Allergy prevention

Various manifestations of allergies have become a panacea for modern society. Allergy is the hypersensitivity of the body to any substance (allergen). Residents of megalopolises suffering from this disease have to constantly take antihistamines. Prevention of allergies is always better than treatment of the symptoms that have appeared. Measures have been developed to prevent the occurrence of allergic reactions.

Allergy prevention includes seven basic rules.

The first rule of allergy prevention is to avoid situations that provoke an exacerbation of allergies:

• do not consume foods that are allergens;
• avoid odors that trigger symptoms of allergic problems;
• limit your time in dusty areas;
• Avoid contact with animals.

Allergy prevention also means maintaining a balance of the psycho-emotional background. Some life situations can put us into a state of stress, when we start to choke, get covered in spots. Our health can depend only on the ability to control ourselves.

The second rule is regular wet cleaning of the living space. People with dust and dust mite allergies should clean their apartment at least twice a week using hypoallergenic cleaning products or soda. An important condition for preventing allergies is not to let dust accumulate. It is good to clean with a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.

The third rule of allergy prevention is to wash your linen weekly. The favorite habitat of the house dust mite is your bed. Therefore, if you are at risk, you need to ensure that your bedding is washed in a timely manner at a temperature of at least 60C.

The fourth rule is to take off your shoes at the threshold. This simple but necessary measure is a preventative measure against allergies from pollen, microorganism spores, etc.

The fifth rule is preventive rinsing of the sinuses to wash out allergens. It is good to carry out such procedures daily with a saline solution or sea water.

The sixth rule is to eat spices and fatty fish. Horseradish and mustard can cause symptoms similar to allergies. However, they can remove dangerous allergens from the body. Spices help to alleviate the condition of allergies. Turmeric relieves swelling of the mucous membrane. The same effect is provided by Omega 3 fatty acids contained in fatty fish. They reduce lacrimation, swelling, and correct respiratory problems.

The seventh rule of allergy prevention is taking folic acid. Doctors have found that it helps increase the body's resistance. The daily norm is 300-400 mcg. Tomatoes, spinach, lettuce, pears, bell peppers, and whole grain bread are rich in this vitamin.

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Allergy Prevention at Home

The most common allergens in everyday life are dust mites and mold. To prevent allergies at home, you should:

• ventilate the room more often;
• monitor humidity levels;
• dry and warm bedding in the sun;
• clean or change air conditioner filters in a timely manner;
• do not store moldy products;
• use hypoallergenic pillows and blankets;
• pay attention to the soil of indoor plants (presence of yellow, white plaque) or do not have them at all;
• give preference to natural fibers rather than synthetics;
• get rid of dust collectors – carpets, furniture, curtains, etc.;
• inspect particularly damp areas – bathroom, kitchen.

Prevention of outdoor allergies

The greatest danger in the air is plant pollen carried by insects and air masses. To prevent allergies outdoors, you must:

• keep car doors and windows closed;
• avoid going outdoors during the period of active flowering;
• wear protective masks;
• if possible, relax near the sea to avoid exposure to allergens such as pollen and poplar fluff;
• Carry with you the anti-allergy medication prescribed by your doctor.

Prevention of allergies in children

Statistics have disappointing data: one in five babies under one year of age suffers from allergies. Newborns are not prone to allergic reactions. The best prevention of allergies in children under one year is breastfeeding. As the child grows, the risk of developing an allergy increases.

If any of the newborn's relatives have a predisposition to allergies, then the risk of the child developing the disease is high. These children should be protected from allergens while still in the womb.

Prevention of fetal allergies - the expectant mother should not eat: strawberries, citrus fruits, chocolate, etc. With the birth of a child, a woman should pay no less attention to her diet - do not experiment with exotic fruits. A mandatory condition is also to protect the baby from cigarette smoke.

You should not abuse medications at the slightest ailment of the child. It is important to regularly wet clean the baby's bedroom. Do not let pets into the nursery. Clothes and toys should be made of natural fabrics. Preference should be given to organic children's cosmetics.

The first year of life is the most important from the standpoint of strengthening the immune system. It is important for a child to grow up on breast milk, which contains a sufficient amount of immunoglobulins, increasing the body's protective functions. A formula-fed child is deprived of all these favorable factors.

In order to prevent allergies, it is recommended to start complementary feeding no earlier than six months with small doses, literally drops. Only after the absence of adverse effects, you can feed the child with this product. In cases where breastfeeding is impossible, only high-quality adapted mixtures are used for complementary feeding. Cow's milk should not be given to children under one year old, the protein contained in it is a strong allergen. To begin complementary feeding with porridge, buckwheat or oatmeal cooked in vegetable broth are suitable. It is advisable not to add green peas or cauliflower to vegetable soups for babies.

A nursing mother needs to limit the consumption of dairy products, eggs, legumes, soy and fish foods, nuts and other protein-containing foods. But do not completely exclude them from the diet, but observe moderation. There can be no talk of any diets. The mother's diet should be balanced and complete. Future and current mothers are not recommended to take antibiotics.

Prevention of allergies in children with intolerance to a certain product:

• forget about spicy, salty, and hot dishes;
• exclude canned and pickled foods;
• Give preference to goat's milk, which is closest in composition to mother's milk.

Prevention of allergies in children includes vaccination with an individual schedule in the absence of signs of allergy. Before and after preventive vaccination, children are prescribed drugs that reduce hypersensitivity.

When the first signs of an allergic reaction appear, it is better to consult a specialist. Do not self-medicate or experiment with folk healing methods.

So, prevention of allergies in children is:

• following a daily routine according to the child’s age;
• maximum prolonged breastfeeding;
• balanced diet for children over one year old;
• reasonable distribution of physical activity;
• gradual hardening technique;
• Compliance with medical prescriptions for preventive vaccination.

Seasonal Allergy Prevention

Seasonal allergies include rhinitis (hay fever), which occurs during the flowering of trees, weeds, and grasses. The pathological focus extends not only to the eyes or respiratory organs, but also to the skin, cardiovascular, nervous system, and digestive tract. People seek medical help during an exacerbation, usually in the third year of the disease, when it is more difficult to cope with the disease. Medicines mainly relieve symptoms, but do not treat allergies.

It is rarely possible to completely eliminate contact with the allergen, especially in patients with hay fever. Specific immunotherapy comes to the rescue, allowing to reduce the body's sensitivity to the allergen. This method leads to recovery in most cases and is the best way to prevent seasonal allergies. Its essence lies in identifying the allergen that causes the disease. Without waiting for the period of exacerbation, for example, active flowering, the patient's body is injected with small doses of the allergen components. The body gradually adapts to the foreign substance, increases its protective functions. The developed immunity either completely eliminates the resumption of allergies, or leads to a mild course of the disease. Such prevention of seasonal allergies after several years leads to a complete recovery.

Depending on the severity of allergic reactions, the prophylactic course consists of 5 or 10 vaccinations. After the drug is administered, reactions similar to allergic reactions are observed - cough, nasal discharge, etc. In this case, the dose of the drug is reduced. Prevention of seasonal allergies should be carried out in advance of the beginning of flowering, otherwise the effect will be low.

Taking vitamin C and B is also a preventative measure against seasonal allergies. Vitamins of these groups strengthen the immune system. Vitamin C is present in sauerkraut, rose hips, lemon, and orange are rich in it. Vitamin B can be purchased at the pharmacy - the drug "Vita B plus". During the year, it is a good idea to support the protective functions of the immune system with the "Green-magic" cocktail. Your diet in the spring and summer should be rich in fruits and vegetables.

Prevention of food allergies

Prevention of food allergies is based on three aspects:

• primary – prevention of immunological sensitization;
• secondary – preventive measures for the development of allergic diseases (eczema, atopic dermatitis, asthmatic conditions);
• tertiary – application of therapeutic methods.

Prevention of food allergies at the first stage consists of preventing the appearance of symptoms to foods in the mother's womb and during the breastfeeding period, when sensitizing foods (chocolate, citrus fruits, eggs, cow's milk, etc.) are removed from the diet.

Prevention of food allergies at the first stage is carried out in compliance with the rules:

• brings benefits to everyone;
• is not capable of harming anyone;
• should not be carried out at unnecessary expense.

Prevention of food allergies is carried out by identifying the causes of hypersensitivity when polyvalence and cross-sensitization occur. Prevention of allergies includes:

• consult an allergist if you have severe sensitivity to certain foods;
• using a hypoallergenic diet and keeping a food diary;
• in case of hay fever (during the flowering period), in order to prevent the development of food allergies, you should not eat berries, fruits, bee products or use pharmacological agents;
• eat food without dyes, flavors, flavor additives, etc.;
• If you are prone to food allergies, you should enrich your diet with calcium, selenium, magnesium, zinc, and vitamins A and E;
• seek hospital treatment in time for problems with the gastrointestinal tract, liver, gallbladder, and various infections;
• apply immune corrections if necessary;
• increase the body's defenses.

Prevention of food allergies is the absence of chronic diseases of the stomach, liver, enzyme deficiency. Food sensitivity can be provoked by alcohol abuse, irritation of the mucous membrane by any aggressive substances.

Allergies either manifest themselves immediately or stretch out over time and reveal themselves under the influence of an irritant. Stress, smoking, past infections, living in polluted areas - all this weakens the immune system, contributes to the risk of allergic reactions. Allergy prevention should take an important place in the life of a modern person, especially if there was a predisposition to this disease in his family.