Allergies

More than just sneezing, itching, and hives

These less obvious manifestations can indicate underlying imbalances or systemic reactions. Here are some examples:

Digestive issues such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain can indicate allergic reactions.
Respiratory problems, including chronic cough, asthma-like symptoms, and postnasal drip, may also be present.
Skin conditions such as eczema, acne, rosacea, and contact dermatitis can be exacerbated by allergies.
Musculoskeletal issues, like joint pain and muscle aches, as well as neurological symptoms such as headaches, migraines, dizziness, and brain fog, are potential signs of underlying allergies.
Emotional and psychological symptoms, including mood swings, anxiety, and depression, can arise from chronic inflammation and systemic stress due to allergies.
Systemic inflammation can lead to fatigue and occasional fever, while cardiovascular symptoms like palpitations and high blood pressure may also occur.

Allergies or Intolerances?

What are the differences between allergies and intolerances?

Allergies and intolerances are both adverse reactions to substances, but they involve different mechanisms and symptoms. Allergies are immune system responses where the body identifies a harmless substance, such as pollen, food, or pet dander, as a threat. This triggers the production of antibodies and the release of histamines, leading to symptoms like hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis in severe cases.

In contrast, intolerances do not involve the immune system. They occur when the body has difficulty digesting or metabolizing a substance, such as lactose or gluten. Symptoms of intolerance are generally digestive, including bloating, gas, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Unlike allergies, intolerances are not life-threatening but can significantly impact quality of life. Understanding the distinction is crucial for effective management and treatment of these conditions.

What are they?

Food and food chemical intolerances encompass a range of adverse reactions to substances found in food. Lactose intolerance, a common example, arises from an inability to digest lactose in dairy products, leading to bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Celiac disease, a gluten intolerance, triggers immune responses to gluten, damaging the small intestine and causing symptoms like abdominal pain and fatigue. Additionally, some individuals may react to food additives like sulfites and monosodium glutamate (MSG), experiencing symptoms such as headaches, flushing, and nausea. Symptoms vary widely, ranging from digestive discomfort to skin problems and neurological symptoms.

Airborne allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, occur when the immune system reacts to airborne particles like pollen, mold spores, dust mites, pet dander and more. Symptoms include sneezing, nasal congestion, itching, and watery eyes. These allergens trigger the release of histamine and other chemicals, leading to inflammation in the nasal passages and respiratory system, as well as, the skin and other parts of the body.

Drug Allergies: Reactions to medications, including antibiotics (like penicillin), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and chemotherapy drugs. The side effects are too numerous to list here and vary person to person.

ElectroMagnetic Exposure: Electro magnetic frequencies (EMFs) and associated chaotic waves can originate from WiFi, Cellular 5G, Bluetooth, household appliances and wiring, microwave dishes, our cars, satellite communications, x-rays, MRIs and more.

Insect sting allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to venom injected during stings from insects like bees, wasps, hornets, fire ants, and mosquitoes. Symptoms range from localized swelling, redness, and pain to severe reactions such as anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening. Anaphylaxis involves symptoms like difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and throat, rapid pulse, and a drop in blood pressure.

Latex Allergy: Allergic reactions to latex products, such as gloves, condoms, balloons, and some medical devices.

Skin Allergies: Reactions to substances that come into contact with the skin AND toxins from inside the body being eliminated through the skin, including metals (like nickel), cosmetics, fragrances, and certain plants (like poison ivy). See our page on Eczema / Dermatitis.

Occupational Allergies: Allergies caused by exposure to substances in the workplace, such as chemicals, metals, dust, or animal dander.

Pollution allergies result from reactions to airborne pollutants like smog, smoke, and car /airplane exhaust, fumes from fuel or fireplaces.

Geopathic allergies are environmental factors like cold/heat, electromagnetic radiation, humidity, barometric pressure, wind and solar/lunar changes can trigger allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. Symptoms vary widely and may include headaches, fatigue, and immune system dysfunction.

Chronic Allergic Conditions: Conditions like eosinophilic esophagitis (ex., GERD/ Reflux), allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, which involve chronic inflammation due to allergic responses.

These are just some of the many types of allergies that can affect individuals, each with its own triggers, symptoms, and relief strategies.

Allergies

More than just sneezing, itching, and hives

Allergies or Intolerances?

What are they?

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