Allergy is a disease known since ancient times, but with a very low rate until recently. In the last 50 years, the rate of involvement has increased 470% to become today one of the most common diseases, affecting between 30 and 40% of the world population. For example, only in the Basque Country, there is more than 200,000 allergic to pollen, which is the most widespread type of allergies, although food allergies are perhaps those that have grown rapidly in recent years.
Doctors and environmental researchers believe that this dramatic increase in cases of allergy can be caused by the relationship that our body has since a few decades ago with synthetic substances (more than 100,000) that do not exist in nature and for which we are not prepared to treat. Although there is a genetic predisposition, an allergic probably would not be if environmental circumstances were not the best for the problem to manifest itself. These conditions are mainly the massive increase in toxic substances in the environment, which are present in large amounts and affect our body in a large number at the same time, causing adverse reactions and diseases.
The most common allergies are allergies type I, i.e., in which the allergic response to the allergen is immediate. Allergens include pollen, dust mites, animal skin flakes, food, mould, insect bites, etc. In type, I allergy they are involved IgE (immunoglobulin E) antibodies. In this allergy, our immune system mistakenly exaggerated and responded to the presence of the allergen inflaming the bronchi, throat, nose and eyes against something he believes an aggression. Particularly in these areas, it is where a large amount of histamine is released, among other substances, which is what causes inflammation. Allergic reactions can be far-reaching and even cause death if no countermeasures are taken quickly. Antihistamines or injected cortisone and adrenaline are the most common.
In the case of pollen, in particular, climate change makes the spring and summer to linger, and this along with pollution causes the allergic response more aggressive.
Symptom
Symptoms of allergies to dust and pollen can become disabling because the wear and stresses on the body can be very strong. Pollen allergy, for example, often do not allow to rest because pollen trapped in the mucus of the bronchi and the nose moves and continues to cause respiratory symptoms and leaves no sleep level.
Allergic reactions to pollen usually cause allergic rhinitis with sneezing, watery eyes and runny or stuffy nose. Similar symptoms may be caused by dust mites throughout the year, in addition to respiratory problems. Not only affects pollen in spring, keep in mind that the pollen calendar shows that we are exposed to different types pollen practically all year. The time when we depend on allergic reactions to pollen we are allergic.
During childhood, atopic dermatitis and food allergies are prevalent during the early years, and later respiratory allergies appear. If the cause of the allergy is maintained, it can lead to an extension of the disease, and for example, allergic rhinitis can become bronchial asthma.
TIPS for pollen allergy sufferers
- Home Ventilation: No ventilate the house early in the morning, the high concentration of dust, or when the temperature begins to fall in the afternoon, as it is suspended when the powder starts to deposit. Use an air purifier.
- Air Purifiers HEPA, which are capable retaining particles of at least 0.3 microns, although their purifiers can hold particles up0.1 microns. Thus the amount of pollen, dust mites and other allergens in the home is radically reduced. I also have stage filters activated carbon filter, also reduce smoke from cars, snuff smoke, formaldehyde, etc.
- To go out: wear a cap (and hair up if you have long) and sunglasses. In this way prevents the pollen stays in the hair and into my eyes.
- When I got home: Combing (pollen accumulates in the hair), changing clothes in a separate room, so that pollen does not pass the rest of the house and shower. It is very important to change your shoes at the entrance, because if we do not we spread the pollen throughout the house.
- Clothing: If necessary you can dry clothes indoors (with dehumidifier or dryer), so that is not exposed to pollen if we tend.
- Outside: Avoid field trips, parks or gardens during the pollen season.
- Masks: Masks are a good solution for those allergic to pollen, as they prevent pollen from drifting into the airways and reduce or even avoid medication with antihistamines. Not all masks serve as the size of some pollens is especially small, so you should seek the most have more capacity particulate filter.
TIPS FOR ALLERGIC TO DUST MITES
Mites that cause allergies are a kind of microscopic mites that feed on particles that are shedding our skin as it dies. For this reason, one of the favourite habitats by these mites is our bed, thanks to the warm and humid environment that we contribute. The bed is where priority is to control the presence of mites, and also it had a third of our lives at the moment when we are most vulnerable when we sleep.
- Use only bedding washable cotton or other natural fibres at least 60 ° C. The bedding should be changed every week.
- Ventilate the bed every day.
- Use dust mite protective covers for pillows, mattress and duvet. The most desirable are those that are made from a very dense tissue that does not allow passage of mites. You avoid chemically treated.
- Use Nordic Cotton 95 °. This cotton can be washed at 95 ° and is also recommended for people allergic to mould.
- Air Purifier: Use an air purifier with HEPA particulate filter to remove both mites and particles that feed our skin and any other allergen present in the environment. In the case of cleaning with a vacuum cleaner, is also advisable to have a HEPA filter.
- Antiácaros products: You can use anti - mite products added to the washer or sprayed on the bedding. It must be a quality product, on - toxic and if it can be derived from natural products such as Neem tree, for example.
- Humidity: The humidity favours the proliferation of mites, so it is recommended to keep the house with a moisture content below 60%. They are easy to find dehumidifiers calcium, electrical or bentonite (clay) chloride, for example.
- Clothing: Wash the clothes back to use after having it stored for a time and do it at high temperatures to kill the mites or even wash them with dust mite products.
- Masks: Use mask particles in the case of having to move furniture, books or anything that may have accumulated dust.
- Oxygen: Mites are very sensitive to lack of oxygen, so a good way to keep them at bay is vacuum packed objects which can be found (clothes, pillows, books, records, etc.) and not they will use for a long period.
Nasal shower: Nasal showers clean the nostrils of allergens, among other things, so they are very useful for people with pollen allergy and mites. There are specific cups for nasal douches called nett pots, which are also recommended if you are cold, congested or have a dry nose.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
One tip that will help prevent symptoms caused by allergies or reduce the maximum environmental control is to bring home. Environmental monitoring is to put measures to minimise exposure to toxic we can find in our home. This involves using cleaning products, hygiene and ecological cosmetics fragrance, purified drinking water with activated carbon filters and make organic food. Environmental control is very beneficial for allergy sufferers and in countries where the speciality of Environmental Medicine recommend especially for people with allergies and asthma with excellent results.