It’s estimated that more than half of Americans between the ages of 6 and 59 would test positive to one or more contaminants. It’s thought about one quarter of those individuals are allergic to dust mites, ragweed or cockroaches. Surveys have shown that about ten million Americans are allergic to cats. Two million are allergic to insect bites.
Did you know?
According to The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic (i.e. long-term) disease. The issue isn’t restricted to the U.S.. It’s estimated that between forty and fifty percent of kids in North America, Western Europe and Australia have some form of allergy. Why is that a problem when you have asthma? The World Health Organization considers 90 percent of asthma attacks are triggered by allergies.
An allergy begins with the body’s increased sensitivity to something it perceives as a threat. The immune system overreacts to an allergen which for others is an innocent, harmless substance. We don’t understand why some people become sensitized to an allergen and others don’t, but it is believed that people inherit a tendency for allergies, but not to a particular substance. Some experts consider that the sensitivity is related to a child’s environment and way of life. They point to the increasing sales of antibacterial sprays and other cleaning agents. Today’s homes are usually cleaner.
Childrens
Children spend more time in the house and less time playing outdoors in the dirt. Consequently they are less exposed to possible allergens and denied the opportunity to develop immunity. This is thought to lead to allergic sensitization. Studies have shown that children in a large family or who attend a daycare centre are not as likely to develop allergies.
In addition, it has been found that kids who share their house with cats and dogs have less allergic reactions compared to those raised in a pet free household. Pollen is a frequent allergy and asthma trigger. When these very small particles enter the airways of somebody sensitive to their existence proteins on the surface of the pollen and also an enzyme also carried by the pollen trigger an overreaction.
How Does It Work?
The protein activates the immune system and also the enzyme interacts with the cells of the airways. This inflames the respiratory passages and leads to breathing problems. Understanding this process may lead to new, more effective drugs, but what can you do in the meantime? Firstly know the pollen count for your area. However bear in mind that the pollen count is usually taken the day before it’s broadcast. It can be reduced by rain or cool weather, and increased by hot weather or brief thunderstorms.
There are a number of easy preventative actions you may choose for each type of allergy. For those who have an allergic reaction during yard work and in moist places eliminate anything that smells moldy; if pets begin a response frequently wash pets and their bedding; many allergies will improve if you don’t smoke, particularly in the home and around your kids. If you discover you have a food allergy vigilance is the best prescription. These days encounter food substances from many unexpected places.
Final note
There was a traditional college experiment that involved burning a peanut and measuring how much energy it gave out. Now pupils burn another sort of food. Some pupils discovered that they were allergic to peanuts the hard way as the oils at the nut gave off fumes. Now there is another food to treat with care. Sesame seed allergy is one of the fastest growing allergies on the planet. And do not think you will only discover the seed resting atop a bun. They’re used in salad dressings, cultural foods, baked goods as well as soap.
So what can you do if you suspect that you have an allergy or you could be asthmatic? First, become educated about the status. Experts concur that knowledge is the best prescription. Do some research. Consult your physician. They may recommend tests to ascertain any allergies you have. If an asthma or allergies is identified there are drugs, precautions and complementary remedies you may use to control your situation. Above all do not feel that a diagnosis of asthma or allergies means you’ve got to live a less active, enjoyable lifestyle. Our comprehension of those conditions is incomplete, but we know enough to allow sufferers to take control.