For some people, allergies aren’t just a pesky seasonal annoyance (sorry!)
Let’s get to grips with allergies and home remedies to treat these issues.
Allergies occur when your body’s immune system is hypersensitive to a random substance. This hypersensitivity can result in anything from a mild rash to altogether more serious consequences if left unchecked.
Quick Read:
- Allergies come in all shapes, forms and strengths – and millions of people are susceptible to them.
- Both the environment and your genetics play a role in your vulnerability to allergies.
How do allergies start?
Scientists have identified various types and research suggests various coping mechanisms, but it it is still impossible to explain exactly why your body reacts strangely to milk or you sneeze uncontrollably around certain animals.
First, genetics may play a role in your vulnerability. For example, if one of your parents has a specific type of allergy, you may have it too. If a mother smoked during pregnancy, this could increase the baby’s risk of developing asthma.
Then there’s your environment. Some people develop an allergy to pollen, for instance. What essentially happens is that your immune system goes into overdrive to a harmless substance. For some reason, the immune system identifies it as a dangerous element and defends itself. This typically manifests as sneezing, coughing, itching or a rash.
The most common allergies are rhinitis (hay fever), food and bee stings, as well as those allergies that aggravate asthma, such as pollen and dust.
Hay fever
This is an adverse reaction to small particles of plant or animal protein that invade the sensitive membranes of your eyes, nose and throat. According to the Allergy Foundation of SA, hay fever can be hereditary. Triggers can include household pets, pollen, dust mites and mold. Symptoms can be nasal or non-nasal and include a runny nose, itchy eyes and ears, a blocked nose and sneezing.
The most common treatments are nasal corticosteroid sprays and antihistamines – but always get a proper diagnosis! Use the treatment prescribed by your doctor for your specific symptoms. Keep your environment as dust-free as possible and stay away from furry pets.
Food allergies
Some of the most common food allergies are milk, peanuts, eggs, soy, tree nuts, wheat, fish and shellfish. Always carry your emergency medication with you, especially if you are going out for a meal. If your child has an allergy, let their school and caregiver know how to give them their medication. The same applies if your child is on a playdate at a friend’s house – the parent in charge must know about their allergy. Make it a habit to read food labels and even menu items before eating out. You never know if there are small amounts of allergen in the food.
Insect bite allergies
Insect bite allergies happen when your body overreacts to the saliva or venom from an insect, like a mosquito, bee, or ant. Normally, bites or stings cause mild swelling, redness, or itching. But if you’re allergic, your immune system sees these as a bigger threat, causing more intense reactions like large swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing. Severe reactions, called anaphylaxis, can be life-threatening and you need immediate medical help. Treatment can range from using antihistamines to, in serious cases, carrying an epinephrine auto-injector (like an EpiPen).
Get tested for allergies
It’s a great idea to get tested for potential allergies, so you have a proper diagnosis rather than making assumptions. A doctor will review your medical history, perform a thorough examination and run specific tests to identify the cause of your symptoms. If your child shows similar signs of reactions, it’s worth them being tested as well.
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