other plant matter that is present in the air during that season. Sneezing, a runny nose and headaches may also indicate that you are inhaling a substance to which you are allergic. Doctors can test patients for allergens with skin scratch tests if you are unsure which substance is creating the problem. However, avoiding that stimulus may be harder than identifying the offending substance.

Contact allergies normally take the form of skin conditions, such as dermatitis, which occur on the area of the skin that has been exposed to the allergen. If you are exposed to chemicals during the course of your work, you may develop a contact allergen. This is very common amongst hairdressers, dishwashers and those working with industrial chemicals. Protective clothing such as gloves should be used whenever possible.

Remedies for Allergies

Once you have an idea of which foods you are allergic to, avoid them strictly for a period of two weeks and continue to record your symptoms. After this time, challenge your body by eating a small portion of the food, and observe whether the symptoms return or worsen.

Many people find that after the re-introduction of the food, their symptoms are stronger than they were before.

Natural therapies for Allergies

Avoid common allergy-causing foods such as chocolate, milk, cheese, eggs, wheat, gluten (a protein found in wheat and other grains), artificial flavourings and colourings, and peanut butter. For natural therapies to relieve the symptoms listed above, check the specific condition e.g. migraine.

Allergy Facts