All simple Things

Over 2/3 of all homes have pets. Yet, official estimates of those who are allergic to animals reach as high as 10%. That’s a guarantee of a lot of potential allergies. But there are several effective strategies for dealing with those facts.

During much of the year, plants produce pollen. Mold knows no season and may occur anytime. Plants release pollen in order to fertilize other plants. Not all of those particles reach their intended targets. Some enter the airways of people. The same goes for mold, which can find its way into the nose or mouth [...]

Hives (allergic urticaria) are red, itchy bumps near the surface of the skin. Like many other allergies, they are the result of overproduction of histamine. That reaction can be produced by a wide variety of things.

The range of symptoms associated with allergies is as vast as the types of allergic reactions themselves. But several are common. Identifying them correctly is the first step to proper treatment.

An allergy is the result of an overreaction by the body’s immune system in the presence of an allergen. But how does that work, exactly? Knowing that helps one understand what’s happening when you suffer that runny nose, itchy rash or stomach upset.

Two factors are involved in every allergic reaction – the allergen and the person who is sensitive to it.

Very rarely is an allergy life threatening. True, some individuals are so sensitive to wasp venom they can die from a single sting, if not treated promptly. Asthma can have serious effects, as well. But for most, allergies are merely a nuisance. But, oh, what a big nuisance!

There is little good news associated with hearing “you’re allergic”.