Allergy

Allergy has become a common condition. It is the hypersensitivity of the immune system to substances that are usually harmless. A large percentage of the population is suffering from one or the other type of allergy.

Types of allergy

There are many types of allergies. The most common ones are:-

• Hay fever
• Food allergy
• Asthma
• Anaphylaxis
• Drug allergy etc

Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, present with signs and symptoms like running nose and cold.

The common foods that cause allergy are wheat, peanut, shellfish etc. some children are also allergic to cow’s milk, goat’s milk etc. The person main person with vomiting, diarrhoea or skin rashes.

Some drugs like penicillin, can cause a state of anaphylaxis, if left untreated may result in coma or death. Even some food or insect bites can also cause anaphylaxis.

What are the signs and symptoms shown by the person with allergy

Even though each person may have a different type of allergy, some signs and symptoms may be common.

• Rhinitis
• Sinusitis
• Redness of eyes
• Itching of eyes
• Dyspnea with wheezing
• Skin rashes
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea etc

What are the farctors that cause allergy

A different immune response of the body causes allergy. The body’s immune system may react to harmless substances like pollen grains. The factors that influence are:

• Environmental factors
• Genetic factors

The stress and anxiety may worsen the condition.

Over cleanliness may increase the chances of allergy.

Management allergy can be done by minimal exposure to the allergens.

Management of allergy in Ayurveda

As in case of every disease, evaluation of the Dosha predominance is done. The treatment for the condition is determined according to the vitiated dosha.

• Shodhana chikitsa:- Purificatory therapies helps in eliminating the dosa, and thereby helps in the management of allergy.
• Shamana chikilsa:- Those ineligible for purificatory therapies can be subjected to Shamana chikilsa.

Yoga and change in lifestyle can help tackle the allergy easily along with treatments.