Researchers from Ohio State University in Columbus (USA) found a link between stress and allergy.

The results of their research scientists published in the new issue of the journal Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

Allergies occur in humans when their immune system reacts too violently to predominantly harmless foreign substances (allergens), releasing a number of active compounds such as histamine that cause all known symptoms.

Medicines, food, insect venom, mold, animal hair and pollen are the most common allergens, which can be worsened by already existing diseases, including eczema, asthma and problems with sinuses.

Allergies are treated with a variety of different drugs, including antihistamines, corticosteroids, decongestants, leukotriene receptor antagonists. In some cases even apply immunotherapy.

Allergy itself does not arise due to stress, but stress, apparently, can aggravate it.

"Symptoms of allergies, such as sneezing, runny nose and lacrimation, can bring the experience to the sick, and some can cause stress. Stress reduction will not cure allergies, but it can reduce the number of episodes and the intensity of the symptoms, "says Dr. Amber Patterson,.

To confirm this, a team of scientists observed 179 patients for 12 weeks. During this time, 39% of participants had more than one exacerbation of allergies. Researchers found that participants with frequently recurring episodes of allergies were more prone to stress.

A few facts about allergies:.

• Children sometimes "outgrow" allergies, especially food.

• The impact of some allergens (dust, wool) in the first year of life protects the child from allergies in the future.

• Breastfeeding in the first 6 months of life helps prevent the development of allergies.

Although there is no clear relationship between stress and immediate afterward exacerbations of allergies, many people report that their allergic disease tends to aggravate within a few days after the stressful event.

"Stress has different negative effects on the body. Our study also found that people with more frequent exacerbations of allergies are highly negativistic and prone to stress, "says Patterson.

This study pushes to the idea that allergy sufferers should minimize stress in their daily lives.

Scientists recommend the following approaches for this:.

• Meditation.

• Breathing equipment.

• Quitting smoking, caffeine and stimulants.

• Allocating time for entertainment and hobbies.

• Full rest from work.

• Healthy lifestyle.

The president of the American college of allergy, asthma and immunology, Dr. James Sublett (James Sublett) notes that allergists are also able to help: "Patients with an allergy can ease their condition if they are constantly observed in a certified allergist. It will help you develop an action plan to avoid provoking factors and use exactly the treatment that best meets your needs ".

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