Allergies, Pollen and Aromatherapy

It seems that more and more people are being diagnosed with allergies. And there is so much to be allergic to -- animals, dust, food and pollen, just to name a few. While some allergy symptoms may be mild, others can be severe enough to be life threatening. Some people suffer from allergies year-round, and others suffer allergies only during certain months, when pollen count is high.

Root Of An Allergy

What is an allergy? An allergy is when your immune system reacts in a harsh way to a substance that otherwise would cause no reaction. These reactions range from hives on the skin, itchiness, red watery eyes, runny nose and sneezing to more severe reactions such as an inability to breathe, shock, or even death.

Trigger Factor

Allergies aren't usually discovered until after someone has been exposed to the "triggering" factor -- the substance that is causing the allergic reaction. Although allergies can't be predicted, tests may be taken to determine if an allergy to a certain substance is present. The main test used to diagnose an allergy, called a skin test, is performed by making a small prick in the skin with a minute amount of the potential "allergen," such as a small amount of pollen. The site where the test was made is checked -- within 30 minutes -- for reactions such as hives, or any type or redness.

Symptoms

Some allergy symptoms may include asthma, coughing, eczema, hives, redness and itching in the eyes, runny nose, skin rashes, sneezing, and wheezing. Most people will avoid contact with the particular substance that causes an allergic reaction. For instance, if a person is allergic to pollen, they'll try to avoid going out during the times of highest pollen count. Or if someone has a food allergy, they'll avoid eating that particular food.

The most common substances that people are allergic to include trees -- such as birch or oak; rag weed; food -- particularly, eggs, peanuts, milk, chocolate, seafood and soy; and such things as mold spores, animal dander, dust mites, and even cockroaches.

Reasons For Allergies

Why do people develop allergies? A subject of debate for many years, some people believe that allergies are basically a product of genetics; in other words, if you parent had allergies, so will you. Some believe allergies are prevalent in certain ethnic groups. While others believe there is a link between allergies and immunizations. New research is being done on this because of the possibility that through immunization the immune system becomes "depressed." When this happens we become "overly sensitive" to normal stimuli.

Aromatherapy

One way to treat allergies is through the use of aromatherapy. Herbs such as eucalyptus, lemon and Roman chamomile have natural immunity-building properties that may help with allergies and their reactions. Therefore, since some symptoms can be treated as they appear, you can add these essential oils into a hot tub and soak for at least 20 minutes when you feel an allergic reaction coming on.