Self Care (Allergy)

When you are allergic to something, you are oversensitive to some types of materials. These materials are called allergens. Allergens are chemical materials which cause reactions like asthma, hay fever of skin reactions, also called allergical reactions. Four types of allergical reactions can be divided to

• IgE-allergy

At this type of allergy we can think of rash and skin changes, difficulty with breathing, red eyes and the lowering of the blood pressure. At tis type of allergy adrenaline is the solution to the body. The bronchi, which contract at these allergical reactions, will open again, at which the blood vessels in the skin will narrow and the activity of the heart will increase. IgE stands for ‘antibodies' which you have to produce before the allergical reaction can come on.

• IgG-antibody related allergic reaction

This complicated name is give to allergical reactions like for instance reactions to a medicine. Drugs too can react this type of reaction. This type of reaction exists when anti-bodies float to the surface of cells and tissues on the antigens which are there.

• Allergical reaction which focuses on surface antigens on tissues

This type of allergy exists briefly said when antigens cause tissue-damage. So when the tissue in your body will be damaged and there exists an allergic reaction by this, we can speak of this type of allergy.

• Cell related allergic reactions It all sounds quite complicated, therefore a short explanation to each type.

At this type of allergy the tissue will be damaged, just like the 3th type. Besides this type is quite different because is also eliminates and removes the antigens. You can describe this reaction as an 'immuneoreaction'. When you are/become immune, you are insusceptible to an illness or poison. Now it would be quite logical that you should not be susceptible to certain things, but oversensitiveness to certain materials often appears at this allergy.

Symptoms

• Runny nose
• Itchy eyes
• Nasal congestion
• Post nasal drip
• Cough

Self Care

• Identify which allergens cause your symptoms
• Avoid exposure to allergens. Here are some tips:
  • Keep your room/apartment clean and free from dust and mold.
  • Limit rugs and carpet on floors and vacuum regularly.
  • Keep the humidity in your home between 30-50% to control the growth of dust mites and mold.
  • Use allergy proof-bed covers on mattresses, box springs and pillows.
  • Wash bed sheets in hot water every 7-10 days to kill dust mites.
  • During allergy season, keep doors and windows closed and use air conditioning as needed.
  • Avoid mowing lawn or raking leaves.
  • Stay indoors on dry, windy days.
  • Avoid contact with animals (if allergic to animal dander).