Allergies can be referred to as a disorder of the immune system. Pollens from trees, flowers, plants end up in our eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. The immune system thinks that the “invading” pollen is harmful and launches an antibody reaction against it. This triggers histamine release, producing an allergic reaction. Our immune system can react in the same way to dust, chemicals, mold, animal fur, food and others. Most common allergies are those associated with IgE mediated hypersensitivity such as hay fever, atopic dermatitis and allergic asthma.
Few years ago I started to suffer of allergies. Firstly, I have mistaken allergy symptoms with common cold, as those overlap:
– swelling of the nasal mucosa,
– sneezing,
– runny nose,
– reduced sense of smell,
– itching of the eyes, throat
– hypersecretion of mucous among others.
I also felt mentally and emotionally down.
I went to see a doctor and was told I would have to live with the allergies for the rest of my life. I was prescribed different antihistamines, because not all would always work. The side effects of taking that medication included sleepiness, lack of concentration, lethargy and moodiness. After about 2 years I started to understand that I didn’t want to live like that anymore – allergies took control over my life.
I decided to change my lifestyle – started to get enough sleep, avoided food that could aggravate the symptoms, practiced yoga and ate nutritious food. My health slowly started to improve. It wasn’t until 2013 when I discovered Aromatherapy. I used essential oils in inhalations, oils and baths. I also had regular massages with essential oils. It was a long process of recovery and there were moments when I wanted to give up. Gladly, I didn’t.
Ten years later I am allergy free, naturally.
