I even get a bit itchy around cats. Yes, there are other things you can do, but I have to tell you that this may be one of those health problems where conventional medications are much more effective than the alternatives. Allergies affect an estimated 22 million Americans. They are caused by an overreaction of the immune system to foreign materials, like pollen or bee stings, that inflame tissues and lead to malfunction. Skin and the respiratory tract are the most common locations for allergic responses, although the gastrointestinal tract and blood vessels can also be involved.
Most allergies cause runny noses, rashes, and itching.
Asthma also often has a huge allergic component. The worst allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis, can cause life-threatening blockage of breathing and lowered blood pressure. Medications, allergy shots, and maybe some alternative therapies can be helpful, but the best way to manage allergies is to try to avoid the things that make you react. New non-sedating antihistamine medications, such as Allegra, Zyrtec, and Claritin, have made a huge difference in the lives of many allergy sufferers. What we eat can make a huge difference to our overall health, and this may be one situation where a dietary change can be therapeutic.