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Sometimes confused with the common cold, allergies are reactions to certain stimuli such as pollen or dust. Roughly 20% of all North Americans experience allergic reactions of some type. Allergies arise when the body is trying to rid itself of a given substance. Allergies can begin in childhood or adulthood, and either last a lifetime or decrease over time. In some cases, symptoms can be alleviated with acupuncture.
Substances such as pollen, mold spores, pet dander, household dust and/or dust mites, cigarette smoke, and bedding can trigger allergies. People can also experience allergies from the food they eat such as nuts or shrimp.
Allergic reactions take a number of different forms and people with allergies have been known to experience:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Itchy and/or watery eyes
- Nasal stuffiness
- Nasal discharge
- Difficulty breathing
- Hives
- Eczema
- Dizziness wheezing, inflammation of the eyes; itchy and watery eyes and eye lid distress
- Tightness in the chest
- Swelling of a specific area
- Rapid breathing
Some allergy symptoms can be so severe they require immediate medical attention. It is still unclear why some people develop allergies while others living in similar environments do not. There is however, a strong genetic link to allergies and a person is more likely to develop allergies if family members have them.
For more information on how acupuncture can help your allergy symptoms, contact the Pacific Wellness Institute in Toronto. Their experienced acupuncturists can help you determine the best course of acupuncture treatment.
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