Learn Why You Are Allergic to Pollen, Dust, Dog and Cat Hair
Many allergies result in symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes.Pollen, dust, and cat and dog hair often cause these types of symptoms. All of these allergens are airborne particles. These types of allergies are much different from food-related allergies, although both are immune system reactions.
When you have an allergy and you are exposed to the allergen, your immune system overreacts to the stimuli. Allergens are all harmless substances, but your body mistakes them for dangerous substances. Your immune system reacts by producing antibodies and continues to react to the substances each time you are exposed. Allergies can develop at any time. You may become allergic to something you were not previously allergic to, and your allergies may change in severity over time, as well, as your body responds differently to the allergens.
Some people are genetically predisposed to allergies. If your parent or parents have allergies, you are much more likely to suffer from the same allergy. Often a child's allergies are much more severe than their parents'. Allergies may also be related to exposure to allergens at an early age.
Living in highly-industrialized countries further increases the likelihood of a person developing allergies. This is particularly true if you live in an area with a great deal of pollution. You are more likely to suffer from more allergies and have more severe reactions under these conditions. Allergies are much more common in urban areas than rural.
Pollen Allergies
Being allergic to pollen is often referred to as hay fever. It is a seasonal allergy and is the most common type of allergy worldwide. During the spring, summer, and fall, various plants release pollen to reproduce. These tiny particles float easily through the air and are carried by the wind to fertilize other plants. As a result, these particles can also easily enter our respiratory system through our noses and throats.
It is very difficult to avoid pollen. When the pollen count is high, it can even get into your home through your ventilation. Ragweed is the main cause of pollen allergies in North America. This weed produces very large amounts of pollen that many people are sensitive to. Some people are only allergic to specific plants during the different seasons.
Pollen allergies cause sinus and respiratory symptoms. Along with itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, and sneezing, pollen may also cause a sore throat, cough, headaches, and worsen asthma symptoms for those who suffer from asthma. This type of allergy shares a lot of symptoms with the common cold and some other maladies. Unlike a cold virus, pollen allergies are treatable. In order to know if you have this type of allergy and not a cold, you can be tested by your doctor.
Dust Allergies
Dust allergies are very similar to pollen allergies. This type of allergy can cause tightness in the chest and shortness of breath, also worsening asthma symptoms and causing the other common allergy symptoms. For some people, a dust allergy causes skin itchiness instead of respiratory symptoms.
Dust is made up of a lot of different tiny particles, any of which may present as an allergen. They can include dust mites, cockroach refuse, and mold spores. Sometimes pollen and also pet hair can be in the dust mix. Cleaning actually stirs up dust and usually makes symptoms worse for people with dust allergies. Dust tends to settle, but vacuuming, sweeping and dusting sends the particles into the air allowing them to be inhaled. Being allergic to dust can be dealt with by taking antihistamines as well as minimizing the carpet in your home, decreasing humidity, and using high-efficiency filters for heating and cooling.
Pet Hair Allergies
Most people that are allergic to pet hair are technically allergic to pet dander. Dander is made of proteins found in pet saliva. Cats and dogs both lick themselves to get clean, and this transfers their saliva to their fur and also skin. Their hair and skin particles can be inhaled as with pollen and dust. For this reason, there are no breeds of cat or dog that are completely hypoallergenic, though ones with shorter fur that shed less tend to be less bothersome to allergy sufferers. Like other airborne allergies, pet allergies are treatable, so giving up your pet is not necessary if you find that you have developed allergies.
Dr. Donna Sergi is a leading Chiropractor in Brooklyn who uses Nutrition Response Testing to help people maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle with diet modification and whole food supplements. Learn more by visiting her website.
Additional Resources
Comments
Post a Comment