In a nutshell, an allergy can be defined as an abnormal reaction from an individual’s immune system normally against a harmless substance. Individuals with no allergies would not have a reaction to these substances, or allergens, but the body’s of those who do release certain chemicals and it is these that cause the allergy symptoms.

An allergy can range from such things as itchy eyes to rashes to runny nose and is so widespread that they can affect 25% of the population at some stage of their lives. People have to be aware though, that these symptoms can be caused by factors other than an allergy as well, and could well be from a disease instead. More or less anything can be classed as an allergen for an individual but the most common come from pollen, dust mites, pets, insects, industrial chemicals, certain medicines and some foods like eggs and milk.

Common Allergic Reactions

The immune system of an allergic person reacts by producing special kinds of antibodies called IgE when it thinks it is being “damaged” by an allergen, and these antibodies attack the invader. This procedure then causes other blood cells to discharge other chemicals, which together with the antibodies cause the allergic reaction symptoms.

Food Allergies

Hepatitis B is a virus that affects the liver. It is more prevalent in Asia and Africa and can be either acute (more common), resolving itself relatively quickly with no long term liver damage, or chronic (in about 20% of cases) lasting six months or more, and sometimes even for life with symptoms coming and going randomly.

Hepatitis B is normally transmitted via contact with infected bodily fluids or blood and only a very small amount of blood is required to transmit the disease because it is that infectious. In the developed world the virus is normally spread via sharing of contaminated needles, unprotected sex and the sharing such things as razor blades. In less developed countries where blood products are not screened properly or medical equipment is not sterilized adequately, this can also lead to the spread of the virus.

Hepatitis B viruses have an incubation period of between six weeks and six months, but approximately one third of all cases show no symptoms of the disease at all. In another third of cases, symptoms appear flu-like in nature and can include aches, pains and weakness; fever; headaches; loss of appetite; jaundice; diarrhea; and, vomiting and nausea. In the last third of cases, the virus can cause severe illness that can last for a long time (many months in some cases).

Vaccines are available nowadays against hepatitis B, but treatment for those infected normally includes nothing more than rest and recuperation. Drug treatments may be required for chronic types of the disease, to prevent damage to the liver and other parts of the body.

Sinusitis affects the cavities inside the cheekbones and forehead.  It usually develops after a cold or flu and clears up on its own.  This is known as acute sinusitis.  Chronic sinusitis however is less normal and lasts much longer.  The sinuses become swollen and other symptoms include pain over the area as well as a high temperature and a blocked or runny nose. As well as having pain in the sinuses, there are other symptoms of sinusitis which may be present including headache, cough, tiredness or a feeling of unwell. Painkillers can be used to treat the symptoms or a doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

Viruses that cause the cold or influenza virus can spread to the sinuses causing sinusitis. It can also be caused by a bacterial infection. There are also several factors which can cause a person to be more susceptible to sinusitis such as, asthma or hay fever, smoking, weakened immune system, allergies, facial surgery, pregnancy, or an infected tooth.

Sinusitis

Most cases of sinusitis will clear up by itself but antibiotics may be needed for more severe cases.  Painkillers can help to ease the pain associated with sinusitis.  Nasal sprays can help to unblock the nose and help make breathing easier but should not be used for more than seven days at a time.

In order to prevent sinusitis there are a number of things that can be done including, getting plenty of exercise, eating a well balanced diet with lots of fruit and vegetables, drinking plenty of water, keeping stress levels to a minimum and even having a flu vaccination annually.