|
|
| Allergy-Proof Your House |
| Tips for keeping your
home clean, green and allergy-free. |
 |
 |
|
|
| |
RSS Health News |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| An Allergy Overview and Facts |
 |
|
According to some estimates, approximately one in six Americans suffers from allergies of one form or another, ranging from airborne allergens to food reactions. Exact numbers are difficult to ascertain, as many people who claim to be allergic to one thing or another have never actually been tested for definitive proof of allergies. According to studies, about 5 or 6 percent of all Americans have a genetic predisposition to allergies that is known as atopy. This disposition usually manifests itself in early infancy, with the development of allergic skin reactions such as eczema, as well as various difficulties in digesting certain foods.
For the vast majority of allergy sufferers, sensitivity to allergens is generally focused on pollens, mites, and foods - though a small percentage of the population also suffers from allergic reactions to various metals and other substances. Airborne allergies are, in fact, one of the largest causes of illnesses, and affect nearly 50 million Americans in every area of the country. Proximity to the trees, grasses, and other plants that produce the pollen allergens is not a factor, since the pollen itself is so tiny that it can be carried for hundreds of miles through the air.
The most common airborne allergens involve pollen, tree and plant allergies, grass, weed, and ragweed, as well a hay fever. In addition, many people are also allergic to pine tree pollen, oak tree pollen, and the pollen from the birch tree. Bermuda and St. Augustine are but a couple of the many grasses which produce airborne allergens. Other airborne allergens include poison oak and ivy, as well as spores from molds. One of the worst aspects of these allergies to airborne agents is the fact that those who suffer from them can rarely find relief due to the overlapping seasonal nature of the allergens themselves. The trees, grasses, and plants that produce the pollens all pollinate at different times of the year, helping to ensure that one allergen or another is almost always present in the environment.
Food allergies, on the other hand, can be more easily controlled - once the cause of the allergy is properly identified. Food allergies are generally more severe than airborne allergies; many can result in hospitalization and even death. Of the eight major food types that account for more than 9 out of every 10 food allergies, all are avoidable with careful shopping and eating habits. Milk, eggs, and wheat are the three most popular foods that fall into the allergic category, followed by fish, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, and peanuts. Though many of these foods are difficult to replace, all can be avoided with a minimum of effort - restaurants and other establishments will generally post warnings if peanuts or other common food allergens are used in close proximity to their food preparation areas.
The most important thing to do if you suffer from either airborne or food allergies is to see your health provider to ensure that you are receiving the proper medication and taking the necessary precautions to reduce your risks. Your doctor can he you to identify your allergies, and can help direct you to the proper antihistamines and other medications to alleviate symptoms.
|
| Back |
|
