Common allergies.

As we look at the calender we can see that Spring is just around the corner. By now many of us are starting to suffer from some of the annoying symptoms of common allergies. Some are caused by seasonal conditions while others may result fro foods and and chemical sensitivities. Below are listed some of the common causes for these annoying symptoms.

First, hay fever, did you know that about 37 million people suffer from this annoying condition. This condition is most prevalent during spring and summer when people react most to the germination of trees, grass and ragweed. These allergens tend to fill the air with microscopic particles.These substances enter the body and combine with immune cells known as immunoglobulins. Then they undergo chemical reactions, ending in the release of histamines. The then cause an allergic reaction that results in seneezing, coughing, itching and obstruction to the nose. If these symptoms are left untreated over time these symptoms can result in more serious conditions such as asthma.

Secondly, food allergies, sometimes food allergies are very obvious and easy to diagnose, such as in the case with strawberries. The individual eats them and then gets hives. This type 1 or a fixed allergic response because it occurs each time the strawberries are eaten. Other food allergies are more difficult to analyze because the symptoms todo not occur right away. They can occur hours or days later. Also the reaction one receives may change with the age of the patient, the season or the stress an individual may be feeling. Sometimes they even move from one organ system to another. Many of the complaints that are heard by family doctors are believed to be caused by allergies. Most general doctors don't understand this and do not realize that complaints of depression, headaches, joint and muscle pains and abdominal pain can be a ressult of allergies.

Third, chemical sensitivities, can be a result of substances in the environment. Such as dust and mold found around the home and the fumes from photocopy machines at work. Often the residue of pesticides on foods can cause big problems to an allergic person. In our world today people are routinely exposed to thousands of such toxins. Resulting in a diminished capacity in the immune system of dealing with these toxins. Eventually a person can become so ill from these irritants that they can become nonfunctional.