Page 17 - The Autoimmune Protocol

The Autoimmune Protocol

these symptoms are not treated immediately, they could result in the throat swelling shut,
making it impossible to breathe. The most common treatment for anaphylactic episodes
is the injection of epinephrine into the body. Epinephrine acts to relax the muscles
around the airways and allow a person to breathe. It also inhibits the release of more
histamine that might cause further issues. Sadly, instances of anaphylaxis are rising
around the world.

Hives are a common allergic reaction. In fact, they are so common that an estimated
twenty percent of the population have or will experience them at some point in their
lifetime. Hives consist of a red, raised itchy rash on the skin. These areas are the result of
histamines that release and cause capillaries to break, releasing fluid. The fluid then
builds up in an area, resulting in a hive. Hives can spread to all parts of the body during
an allergic reaction.

There are some common triggers of hives. These include exposure to substances like latex,
allergy-triggering foods, skin-irritating plants, chemicals, medications, and insect stings.
Stings from insects like bees and wasps account for a large amount of allergic reactions.
Although these insects inject the body with a tiny amount of venom, many people react
severely. Even those with no allergies will have a histamine reaction to an insect sting,
even if it is just pain, redness, and swelling around the affected area. For those who are
more allergic to insect venom, the results of a sting could be hives, severe bodily swelling,
or anaphylaxis.

Sometimes the cause of hives is less obvious, like stress. If you find yourself with hives
and cannot determine the cause, ask yourself if you have been stressed or experiencing
chronic anxiety recently. There are times when the cause of hives is simply unknown. For
many who suffer with occasional hives, they are never able to figure out the exact cause.

Although there is no evidence to provide scientists with a surefire way to prevent allergies
from developing in people, there are theories on the subject. Some theories suggest that
the instances of allergies may lessen if a child is exposed to possible triggers early in life.
Other theories suggest that fish oil and probiotics taken during pregnancy may lower the
risk of allergy development in children.

Asthma

Asthma is an allergic disease that causes inflammation of the airways. This dangerous
condition may come on suddenly, and without warning. Common allergens like pollen
and certain medications may trigger an asthmatic episode, and the condition is often
genetic as well. There are different levels of severity when it comes to this condition.
Unfortunately, like so many other autoimmune diseases, instances of asthma have
increased exponentially in the past decades.

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