introduction to allergy

Introduction to Allergy

Karen Archer

Naturopath – Herbalist – Iridologist

The Complete Health & Wellness Centre

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What will be covered?

Session 1 Statistics on allergy

Type of allergy – environmental, ingested, contact, injected.

What the body is doing in allergic reaction

Common causes

Session 2 Medical treatment

Naturopathic treatment

Food and nutrients to address allergy and intolerance

Other strategies to improve the problem

10/09/2012 Allergy Workshop Karen Archer - Naturopath - Mob: 0432978688

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Welcome to Spring!!!!!!

Most of us love spring – except for those who suffer from allergy.

For allergy sufferers spring is misery...

We will discuss spring fever but other allergy also.


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What is allergy?

Allergy is defined as an immune-mediated, hypersensitive inflammatory response to an allergen in an individual that may be harmless in other individuals.

Allergens include food, pollen, perfume. What else?

Australia has one of the highest allergy prevalence in the world.


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Allergy or Intolerance?

We need to careful about using the term ‘allergy’ because in some people we are talking about ‘intolerance’ rather than allergy. There are important differences between the two and treating them effectively requires different strategies.


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Symptoms

Allergy Swelling

Breathing difficulty

Hives

Sneezing

Sinusitis

Mucous

Rash

Intolerance Bloating

GI Pain/Discomfort

Diarrhoea

Mucous

Hyperactivity

Mood swings

Fatigue

Dark circles under eyes


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Causes of Allergy

Foods – dairy, nuts, salicylates

Dust

Pollen

Mould

Grasses

Chemicals – SLS, toluene


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What happens in allergy?

When the allergen is ingested, inhaled, injected or absorbed, the body recognises the object as a foreign body and enacts a defence.

This is a natural protection but in allergy/intolerance the defence mechanism overreacts and creates havoc in the body.

Inflammation, swelling, pain which is inappropriate for the situation


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The Immune System

Protects us from disease. Without an immune system we would be overcome and die.

To function properly our immunity must be highly adaptable, as pathogens can quickly change to avoid detection by our immune cells. Therefore immunity is complex

We are born with innate immunity and develop acquired immunity.

Both innate and acquired immunity depend on the ability to differentiate between self and non-self.


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Innate vs Adaptive Immunity


Innate immune system Adaptive immune system

Response is non-specific Pathogen and antigen specific response

Exposure leads to immediate maximal response

Lag time between exposure and maximal response

Cell-mediated and humoral components

Cell-mediated and humoral components

No immunological memory Exposure leads to immunological memory

Found in nearly all forms of life Found only in jawed vertebrates

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Immunity flowchart


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How do we develop immunity?

During pregnancy immune cells are transferred via the placenta

During birth, babies are covered in immune cells as they pass through the birth canal

During breastfeeding, colostrum and mothers milk provide immune cells

Coming into contact with microbes develops immunity


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Difference between Allergy & Intolerance… There are 4 types of allergic reaction:

Type 1 – Anaphylactic reactions are associated with IgE hypersensitivity reactions. This occurs when cells have come into contact with the allergen and become sensitised, no observable reaction occurs at this point. But when the allergen is encountered a second time, this is when the anaphylaxis occurs and can be very frightening for the patient and observers. Peanut allergy is an example.

Type 2 – Cytotoxic occurs when IgG and IgM antibodies react to a person’s own tissue and cells.

Type 3 - Immune complex involves IgG and IgA reactions and is seen in food intolerances.

Type 4 – Delayed Hypersensitivity Reactions occurs when 12-72 hours passes before the observable reaction is noted. This makes it very hard to identify the allergen.10/09/2012 Allergy Workshop Karen Archer - Naturopath - Mob: 0432978688

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Ig?

Immunoglobulin (Ig) is another name for an antibody

Made when a foreign body is detected by the immune system

There are specific to particular foreign bodies

Diff: shape of the arm


Y shaped Antibody

Antigens

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IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG

IgA Found in mucosal areas, such as the gut, respiratory tract, urogenital tract, saliva, tears, and breast milk and prevents colonization by pathogens.

IgD Functions mainly as an antigen receptor on B cells that have not been exposed to antigens. It has been shown to activate basophils and mast cells to produce antimicrobial factors.

IgE Binds to allergens and triggers histamine release from mast cells and basophils, and is involved in allergy.

IgG In its four forms, provides the majority of antibody-based immunity against invading pathogens. The only antibody capable of crossing the placenta to give passive immunity to the foetus.


Immunoglobulin Isotypes/classes of Mammals

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mono-und-Polymere.svg

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How else are we protected?

Skin barrier

Tear

Urine

White Mucous

GI flora

Stomach Acid


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Statistics

Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) currently affects

1/10 children aged 6-7 years


2/5 adults

Asthma currently affects

1/5 children

1/10 adults

Eczema currently affects



1/14 adults


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Statistics

Allergy expert Prof Katie Allen says Australian children have the highest recorded rate of food allergies in the world and warns the statistics could translate into a wave of chronic diseases.

1:10 children have a food allergy.

Why? Any theories?


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Possible reasons:

Medical: Food proteins

Non food proteins

Toxins

Genetics

Hygiene theory

Environmental factors


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Possible reasons:

Dietary change

Modern farming practices

Modern living standards

Heredity

Hygiene theory

Overuse of Antibiotics

Lack of breastfeeding and vaginal birth

Low stomach acid, poor GI function and wrong intestinal bacteria


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SESSION 2

Medical treatment Diagnostic methods

Medication

Naturopathic treatment Diagnostic methods

Food and nutrients to address allergy and intolerance

Other strategies to improve the problem


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Medical Approach - Diagnostic Methods

Only deal with Allergy – not interested in intolerance

Symptoms

Medical History

Testing Full Blood Count

White Cell Count

Skin prick test

Coeliac testing


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Medical Approach - Medication & Treatment Antihistamines relieves itch and redness Antibiotics kill bacteria Cortisone (Prednisone) is an immunosuppressant, calming the

overactive immune response to allergens and anti-inflammatory. Ventolin relieves bronchospasm Seretide/Symbicort is a combination corticosteroid and

bronchospasm reliever Dynastat – Cox 2 inhibitor used to calm inflammation, pain and

swelling (urticaria, asthma) Ibuprofen/Aspirin – NSAID for pain relief and reduce swelling. Epinephrine – EPI pen – relieves anaphylaxis

CoQ10 should be given with corticosteroids to avoid corticosteroid induced myopathy. Some risk of Oestoporosis also exists.


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Naturopathic Approach - Diagnostic methods

Symptoms

Family and Medical History

Pathology and Functional Testing IgG Food tests

Iridology

Live blood analysis *

Kinesiology *

Identify the CAUSE

Treat the CAUSE…


Karen Archer - Naturopath - Mob: 043297868825

Check the Gut

Regardless of the allergic/intolerant picture, I always check the gut…

80% of our immunity cells are in our gut, therefore any immune dysfunction must address problems there

Poor digestion, bloating, wind/burping, constipation, diarrhoea, food cravings…

10/09/2012 Allergy Workshop

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Naturopathic - Treatment OptionsAsthma - Prevention Remove allergens

Phthalates and other organic compounds ie paint ie carpet, dust, bedding, curtains,

keeping areas dander and dust free, pets,

Smoke including passive

insects ie cockroaches, perfumes and cosmetics,

Some foods:

Sulphites, Dairy

cold air/cold liquids, sport,

Support immunity

guard against colds/flus bronchial asthma

Nutritionally adequate diet


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Naturopathic - Treatment OptionsAsthma Apply castor oil packs to the

back, lung and kidney areas

Apply mullein oil to unplug the bronchial tubes

Vitamin C reduces wheezing – kiwi fruit, citrus fruits, guava, berries

Licorice tea – relieves bronchial irritation

Omega 3 fats reduces inflammation

Magnesium 400mg/d antagonises Calcium, which

promotes bronchospasm Note: Western diets are low in Mg

Flavonoids (quercetin) reduces histamine release

High strength B complex – anti stress and support the immune system . Studies show that some B’s have an inhibitory effect on mast cells

COQ10 – see medication note


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Naturopathic - Treatment OptionsAsthma Other:

Avoid triggers

Support immunity

Reduce stress

Moderate physical exertion – Yoga esp breathing exercises

Correct & Support digestive function

Avoid food additives for their link to allergy/intolerance

Diaphragm can push into the lung cavity, eat lightly, reduce gas producing foods, avoid overeating and excessive weight.

Herbs:

Adhatoda

Albizia

Marshmallow

Coleus

Drosera

Euphorbia

Licorice

Grindelia

Picchoriza

Ginkgo

Baical skullcap


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Naturopathic – Treatment OptionsEczema/Atopic Dermatitis

Affects 12% of the population, predominantly in children but does continue into adulthood. Many things contribute to this condition which is not life threatening but reduces QOL.

Many things can contribute: FH, Stress, Food intol, intestinal dysbiosis, candida overgrowth, poor digestive function


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Naturopathic – Treatment OptionsEczema/Atopic Dermatitis Consider Food intolerance

testing (take a test result) IgG test

But as first start Dairy and GF until arrives

Otherwise exclude for 3m and then move to the next suspect food

Or low reactive diet – pear, rice, lamb and most vege for 3m

In all cases we do gut healing work and boost the good bacteria in the large intestine. Slippery Elm, Glutamine, Aloe vera, Turmeric, Quercetin


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Naturopathic – Treatment OptionsEczema/Atopic Dermatitis Reduce AA – red meat and dairy

Increase Omega 3 intake – fish, flax

Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Zinc, EFAs,

Probiotics – Lactobacillis sp.

Herbs: depuratives, immune herbs but not the focus

AVOID External chemicals – perfumes, cosmetics, skin topicals, clothes detergents and softeners. Soap is not a good idea b/c it strips the acidic mantle of the skin. Liquid body wash is better but in a SLS free formula.

Stress can be a major factor in causing flare ups but is not the initiating factor. Develop stress busting techniques – breathing, yoga, changing jobs, changing partner, exercise, nervous system support (B’s, herbs, neurotransmitters, magnesium)

Topicals Chickweed

Calenda

German chamomile

Manuka honey

Vitamin E


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Naturopathic - Treatment OptionsHayfever/Allergic rhinitis Determine the cause via a skin

prick test or RAST; AND REMOVE IF POSSIBLE

Prepare for spring: By starting early with supplements, removing dairy from the diet because of the mucous forming element.

Saline spray/Neti pot – antibacterial and cleanses the nasal passages

Steam bath containing eucalyptus/tea tree/thyme oil

Drink lots of water to flush out the body, reduces inflammation and thins the mucous

Identifying any underlying GI disorders such as poor digestion which causes systemic inflammation and bowel flora imbalance. Urine test can identify this.

Adequate sleep, rest and exposure to fresh air.

Apply hot packs to the mucous membranes, volatile oils


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Naturopathic - Treatment OptionsHayfever/Allergic rhinitis Proteolytic enzymes

Zinc

Horseradish

Garlic

Nettle

Marshmallow

Echinacea

Albizia

Reishi & Shiitake Mushrooms

Antioxidants

Highly nutritious but easily digested diet ie. Soups, cooked foods eg porridge instead of muesli. Steamed vege instead of salad.

Reduce sugar as it interferes with the immune system

Warming drinks


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Naturopathic - Treatment OptionsHives/Chronic Urticaria

Allergic component, candida

Caused by Th1/Th2 balance. Mast cell degranulation.

Herbs: Perilla, Baical skullcap, Feverfew, Ginger

Dietary aspect

Low reactive diet

Anti-Candida diet

IgG food intolerance testing

Inspect GI health and bowel flora

In all cases we do gut healing work and boost the good bacteria in the large intestine. Slippery Elm, Glutamine, Aloe vera, Turmeric, Quercetin


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Naturopathic Treatment OptionsSinusitis

Very similar to Hayfever except when Chronic

Colloidal silver – antibacterial, good for infection in boney spaces

Herbs for immune support

Water for flushing


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Naturopathic Treatment OptionsFood Allergy & Intolerance

Food Allergy – can improve over time

Food Intolerance – definitely improves over time

Foods contain a huge range of substances that we can be allergic/intolerant to Proteins

Amines

Salicylates

Additives


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Consider Food intolerance testing (IgG test)

But as first start Dairy and GF until test result arrives

Otherwise exclude for 3m and then move to the next suspect food

Or low reactive diet – pear, rice, lamb and most vege for 3m


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In all cases we do gut healing work and boost the good bacteria in the large intestine. Slippery Elm, Glutamine, Aloe Vera, Turmeric, Quercetin


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Cross reactivity

Some children who are allergic to cow's milk protein also show a cross sensitivity to soy-based products.

People with latex allergy often also develop allergies to bananas, kiwi, avocados, and some other foods


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Final note:

More than one allergy can contribute to symptoms and then food intolerances can further complicate the picture.

I try to be a detective when it comes to allergic symptoms because there can be no complete improvement without addressing the whole picture.


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Thanks for attending!


The Complete Health & Wellness CentreShop 2, 5 Murray StreetPORT MACQUARIE Mob: 0432 978 688Email: [email protected]: karenarcher.com.au

introduction to allergy

Documents

allergy intolerance

term allergy

peanut allergy

sufferfrom allergy

allergy foods dairy

highest allergy prevalence

immune complex

pregnancy immune cells