Our nose is lined with a membrane that produces mucous. The mucous, a thin clear liquid, traps small particles and bacteria that are drawn into the nose as a person breathes. Due to Irritants in the environment like temperature changes, pollens, stress etc causing irritation or congestion there is a swelling of the mucous membrane which results in a runny nose, itching, and sneezing. This may be provoked in susceptible people, such as those who have allergies.
Causes of having allergic cold: It is caused by things that trigger allergies called allergens. These allergens can be found both outdoors and indoors. Most often it is caused by common outdoor allergens called seasonal allergy.Most people with allergic cold know they have it, although it can sometimes be confused with the common cold.
Symptoms of seasonal allergy: include frequent or repetitive sneezing, a runny or congested nose, and itching in the nose, eyes, throat, or roof of the mouth. Affected people may also have plugged ears, a decreased sense of smell, or sinus headaches with changing temperatures. It is more common in early spring, late summer and early fall.
Diagnosis and Tests/What kind of doctor should I see: The timing of symptoms helps the doctor make a diagnosis. Allergic cold that appears seasonally is almost always due to pollens and outdoor allergens. If you have severe symptoms, you may need to have allergy tests to find out what you are allergic to. Your doctor/immunologist will perform skin tests and blood tests to find the cause of your allergy. Many different types of doctors treat allergies and sinus problems. And if you have sinus problems, you should go to an ear, nose and throat board certified otolaryngologist who specializes in the treatment of sinus problems and allergies. If you have skin problems, you may also need to see a dermatologist from the itchy skin. If you eyes itch or burn from the allergies, we may have to send you to an ophthalmologist or an eye doctor, but it should really be a team of doctors including a board certified allergist who treat your sinus problems and your allergies and makes sure that together all the doctors have given you the best that they will all have to give you the best possible result possible.
Treatment: the goal of treatment is to reduce the allergy symptoms:
Decongestant tablets and sprays will help relieve a stuffy, blocked nose.
Antihistamine tablets relieve sneezing and itching, and can prevent nasal congestion before an allergy attack.
Low-dose steroid nasal sprays and nose drops are the most effective treatment, but need to be used continuously on a daily basis throughout the year.
How can I prevent myself from seasonal allergies?
Seasonal allergens are difficult to avoid outdoors, but can be controlled by closing windows and running air conditioners.
Reduce air humidity with a dehumidifier to maintain indoor humidity around 40% to 45%.
Remove furniture that collects dust (e.g., carpets, draperies, and stuffed chairs).
Put special dust mite covers on mattresses
Always keep in mind that it is not always possible to control the environment or to eliminate or avoid allergens, especially those that are airborne
Alternate medicines:Seasonal allergies can be prevented by alternate therapies which include acupuncture, homeopathic remedies, herbal medicines, and yoga. Homeopathy is based on the idea that diseases can be cured by giving the substance that causes the disease back to a person in extremely small amounts. Breathing techniques and yoga can be beneficial in terms of mental well-being and improvement in quality of life. Various herbal supplements have been used in the treatment of allergies, some showing benefit.
How to strengthen immune system?
Certain foods and environmental influences can weaken the immune system:
Excessive consumption of sugar. The immune-suppressing effect of sugar starts less than thirty minutes after ingestion and may last for five hours. In contrast, the ingestion of complex carbohydrates, or starches, has no effect on the immune system.
Excess alcohol. Excessive alcohol intake can harm the body′s immune system in two
ways. First, it produces an overall nutritional deficiency, depriving the body of valuable
immune- boosting nutrients. Second, alcohol, like sugar, consumed in excess can
reduce the ability of white cells to kill germs. High doses of alcohol suppress the ability
of the white blood cells to multiply, inhibit the action of killer white cells on cancer cells,
and lessen the ability of macrophages to produce tumor necrosis factors. Damage to
the immune system increases in proportion to the quantity of alcohol consumed.
Amounts of alcohol that are enough to cause intoxication are also enough to suppress
immunity.
Food allergens. Due to an inherited genetic malfunction, some divisions of the immune
system recognize an otherwise harmless substance (such as milk) as a foreign invader
and attack it, causing an allergic reaction. After many encounters with food allergens,
the wall is damaged, enabling invaders and other potentially toxic substances in the
food to get into the bloodstream and make the body feel miserable.
affect the ability of white blood cells to multiply, produce antibodies, and rush to the site
of an infection.
To strengthen the body’s immune system:
Have more Citrus foods as these are rich in Vitamin C. Lemon is the ideal food for
restoring acid-alkali balance. Drinking freshly squeezed lemon juice in water, or adding
it to tea, salad dressings (in place of vinegar), baking or cooking, helps maintain the
body′s internal "climate" at a pH which supports healthy bacteria instead of the viruses
and harmful bacteria which thrive in more acidic environments.
Acid-Alkali pH Balance - Your body thrives on a delicate balance of acid and alkali. Each organ and tissue of the human body has a particular acid-alkali balance (called the "pH") at which it functions best. The conventional Western diet, rich in sugar, grain products, and processed foods affects our pH balance and can leave the body acidic - to an extent that viruses, bacteria, are able to take up residence. Your immune system works optimally at an intermediate pH, and can′t combat viruses on "their own turf," at acidic pH. Certain foods can help us restore balance and bring our pH in a more alkali direction. One of these foods is the lemon. Despite its acidic nature, the impact it has on the body once ingested is to increase the alkali balance, bringing us into better health and restoring your immune system′s ability to function.
Herbs under the supervision of a physician/ayurvedic doctor/naturopath can help strengthen immune system inside out.
Sleep well. Sleep has been linked to balanced hormone levels (including human growth
hormone and the stress hormone, cortisol), keeping weight down, clear thinking and
reasoning, improved mood, and vibrant, healthy skin and rejuvenating the whole
metabolism.
Protein should be included in diet. Protein is a building block for a healthy body, mind,
and immune system. Diets low in protein like pulses and legumes/dairy/non-
veg/soya tend to be high in carbohydrates which convert readily to glucose, spiking
blood sugar and stressing the pancreas and the immune system.
Rehydrate the body. Drink plenty of fresh water to flush out the toxins. Contrary to
recent marketing as a source of antioxidants, chocolate and coffee are two of the worst
things you can do for your immune system and your health. Caffeine robs your body of
minerals and vitamins, and it dehydrates you. If you drink coffee, make sure you add an
additional two glasses to your water intake per cup of coffee.
Restrict intake of refined white sugar. Eliminating sugar in diet will do the trick will
improve energy levels, weight distribution, immunity and your ability to think clearly
when you break the cravings and stop eating refined sugar.
Eat plenty of raw fruits and vegetables for their antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber
and enzymes.
Exercise. Exercise can make a noticeable difference to your health and happiness by
releasing endorphins. Time spent outdoors/doing physical activity also stimulates the
thyroid gland which improves immune system.
Relax, pamper and nurture your body and feel good about yourself. |
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