ASTHMA & ALLERGIES
A comprehensive guide to asthma and allergies, including articles, tips and advice to help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.
FEATURED ARTICLES
A Guide to Allergies
Allergies are a topic of much debate, especially in industrialised nations, where we have seen a significant rise in those affected by allergies.
A Guide to Asthma
This article explores Asthma, its causes and the strategies for living with this often debilitating condition on a day-to-day basis.
A Guide to Hay Fever
Hay fever transforms nature into a formidable foe; here we delve into its causes, symptoms and ways to combat this common yet often confusing ailment.
OUR TOP TIPS
Avoid allergens & triggers
Try to identify the allergens that trigger your allergies or what triggers your asthma, and take measures to avoid exposure to them.
Keep your home clean
Dust and mould can trigger asthma and allergies, so use HEPA filters in vacuum cleaners and air purifiers to keep your home clean and free of dust and mould.
Eat a healthy diet
Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help boost the immune system and reduce inflammation, which may help reduce asthma and allergy symptoms.
BRAND FOCUS
Seasonal wellness support with Pharma Nord
Spring can pose a challenge for allergy sufferers, here are some high quality formulations from Pharma Nord that may offer support:
Bio-Pycnogenol is a patented pine-bark extract with numerous benefits including protection from oxidative stress. The popular extract (from sustainable French pine-trees) is featured in over 40 years of scientific research on various health concerns, including allergies and respiratory health.
Vitamin C is important for a normal immune response but can sometimes be too acidic for delicate digestive systems. Bio-C-Vitamin contains a gentle, non-acid form of this key vitamin.
Omega-3 fatty acids have shown to help regulate inflammation in the body. Bio-Marine Plus provides a ‘free fatty acid’ form of these beneficial fats which are more easily absorbed by our digestive system.
BioActive Omega 7 is one of Pharma Nord’s most popular formulas. This sea buckthorn berry extract is rich in ‘omega-7’ fatty acids and beta-carotene, which support the delicate mucous membranes around the eyes, nose and respiratory system.
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
FEATURED CATEGORIES
Quercetin has strong antihistamine properties making it an ideal choice for relieving allergy symptoms.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation, and it may also help reduce histamine levels, improving allergy symptoms.
Stinging Nettle is a herb used for centuries to treat allergies. It may help reduce inflammation and histamine levels.
FAQS
What are allergies?
Allergies are the immune system's response to substances that are not harmful to most people. These substances, called allergens, can cause symptoms from mild to severe, depending on the individual and the allergen involved.
The most common allergens include pollen, dust mites, animal dander, mould, insect stings, certain foods and certain medications.
What are the symptoms of allergies?
The symptoms of allergies can vary depending on the individual and the allergen involved, but common symptoms include sneezing, itching, runny nose, watery eyes, hives, swelling and difficulty breathing.
How are allergies treated?
Allergies are usually diagnosed through skin tests or blood tests. Skin tests involve applying small amounts of allergens to the skin and observing the reaction, while blood tests measure the levels of antibodies to specific allergens in the blood.
Treatment for allergies can include avoiding the allergen, medications such as antihistamines or corticosteroids, and immunotherapy, which involves gradually exposing the individual to increasing amounts of the allergen over time to build immunity.
If you suspect you have allergies, speak with your healthcare provider. They can help diagnose your allergy and recommend appropriate treatment options. If you experience a severe allergic reaction, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Can allergies be dangerous?
Allergies can be dangerous, especially if the individual experiences a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can cause symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and throat, and a rapid drop in blood pressure, requiring immediate medical attention.
What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects the airways in the lungs. It causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, making it difficult to breathe. Various factors trigger it, including allergens such as pollen or dust mites, irritants such as smoke or air pollution, exercise, cold air, stress and certain medications.
What are the symptoms of asthma?
Asthma symptoms can vary from person to person, but common symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and difficulty breathing.
How is asthma treated?
Asthma is usually diagnosed based on a combination of symptoms, medical history, and lung function tests such as spirometry. Your healthcare provider may also perform allergy testing to identify any allergens triggering your asthma.
Asthma treatment usually involves a combination of medications and lifestyle changes. Medications may include bronchodilators to open up the airways, corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and leukotriene modifiers to decrease inflammation and relax the airways. Lifestyle changes may include avoiding triggers, staying active and managing stress.
If you suspect you have asthma, speak with your healthcare provider. They can help diagnose your asthma and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Can asthma be dangerous?
Asthma can be dangerous, especially if left untreated or an asthma attack is severe. Severe asthma attacks can cause extreme shortness of breath, chest pain and a bluish tint to the lips and face and require emergency medical attention.
If you experience a severe asthma attack, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
