Allergies

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Latest Edit: Iva Lloyd, ND 2014-05-28 (EDT)

Allergic reactions are sensitivities to substances, called allergens, that come into contact with the skin, nose, eyes, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal tract. They can be inhaled into the lungs, swallowed, injected or due to direct contact with the skin. The most common allergies relate to:

Article Allergies: Inherited or Acquired?, NDNR 2011 March


Considerations

  • Allergic reactions are common. They are typically occur immediately, within seconds to minutes, after contact with the allergen.
Article Recognizing Anaphylaxis in Infants and Children, NDNR [1], 2012 September
  • They can occur at any age. Severe allergies, called anaphylaxis typically shows up early in life and is generally associated with a family history of allergies.
  • Reactions can to mild or severe and life-threatening. They can be confined to a small area of the body, or they may affect the entire body.
  • The reaction is based primarily on exposure to the allergen, not the quantity or duration of exposure. It is common for the reaction to allergies to get worse with repeated exposure, even very small amounts of the allergen.

Naturopathic Treatment

Article Eclectic management of allergies: A case report, IHP, October 2009

The goal of naturopathic treatment is to support and work in tandem with the healing power of the body and to address the causal factors of disease with individual treatment strategies.

It is always advisable to work with a naturopathic doctor before engaging in any treatment plan.

First Aid

For a mild to moderate reaction:[1]

Article Antiallergy Polyphenomics - A Beautiful Sneeze , NDNR, 2012 April
Article Rosmarinic Acid for Allergies, NDNR 2011 March
Article Allergies: Inherited or Acquired?, 2011 March NDNR
  1. Calm and reassure the person having the reaction, as anxiety can worsen symptoms.
  2. Try to identify the allergen and have the person avoid further contact with it. If the allergic reaction is from a bee sting, scrape the stinger off the skin with something firm (such as a fingernail or plastic credit card). Do not use tweezers; squeezing the stinger will release more venom.
  3. If the person develops an itchy rash, apply cool compresses and over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream.
  4. Watch the person for signs of increasing distress.
  5. Get medical help. For a mild reaction, a physician may recommend over-the-counter medications (such as antihistamines).

For a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis):

  1. Check the person's airway, breathing, and circulation (the ABC's of Basic Life Support). A warning sign of dangerous throat swelling is a very hoarse or whispered voice, or coarse sounds when the person is breathing in air. If necessary, begin rescue breathing and CPR.
  2. Call 911.
  3. Calm and reassure the person.
  4. If the allergic reaction is from a bee sting, scrape the stinger off the skin with something firm (such as a fingernail or plastic credit card). Do not use tweezers -- squeezing the stinger will release more venom.
  5. If the person has emergency allergy medication on hand, help the person take or inject the medication. Avoid oral medication if the person is having difficulty breathing.
  6. Take steps to prevent shock. Have the person lie flat, raise the person's feet about 12 inches, and cover him or her with a coat or blanket. Do NOT place the person in this position if a head, neck, back, or leg injury is suspected or if it causes discomfort.


Do Not

  • Do NOT assume that any allergy shots the person has already received will provide complete protection.
  • Do NOT place a pillow under the person's head if he or she is having trouble breathing. This can block the airways.
  • Do NOT give the person anything by mouth if the person is having trouble breathing.

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if

  • The person is having a severe allergic reaction -- always call 911. Do not wait to see if the reaction is getting worse.
  • The person has a history of severe allergic reactions (check for a medical ID tag).

References

  1. PubMed Health http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001076/