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Allergies: The Drama Queens of the Body

Allergies are like movies. If you have ever covered your eyes at something frightening on the big screen you have reacted in a similar fashion as the immune system does when an allergen enters its world. In both cases a reaction is launched because of a threat perceived to be real, yet is not. Which is not to say the immune system shouldn’t react to a bee sting, but killing the person in its response is definitely overkill, pardon the pun.

Of all the allergies the most common is dust mites. Most people are not even aware they are allergic to these microscopic insects. For them the symptoms generally only show up upon waking. For a few hours they suffer a runny nose, sneezing or itchiness.

A combination of actions can be taken to clean your living space from the majority of these spider-like creatures.

• Vacuum your floors, furniture and bed often.
• Reduce the humidity in your home to less than 50% by using an air conditioner, or dehumidifier.
• Wash your bedding every week in temperatures exceeding 130F.
• Use a HEPA (high-efficiency particle air filter) or electrostatic air purifier.

Promolife carries a large variety of HEPA air purifiers. Along with the air purifiers Promolife offers four models of Fujitronic portable air conditioner/dehumidifiers.

Dust mites are not the only animal which can cause an allergic reaction. Bees, wasps, cats and dogs are just a few of the most common offenders. People can be allergic to foods, molds, metals, chemicals and a plenitude of other substances.

So, what causes these disturbances where common objects become the bodies enemy?

The first time the body comes in contact with a protein or carbohydrate it determines to be harmful, IgE (an anti-body) is released into the area. The IgE is then picked up by mast cells. Mast cells (mastocyte) are a bit like blank chalkboards. They are generated by the bone marrow. While still in an immature state they move into the tissues around blood vessels which are located near areas that bridge the outside world with the inside: like the lungs, mouth, nose and the digestion tract. It depends on the area the mass cell settles in that determines what kind of work it will do for the immune system.

Once IgE molecules are bound to the mast cell they create an attack mechanism against the next invasion to the body of the allergen. When in the attack mode mast cells release granules filled with histamine, a neurotransmitter, which instigates the allergic reaction as the histamine pools in the nerve junctions.

The pooled histamine creates the inflammatory behavior referred to as an ‘allergic reaction’. The person is then saddled with a variety of symptoms: everything from watery eyes, hives, sneezing, to even death.

So, what are some of the things that can be done to alleviate the symptoms?

The stinging nettle plant is the herbal worlds strongest antihistamine. It is best to start taking this herb a few weeks before the hayfever season. Two capsules, 300 milligrams each, of the freeze-dried plant should be taken three times a day.

For hives the juice of the jewelweed helps lessen the itching. Split the hollow stem of the plant and apply the juice to the affect area.

A decongestant will help clear a sniffling nose. Horseradish, ginger and cayenne are foods that can help open up a stuffy head.

Fix cats, especially males. Neutered and spayed cats produce less allergens than do unfixed cats.

For bee stings remove the stinger from the skin within 15 seconds. The stinger will continue to deposit venom into the body for up to a minute after the initial attack. If stinging occurs in the neck, or head, seek immediate medical attention, for the venom could cause suffocation.

Someday researchers may discover why our body overreacts to substances, and in so doing may find a way to stop the reaction before it is started. But until that day, people prone to allergies will have to settle for treating the symptoms after the allergen has entered the body.

Article written by Cat Pippin Lowe for PromolifeNews.com.
For more information on concepts and products used in this article, visit Promolife. If you like this, feel free to tell a friend.

Tags: air filter, air purifier, allergies, allergy, drama queen, hepa, pool

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