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Allergy
Description
An allergy is a hypersensitive reaction, where the Immune
System of certain individuals, mounts an immune response
to a particular substance that, in similar amounts and circumstances,
is innocuous to other people. Allergens, or allergy-causing
substances, can be airborne (pollens, dust, smoke), infectious
agents (bacteria, fungi, parasites), foods (strawberries,
chocolate, eggs, wheat), contactants (poison ivy, chemicals,
dyes), or physical agents (light, heat, cold).
Allergens can affect the
respiratory system (Asthma or Hay Fever), or they can affect
the Skin (wheals and Rashes). Allergens may also act on
the gastrointestinal tract (nausea and Vomiting). Allergic
reactions to substances injected into the bloodstream can
cause violent and sometimes fatal reactions.
The best treatment for
an allergic reaction is prevention, and the elimination
of the offending substance from the sensitive person’s
environment. Antihistamine drugs may offer temporary relief.
Herbs
Echinacea(8)
Nutritional Supplements
Fish Oil (1)
Evening Primrose Oil (1)
Magnesium
Niacin
Vitamin A (2)
B Complex
Vitamin B6 (3,4)
Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids (5,6)
Vitamin E (7)
Zinc
Homeopathy
- Hayfever
Euphrasia
Sneezing and watery nose, not sore.
Eyes itch, burn and water profusely.
Arsen. alb.
Burning nose and Eyes.
Chest feels tight.
Pulsatilla
Hay Fever that is better outdoors.
Silicea
Hay Fever that has caused sinus obstruction.
Gelsemium
Severe Hay Fever with violent sneezing, heavy Eyes, Headache.
Patient is flushed and groggy.
References
1. Gallad L. Increased requirements fro Essential Fatty
Acids in atopic individuals: A review with clinical descriptions.
Jour Amer Coll Nutri 1986; 5(2):213-28.
2. Journal of Nutrition. 119:135-136, 1989.
3. Collipp PJ. Pyridoxine treatment of childhood bronchial
Asthma. Ann Allergy 35: 93-97, 1975.
4. Sur S, Camara M, Buchmeier A, et al. Double-blind trial
of Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6 ) in the treatment of steroid-dependent
Asthma. Ann Allergy 70: 147-152, 1993.
5. Bucca C, et al. Effect of Vitamin C on histamine bronchial
responsiveness of patients with allergic rhinitis. Ann Allergy
65: 311-314, 1990.
6. Middleton E Jr. Effect of flavonoids on basophil histamine
release and other secretory systems. Prog Clin Biol Res
213: 493-506, 1986.
7. Kamimura M. Anti-inflammatory activity of Vitamin E .
J Vitaminol 18(4): 204-09, 1972.
8. Tubaro A, et al: Anti-inflammatory activity of a polysaccharide
fraction of Echinacea angustifolia, Journal of Pharm Pharmacol,
39(7), July 1987, p 567-569. |
