What’s an allergy?

Allergies are an occurrence when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance that comes in contact with your body through touch or consuming it.

There are wide varieties of allergens such as dust, pollen, bee sting, pet dander, or seafood.

When you get an allergy, your immune system reacts with an inflamed skin, sinus, airways or even the digestive system.

The severity of allergies are different from person to person and can range from mild to lethal.

One example for a lethal kind of allergy is anaphylaxis — life threatening emergency when an allergy affects your breathing and other organs in the body.

Your immune system is responsible for keeping you healthy by working to fight harmful pathogens.

It is done by attacking foreign substances that can potentially harm your body.

One example for this, is when a person with pollen or dust allergies comes in contact with flowers and a dusty house, will experience consecutive sneezing.

There are different varieties for allergies, may it be food allergies or skin allergies. The symptoms you experience depends on the type of allergy and how severe the allergy is.

Food Allergies

This is one of the most common forms of allergies. Food allergies can trigger inflammation, nausea, fatigue, hives, vomiting, and more.

Consuming food you are allergic to may mostly take a while for it to create an allergic reaction, but for other severe cases, once they consume whatever it is they’re allergic to, the allergic reaction happens instantly.

Seasonal Allergies

An example is Hay fever which symptoms can mimic those of a cold.

It includes symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and swollen eyes.

This on the other hand, is manageable at home by using over-the-counter treatments.

Severe Allergies

This type of allergy may cause anaphylaxis which can lead to breathing difficulties, loss of consciousness, and lightheadedness.

If you come in contact with an allergen and you h. appen to experience these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Aside from the allergies mentioned above, when you come in contact with an allergen, your allergic reaction may also develop skin allergies.

This is known as contact dermatitis — this occurs whenever you touch something you’re allergic to.

Types Of Skin Allergies Include:

Rashes - This is a presence of skin that is irritated, swollen, or red, and can be itchy or painful.

Eczema - This creates inflamed patches on the skin.

Hives - These are red, itchy, and raised welts of various sizes and shapes which develop on the surface or the skin.

Sore Throat - This is an irritation or inflammation of the pharynx or throat.

Swollen Eyes - This makes your eyes watery and itchy at times and makes your eyes very puffy.

Itching - Results from an irritation or inflammation in the skin.

Burning - This is skin inflammation that leads to discomfort and stinging sensations on the skin.

As for allergies with milder symptoms, over-the-counter prescriptions are recommended.

Fortunately, there are some natural remedies for allergies you can do without going to the pharmacy.

See Also:

5 Natural Remedies For Lower Back Pain

5 Natural Remedies For Period Cramps

5 Natural Remedies For a Fever

Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial for one’s health.

This contains live cultures such as good bacteria and yeasts like Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Escherichia.

Your gut naturally contains both good and bad bacteria under normal circumstances, however, there are times where your good and bad bacteria become lost.

This is where probiotics comes in, as these are needed to help restore equilibrium inside the body.

Medical practitioners believe that probiotics can help reduce symptoms of allergic rhinitis as well as symptoms of asthma.

Since taking a bath is one of the most simple yet effective ways in preventing an allergic reaction, there are times where this is not enough to protect you from allergies.

Research suggests that children who grow up in sterile environments are also more likely to develop asthma, allergies, and other immune problems in the future.

Bifidobacterium longum has been shown to regulate T-cells in the body to help produce a stronger immune system against common allergens.

On the other hand, strains such as Lactobacillus casei Shirota show to alter the balance of antibodies, which is beneficial for people with allergies from pollen.

Oatmeal

This is a popular breakfast diet which contains several nutrients for starting the day.

It includes active properties such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components which are all beneficial for relieving the itchiness of an allergic skin reaction.

There are ways to treat a skin allergic reaction using oatmeal. You can either use oatmeal as a bath or poultice.

If You Want To Use It As A Bath:

Start this by adding a cup of powdered oatmeal in a bath of lukewarm water, and mix it thoroughly into the bathwater.

Simply get into the tub and dip your whole body in it for 30 minutes, then rinse yourself with a cool gentle shower after.

If You Want To Use It As A Poultice:

Do this by adding ¼ cup of powdered oatmeal into a mixing bowl with distilled water, 1 teaspoon at a time.

Continue mixing and adding water until you have a smooth and spreadable texture. Directly apply the oatmeal paste to the affected area and gently place a bandage on the area with a moistened cloth for 30 minutes.

You may now remove the moist cloth after 30 minutes and rinse the area with cool water.

Aloe Vera

A popular topical remedy for burns and a variety of skin conditions. This gel like substance is from the aloe plant’s leaves which helps soothe itchiness and inflammation as well as moisturize the affected area.

You can use this directly from the aloe vera plant or just buy an aloe vera gel and directly apply it on the affected area. You can repeat this process several times a day.

Bromelain

This is an enzyme found in the core and juice of a pineapple. It is actually a popular remedy for treating swelling or inflammation especially in the sinuses.

This acts as a natural antihistamine for treating symptoms associated with allergies.

You can consume bromelain through eating a pineapple or drink supplements.

Baking Soda

This is a popular household item that is actually beneficial for treating your pH balance.

This can address skin pH imbalance and at the same time, work as an anti-inflammatory to relieve your skin allergies. You can either use it as a bath or paste.

For Baking Soda Paste:

Start by mixing 4 tablespoons of baking soda and 12 tablespoons of distilled water until it becomes a paste.

Just simply apply the paste directly on the affected area for 10 minutes, then gently rinse the area with cool water.

For Baking Soda Bath:

Start by mixing 1 cup of baking soda into a bathtub of lukewarm water, then mix thoroughly. Soak your body entirely for about 15 minutes, then rinse with a lukewarm shower.