YOU SNEEZE, YOU LOOSE

Thirty years ago, one in thirty people suffered from allergies. Today the statistic has risen to one in four, making allergies a huge and growing problem in health care. Allergies occur when pollen or another type of allergen (substance that causes the allergy) enters the eyes, nose or lungs and sensitizes the immune system. Specific antibodies i.e. substances produced by the body to fight allergies, attach themselves to mast cells found in body tissues. When the allergen enters the body again, it attaches to these antibodies causing histamine and other chemicals to be released from the mast cells. As a result, an allergic reaction is triggered causing any one of the following symptoms: • Runny eyes and nose • Throat and nose itching • Sneezing • Sinus congestion • Asthma. All very uncomfortable symptoms! Allergies are most prevalent in people whose parents have allergies. Children may not always have the same allergy as their parents but 75% of children whose parents have allergies, will get allergies themselves. Resent research also suggests that a highly hygienic upbringing is to blame for the lack of immune system stimulation in early childhood. This increase in hygiene together with antibiotics, immunizations and antibacterial soaps, has meant that immune systems are not practicing on the right microbes (bugs!) and are now attacking harmless substances instead. A little bit of dirt is indeed good! It fact it is essential to build the child’s immune system and help prevent allergies. There are many different types of allergies, including Hay Fever, Hives, Pet Allergies, Eczema, Drug Allergies, Bee Sting Allergies, Food Allergies, etc. Allergic Rhinitis, commonly known as Hay Fever, affects one in five people which means approximately 6 million South Africans are affected by Hay Fever and it is the most common childhood disease. Hay Fever may be seasonal if caused by pollen from trees, grass and weeds, or on-going if the cause is dust mites, mold or animal hair. It is sometimes difficult to tell the difference between a cold and an allergy, but there are some very specific differences that can be used to distinguish between the two. Take a look. COLD Progressive symptoms Lasts for 7-10 days Yellowish nasal discharge Sneezing is uncommon Occurs mainly in the winter months Accompanying fever ALLERGY Symptoms occur altogether Lasts for the time of the allergen exposure Clear, thin watery discharge Sneezing 2-3 times in a row Occurs mainly in spring or summer No fever present Eczema is another type of allergy affecting up to one third of people. Food Allergies - 90% of all food allergies are caused by just a few foods namely milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat, soy, shellfish and nuts. Asthma is another type of allergy which is dramatically on the increase. People most at risk of developing the Asthma include those with other allergies, people with a family history of allergies or asthma, and those exposed to tobacco smoke. There is no cure for allergies. The symptoms of allergies can be treated with antihistamines, decongestants and steroids, but the only way to stop allergic reactions from occurring is to avoid the allergens. First, it’s necessary to identify the cause of the allergy through a skin or blood test which can be a tricky process. After that, you need to find ways to avoid the allergens. Nutritional support: Sportron products that can be used to provide nutritional support for allergies include: • Respitron Syrup • Respitron Tablets • Phytogard Capsules • Phytogard Syrup • Calcitone