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 C is a common infection and although there is currently no vaccine for protection against infection, there are effective treatments available. The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that almost 3% of the world’s population is infected with chronic hepatitis C, with four million new cases reported each year. Because it can take years or even decades for symptoms to present themselves, many people are actually unaware that they have the condition. For this reason, by the time these people do become ill, considerable damage would have already been done to the liver – damage that could be prevented with early diagnosis.

Possible symptoms of hepatitis C (when they do appear), include fatigue; weight loss; joint pain; loss of appetite; anxiety; nausea; flu-like symptoms; and, alcohol intolerance along with pain in the liver area. Fatigue is the most common symptom reported and unlike hepatitis A and B, the hepatitis C virus doesn’t cause jaundice.

The virus is normally transmitted via blood-to-blood contact, with the sharing of needles and unsterilized equipment used in tattooing, etc, all to blame for the spread. Sharing toothbrushes and razors can also transmit the disease, as can blood transfusions in countries where blood screening is not up to standard.

Chronic hepatitis C sufferers should be seen be a liver specialist in a medical institution, and they may recommend drug treatments and therapies to treat the condition.

Motion sickness can also be referred to as travel sickness and is caused by recurring movements when traveling.  Symptoms of motion sickness include, feeling sick, headaches, light headedness or perspiration.  The reason for these symptoms occurring is down to the brain receiving mixed messages from what your eyes are seeing outside the mode of transport compared to the messages being sent by the inner ear when these bumps are felt.  Motion sickness can also occur when trying to read while traveling.

Motion sickness can be quite frequent in children but luckily many find this can disappear as they get older. Some people are more prone to motion sickness and can also develop similar symptoms on fairground attractions, particularly those which involve spinning around.  Most sufferers find that the symptoms will disappear once they have completed their journey or finished their fairground ride; for the unlucky few, symptoms can last for a few hours or even longer.

There are some ways to avoid motion sickness symptoms such as sitting in the front of a car or if in the back usually sitting by the window with the window open can help.  It can also help to sleep or just keep eyes closed.  It can also help to keep to simple foods before traveling to avoid nausea.  There are also over the counter medicines which can help to prevent or reduce the symptoms of motion sickness.  These types of medicines are best taken before traveling but can also help if taken during the journey.  Some medicines for motion sickness can cause drowsiness so it is recommended not to drive or work with heavy machines.