Allergy - What Characterizes Food Allergy

Food allergy represents one of the less frequent types of allergy. According to the statistical data that has been gathered recently, only 2 percent of the adults and 6 percent of the children manifest the symptoms of food allergy. The other people who believe that they have food allergy suffer, in fact, from food intolerance. However, it is very important to know that these two health conditions are very different. First of all, food intolerance has mild symptoms and does not imply the immune system. Food allergy, on the other hand, may even lead to anaphylactic shock sometimes. In addition, in food allergy, the immune system plays a very important role. When people who are allergic to a certain food consume it, the immune system releases a chemical substance, called histamine, in order to neutralize the proteins from the food. The reason why these proteins are mistaken for dangerous bodies is unknown. The scientists continue the research in order to pinpoint exactly the cause of all the types of allergy. When histamine is set free into the body, the allergic reaction is triggered and the food allergy symptoms become observable. It is very important to know that the symptoms become obvious within a few hours after consuming the food that triggers the allergic reaction. In some cases the allergic reaction is mild while in other cases, it may even be lethal. The severity of the symptoms depends on the immune system of each person. Most frequently, the symptoms include hives, itch of the skin, stuffed nosed, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. The respiratory tract is also affected, so it is not uncommon for people who are allergic to a certain food to experience wheezing, shortness of breath or even long congestion. In rather rare cases, people have reported that they have allergy asthma. Anaphylaxis, which represents the most serious allergic reaction, the symptoms include obstruction of the respiratory ways, shock, dizziness and loss of consciousness. The blood pressure of a person who enters anaphylaxis drops significantly. The pulse is either fast or very weak. When the food that causes the allergic reaction is known, the best way to avoid the problem is to stay away from that certain food. When that particular food is consumed, in order to prevent the symptoms, an injection with adrenaline or epinephrine must be made. This treatment is recommended only in dangerous situations. For people who have less severe symptoms, the doctor will recommend a treatment based on antihistamines. Lawrence Shanks is a webmaster who has a series of websites dedicated to niche marketing, In particular the focus is on these annoying things that affect so many of us with blocked noses, runny eyes and constant sneezing and - or scratching. Summer is wonderful, but it brings it's share of problems to those of us who suffer from allergies. For more information go to http://www.bestnaturalallergyrelief.com I need to go now as I am about to sneeze again! Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lawrence_Shanks Allergy - Alternative Relief Treatments To Help Alleviate The Pain From Allergies Allergies are a resultant inflammatory response that can give rise to benign symptoms like a runny nose to very serious symptoms like anaphylactic shock and sometimes even may lead to death. Any kind of immune reaction is known as an allergic one. Allergies are inflated reactions of one's immune system to substances that, in most people, cause no symptoms. One may develop allergic symptoms if he or she is exposed to allergens that might be responsible for a particular allergic symptom. Some of the common allergic symptoms are given below: 1.Irritation in nose or nasal mucosa 2.Runny nose and sneezing 3.Redness and itching of the eyes 4.Wheezing, dyspnoea (asthma symptoms) 5.Skin rashes, eczema, hives, etc. 6.Pain in the ears, impaired hearing due to lack of drainage in the Eustachian tube. 7.Head aches. These are some of the most ordinary symptoms of allergy but the symptoms can be as serious as edema, bronchoconstrictions, asthma attacks, sever hay fever reaction, etc. Allergies are often hereditary. You are most likely to develop allergic symptoms if allergies run in the family. A child may have the propensity to be allergic if either of the parents have allergies. Some of the most common allergies are from: 1) Pollen, 2) Dust Mites, 3) Pets and their furs, 4) Chemicals, 5) Food allergies from eggs, prawns, etc. In addition to these, nuts, latex etc can also give rise to allergic symptoms While allergies may not have a cure, there are various allergy relief medications available to relieve the miserable symptoms an allergy sufferer experiences. There is no way to be completely accurate about what's the cause of a particular allergy. Medical allergy testing can tell you what you are allergic to, most of the time, but not much more. They can't really tell you why you have allergies and hence making it very hard to recommend the best allergy products for you. Here are various natural remedy methods for allergy symptoms relief: Acupressure: A traditional Chinese method that uses specific points on the body such as on the hand, fingers, palm and elbows to balance the energy flow in the body. It is believed to help many different conditions and diseases, including allergies. Acupuncture: This is another ancient Chinese method of treatment. It is similar to acupressure as it uses the same pressure points but differs from it because very fine needles are inserted instead of pressure applied by the fingers. By stimulating the body's own defense system, the body can use it's natural healing process to relieve the allergy symptoms. Reflexology: In reflexology, it is believed that the hands and feet mirror other parts of the body and applying pressure, stretching and moving them will have an affect on the body, depending on exactly where the pressure and movement is applied. Applying pressure or massaging the tips of the fingers and toes has had some success relieving sinus problems associated with allergies. BioSET: It stands for Bioenergetic sensitivity and enzymatic Therapy, a simple biological process where techniques like enzyme therapy and detoxification are applied to the various organs. Applied Kinesiology or muscle testing is used to diagnose the allergy. Don't panic, if you develop allergic symptoms. Change your environmental conditions and eating habits, doing this will definitely give you positive results and help you become allergy free. However, if your symptoms are more serious, then you can turn to the various allergy treatments available these days. With proper immuno-therapy you can certainly see the desired results. Keep in mind, although allergies cannot be prevented, they can successfully be controlled and treated with the right allergy treatments and medication.