Kathmandu :

The term allergy applies to an abnormal reaction by our immune system to a substance that is usually safe to most of the people. The immune system protects our bodies from foreign substances by producing antibodies like histamine. In susceptible people, the immune system overreacts to certain allergens. This causes reaction, which is called allergy.

Most allergic reactions are mild like watery and itchy eyes, a runny nose, itching of skin, and some sneezing. Rashes are common. Swelling may occur. Allergies may also trigger attacks of asthma.

Triggers :

We are daily exposed to smoke and auto fumes, chemicals in paints, house cleaning products, pesticides, asbestos, spores, pollen, and dust mites. Most of us suffer from one allergen or another. The allergen that causes most asthma, hay fever, and other respiratory allergies include house dust, mould spores, pollen, and dandruff or hair of pets. Many foods like chocolate, cow’s milk, eggs, wheat, shellfish can also cause allergies.

Food allergy :

Food allergy is an allergic reaction to particular food. The first symptom of a food allergy may be a rash like eczema or a rash that resemble hives. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea may accompany the rash. Certain individuals have an inherited tendency to produce excess amount of antibody Ig E type. These people develop an allergy.

There are two types of reaction from food allergy. The immediate type is experienced by people within seconds after eating. These reactions usually subside within an hour.

Delayed type occurs hours or even days after a food is injected.

Avoiding it :

A person should stop eating all suspected food for about a week. Food should be added back one at a time. The goal is to learn whether or not the person suffers from food allergy and to what extent.

Experts’ advice :

Dr William Philpott, an American specialist in allergy, believes that eating highly varied diet goes a long way towards either the cure or prevention of food allergies. Constantine Falliers, an allergist in Denver and editor of the Journal of Asthma says, “Taking care of environment on dust control, mould control, pet control may be more than 50 per cent of the secret of allergic relief.” Dr Michael E Aronoff of Kansas advises patients to take Vitamin A,B complex, Vitamin C and zinc supplement to boost their resistance. Japanese researchers believe that Vitamin E exhibits anti-histamine properties.

What you can do :

There are many natural remedies for allergy control. The first step is to concentrate on the environment in which one lives. Moist environment aid the growth of moulds that are one of the causes of allergies.

Garlic and onions contain ‘quercitin’, which is effective in curing allergies. Green tea extract, which is rich in phyto nutrients, is also beneficial. Papaya contains papain (enzyme) that breaks down protein and is effective in curing allergy. Drinking lots of water and fruit juice can also help. Brown rice is also recommended.

The quality of indoor air is major health concern. Airborne allergens include dust, mould spores, pet hair, pollen, tobacco smoke, diesel fuel particles and chemicals. Hence, ventilation is critical.

Remove cooking moisture from kitchen by a installing powerful exhaust fan.

One should cover pillows and mattresses, and bedding should be washed in hot water every other week. Remove carpeting from the bedroom of an allergic person and replace it with tiles or wooden floors.

Keep clothes in closets or use protective covers. Clean walls, furniture and floors with a damp cloth.