Allergy - Asthma and Allergies: Asthma Due to Allergens

Many asthmatics have severe aggravation in their condition due to allergies to certain allergens. Common allergens causing asthma are: Plant Pollens: Pollen grains are the powdery substance produced by the plants for the process of reproduction. Individual pollen grains are very small in size so collectively they appear as a powdery substance. Pollen grains of different plants are of many different shapes and sizes. They get disseminated by wind, water or animal sources to far and wide places. Some people are allergic to pollens of some plants. Since the pollen emergence is seasonal their allergy is also seasonal. It is mostly seen that the pollen that get disseminated with wind cause allergic asthma in people. Generally the flowers of plants that have wind disseminated pollen are unattractive in appearance and smaller in size. Pollens are generally released early in the mornings, often before sunrise. Many patients who are sensitive to them also develop symptoms around that time. For allergic people it is important to know the pollen calendar of a place before one has plans to settle down there, or is only visiting the place, if one is susceptible to pollen allergies. It is also recommended to keep the windows closed and prefer to be in air conditioned atmosphere. Fungi: Fungi are saprophytic plants that are very small in size. So they appear as fibrous growth on the surfaces they grow. They are basically scavengers and help in decay and break up of dead organisms into basic chemical components. Some fungi are very useful and are put to various uses. Antibiotics like penicillin and streptomycin are made from them. Various mushrooms are fungi varieties. Alcohol, wine, cheese and various bakery products made by the process of fermentation are made by the use of many fungi. They propagate mostly by vegetative growth. The spores produced in the process are released as powdery substance. Some people are allergic to these spores. They cause allergic asthma in people. It helps to study the fungal calendar just as in the case of pollens. The peak periods of fungal spore concentration are the months of September to November and February to April. The people who are allergic to various fungi may show allergic reactions even after consumption of foods containing them. Mushroom allergy is known to be very common. The people suffering with fungi allergies should take additional precautions apart from following the fungal calendar. They should avoid any accommodation in basements of buildings whether for official or residential purposes. Plastered and painted walls should be preferred instead of wall papered ones, which may catch moisture faster. All rooms and spaces should be very well ventilated. Potted plants should be avoided inside living spaces. House Dust: Many people are allergic to house dust. The dust that settles over the various furniture and furnishings in the house is collectively called house dust. It may comprise of the outside dust and also the various kinds of dust that originate inside the house. It may be from food remnants, from the pets, from insects in the house, from human hair and skin and many other such sources. The house collects more in carpets, beddings, old furniture, and other nooks and crannies. Normally such dust is not visible. It can be seen in the shaft of sunlight entering a room. The people who are allergic dust are actually shown to be allergic to mites occurring in the dust. The most common house dust mite is named Dermatopagoides pteronyssinus. These mites live and feed on the components of the house dust. Those who are allergic to house dust should keep their living spaces scrupulously clean. They should avoid putting too much of furniture and heavy furnishings in their rooms. Food Articles: Many people are allergic to different food articles. Different symptoms may be caused in different people allergic to various foods like gaseous distension, diarrhoea, urticaria, headache, swelling of lips, sores in the mouth cavity and many others. Sometimes the symptoms appear immediately and sometimes they take a while to manifest. Also the food allergies may be dependent upon the seasonal changes. Many infants are allergic to milk especially cow's milk. Wheat, fish, egg and mushrooms are common food allergens. The diagnosis is dependent upon elimination diets as skin tests are generally of not of much help. Insects: Insect bites normally cause pain and swelling due to the introduction of insect venom inside the system. The degree of manifestation of symptoms depends upon the quantity of venom. The insects can be of two types the stinging insects and the biting insects. However the symptoms are never fatal. Some people are allergic to remnants of insects. Animals: Many people are allergic to different animals among these most common ones are domestic animals like cats and dogs. Other animals may be horses, cows, buffaloes and other fur bearing animals. The allergy is mostly caused by animal dander. Occupational allergens: Many people are allergic to substances that they may come in contact on account of their occupation. Some common examples are bakers getting allergic to flour, cement workers allergic to cement, sulphur allergy in workers in different medicine factories, workers allergic to leather dust and hairstylists and beauticians allergic to various chemicals in beauty products. Learn More About Allergy Asthma, Asthma Information and Asthma Triggers at http://www.yourasthmatreatment.com/ - Asthma Information and Treatment Guide. Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ashi_Jas Allergy - How Do You Determine if You Have an Allergy? Generally, allergy is a word that describes as reaction of body tissues in certain individuals, which is uncommon in substance and has no noticeable or characteristic result on other people. Studies have shown that out of every one hundred Americans seventeen of them are indeed hypersensitive to some substances that are known to cause uncommon reactions, in other words they are allergic to common sources of allergens. These allergens may range widely from varies sources of irritants. For instance, some individuals show signs of allergies when introduced to certain annoyances such as dust and pet dander as well as insect venom, mold spores and pollens. Others may show signs of allergies when exposed to flowers and yet other individuals may show signs of being allergic to certain soaps. Common Allergies: 1. Anaphylaxis - generated by food, insect stings or drugs 2. Contact Allergies - activated by skin-affecting allergens 3. Food Allergies - provoked by certain types of food 4. Insect Sting Allergies - produced by insect venom 5. Respiratory Allergies - prompted by airborne allergens In view of the fact that all individuals may display reactions unique to their own bodily system, allergic reactions may vary widely as well as show signs to all or some of the reactions listed below. Always seek advice from your physician if any allergic reaction becomes severe or persistent. Here you will find symptoms, which are associated with common allergy types, these symptoms may range from mild to very severe. Anaphylaxis Anaphylaxis is a potentially fatal allergic reaction that has sudden and severe affects on varies areas of the body. This allergic reaction is most commonly found resulting from food or drug allergies as well as from insect stings. Anaphylaxis requires urgent medical attention. Anaphylaxis is generally noticeable very soon after the exposure of the affecting allergens, and can very well bring on a life endangering shock. As well, other signs of Anaphylaxis are distress of the respiratory system, swelling in certain areas of the body or the total body and an extreme itching over the total body. Anaphylactic symptoms include: 1. Abnormal heartbeat 2. Tightening sensation of the chest 3. Difficulty in swallowing and breathing 4. Swelling of the throat, mouth and tongue 5. Flushing of the skin 6. Tingling or itching throughout the body 7. Agitation, anxiety or distress 8. Confusion or disorientation 9. Dizziness or lightheadedness 10. Fainting or nausea 11. Stomach upsets such as abdominal cramps, vomiting or diarrhea Since some severe cases of anaphylactic shock, can occur and can prove to be life threatening it is best to get proper medical treatment immediately. As a sudden drop in blood pressure, which results from the dilation of blood vessels may also cause the loss of consciousness and the swelling of the body's bronchial tissues can cause choking before the loss of consciousness. Contact Allergies The symptoms of contact allergies normally occur within a few moments of exposure to the allergen; however, it is possible for reactions to the allergens to show up several hours after exposure. There are many common allergens such as poison oak and poison ivy as well as medications, latex, dyes, fragrances or perfumes and cosmetics, preservatives and nickel, rubber and hair dyes. Nickel is a frequently used metal in jewelry, hairpins, buttons and zippers as well as snaps and metal clips and is frequently associated with allergies. Some individuals may also display signs of being allergic to the exposure of the sun. Mild Symptoms: 1. Eczema 2. Hives 3. Redness or swelling of the skin 4. Itchy or a bumpy rash 5. Skin bumps that are filled with fluid Severe Symptoms: 1. Anaphylaxis Food Allergies Certain types of food, which normally occurs within a few minutes, generally bring on a food allergy symptom. As well as showing, up several hours after the food consumption. Although it is possible for food allergies to involve many areas of the body, it is usually seen around the areas of the mouth and lips as well as the digestive tract. Foods that are commonly known to cause allergic reactions are milk, nuts, eggs, wheat and soy as well as shellfish and fish products. Mild Symptoms: 1. Tightness of the throat 2. Difficulty in swallowing or speaking 3. Itching, swelling or tingling in the areas of the mouth, throat, tongue and lips 4. Wheezing 5. Sneezing 6. Coughing or congestion 7. Rashes of the skin 8. Itchy, stuffy or runny nose 9. Nausea 10. Abdominal cramping and indigestion 11. Diarrhea and vomiting Severe Symptoms: 1. Difficulty in breathing 2. Sudden increase of heart rate 3. Sudden hoarseness or inability to speak 4. Extreme facial swelling 5. Sudden outbreak of facial itching 6. Dizziness and fainting 7. Sudden and profuse sweating 8. Anaphylaxis Insect Sting Allergies Although it is possible to develop symptoms of allergies to insect stings can occur several hours after exposure, most symptoms of allergies from insect stings normally happen just a few moments after being stung. Allergic reactions from insect venom can come from such insects as bees, hornets and wasps as well as yellow jackets and fire ants. Mild Symptoms: 1. Swelling of the tongue 2. Tightness of the chest 3. Difficulty in breathing 4. Fever 5. Nausea or fatigue 6. Hives 7. Swelling in other areas of the body, including the stung area 8. Itching in other areas of the body, including the stung area 9. Pain in other areas of the body, including the stung area Severe Symptoms: 1. Anaphylaxis Respiratory Allergies Respiratory allergies symptoms generally occur after several hours of exposure, which is normally provoked by airborne allergens, such as dust mites, plant pollens, and pet dander and mold spores. Mild Symptoms: 1. Itchy, watery, red swollen eyes 2. Impaired sense of smell 3. Postnasal drip 4. Runny or stuffy nose running with clear thin mucus 5. Sneezing 6. Wheezing 7. Coughing 8. Itchy nose or throat 9. Congestion 10. Hoarseness of the throat 11. Conjunctivitis 12. Fatigue Severe Symptoms: 1. Pain and tightness in the chest 2. Difficult or shortness of breathing It is vital to understand that many allergies have symptoms similar to other diseases or conditions. This is why it is of the utmost importance that you consult with your physician while assessing a condition and getting a proper diagnosis. http://allergysecretsexposed.com ***************************************************************************************