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Allergy: How to Diagnose and Treat Symptoms

By: Rex Magnum
Submitted: 2008-07-01 12:29:51
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Allergies affect a large population of adults and children in the United States.  They are considered the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in our country.  The symptoms of this condition lead to increased sick leave and loss of productivity. 

Suffering from an allergy can get in the way of our daily lives.  The symptoms are sometimes unbearable to live with.  These make our daily lives harder to enjoy and get in the way of doing what we like best.

There is good news!  More options are available in treatments today and can be prescribed by your physician.  These allow for more symptom-free days and a higher quality of life.

Allergies occur when the immune system malfunctions.  It perceives a normally harmless substance as one that is harmful.  Thus, when this occurs; the body produces a large number of immunoglobulin E.  These antibodies cause a release of chemicals that result in itching, swelling, and tightening of the airways. 

The symptoms that occur due to this process include:  watery eyes, runny nose, hives, and coughing.  In more severe cases, the symptoms can produce difficulty breathing and dizziness.  If allergic reactions become severe, it is called anaphylaxis.  Although rare, it is life-threatening.  Emergency medical care is needed in many cases.

Many things may cause a person to have an allergic reaction.  Hay fever is a result of pollen and can either be seasonal or year-round.  Another common allergy is dust mites, which survive in dust and other fibers common to the household.  Animal dander is another cause of allergy symptoms, so are mold, latex and some foods.

Most people will have a reaction to one or two allergens, while yet others will suffer many symptoms from a variety of culprits.  If your one or both parents have had an allergy, you may develop one as well. If you suffer with another chronic condition such as eczema or asthma, you are more likely to develop an allergy.  If your immunity is down, you are more likely to develop an allergy while you are in a weakened condition.

Sufferers of allergies, there is hope for you.  There are many treatment plans available for you.  Among the remedies for relief of allergy symptoms are:  antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays.  You might also have to consider immunotherapy, known as allergy shots; if your condition is not made better with other methods.  By using the prescribed shots, you will have more symptom-free days, with less medication.  Speaking to your doctor, you will find the best form of treatment for your individual symptoms.

Of course if you would like to expand your knowledge about Relief Of Allergy Symptoms then browse our website, BESTALLERGYINFO.COM. Of course, providing really good articles about Allergies is always our goal, feel free to tell us what else you would like to see.

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