We all know what allergies are and what an allergic reaction looks like. Watery eyes, runny nose, itchy skin, a rash, wheezing, sneezing, swollen lips, tingling in the mouth, right? When we have an allergic attack it can be miserable. Allergies can also be life threatening if you have an anaphylactic reaction.
So, what causes an allergy attack?
Allergies are caused by the immune system reacting to something that it normally should not be reacting to. The severity of the reaction can range from mild to life threatening.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis can look like:
- Loss of consciousness
- A drop in blood pressure
- Severe shortness of breath
- Skin rash
- Lightheadedness
- A rapid, weak pulse
- Nausea and vomiting
If you have any of these allergy symptoms it may indicate a medical emergency and you should call 911. If you know you have an anaphylactic reaction to something you should carry an EpiPen (epinephrine injection) and wear a bracelet with your allergy information on it.
In the vast majority of cases, allergies are treatable. Some cases are easier than others to treat, like avoiding citrus fruit or cats if you react to them, but things like asthma or even hay fever can be harder to manage.
At Emerge Natural Health Care we have practitioners that employ a variety of methods to help overcome allergies, including methods from a Naturopathic Medicine perspective and from a Chinese Medicine perspective.