Allergies

An allergy is abnormally high sensitivity to certain substances, such as pollens, foods, or microorganisms. Common indications of allergy may include sneezing, itching, and skin rashes.

Allergies often appear at the point where the allergen (the substance causing the allergy) comes into contact with the body. The red, flaking, scaly skin of eczema may be a response to laundry detergent; the itching, burning and running of the nose and eyes of a hay-fever sufferer run when they come into contact with pollen or rag weed; some experience swollen lips from eating eggs, others sneeze uncontrollably anywhere near a cat.

Although almost every part of the body can be affected with different symptoms by an allergy, the underlying mechanism is the same – an imbalance in the immune system. We all have blood cells called lymphocytes which are the body’s home guard, constantly on the look-out for invaders such as bacteria and viruses. When they come across something that they recognize as not part of the body’s own proteins they produce antigens, which in turn produce antibodies (known as IgE) to neutralize it.

It is estimated that one-third of people claim they have a food allergy while in fact only 2-8% of children and 1-2% of adults have clinically proven allergic reactions to food. This is due in part largely because we fail to discriminate between food allergies and food intolerances. Food allergies involve the body’s immune system whereas food intolerances originates in the gastrointestinal system and involves an inability to digest or absorb certain substances.

Allergies develop in stages. When the immune system encounters an allergen (antigen) it signals the development and release of antibodies against it. There is no allergic reaction in the that first exposure; however if the substance again enters the body, antibodies are programmed to respond defensively against it.

SYMPTOMS

Common symptoms of food, drug or environmental allergies include: runny eyes, nasal discharge, difficulty breathing, sinus congestion, puffy eyes, throat irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headaches, rashes, hives, itching, shortness of breath and in extreme cases wide spread swelling of skin and mucous membranes.

ALLERGENS

Common environmental allergens are pollen, ragweed, pet dander, mold and stong odors such as perfume. Eggs, dairy, shell fish, peanuts, wheat and nuts are common examples of food allergens.

HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICINE

People that suffer from allergies experience different symptoms from one person to the next. These differences are taken into account to determine the Homoeopathic medicines best suited to treat the patient. Unlike conventional treatment which blocks the body's Histamine production, Homoeopathy works with the body and addresses the underlying cause. Allergies are mainly caused by an over active immune system and Homoeopathic medicines help bring the immune system back into balance.

Dr. Kumar has treated many adults and children with allergies. He has experience treating all types of allergies with great success; from food allergies to environmental allergies. If you suffer from allergies and want relief, consider making an appointment today and start on the path to an allergy free life!