The winds are changing and so is the environment around us. Enter allergies, that hypersensitive reaction of the immune system that throws the human body off. Many mistakenly blame the allergens for their allergies — the presence of a pet, pollen, or dust mites; but in truth, it isn’t the allergens that are harmful and problematic. The problem lies with a person’s immune system, which mistakes harmless substances for harmful ones while the seasons are changing.

Allergies cannot only develop at any age, but many individuals also outgrow allergies over time. Even in this age of science, there isn’t much definitive reasoning about why some develop allergies and others don’t. It is believed that allergies run in families and in some cases, family members do share allergies to specific food or medication. But not all members of a family develop allergy to the same substance; for example, some suffer from food allergies and others from inhaled allergens (a substance that causes an allergic reaction).

Most common allergies are from substances present in the environment, such as pollen or dust. Allergic reactions can also occur from foods, insect stings, and medicines such as aspirin and antibiotics. Substances that come into contact with the skin, such as latex, can also cause allergic reactions known as contact dermatitis or eczema; skin allergies cause rashes or swelling and inflammation within the skin.

Food allergies typically affect the digestive system, resulting in abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and vomiting, among other symptoms. Inhaled allergens can also lead to serious conditions like asthma, which is caused due to narrowing of airways.

Have a cough or a runny nose? Feeling dizzy or feverish? You might not have caught the common cold but you may well be experiencing an allergic episode. Discover home remedies to fight off your allergies with Dr Know

Allergic symptoms can be controlled by anti-allergy medication. But you can also manage your allergies through some home-based methods, so as to reduce your intake of medicine.

The best is to avoid what causes an allergic reaction. But to do that you have to know the exact trigger. For example, someone may think that their pet’s fur is the trigger but it may be something else in the environment and they may only discover once they have gotten rid of the pet. To know the actual causes allergy, consult an allergist for allergy skin test.

Keeping your home clean is one of the best ways to avoid indoor allergens. But sometimes pungent cleaning chemicals can irritate your nasal passage and aggravate your symptoms. If such is the case, try using ordinary household products like vinegar or baking soda. Use a vacuum cleaner rather than a broom or duster to clean floors and windows. If possible, use a vacuum cleaner that has a high energy particulate air filter to trap allergens. If your allergies are severe, it’s better to hire someone to do the cleaning.

If you are feeling congestion or have post nasal drip due to allergy, drinking more water, juice or other fluids may provide relief by thinning the mucus in your nasal packages. Hot fluids such as tea, broth or soup may be especially soothing because they add the benefits of steam.

Steam inhalation is a simple way to relieve nasal congestion and can ease breathing during an allergic episode. No steamer or other equipment are needed; simply pour boiling water in a bowl and sit over the bowl, with a towel over your head to trap the steam. Or sit in the bathroom with a hot shower running. Use steam several times a day to relieve symptoms.

Cigarette smoke can aggravate your allergy symptoms, worsening your running, itchy, stuffy nose and watery eyes. Quit smoking if you do and ask others to stop smoking, too. Try to avoid places where people smoke; instead, choose smoke-free restaurants and other public places. Fumes like aerosol sprays can worsen symptoms; it’s important to avoid these as well.

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, November 2nd, 2014