ALLERGIES

A very frequent consultation. The current pandemic caused by the COVID -19 virus reminds us that we live in an ecosystem threatened by different types of elements capable of altering the natural state of health of any person. Not only viruses and bacteria, but also inert elements such as dust or strong vapors that contaminate natural elements such as air, water and even our food, make us vulnerable to unwished reactions or serious diseases.

Each individual has their own defense system.

Our complex immune system, with its T cells (T lymphocytes) and B cells (B lymphocytes) plays the role of defending us from so many noxas.

Some people have an immune system that reacts more sensitively to certain elements of the environment, which would pass as harmless to most, such as dust, mold, mites (called allergens) creating a special type of antibody called immunoglobin E (Ige) when they come into contact with the allergenic substance.

The reaction between Ig E antibodies and the allergen releases a large amount of substances, mainly histamine, responsible for producing allergic symptoms such as itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, cough, and red skin. Some clinical manifestations include: allergic rhinitis, asthma and eczema.

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction.

The most common causes are foods such as peanuts, shellfish, etc; insect bites, and some medications that contain sulfonamides, among others.

Conventional treatment consists mainly of avoiding the allergen or suppressing the associated symptoms through the use of steroids and antihistamines among other medications.

Avoiding the allergen is not always possible, so an allergic person will require recurring or prolonged treatments to stop the allergic reactions.

On the other hand, conventional over-the-counter allergy medications on a daily basis to treat symptoms may not be a smart move because they all have their own side effects.

Homeopathic treatment takes into account the constitution of the person as a whole, offering a treatment without adverse effects and with long-term results.

Archive: August 14, 2020
Author: Nancy Dutto MD