A Guide To Allergies | Quays Clinic of Hypnotherapy

Learn All About Allergies

The word allergy comes from the Greek word that means Allos which stands for other and the word ergon which stands for reaction. An allergy is a malfunction with the immune system.

What Are Allergies?

Allergies are defined as something that causes damage to your immune system.  It can be anything from a substance such as pollen to a certain food like peanuts to pet dander.

Symptoms Of Allergies

There are many types of allergy symptoms that you may experience. The symptoms will be determined by the type of allergy you have. For instance, if you have an allergy to dust, some symptoms you may experience are watery eyes, itchy eyes, sneezing or stuff nose. If you have an allergy to latex, you may experience hives, itching and stuffy nose.

Allergy And Asthma

Allergies and asthma go together like peanut butter and jelly. Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the bronchial tubes. These tubes are what brings the air into the lungs are takes it back out.  According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, fifty percent of Americans who have asthma have allergic asthma. Allergic asthma is one type of asthma which is triggered by a certain allergy such as pollen or mold. The main symptoms of asthma include frequent cough, chest tightness, pain, wheezing and shortness of breath.

What Is An Allergy Test?

There are several types of allergy testing that is done to determine if you have allergies and what you may be allergic to. One kind of testing is skin testing. This produces instant results and is inexpensive.  Blood testing is perfect for children and folks who have skin problems or are on certain
medications. Blood testing takes one needle poke to draw the blood. Challenge testing also gives instant results and is often used in the event that food or drug allergens may be needed.

What Are Food Allergies?

Food allergies will occur with every person at one time or another. This happens when you experience an unpleasant reaction to something that you ate. The most common types of food allergies include peanut allergy, milk allergy, allergies to nuts like walnuts, allergy to eggs and shellfish allergies including lobster, crab, shrimp and crayfish.

Pet Allergies

Close to 40% of all households in the United States have a dog. If you have a dog, you know that pet dander gets everywhere. This pet dander is what causes dog allergies. The main symptoms of dog allergies include coughing, wheezing, sneezing, itchy eyes and runny nose. Cat allergies are responsible for 10% of the population in the United States. Many people believe it is the fur or the cat hair that causes the allergies but this is not true. Those who are allergic to cats are allergic because of the proteins that are present in the cat’s saliva and their urine as well as cat dander. Cat allergies result in coughing, wheezing, skin redness where the cat has licked the skin or scratched it, hives on face and chest, red eyes and stuff nose.

Skin Allergies

There are numerous types of skin allergies. Eczema is one of the most popular skin allergies. It is noticeable by a red rash that many times becomes flaky and contains small blisters or bumps. Eczema often happens with young children but can occur in young adults too. Hives is another type of skin allergy that is an itch rash and occurs with people of all ages.

Eye Allergies

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is a type of eye allergy. It is caused by several factors including allergens, bacteria, viruses, sexually transmitted disease or irritating substances like dirt, smoke, chlorine or shampoo. Symptoms of pink eye include blurred vision, swelling of the lid of the eye, redness in the white of the eye or the inner part of the eyelid, itchy eyes and increased tears.

Ian Smith (Distinction) D.Hyp  T.F.T  M.U.F.H  M.A.A.H  U.K.C.H.O  N.R.H  C.I.S.H
Quays Clinic of Hypnotherapy in North Shields
Telephone: 0774 3353367.