Allergy or allergic disease refers to a set of conditions that result from immune system hypersensitivity to an agent that does not usually cause a problem in most people. Allergies include food, fever, allergic asthma, atopic dermatitis. The following are the causes, signs and symptoms, and home remedies for allergy.
Allergies have several causes. According to Mayo Clinic, the condition is due to triggers, which include certain foods like milk, eggs, shellfish, fish, soy, wheat, nuts, and peanuts; airborne allergens like animal dander, mold, dust mites, and pollen; insect stings like wasp and bee stings; medications like penicillin or penicillin based antibiotics; as well as latex or other tangible substances. As per the publication, children and people with family history of asthma or who have asthma have increased risk of developing an allergy.
Signs and Symptoms
Allergy presents a number of signs and symptoms. According to NHS UK, they include sneezing and itchy, runny, and blocked nose; itchy and red watery eyes; shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing, and cough; raised, red, and itchy rash; swollen eyes, lips, tongue, or face; abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting; and red, dry, and cracked skin.
As per the publication, allergy may also lead to anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock, a severe allergic reaction. Its signs and symptoms include swelling of the throat and mouth, difficulty breathing, bluish discoloration of the skin or lips, confusion, lightheadedness, collapsing, and losing consciousness. It is considered a medical emergency, so it needs immediate management.
While medications can be administered for allergies, home remedies can also be used as supplemental intervention. However, anaphylactic shock requires immediate treatment, since it is a medical emergency.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has many uses and one of those is for allergy. According to Wellness Mama, the vinegar has been used for various health conditions and it is capable of reducing mucus production, cleaning the lymphatic system, and promoting digestion and weight loss. As per the publication, a teaspoon of the vinegar is mixed with water in a glass and the resulting mixture is consumed three times a day. It is added that it helps relieve allergy symptoms and prevent allergic attacks.
Chicken is an interesting remedy for allergy, except to those who are allergic to chicken. According to Reader’s Digest, a study with 334 adult participants with hay fever and 1,336 without found that people who consumed meat (beef) and dairy products, which have the monounsaturated fat trans oleic acid, were about three times as likely to have hay fever as those who have consumed the least.
Honey also acts as remedy for allergies. According to Health, honey may contain pollen, which may inoculate the person in the process; however, it is just a theory. As per the publication, little to no scientific evidence is being held about the efficacy of honey as an allergy counter. The only evidence-based data is from a 2011 Finland study, which found that regular and pollen-laced honey had encouraging results. Meanwhile, an American study learned that local honey had no significant effect on the allergy symptoms.
Peppermint also serves as a remedy for allergy. According to Everyday Roots, it contains the flavonoid luteolin-7O-rutinoside, which halts the activity and production of histamines. Therefore, it works similarly to antihistamines, which are given to a person who are experiencing allergy symptoms. As per the publication, the peppermint is put in boiling water and is allowed to steep for ten to 15 minutes. After that, it is strained. Honey is added and the resulting mixture is consumed twice a day.
Allergy may be uncomfortable to a person and while it is usually harmless, severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis is considered life-threatening. When this happens, the person should be immediately brought to a doctor for assessment and intervention.