Allergies

What are allergies?

An allergy results from an over-reaction of the immune system to a substance that is normally harmless – many parts of the body may be affected. The most common diseases in which allergies play a part include asthma, hay-fever, eczema and contact dermatitis (skin allergies). The Tygerberg Multicare Centre offers both traditional mainstream and alternative homeopathic treatments for allergies.

Children who are chronically ill, who have to take frequent antibiotics and who are pre-disposed to frequent bouts of colds and flu, most likely suffer from an allergy.

If your child has had grommets, frequent ear infections, frequent tonsillitis or has been frequently hospitalized; they may be suffering from an underlying allergy. Children who suffer from recurrent chest infections or chronic cough – especially at night – may also be suffering from allergy-related conditions.

Asthma
Asthma causes episodes of wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath that may be triggered by a range of different factors. These may include:
- exposure to animals or pets, dust or pollen,
- exercise,
- emotional conditions such as fear, anger, laughter and stress,
- certain medications,
- foods, preservatives and colorants, food additives and tobacco smoke, to name but a few.
Asthma is becoming increasingly prevalent, particularly in children, affecting one in seven children and one in 10 adults.
Hay-fever / Allergic Rhinitis
Hay-fever can either be seasonal, occurring just before Spring and Summer, or perennial, causing reactions all year round.

The symptoms are usually triggered by pollens, fungal spores, animals and other inhalants. These allergens cause sneezing, watery and itchy eyes, and a blocked or runny nose.
Skin Allergies
The incidence of skin allergies is increasing at an alarming rate and is often associated with Asthma and Hay-fever. The most common and well-known skin allergy is Eczema, but contact dermatitis, Urticaria (hives) and facial swelling (Angio-Oedema) may also result from an allergy.

The onset of Urticaria may be very sudden, presenting with red, swollen patches, swelling of the eyelids or lips, as well as extreme itching. In most cases, the allergen remains unknown.

Skin allergies are often severely aggravated by cow’s milk, preservatives, colorants, nuts, especially peanuts, wheat, eggs and citrus fruits.

Mags gets her hands back.

"I'd gotten to the point where, for the second time this year, the eczema on my hands was so bad I couldn't open my hands without the skin splitting open. My hands felt like they were on fire and were swollen with blisters, infection and flaking skin. I had to ask for help with just about everything, because I couldn't touch anything. Client meetings were horrendous as shaking hands was a nightmare. Read more

Mags Shapiro

Adele tells us how Allergostop helped her with her eczema condition.

I had resigned myself to living with eczema until a friend told me about Allergostop and suggested that I see Dr Liezl. After two courses, I am almost completely healed.

I moved to the Cape in 2011 and soon after that I started developing itchy patches of skin – first on one eye, then on my legs and hands. Also, my lips started becoming inflamed when I ate certain foods. I didn’t understand my symptoms because although having suffered previously from asthma and hay fever, I had never had any form of eczema. I consulted with a dermatologist who diagnosed my condition and offered me cortisone in cream and pill form. Read more

Adele Smith

Allergies

What are allergies?

More about allergies

Asthma

Hay-fever / Allergic Rhinitis

Skin Allergies

Allergostop

Mags gets her hands back.

Adele tells us how Allergostop helped her with her eczema condition.

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