Achoo! Scratch, scratch. For some, allergies are seasonal annoyances that occur as early as February to as late as October. Pollens, molds and mildew cause symptoms such as itchy red eyes, skin rashes, sinus and nasal congestion, asthma or breathing difficulties that can hinder the enjoyment of spring, summer and fall.
But allergies aren't restricted to seasonal changes. For many, every day of the year can be a problem due to chemical, animal, food and household mold, mites and dust allergies. And the range of allergy symptoms is so wide that many people may not be even aware that they, in fact, have an allergy.

What causes allergies?
Allergies are reactions of the immune system towards an allergen, or trigger substance. Everyday, the body meets with potential allergens on the skin, nasal, oral and digestive surfaces through what we ingest, breathe and wear. Then, the immune system has the overwhelming task of determining which substances are familiar and safe and which molecules are foreign and dangerous. Allergies are an overactive response to an often innocuous substance. When the immune system encounters an allergen, a chain of events occurs and one of the following allergies takes place:

Atopic or immediate allergy: Commonly known allergies such as hay fever, pet allergies, moderate drug and food allergies etc, have an immediate allergic response that is easily linked to the offending substance. This kind of allergy develops even if there is infrequent exposure to the allergen.

Chronic exposure or delayed allergy: Usually associated with food allergies and sensitivities. Frequent exposure to a substance causes a gradual accumulation of allergen-antibody complexes. These complexes are then deposited into tissues and promote inflammation processes. The allergy may go unrecognized because the symptoms may not occur until days after exposure.

Do you suffer from any of these non-specific symptoms?
Chronic sinus congestion
Frequent headaches
Unexplained tiredness
Indigestion and diarrhea
Insomnia
Ringing in the ears or chronic ear infections
frequent sore throats or hoarseness
etc etc

You may have an underlying allergy.

Anaphylaxis: The most serious and potentially life threatening. An immediate hyperactive and hypersensitive immune response towards an allergen occurs even after the initial exposure (for example, bee stings, severe nut and shellfish allergies).

Autoimmune reactions: The immune system reacts against your own cells (usually of an organ or particular type of tissue), causing destruction and decreased quality of life. This may develop after an infection or illness or following allergic drug reactions.

How do allergies affect my overall health?
Allergies give clues about the status of the digestive system, the immune system and the adrenal glands. Allergies are an added stress on the body. Individuals with allergies often also suffer from arthritis or chronic pain, acne, PMS, depression or anxiety, diabetes etc. Thus, treating the underlying cause of the allergy may also improve any other co-existing health problems.

What can naturopathic medicine do about my allergies?
Naturopathic medicine will address and consider all conditions and factors that are impacting your health. Through comprehensive discussion of current and past medical history, lifestyle and dietary habits, physical exam and appropriate lab tests, an individualized plan will be created to:

• Uncover underlying allergies or sensitivities
• Remove the allergy and/or reduce the symptoms
• Normalize the immune system and replenish necessary nutrients
• Repair cellular damage