There's a lot of talk about allergies. But just what is an allergy and what causes them? Why do some people have them while others don't? And why are people with one allergy more inclined to have many?
The immune system is set up to protect our bodies from harmful, foreign substances. Like viruses and bacteria (dirt and germs). Sometimes the immune system doesn't develop properly or is just oversensitive and doesn't react right.
In these cases, it reacts to things that aren't harmful and don't usually cause people any problems. These things are called allergens. The term allergens is just an easier way to say "things that cause allergies".
When the oversensitive or improperly developed immune system sees these allergens, it sends out chemicals like histamine. It's the histamines that cause the symptoms that are common with allergies.
Symptoms like itching, watery eyes, runny nose, swelling, hives or rashes. Different people have different symptoms, but the causes are the same.
The symptoms that are displayed depend on the part of the body the allergen comes in contact with. Allergens that are breathed in, like pollen or dust cause coughing or wheezing, stuffy or runny noses and an itchy nose and throat.
Plant allergies usually come in contact with the skin, so they cause rashes.
Food allergies usually result in nausea, vomiting, stomach pains or in severe cases, life threatening reactions. Drug allergies tend to involve the entire body, so they have a variety of symptoms.
It is important to commit yourself to a continual process of education as you go through life. You should never become complacent and believe that you already know everything that you need to know. Life is full of surprises, and you are inevitably going to encounter situations that are unfamiliar to you. If you are always willing to learn something new and try a new approach, you will have more
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A husband and wife were driving through Louisiana. As they approached Natchitoches, they started arguing about the pronunciation of the town. They argued back and forth, then they stopped for lunch. At the counter, the husband asked the blonde waitress, "Before we order, could you please settle an argument for us? Would you please pronounce where we are very slowly?" She leaned over the counter and said, "Burrr-gerrr Kiiing."
As part of a Christian Baptist Fellowship group, I recognize that the most important relationship is between the worshiper and God. No Christian Fellowship can make up for not having accepted Jesus, and if you do except the Lord you will be saved even if you don't spend any time with fellow Christians. You won't, however, be doing much to spread the word of God. You see, we have been a community since the beginning of our religion, and we were intended to be a community. Christian church services, Christian youth groups, and other traditional assemblies are some of the ways that we have been able to look out for each members physical and spiritual well-being. The Internet is great for talking, but it is no good for maintaining real Christian Fellowships.
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Could you be the descendant of one of the Kings or Queens of England? Perhaps you have an ancestor that was a war hero in the Revolutionary War. Perhaps the past isn't as pretty with ancestors that died in famines, illnesses or strife, only to save their children that you would eventually come from.
The "what if" type questions are out there and people in general are curious about what it means for them.
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