|
Q. |
I like cats very much, but I
sneeze and my eyes
water when I am around
them. What causes this? |
|
A. |
Your immune
system usually works to protect you. It sometimes treats dust, pollen from
plants and animal hair as
harmful.
Your body
releases a substance called histamine when it comes into contact
with these things. This irritates your eyes and nose.
|
|
Q. |
What parts of the body are most affected by allergic reactions? |
|
A. |
The upper
and lower respiratory systems. Symptoms may include
itchy ears,
chest
congestion,
wheezing,
coughing and a
runny nose.
The skin may get
rashes or
hives. Some allergies upset the stomach. You may have nausea or
diarrhea. |
|
Q. |
How do I know if an allergy is the cause of my problem? How do I
know that it is not something else? |
|
A. |
If a
reaction happens after eating
a particular
food, you may have an allergy. Don’t eat the food
you suspect
for several days. Try it again and see if you have a reaction. If a
reaction happens after being around plants, grass and trees,
stay away from
the plants and see if your symptoms stop.
|
|
Q. |
My son gets
stomachaches
very often. How can I tell if he has food allergies? |
|
A. |
Give him very
simple
home-cooked meals for a few days. Do not use
packaged foods,
take-away food
or fast foods from restaurants. Give him food like
oatmeal,
rice, fresh fruits and vegetables. If he has no allergic symptoms, try
other foods one at a time and see if he has a reaction. |
|
Q. |
I am allergic to some chemicals at work and to trees outdoors in
the spring. I see
ads for
allergy medicines on TV. Are they good to take? |
|
A. |
It’s better
to see a doctor before you take these medicines. Make an
appointment
with your doctor or a
qualified
pharmacist. The pharmacist will do tests to determine the actual
cause of your allergies. The pharmacist will make a treatment plan just
for you. It can take time and a change of diet to cure some allergies.
Be patient
and follow the treatment plan exactly as advised.
|
|
Q. |
My daughter’s allergies
are
worse at home. What should I do? |
|
A. |
Dust and vacuum often
and wash curtains and
bedding.
Change your boiler and air conditioning filters regularly.
Keep pets
out of your daughter’s room. She should wash her hands after playing with
pets. Make your home
smoke-free.
Breathing
smoke makes allergies worse. Make sure both you and your daughter
understand and follow your doctor’s recommendations.
|
