An Allergies is an abnormal reaction of the immune system to substances that cause no symptoms in the majority of people. One in eight people has one or more allergies, and allergic conditions tend to run in families. The condition is described as atopy, and people with classic allergic symptoms are described as atopic. As atopy is often inherited, it may be that the genes responsible for immune control are acting abnormally. Many common conditions such as hay fever, asthma, and eczema are caused by allergic reactions.

Allergic responses are triggered by the immune system, whose job it is to recognize foreign proteins (antigens) such as bacteria and viruses, and produce antibodies to fight them. The immune system also sensitizes the lymphocytes (white blood cells) to interact with the antigens to destroy them.

In allergies, the immune system mistakes harmless substances (allergens) for antigens and forms antibodies and sensitized lymphocytes to fight them. For example, in hay fever (also called allergic rhinitis) the allergy is the result of breathing in allergens such as dust, pollen, or house mites. Allergies can also be caused by exposure of the skin to chemicals, or an adverse reaction to certain foods.

There are several mechanisms involved in allergies, or hypersensitivity reactions as they are also called. Most common allergies are caused by Type 1 hypersensitivity reactions, which cause immediate symptoms. The allergen causes the immune system to produce specific antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE), which coat mast cells present in the lungs and respiratory tract, skin, and stomach. Once activated the mast cells release powerful substances, including histamine and prostaglandins, which cause the immediate and familiar symptoms. An adverse reaction can occur in minutes, or develop over several hours. Typical symptoms include swollen eyes and lips, tingling mouth, sneezing, rashes, red watery eyes, runny nose, abdominal distention and pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. In a severe allergic reaction a sudden drop in blood pressure can occur, resulting in life-threatening anaphylactic shock.

If you suspect an allergy consult a physician for help with diagnosis. First, find out if any other members of Wheat and wheat products are common allergy triggers your family suffer from allergies (asthma, hay fever, eczema). Also, write a diary of your symptoms and try to detect what food, substances, or situations trigger your symptoms.

Some physicians will arrange scientific diagnostic tests for allergies. In the usual test, patches soaked with the substances suspected of causing the allergy are taped to the skin (often on the back). Alternatively, the substances may be injected just below the surface of the skin, The reactions are then monitored to identify the aliergens. When the patches are removed the allergy-producing substances leave an inflamed red area (the same happens on the sites of the skin pricks). The test is not infallible, and red areas may occur with substances to which you are not allergic. With suspected food an exclusion diet may be suggested.

If you suspect food allergy or intolerance in a child, seek help from your physician or dietitian before excluding foods. A restricted diet for children might leave them short of essential nutrients for growth and health.

Treatment

The best treatment is to avoid the allergen. One of the drugs available is antihistamine, which relieves symptoms such as itching from insect bites and stings. However, it can make people drowsy, which is disadvantageous at work, although it may help eczema sufferers to sleep better and therefore reduce scratching. Corticosteroid creams (for eczema) and inhaled corticosteroids (for severe asthma) have side effects. Desensitization or hyposensitization is no longer very popular due to side effects and the lowish success rate. Hyposensitization takes two to three years and involves giving gradually increasing doses of the allergen to increase antibody formation, which is alleged to promote tolerance.

Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist for:

Relaxation Techniques and Alexander

Technique These will help to reduce stress levels.

Homeopathy Treatment will be prescribed according to the individual case but will include desensitization.

Acupuncture This can be extremely effective in treating allergies, balancing the organ energies so that they are able to cope.

Reflexology and Herbal Medicine Both have a good success rate in working with allergies. A herbal practitioner will be able to advise on diet and individual remedies.