All my life I have suffered from 'allergic' reactions to many things, but the local allergy clinic recently told me I had not allergies but 'hypersensitivity'. What is this, and are there homeopathic remedies?
An allergic condition is when a substance is inhaled, touched or eaten and produces an immediate strong reaction, such as swelling, difficulty breathing, rashes and/or itching. Intolerances or sensitivities are harder to pin down; substances causing a reaction vary from person to person; there may be many foods or toxins involved, and these may be very common. Stress and genetic predisposition also play a part. Symptoms may be delayed, are wide-ranging, more subtle, usually chronic and varied - from fatigue, eczema and nasal congestion to anxiety, muscle aches and digestive problems. Sensitivity is thought to be due to an inability to cope with our changed environment. The food chain has been contaminated with strong substances such as pesticides, antibiotics and preservatives, all of which cause our systems to become overloaded and weakened. We become unable to process previously benign substances and unless they are avoided and health improved holistically, the system will continue to weaken and start reacting to more and more 'normal' substances, becoming hypersensitive.
Homeopathic remedies can be made from the offending substances to desensitise the body and strengthen its ability to deal with them. For information, contact the British Institute for Allergy and Environmental Therapy (01974 241376, allergy.org.uk).
I suffer from a fit of six-10 heavy sneezes after virtually every meal. This is preceded by a runny nose during the meal. I have for years had problems with my nasal cavity, such as polyps and heavy nosebleeds.
Food intolerances are very likely to be causing the problem. Find a therapist trained in identifying the offending foods and advising on how to strengthen your digestive system and address other health issues such as stress (see above). Try taking the flower remedy Allergy Combination from Petite Fleur, and the Australian Bush Flower Essence Fringed Violet, recommended for nosebleeds. From FlowerSense (020-8567 9412, flowersense.co.uk).
· Emma Mitchell is a natural health therapist. Before following Emma's recommendations, you should consult your GP about any medical problems or special health conditions. Send your questions to Wellbeing, Guardian Weekend, 119 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3ER. Email: ask.emma@theguardian.com.
