Allergies Are No Joke

I watched a mother beat her daughter out of stuttering. After a few hard slaps, she has not stuttered again in her life so far. Is that the best way to go about speech therapy for her? I can’t say, but it sure worked. This scenario is nothing similar to people who think it’s a joke when you mention having an allergy. The worst part is when they prank you to eat that particular food.

“Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance — such as pollen, bee venom or pet dander — or food that doesn’t cause a reaction in most people. An allergy starts when your immune system mistakes a normally harmless substance for a dangerous invader. The immune system then produces antibodies that remain alert for that particular allergen. When exposed to the allergen again, these antibodies can release several immune system chemicals, such as histamine, that can cause allergy symptoms” excerpts from the Mayo Clinic blog.

In Igbo land, there is something called “Isonso” when various foods and animals are considered taboo. What is a taboo in a certain village can be a delicacy in the next.  And when this particular animal crosses to another village it can be caught and eaten, but in that village where it is a taboo to be eaten, it usually parades freely as a king. It is called “Isonso” in Igbo land.  In my village Amudo in Awka South our own Isonso is “Enwe imo awka” I don’t know the beginning or ending of that history but I do know that I am not to eat that particular monkey’s meat.  “Awka believed it owed its victory to its protector-god Imo-Ọka, and that the black monkeys had been the agency of their salvation” culled from Nairaland.  In other eastern parts of Nigeria, different villages have their own Isonso, and they consciously or subconsciously find themselves being cautious of such. I have even heard of places where Ogbono seeds for making ogbono soup are prohibited.

So, can we categorically say that these are our allergies?  If Isonso is not a joke for a typical Igbo child, how can we quantify allergies as jokes? “The severity of allergies varies from person to person and can range from minor irritation to anaphylaxis — a potentially life-threatening emergency. While most allergies can’t be cured, treatments can help relieve your allergy symptoms.   Even if you’re treating your allergy symptoms, try to avoid triggers. If, for instance, you are allergic to pollen, stay inside with windows and doors closed when pollen is high. If you are allergic to dust mites, dust and vacuum and wash beddings often” culled from Mayo Clinic.

Understanding and respecting allergies is not just a matter of health but also of basic human decency. When someone mentions their allergies, it is crucial to take them seriously and avoid exposing them to their triggers. Mocking or disregarding someone’s allergies can lead to severe, even life-threatening consequences. Just as we respect cultural taboos and traditions, we should equally respect medical conditions that affect people’s well-being. Let us foster a community of empathy and awareness, where everyone feels safe and understood.

Imagine living with a condition where the simplest things, like eating a meal or going outside, could turn into a life-threatening emergency. That is the reality for millions of people with allergies. Let us spread awareness and foster empathy. When someone says they have an allergy, it’s crucial to take them seriously and avoid exposing them to their triggers. Mocking or disregarding someone’s allergies can lead to severe, even life-threatening consequences.

Remember, allergies aren’t just a minor inconvenience—they are a serious health condition that requires our understanding and respect. By staying informed and being considerate, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those around us. Together, we create a community where everyone feels safe and supported.