Sneezing, watery/itchy eyes, clogged and itchy ears, sore throat. Ick, allergy symptoms.
In the US, it is estimated that more than 50% of the population suffer from some sort of allergy on a yearly basis.
What are Allergies?
Allergies are an over-sensitive response from our immune system to substances that either enter or come into contact with our body. Substances that produce allergic reactions can be foods, pollen, chemicals, mold, insect venom, certain pharmaceuticals and dust mites.
An inflammatory reaction takes place in an attempt to eject this substance from the body, resulting in a variety of unpleasant symptoms.
When a person with an allergy comes into contact with an allergen, the allergic reaction is not necessarily immediate.
The immune system is on guard and starts it’s reaction and protection to the rest of the body’s cells for some time before the unpleasant and typical allergy symptoms flare up.
Quick Facts About Allergies
Allergies are the result of an inappropriate immune response to a normally harmless substance
Some of the most common allergens are dust, pollen, and nuts
Allergies can cause sneezing, congestion, headaches or vomiting
Anaphylaxis (choking/throat closing) is a serious allergic reaction that can be life-threatening
Symptoms
Inflammation and irritation are caused by allergic reactions. The signs and symptoms depend on the type of allergen. Allergic reactions may occur in the gut, skin, sinuses, lungs, eyes, and nasal passages.
Allergic reactions may be confused for other conditions. Hay fever, for example, creates similar irritations to the common cold but the causes are different.
Below is a range of various triggers and the symptoms they may cause in people who have revved up immune systems or are prone to allergies.
Dust and pollen (nasal congestion, itchy eyes or nose and runny nose)
Skin reactions (flaking, itching, and peeling)
Food (bowel issues, swollen tongue and mouth sores)
Insect Stings (wheezing, swelling at the site of the sting and sudden drop in blood pressure)
Treating Allergies
Seasonal allergies are best treated using Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine. The treatment should be done at least one to two months before symptoms begin.
For some patients, allergy relief might be experienced after only a few treatments. However, a course of 6 to 10 treatments, given once to twice per week, is normally required to reduce and manage the acute allergy symptoms.
Herbal Medicine has been found to be effective at strengthening the immune system and helping to fight off the negative effects of allergens.
Since herbal medicine needs to be very customized in order to work effectively, an exam and detailed health conversation must be provided in order for a customized herbal formula to be provided to you.
Of course, the most effective treatment and management of an allergy is avoidance of the allergen.
In some extreme cases, holistic medicine may not be able to bring about and successfully maintain your allergy symptoms. Especially if treatment is not started before the allergy season.
In these cases, partnering over-the-counter allergy medications with Acupuncture and herbal medicine will bring about the most relief.
Want Some Help?
If you don’t want to feel like your allergies are ruining your life, or that you can only survive if you have a pocketful of allergy meds, then contact us to discuss your options.
At Bliss Integrative Medicine, we practice a holistic approach using a unique blend of Functional Medicine, Acupuncture, Targeted nutritional supplements, Herbal Medicine and Lifestyle Modifications.
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