Allergies and Children Health Issues

Have you ever stepped outside, snuggled up with a pet, or come across a perfume that suddenly had your eyes itching, your nose stuffy and a feeling that your head was going to explode? You may suffer from allergies. Allergy sufferers must continuously watch where they go, what they eat and even who they can be around. It can be a life-long struggle revolving around different medicines. This article will address some of the common questions about allergies that you might have.

What is an allergy?

An allergy is a reaction to a particular substance by your immune system. Most people may never be affected by a particular allergen or substance but in some people the presence of the allergen begins to trigger a series of reactions from the immune system. The result can be itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, throat swelling and can go from there depending on the severity of the reaction. Some allergic reactions can be dangerous and can result in death if treatment is not received in time.

What are some common allergies people suffer from?

There are a few common allergies that roughly 20% of people suffer from. These are allergies to pollen, grass, pets and dust. There are also people who suffer from food allergies such as peanuts, eggs, shellfish, and even dairy. Allergies can vary according to each person so it is important to be tested to find out exactly what outside allergen can set off an attack in you.

Are allergies dangerous?

In some allergy sufferers the worst symptom or reaction is itchy, watery eyes and maybe a stuffy nose. But there are some people who have immune systems that react very vehemently and the attack can become life threatening. That is why it is very important to know what you are allergic to and know how to avoid it. Some of the more severe allergic reactions happen to bee stings, accidentally ingesting something or inhaling a huge quantity of the allergen and having a severe allergic reaction. Most ingestible allergens can cause the throat to swell, thus restricting the airway. Airborne allergens can cause an asthma attack where the lungs struggle to intake oxygen.

If I am allergic to a certain food and accidentally ingest one, what can I do?

Most people who suffer severe food allergies carry something called an Epi Pen in case they go into anaphylactic shock. It really isn't a pen but rather is shaped similar to one. It is actually a one time shot of epinephrine that is administered as soon as it is realized that you are going into an anaphylactic shock and that you are in danger.

What types of medications are used to treat allergy sufferers?

Many allergy sufferers can get by with taking an over the counter medication to either help prevent an attack or help ease the symptoms. In some cases a doctor will prescribe a steroid based medicine in order to help strengthen the lungs and may include a prescription for an inhaler if an asthma attack were to occur.

What are some common prescription and non-prescription allergy medications?

The most common prescription for people who suffer seasonal allergies is Nasonex, Allegra or Clarinex. Common over-the-counter medicines are Benadryl, Dimetane, and Claritin. The decision on whether or not you need a prescription medicine will be made by your physician. In many people over-the-counter medications can keep their allergies to a minimum. For people who have severe allergies, allergy shots may be recommended.

What can I do to help combat my allergy symptoms without using medications?

There are many ways to help combat your allergies without using medicines. The first is to try and keep your house clean. Dust is a common allergen. The second step is to keep your house cool and make sure there is proper ventilation. Some people find air purifiers work very well in their houses, cars and offices to help remove some of the dirt, dust and dander that circulate through the air.

How does an air purifier work?

All air purifiers work on the same basic principle. Contaminated air is pulled into the machine, a majority of the allergens are pulled out, and then the cleaner air is blown out. The differences in air purifiers come in how they filter the allergens. Some units use ionized metal rods that attract the particles. When the rods become dirty, they are removed, cleaned off, and then reinserted. In other air purifiers there is a screen that the air passes through. The multiple layers of paper or cloth help trap the allergens. When the screen is dirty it is then disposed of and a new one is put into place.

I love my pets but I found out I am allergic to them. What can I do?

That is a very tough question. The answer depends on how severe your allergies are. Can you live with being on medication or will the medication be enough to suppress your allergies? There are things you can do to help ease the allergies. Try keeping the furniture free from pet hair and by dusting or vacuuming often to remove the pet hair and dander. Most people who suffer a pet allergy actually are reacting to the dander shed by the pet rather than the actual hair. If you are having severe reactions to the pets then you may have to let the pets go to another home. It is heartbreaking for pet owners to have to part with a beloved pet but if you or another member of your home is in danger, you must put health first.

What types of pets are best for people suffering from allergies?

Well having a fish can definitely be a good idea if you suffer from allergies associated with pet hair or dander but if you find yourself in need of a pet that is a little more active then there are some pets that are considered better than other breeds. A few dogs that are considered hypoallergenic are of course the hairless breeds but short hair dogs are good too. Dogs such as Basenjii or Terriers are considered good dogs for allergy sufferers. There are also some cats that may not cause as much of an allergic reaction as others. Of course, once again a hairless cat might be better than one with long hair but many allergy sufferers report that a Siberian cat seems not to set their allergies off as much as other varieties. The best bet for having any pet is to spend some time with that particular breed and see how your allergies react. This can save a lot of money, time and headaches later down the road.

Can pets suffer from allergies?

Pets can suffer from allergies the same as we do. Some varieties are more prone to seasonal allergies than others though. What is the solution? Benadryl can work on humans and pets alike. Make sure you check with your vet before giving your pet any medicine to ensure the proper dosage and to find out what is causing the problems.

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