Symptoms and Causes
Allergy sufferers have immune systems that mean well, but are a little over-reactive, releasing chemicals like histamine to get rid of normally harmless substances called allergens.
Histamine triggers the body to push the allergens out, using your nose, eyes and mouth as exit routes, which creates inflammation and general allergy-related symptoms in the process.
Symptoms and Causes
Allergy sufferers have immune systems that mean well, but are a little over-reactive, releasing chemicals like histamine to get rid of normally harmless substances called allergens.
Histamine triggers the body to push the allergens out, using your nose, eyes and mouth as exit routes, which creates inflammation and general allergy-related symptoms in the process.
Allergy Symptoms
Most allergies are caused by something in the air we breathe. Common allergy symptoms include:
- Runny nose
- Congestion
- Sneezing
- Sinus pressure
- Itchy throat
- Itchy nose
- Itchy, watery eyes
If you’re experiencing one or more symptoms, there’s a strong chance allergies are the culprit. For fast relief when you need it most, use the BENADRYL® product that works best for you.
Allergy Causes
Allergens cause allergies, and unfortunately, allergens are everywhere. Common allergens include pollen, dust mites, mold, seafood, and pet dander. While there’s no way to completely eliminate allergens, knowing which ones affect you will help you reduce them.
Top Trending Allergies in the Philippines
While there are articles on allergies in the Philippines, doctors claim that they are encountering more such cases in clinics and hospitals every day. The situation starts out simple: the immune system mistakes a normal substance, say a plant or egg, for something dangerous, and reacts negatively to it. It forms a defensive reaction by secreting a substance called histamine, which then fires off a flurry of unwanted effects: watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, bloating, itchiness, and in some extreme cases, even shock and death. All because of a single trigger, or allergen.
Top Trending Allergies in the Philippines
While there are articles on allergies in the Philippines, doctors claim that they are encountering more such cases in clinics and hospitals every day. The situation starts out simple: the immune system mistakes a normal substance, say a plant or egg, for something dangerous, and reacts negatively to it. It forms a defensive reaction by secreting a substance called histamine, which then fires off a flurry of unwanted effects: watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, bloating, itchiness, and in some extreme cases, even shock and death. All because of a single trigger, or allergen.
Mold
Molds are parasitic fungi that emit tiny spores that cause allergic reactions when inhaled. These fungi love moisture and they usually grow in dim, damp and warm places in the house like the bathroom and basement, as well as logs and leaves. Mold allergies commonly set off during warmer months such as summer, but if your home is mold-infested, the problem could persist all year-round. Part of the treatment is to prevent further attacks by getting rid of mold completely and avoiding situations that encourage mold growth. You can do this by keeping proper ventilation inside the house especially in moist corners and to keep humidity low.
Dust mites
Like molds, dust mites are microscopic critters that love warmth and humidity, thus they often take shelter in cushiony household articles like beds, fabrics, plush toys, pet fur and carpets.
They can multiply fast and die slow especially in a poorly ventilated, enclosed space filled with dust. Dust mite allergy can occur all throughout the year, so it’s important to soak sheets in hot water every week and keep all nooks and crannies dust-free.
Pollen
Pollen, which is produced by trees and plants, account for much of seasonal allergies or allergic rhinitis. Tiny as, it is easily windswept and inhaled. If you live in a place where trees that dust produce a high amount of pollen are found, attacks are possible year-round.
Fish
Being a country that’s blessed with never ending coastal lines, seafood is a staple on the table of Filipino families. Fish comprise a significant number of food allergies across the world; in fact it’s among the top eight offenders when it comes to food allergies. It’s no wonder therefore that fish allergies are among the most prevalent in the country. In one study of food allergies in 14 to 16-year old children, it was found out that about 81 percent of Filipino subjects where allergic to seafood. Like any food allergy, the only way to avoid attacks is to avoid all kinds of fish altogether.
Pet dander
Dander accounts for a considerable number of allergens in the Philippines, being that furry pets like cats and dogs are ubiquitous in the country. Dander, which is found in animal saliva, urine and skin, are routinely shed by all cats and dogs regardless of breed. Worse, they are easily transferred from home to home even if you don’t actually have pets yourself. If you are allergic to pets, make sure to minimize contact with them. Also, if you’ve been outside especially to a place where there are pets, don’t walk with your shoes around the house and make sure to shower and change your clothes at once. Dander usually accumulates in seats (vehicles, homes) and other fabric-covered articles, so regularly clean those spots even if there are no visible hairs.