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Allergies Englisch |
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An allergy is an extreme sensitively of the body's protective system against foreign substances which the body takes on, like for example pollen or medication. If contact is repeated it may take years to develop such a strong reaction (building antibodies, histamines) so that one of the may forms of allergic signs arise: hay fever (allergic rhinitis), asthma, conujunctivitis, itching, hives, skin irritation, eczema and food allergies. Life-threatening shock attacks and allergic asthma attacks are the worst form of allergy.
What causes allergies ?
People who have a genetic inclination for contracting an allergy may have been exposed to one of various "allergens" (over 10.000 substances are known). Environmental influences like air pollution and smoking increase the problem. The causes for hay fever are pollen which can be forecast based on a pollen calendar. The closeness of the allergens are important with allergies against household dust, fungus and animals like dogs, cats or birds.
A skin test can often determine the cause for an allergy which is the prerequisite for avoiding contact or effective treatment.
How are allergies treated?
First, try to avoid the substance causing the allergy, if it is known: remain in closed rooms during the pollen period, reduce household dust and keep mites in check, do without pets, avoid or reduce fungus. In drastic cases jobs must be given up (flour allergy contracted by a baker) or the surroundings changed.
Certain medication can reduce the symptoms of allergic suffering, above all so-called antihistamines can temporarily show positive results. Effective therapy consist of desensitization by injections of the substances against which you are allergic under the skin attempt to immunize the body.
Ask your doctor for the possibilities of treatment in your case.
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