Introduction to Allergy
Allergy is a heightened sensitivity to a foreign substance that causes the body’s defense system to overreact when defending itself. Normally the immune system would react if a harmful substance such as bacteria attacks the body. For people with Allergies,their immune system are working too hard and react with relatively harmless substances such as pollen. The severity of an allergic reaction can vary from mild discomfort to life threatening situation.
An Allergen is a substance that can cause an allergic reaction. Individuals who do not react to the allergen are said to be tolerant, whereas those who react are labelled as Allergic or Atopic individuals.
Clinical features of Allergy
The spectrum of Allergic reactions is summarized below:
Skin: Eczema, Atopic Dermatitis, Psoriasis, Urticaria, Angioderma
Nose & Sinuses: Rhinitis, Sinusitis
Gastro-Intestinal Track: Food Allergy
Lungs: Asthma, Bronchitis
Entire Body: Anaphylaxis
Diagnosis of Allergy
IgE Mediated Allergic reactions can be diagnosed either by Skin prick test or Blood test IgE.
Non-IgE Mediated reactions are diagnosed by avoiding exposure to the allergen followed by re-exposure to the allergen.
Management of Allergies & possibilities of Boosting Immunity
Conventional: Allergen avoidance, Symptomatic treatment, Allergen Immuno Therapy
Natural Therapy: Pranayama / Breathing Exercises, Salt Room Therapy, Light exercise like Walking, Combination of these.
Avoidance of the Allergen is the best way of management of Allergies. However, this is practically not possible.
Natural Therapies opens up a whole new possibility for patients suffering from Chronic Allergic conditions.