If you suffer from allergies, you are not alone. In fact, public health authorities estimate that approximately 20 percent of people in North America and Western Europe suffer from some form of hay fever. Allergy UK further reports that approximately 30 to 40 percent of people suffer from some form of allergy at some stage in their lives. So, what exactly are allergies and how can you address them?
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Understanding Allergies
An allergic reaction is nothing more than a hypersensitive immune response to substances that have come into contact with the body. Common substances that can trigger an allergic reaction include pollen, pet dander, bee venom and certain foods. While most allergens are harmless to most people, those who suffer from allergies can experience problems ranging from minor irritation to risk of death.
Examining the Signs and Symptoms of Allergies
The signs and symptoms associated with allergies can vary depending on the severity of the allergy. Some of the symptoms commonly associated with allergies caused by dust or pollen include:
- Cough
- Itchy eyes
- Itchy nose
- Runny nose
- Stuffy nose
- Swollen eyes
- Watery eyes
Food allergies often result in more serious reactions, including:
- Diarrhea
- Itchiness in the mouth
- Rectal bleeding
- Shortness of breath
- Stomach cramps
- Swelling of the face
- Swelling of the lips
- Swelling of the throat
- Tingling in the mouth
- Tongue swelling
- Vomiting
Insect stings can also result in serious symptoms, including:
- Anaphylaxis
- Anxiety
- Chest tightness
- Cough
- Dizziness
- Hives
- Itchy skin
- Restlessness
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden drop in blood pressure
- Swelling around the area of the sting
- Wheezing
If you suffer from allergies, Dr. Crismon, MD of Advanced Spine & Rehab can help you with alleviating symptoms and reducing the number of allergic reactions you experience. Dr. Crismon’s Phoenix chiropractic services can address a wide variety of medical concerns, ranging from allergies to injuries and illness.