New Zealand's Natural Therapies Website
e.g. yoga, naturopath
e.g. Kelston, Auckland
Search
 


Visit us on Facebook

Hitwise Award Winner
 

What

Where
eg.Marlborough or 629 (not both)

Allergies / Sensitivities


Allergies or sensitivities occur when the immune system overreacts to substances most people find harmless. Any substance might be an allergen, as long as it triggers a reaction when ingested, smelt or makes skin contact. Common causes include food (shellfish, nuts, dairy), environmental (pollen, dust, pollution, animals/insects) and medicinal (penicillin, morphine, codeine) intolerances. Symptoms range from the mild (itching, runny eyes/nose and minor swelling) to the wild (life-threatening anaphylaxis). Treatments include avoidance, adrenalin (the compact epipen), medication, desensitization (also known as immunotherapy), acupressure, acupuncture, reflexology, and herbal medicine.

< Agoraphobia | Alzheimer’s disease >

back to Natural Health Glossary