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Asthma and Allergy
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Most common cause of allergic asthma are pollen
particularly grass pollen, house dust particularly the
mites in the dust, and the animals. Molds, fumes and dust
encountered in industry, drugs and food are other
important causes of asthma.
Following are some the common allergens causing allergic
diseases,
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| House
Dust |
| Dust
contains accumulation of household debris, particles of
paint, skin scales, hairs, earth and so on. But, as far
as allergy is concerned, the most important component of
dust is the house dust mite. Dust mites are tiny little
creatures which live in the bedding and furniture
feeding on molds, and on human or animal skin scales or
feathers. They grow fast in the damp, warm conditions of
mattresses, and are especially abundant when the whole
house is damp or situated near water. |
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| Pollens |
Grass
pollen grains are an important cause of allergic
diseases in all parts of India. Pollen from various
herbs, and shrubs and crops constitutes an important
cause of allergy in different parts of the country.
During pollen days they cause sneezing, discomfort in
the nose, and asthma. The problem will be more on dry,
sunny and windy days and less on still, damp days.
Keeping indoors and living in cities helps to some
extent, but it is very difficult to get away from pollen
grains altogether.
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| Animals |
Most
animals that have hair or feathers can cause asthma.
Because of close contact, several domestic pets can
bother asthmatic patients. Children tend to develop
animal allergy more often than adults and a child who
has eczema is more likely to become allergic to animals.
Dogs and cats are probably the most common cause of
allergy in children. It may take several years for the
allergy to develop. Horses can cause asthma not only at
the time of riding but also from the horse hairs that
may be on clothing, mattresses, furniture and underfelts.
Male animals cause allergic asthma more than females.
While hair and skin shelling are the cause of allergy in
the case of most animals, in cats, it is their saliva
left on their fur while licking it.
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| Food
Allergy |
| Eggs,
milk, nuts, soya, seafood, fish, corn and wheat are the
most common allergy-causing foods, but almost any food
can cause allergy. Keep in mind that if you are allergic
to a particular food, you might be allergic to related
foods. For example, a person allergic to milk may also
react to confectionery products. Likewise, a person
allergic to peanuts often cannot tolerate other members
of the legume family whose members include peas and
beans. |
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