Allergy to ficus Benjamin: causes, symptoms, treatment

Allergy to ficus is rare and ranks third among allergies after dust mites and animals. Everyone knows that plants breathe and grow, releasing many different substances into the atmosphere, both harmful and useful. Therefore, allergies can even occur to indoor flowers.

Many flower lovers prefer to have Benjamin's ficus in the house, which, thanks to its beauty, makes the room cozy, filling it with warmth. However, despite the ease of cultivation, it should be remembered that Benjamin's ficus is quite poisonous.

Contact with this plant should be avoided by people who are prone to hypersensitivity, especially those who are allergic to latex. The reason for this is the release of poisonous juice (latex) by ficus, where about 35-40% of rubber is present.

The reasons for the development of the disease

Allergies can develop as a result of skin contact with plant sap or mucous membranes. In addition, even a long stay in a room where ficus grows can provoke a strong negative reaction.

There are a number of predisposing factors that contribute to the increase in allergic reactions. These include:

• disturbances in the work of the endocrine system, accompanied by long-term dysfunctions;

• hereditary-acquired factor, which can manifest itself as developmental abnormalities;
• genetic predisposition. If two parents are susceptible to allergic attacks, the chance of passing the allergy to the heir increases by 50%;
• predisposition to hypersensitivity to certain types of allergens;
• dysfunctional disorders of the immune system;
• an acute inflammatory process, which is accompanied by impaired permeability in the hematological barrier;
• often an acute allergic reaction is facilitated by the accumulation of dust on the plant, as well as fertilizers used to treat plants from pests and better growth.

It must be borne in mind that not only the rubbery subspecies of ficuses is poisonous. Some small-leaved plant varieties, which include Benjamin's ficus, have similar properties, so care should be taken when caring for it.

Symptoms of the disease

The manifestations of allergy to ficus are no different from other types of the disease. Most often noted:

• sore nose;
• there may be increased lacrimation and itching of the mucous membranes;
• allergic rhinitis with copious discharge;
• frequent sneezing;
• excruciating dry cough;
• wheezing;
• allergy is accompanied by redness of the skin;
• watery rashes on the skin, which can subsequently open up with the formation of a scab;
• in severe cases, Quincke's edema and anaphylaxis are possible, which are life-threatening and require compulsory medical intervention.

It is important to note that the symptoms of the disease, as a rule, proceed without an increase in body temperature.

Diagnostics

Quite often, patients cannot determine what exactly is causing an allergic reaction. In this case, it is recommended to carry out diagnostic measures, which include:

1. At the first visit to the doctor, he collects a detailed anamnesis of the disease, determining the frequency of allergic attacks, duration, and also reveals the presence of an allergic status.
2. In the intervals between attacks, it is recommended to conduct application, scarification, nasal and conjunctival tests. Such activities allow the identification of the allergen.

1. In some cases, it is recommended to perform a laboratory blood test for the presence of specific immunoglobulins in it. This examination helps to identify the etiology of an aggressive substance, which may be allergic during remission and acute attack.

Treatment activities

Effective treatment involves avoiding contact with allergens. In the event that this allergen is Benjamin's ficus, you should not touch it and stay in the same room for a long time, but it is best to get rid of the plant.

There are two ways to get rid of allergies - drug therapy and alternative treatments. In addition, there is a certain system of conditions that is used for both prevention and treatment.

Drug therapy

Allergies can be treated with pharmaceuticals, which include:

• first of all, antihistamines of the latest generation (Erius, Loratadin, Claritin, etc.) are prescribed to relieve acute symptoms. The drug Ginkgo Plus has a good effect, in which antihistamines and glucocorticosteroids are combined;

• it is recommended to take nasal drops to relieve rhinitis (Naphthyzin, etc.). In the initial stage of the disease, cromones (Cromoglycate, Nedokromil, etc.) have a fairly good effect. In addition, this drug group is actively used as a prophylactic agent;
• for the accelerated elimination of toxins, sorbents (Enteroslel, Polysorb, etc.) can be prescribed.

In case of severe development of an allergic reaction, accompanied by angioedema or anaphylactic shock, hormonal therapy (Prednisolone, Hydrocortisone, etc.) may be prescribed.

Allergy treatment with folk methods

To relieve an acute negative reaction to ficus, alternative methods of treatment are often used, which actively contribute to alleviating negative symptoms and improving the patient's condition.

There are many recipes for treating allergies, but the most popular are:

• allergies are effectively neutralized with the help of chamomile. To do this, you need to fill in 1 tbsp. spoon of chamomile flowers with hot water and leave to infuse for 30 minutes. After straining, the prepared solution is recommended to be taken orally in 1 tbsp. spoon at least 4 times a day;
• Shilajit is often used to relieve negative allergic symptoms. To prepare the solution, you need 1 g. Dissolve the mummy in 1 liter. warm boiled water. It is recommended to take 100-150 ml once a day.

It must be remembered that when the first symptoms of allergy appear, you must contact a medical institution for consultation with your doctor. Only an integrated approach to the disease contributes to a positive result. Self-medication, including herbs, can cause irreparable harm to the patient.