Your immune system is a beautiful thing. It protects you from developing infections and from getting sick. The job of your immune system is to identify foreign invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, and get rid of them. Sometimes, however, your immune system gets confused and gears up to destroy cells that aren’t necessarily dangerous. In the case of allergies, your immune system is fighting substances that aren’t really a threat to your body; and with autoimmune conditions, your immune system attacks your body’s own cells.
An allergic reaction is your immune system’s hypersensitivity to a substance that’s normally harmless. What you’re allergic to is called an allergen, and some of the most common environmental allergens are dust, grass and tree pollen, nuts, and animal dander. The signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction depend on a number of factors, including the type of allergen and how your body reacts to that specific substance. For example, you may develop a rash or hives from a substance that causes a skin reaction, a runny nose and itchy eyes from pollen, and anaphylaxis if you’re highly allergic to bee stings.
Anaphylaxis is a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction that is a true medical emergency. It can occur very quickly after an insect sting or hours after eating a food allergen. Some of the symptoms of anaphylaxis include hives and itching, swelling of your throat and tongue, difficulty breathing, a significant drop in your blood pressure, and dizziness and loss of consciousness.
The number of people with allergies throughout the world is increasing every year. Scientists have a couple of theories as to why this is happening. One theory is that we are no longer exposed to as many pathogens as children so our immune systems don’t build up a resistance to them. This is supported by research that has found people who were exposed to pets, siblings, and a number of viral infections during their childhood tend to have fewer allergies as adults. Researchers have also found a strong association between environmental toxins, such as tobacco smoke and car exhaust, and a higher incidence of allergies and asthma.In addition, our changing climate may also be contributing to a higher incidence of seasonal allergies. Climate scientists have found that rising temperatures are creating longer allergy seasons and exposure to pollen, as well as increasingly worse air quality, both of which contribute to a worldwide increase in the development of respiratory allergies and asthma.
Help for Your Allergies
Many people with allergies or allergy-related conditions believe that they just have to struggle through allergy season or strictly avoid any exposure to allergens. While avoiding known allergens if you’re severely allergic is important, it’s also important to know that we offer treatments that can help decrease your sensitivity in a number of ways. At BodaHealth, our treatment goals for patients with allergies include:
- Creating better immune function
- Decreasing immune over-reactivity
- Identifying and eliminating allergens and triggers
- Decreasing inflammation
- Identifying and treating toxicities
- Supporting your overall health
At BodaHealth, we provide a number of treatment options and healing modalities. They include acupuncture, Chinese herbal therapy, diet and nutrition, naturopathic medicine, and nutritional supplementation. Our practitioners represent decades of training and experience, and are committed to understanding and treating your unique health care needs. They are able to treat a wide variety of allergy-related conditions, including:
- Seasonal allergies, Hay Fever
- Allergic rhinitis
- Food sensitivities, intolerances, and allergies
- Chronic cough
- Asthma
At BodaHealth, we offer the best natural care available. To find out more about how we can help alleviate your allergies, contact us today.
