People oftentimes boast of the versatility of their body systems in this part of the world. They sometimes make it sound like people who react to certain conditions, food, or chemicals are unlucky. Well, I'll say it's not our fault that we have unique body systems.
I have allergies too.
The details are explained in the following paragraphs.
How it started
I had my first symptom immediately I clocked thirteen. It started with a funny reaction to fish. I started getting irritated at the sight of it. I would peel off the skin, pop out the solid part of the eye before eating. It seemed like I was being choosy about my proteins and I couldn't really explain the feeling to my parents. African parents can be dramatic, how will I tell my mom I want to eat meat when what was provided was fish? (Maybe I assumed though) So I kept on managing. Eating fish became a serious problem. I feel nauseous after eating so garri became the life safer as I would eat it dry to cure the nauseous feeling.
Months later my body system could not deal with the intake of fish so I vomited as soon as I took few spoons of a fishy food. It wasn't clear to my parents at first but my mom traced the allergic reactions to one of my uncles. In his case, he could not take stew in a pot of fish which I can do. Whenever he visited then we would make him a separate pot of stew with meat only and you cannot exchange spoons from a pot of fish into his pot of meat. He would still vomit it. Hence, I was when I was accepted with my allergies.
Other allergies
As I grew older, I started having itchings in my nostrils and throat which would result to spontaneous sneezes and itching all over my body during excessive heat. I would sneeze 5 to 7 times within a minute. I learned about the triggers eventually.
When the weather is excessively hot or cold, it would the trigger the itching that will lead to several sneezing outbursts. Sharp odors and dust are also triggers.
Impact of the allergies
I don't go visiting people in their homes or attending social gatherings except when necessary. I won't want them seeing me like an alien for not eating fish when served. There were times I was told I originated from water coupled with the fact that I have long hair 😊😊
Also I always say silent prayers because there would be several odors that triggers sneezing. Sneezing is not bad but mine would be like 7 at a go. It calls the attention of everyone to me. Some would even pass funny comments
How I've managed
I don't take fishy stew except the fish is deeply fried. My nose is also a great tool for knowing whether I should take the stew or not. Cow skin and meat have been my replacement of fish.
On the aspect of sneezing, I have an antihistamine prescription that I use daily to stop the itching in my nose and throat and I avoid staying at the center of a crowd or far behind. I get a position with moderate heat and cold and it's not next to a fan rotating at high speed. Rather than a spray, I prefer a deodorant roll on. I don't want outbursts.
In conclusion, allergies can be managed when you avoid the triggers and it's not the end of the world. People with allergies live normal lives.
If not exposed to the triggers, no one will know.
It is also important that you tell your friends what you're allergic to so they won't introduce you to triggers unintentionally.
Do you have allergies too? Let me know in the comments.
Thanks for reading through 💜
