Allergy > Treating Allergy > Treatments of Allergy in General
Treatments of Allergy in General
Allergic reaction takes place in a person’s body if his or her defenses tend to overreact against a supposedly harmless stuff. This harmless stuff is termed as an allergen. An allergic reaction to certain objects might be acquired mostly through genetics. Allergy is a hypersensitivity disorder of the immune system. It is due to the presence of the IgE or the immunoglobulin E antibodies. These antibodies are produces when the body detects something foreign that it wants it to be disposed off immediately. Histamines are also released in the body and attaches to cells, histamines are mainly from basophils and mast cells so organs with a lot of these components are the main targets of anaphylactic shock. When histamines attach to cells, severe inflammatory process occurs though fluid influx secondary to extreme blood vessel dilatation.
Treatments for allergy range from simple home management to medications. Antihistamines are drugs that combat allergic effects by blocking and preventing the attachment of histamines in the cells. Diphenhydramine, Brompheniramine, Doxylamine, Dimenhydrinate, are some of the most common generic brands of antihistamines in the market. The most common side effect of these drugs is sleepiness and drowsiness. A person administering these kinds of drug should let the patient know about its side effects to prevent them from being too much overwhelmed. Activities that may predispose patients to accidents or falls may be prohibited such as driving and strenuous sports. Operating machines should also be prohibited.
Vitamins are also indicated for persons with allergies. Since allergies are disorders of the immune system, vitamins that act as antioxidants and those that boost the immune system is highly recommended. Vitamins can be obtained through proper diet combinations or from supplements. Vitamin A helps in boosting the immune system and at the same time in the proliferation of cells invaded by allergies. In cases of eczema, vitamin A helps in the healing of the scarred tissue and in making the skin look healthy and smooth. Vitamin C which is found in citrus fruits also helps in boosting the body’s immune system. Vitamin D or the so-called “sunshine vitamin” is activated through exposure to the sunlight in the form of dihydroxycalciferol and helps in some cell process and in processes involving calcium. Vitamin E is a well known antioxidant that helps on the restoration of cells invaded by allergy and it also helps build the body’s immunity. The B vitamins help improve the circulatory system them allowing the nutrients to be transported to all parts of the body for tissue regeneration and healing.
Treatment of allergies may also start at home, the hygiene hypothesis against allergy says that allergy is caused by an unclean environment rich of materials that may be allergens to one’s body. Such is true since many types of allergies are caused by external environmental factors. Frequent house cleaning then is a must for allergy prevention.
In cases of contact dermatitis, patients may use hypoallergenic soaps in cleaning the skin. Diet is also a very important factor in minimizing the effects of eczema. A high fiber diet of fruits, vegetables and cereals is good for any kind of allergy since there is a theory that allergic eruptions are manifestations of increasing level of toxins in the body. Mold control inside the room should also be done through lowering the humidity in the house. Fans for good ventilation and prevention of dust accumulation may help against eczema or allergic rhinitis.
In cases of drug allergies, skin tests should first be done before the administration of a potential allergy causing drug. This is done through injecting a solution containing the drug at a person’s forearm. Rashes may from about half an hour with some signs of inflammation when the person is allergic to a drug. |
