Symptoms of allergy

Allergy is a disease in which the immune system overreacts to an external agent called an allergen that is not harmful to other people, such as pollen, bee venom, or pet dander.

The immune system produces substances called antibodies.
Some of these antibodies protect against unwanted invaders that can cause infection or disease.

In an allergy, the immune system produces antibodies (IgE) that recognize a particular allergen as a harmful agent, even if this is not true.
The immune system then produces antibodies that are always on the lookout for these allergens.
If you are then exposed to these allergens again in the future, the antibodies can release many chemical substances of the immune system, such as histamine, which cause the allergic symptoms.
If it comes into contact with the allergen, the reaction of the immune system can be an inflammation of the following areas:

Skin
Sinuses
Airways
Digestive system

Allergies are very common. According to Allergy UK, one in four people in the UK will suffer from an allergy at some point in their lives.
The number increases every year and more than half of those affected are children.

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Causes of allergy

According to conventional medicine, possible causes of allergy are heredity, air pollution, smoking and excessive hygiene.
However, naturopathic doctors criticize these statements, because until 50 or 60 years ago, people did not suffer from allergies. Therefore, the theory of heredity cannot be accepted.
One of the most common criticisms of doctors is the excessive interest in invasive therapies and examinations rather than looking for the causes of the disease.

Natural medicine can be very effective in treating allergies. There will be no medication, but you have to change your diet and lifestyle.
According to the theories of the blood type diet, allergies are caused by diet. Foods that may favor the development of this disorder include:

cereal products, especially if they contain gluten;
milk and dairy products;
desserts and sweeteners;
everyone can eat certain foods depending on their blood type and should avoid others.

Another natural healing method that, according to the statements of many patients, is the hygienism of Shelton.
According to natural hygiene, allergy is caused by general intoxication of the body, especially animal protein (meat, fish, eggs, milk and dairy products), altered and processed products, such as those found in the supermarket, salt and a poor lifestyle.

Types of allergy

Allergies can be caused by food, seasonal, by animals or otherwise.

Food allergies and intolerances to food Allergies or intolerances to food
affect almost all people at some point.
The most common allergies arise to foods such as:

Milk
Gluten
Wheat
Peanuts
Fish
Walnuts
Soy
Eggs
Crustacean

An allergy to rice is practically unknown in Europe, but in Asian countries there are people who suffer from this disorder because they eat this food at every meal.

Oral allergy syndrome Oral allergy syndrome
is a disorder in which the immune system of a person with pollen allergy recognizes in fruits (for example, an apple or banana) the same allergens that are contained in the pollen and causes an allergic reaction.
Symptoms of this allergy include: itching or burning on the tongue and palate, as well as swelling of the oral mucosa and lips.

Respiratory allergies to pollen, mites and mold

For one in ten people who suffer from a pollen allergy, the change of seasons due to allergic reactions can lead to resentment.

Spring allergies
Spring is the season that comes to mind first when it comes to seasonal allergies. As soon as the trees begin to bloom and the pollen spreads in the air, those who suffer from an allergy start with a runny nose and sneezing.
The rain “cleanses” the air of these substances and creates relief for all those who suffer from a meadow flower and pollen allergy, for example, in the mountains it may be caused by birch pollen.

Summer allergies
Many factors that cause an allergic reaction in May and June persist in summer.

Winter allergies
Pollen of cypress and hazel bush are the main allergens of “winter” allergies. They are found in the months of January, February and March.

Allergies to animals
Allergies to dogs, horses and cats are the most common.
The allergens are: saliva, dandruff and mites, which are located on the animal’s fur.

Contact allergy and dermatitis

Allergy to shampoo and cosmetics
Shampoo and soaps with a too acidic or too alkaline pH value can lead to burning, redness and discomfort.
Paraphenylenediamine is an allergen found in most hair dyes and can cause contact dermatitis.
Some of the ingredients used in cosmetics, such as fragrances and preservatives, can act as allergens, i.e. substances that trigger an allergic reaction.

Allergies to insect bites
Stings of bees, wasps, hornets or red ants are the ones that can most often cause an allergy. However, most people are not allergic to insect bites and might consider a normal reaction pathological.

Drug allergy
Especially penicillin or penicillin-based antibiotics (for example, Augmentan).
Other medicines that may cause an allergic reaction include: sulfonamides, cortisone, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anticonvulsants (anticonvulsants and antiepileptic drugs), chemotherapeutic drugs and medicines for HIV and AIDS.
Salicylates are hemic substances that occur naturally in plants and are an important component of aspirin and other painkillers.
They are also often found in fruits and vegetables, as well as beauty products.

Nickel allergy
Nickel allergy is a skin reaction that develops after contact with nickel or objects containing this metal (costume jewelry, belt buckles, watches, mobile phones, creams, toothpaste, black or dark blue clothing, because the fabric contains nickel).
Unfortunately, this substance is present in many things, in coins, jewelry, zippers and all foods, especially chocolate, walnuts, dried fruits and oleaginous nuts (cashews and peanuts), tomatoes, spinach, lettuce, beans, lentils, soy, large fish, cereals (oats, corn, millet and buckwheat).

Other allergies

Urticaria Urticaria
causes redness on the skin, as with a sunburn, swelling, intense itching, and the feeling of burning when the irritated skin is touched.

Skin reactions caused by the sun
Most people get sunburned after prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation. However, few genetically predisposed individuals develop an exaggerated skin reaction to sunlight.

Latex or other substances that can cause allergic reactions on the skin when touched.

The symptoms of allergy depend on the type of allergy, and can mainly affect the respiratory tract, sinuses and nasal passages, skin or digestive system.
Allergic reactions can vary from mild to severe. In some cases of severe allergy, it can trigger a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis.

Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, can cause symptoms similar to those of a cold:

Nasal congestion
Runny nose
Headache
Tiredness, sleep disorders and difficulty concentrating
Itching of the face (mouth, nose, eyes), eye swelling and watery eyes (conjunctivitis)

Atopic dermatitis is an allergic reaction of the skin, also called eczema, and can cause the following symptoms:

Skin itching
Dry skin
Urticaria
Rash
Erythema
Skin scaling

With a food allergy, the following may occur:

Stinging in the mouth
Swelling of lips, tongue, face and throat
Hives (urticaria)
Anaphylaxis (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and colicky abdominal pain)
Dizziness, fainting, migraine
Hypotension
Asthma, nasal congestion or difficulty breathing

Symptoms of nickel allergy
People with a nickel allergy usually develop a first skin reaction within 12-48 hours after contact with a nickel-containing object.
The reaction only occurs when the skin comes into direct contact with the nickel and can last for two to four weeks.

Symptoms of nickel allergy include:

Rash
Reddening
Spot on the skin resembling a burn
Itch
Blisters (sometimes very severe)
Allergic asthma (when inhaling nickel)
Intestinal disorders such as bloating, diarrhea, weight loss or weight gain (when ingested)

An insect bite can cause an allergy, possible consequences are:

Severe swelling (edema) in the stitch area
Itching or urticaria all over the body
Cough, asthma (dilation of the bronchi with strong mucus secretion, causing difficulty breathing or shortness of breath)
Anaphylaxis

An allergy to pharmaceuticals can cause the following symptoms:

Urticaria
Skin itching
Rash
Facial swelling
Fever
Nasal congestion
Watery eyes
Breathing difficulties
Anaphylaxis in the more severe cases

Anaphylaxis
Some types of allergies, such as those to food and insect bites, can cause a serious reaction called anaphylaxis.
The anaphylactic reaction is a medical emergency that can be potentially fatal and cause shock.
Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

Loss of consciousness
Vertigo
Severe shortness of breath
Weak (very low blood pressure) and fast (tachycardia) arterial pulse
Rashes
Nausea and vomiting
swelling of the airways that can block breathing

Complications of allergy

Having an allergy increases the risk of other conditions, including:

Anaphylaxis. With a severe allergy, the risk of this induced reaction increases.
Anaphylaxis is often associated with an allergy to food, penicillin and insect venom.

Another allergy. Those who suffer from an allergy have a greater risk of being allergic to other things.

Asthma. Asthma is a reaction in which the immune system attacks the airways and breathing. Those who suffer from an allergy are more likely to develop it.
In many cases, asthma is triggered by contact with an allergen from the environment (induced by allergy).

Atopic dermatitis (eczema), sinusitis, ear or pneumonia are much more likely if there is hay fever, an animal allergy or an allergy to mold.