What is an Allergy?     

An Allergic reaction takes place when a person’s immune system overreacts to substances in their environment, known as allergens. Most people will tolerate these substances, and have no reaction at all. Others will experience some type of inflammation, usually within 2 hours, after coming into contact with a trigger allergen.

Allergens include foods, drugs, insect bites, pollen, air pollutants (smoke, car exhaust, dust), plants, mould, dust mites, animals (pets), latex, perfumes, metals, cosmetics, washing powders, almost any thing can be a potential allergen!

According to ASCIA (Australasian society of clinical immunity and allergy) up to 20% of people in Australia are affected by allergies.

Allergies cause inflammation (redness & swelling) that can result in symptoms such as:

• Skin rashes / redness / hives / dryness / itchiness
• Swelling of the tongue or throat, lips or face
• Itchy nose/eyes, congestion, stuffiness, sneezing
• Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath
• Diarrhoea, stomach cramping
• Nausea & vomiting
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, & fainting

These symptoms can result in conditions such as:

• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
• Eczema or urticaria (hives)
• Digestive issues (constipation, diarrhoea, reflux)
• Asthma (restriction of the air ways in the lungs)
• Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction – resulting in closing off of the airways)

How can Natural Medicine Help Allergy Suffers?

Allergies are the result of a hypersensitive immune system, causing the release of damaging histamines. Often the cause of this hypersensitivity is often unknown, and may vary from person to person.  Supporting the immune system, and helping it to function optimally, is a helpful way to manage allergies. This is where Natural Medicine is most helpful.   Many conventional treatments may have severe sides effects, and use over the long term, may further aggravate allergy symptoms (1).

Natural Remedies are gentle, can often be taken safely long term, and may also have other health benefits (2).

Natural management strategies might include: Lifestyle & Diet changes (such as an anti-inflammatory diet),  Probiotics, Herbal Remedies, and Vitamin or Mineral supplements. Make an appointment with Nat today to discuss your individual allergy management requirements.

Precaution when treating allergies

If an allergy is mild or moderate, they are usually not life threatening, and may resolve in time. However if a reaction is serve it can be dangerous and requires immediate medical intervention.

Anaphylaxis is a severe reaction and can occur after contact with a certain food, being bitten by an insect or taking medications/drugs. The symptoms include, difficulty breathing, swallowing, chest pains, blood pressure changes, heart palpitations, dizziness, rash, fainting, or vomiting. If you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms seek medical help immediately, to prevent complications.