Pool Chemical Allergies

Keeping fit and having fun in the pool is great and really something that you might love doing, but have you ever experienced changes in your body after a swim in the pool? If you answered a resounding YES then there is a distinct possibility that you are actually experiencing allergy symptoms and it's about time that you learn a thing or two about it.

There has been more than one report that swimming pool chemicals can cause allergies and actual studies have shown that this happens for a fact. The allergies can vary in intensity and type depending on the person being affected regardless of whether they are physically fit or not.

Chemicals and the allergies:

1. Chlorine - the most commonly used swimming pool and hot tub chemical sanitizer is also one of the most common causes of pool chemical allergies, although some of the symptoms are actually due to chlorine intolerance and not allergy. The allergies it causes include difficulty in breathing that can lead to asthma, watery and swollen eyes, skin itchiness, and nose stuffiness.

2. Bromine - used as an alternative to chlorine as a swimming pool chemical sanitizer. Bromine can cause allergic contact dermatitis.

3. Potassium monopersulfate - a chemical used when "shocking" the swimming pool or hot tub to allow greater chlorine efficiency. It can cause skin rashes and itchiness.

4. Calcium hypochlorite - used to disinfect and sanitize the swimming pool. Calcium hypochlorite allergy includes breathing difficulties that can lead to asthma and contact dermatitis.

Possible remedies:

1. If you are really allergic to chlorine, you may want to try swimming in a pool treated with bromine or one that uses natural products, i.e. there are public pools that have begun to convert swimming pools into saltwater pools. If you own the pool that you swim in you can first try decreasing the amount of chlorine that you add in the pool water until you reach a level that would not cause any allergic reactions. If this does not work, your only alternative is to try non-chlorine based pool chemicals, oxidation, and ionization treatments.

2. Bromine is not as frequently used as chlorine so identifying your sensitivity to bromine might be a bit difficult unless you notice that your allergies only appear after you have had your fun in the pool. Chlorine-based pool chemicals, natural products, ionization, and oxidation treatments may be your alternatives.

3. If allergic symptoms begin to appear despite making sure that you have properly washed and rinsed off after taking a swim it is highly recommended that you steer clear of the swimming pool for a while. Seeking the help of a professional with regards to the symptoms that you may be experiencing is also the best remedy to your problem.

Shellfish Allergies Symptoms & Treatments Help

Shellfish allergies are caused by two classes of foods- mollusks which include clams, mussels, and oysters and crustaceans which include shrimp, lobster, and crabs. This also includes things lobster and shrimp, as well as octopus and squid. So, many people who are allergic to any shellfish are advised to avoid all shellfish.

Along with nuts, this is the next most common food cause of anaphylaxis.

Shellfish allergies are the most common type among adults in America, and they are more likely than most other allergies to manifest for the first time in adults.

For some people, even a tiny amount of shellfish can cause a serious reaction. Shellfish includes animals with shells, such as clams, lobster and shrimp, as well as octopus and squid. Shellfish includes animals with shells, such as clams, lobster and shrimp, as well as octopus and squid.

Does Iodine Allergy Also Mean a Shellfish Allergy Too?

Although certain shellfish are rich in iodine, there is no evidence that this will increase the risk of an iodine allergy, nor that people with shellfish allergies need to take precautions to avoid iodine when undergoing medical tests. Iodine is not related to the protein that causes shellfish allergies.

For some reason certain allergies get linked together even though they may be totally unrelated. This is what has happened with iodine and shellfish. There is no actual relationship between iodine allergy and the various seafood allergies.

Symptoms

The symptoms are different from having a reaction caused by toxins or bacteria. This type of food poisoning is common and can cause problems similar to a shellfish allergy. The difference being, it does not involve the immune system and only occurs when you eat food that has been contaminated.

Although symptoms can range from hives, vomiting or nasal congestion to more-severe and even life-threatening symptoms it is a major cause of anaphylactic shock. People have even been known to go into anaphylactic shock after breathing in airborne particles of shellfish or fish allergen in open fish markets.

The most common symptoms are:

• Swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat, or other parts of the body.


• Wheezing, nasal congestion or even trouble breathing.


• Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting.


• Hives, itching or eczema.


• Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting.


• Tingling in the mouth may also occur.

The proteins that are most likely to cause a reaction are not found in the shell, and recent studies have indicated that glucosamine is safe for people with shellfish allergies; however, if you are concerned, you can try vegetarian glucosamine.

Role Of The FDA

Because shellfish are one of the eight most common allergens in the United States, they are covered by FALCPA the FDA's Food Allergy Labeling and Consumer Protection Act . This requires that the presence of shellfish be listed on labels in clear English, either in bold type or following the list of ingredients after the word "Contains " However, FALCPA only refers to crustaceans, and not to mollusks. Shellfish are relatively easier to avoid in the diet than most of the other most common allergens.

Cross-Reactivity

Different types of shellfish have high rates of cross-reactions with other types of shellfish, as noted above. The protein that most commonly causes problems, tropomyosin is also found in dust mites and cockroaches as well, and there is some evidence of cross-reactivity between shellfish and some insects.

If the same pair of tongs is used to handle different types of fish and shellfish, or if you suspect one type of fish or shellfish may have spilled over and had contact with another, you should avoid buying or consuming.

Freshwater Shellfish Dangers

If you're like me, those of you out there with shellfish allergies may also need to avoid freshwater shellfish. Just be very careful because many things at restaurants are contaminated by shellfish cooking on the same grill.

How To Protect Yourself

Beyond not eating at some restaurants, the greatest challenge in living with this problem is likely the fact that shellfish allergies pose a greater risk of anaphylactic shock than many other food allergies. If you suffer from this, strictly avoiding shellfish and food containing shellfish is the only way to prevent a reaction.

If your doctor is able to identify exactly which type causes your allergies, then you need to eliminate that type of shellfish from your diet.

The fish and shellfish allergy necessitates not eating in seafood restaurants at a very minimum. This may include not eating where fried foods are prepared if fish and shellfish are on the menu. For the shellfish allergic, stay away from all shelled fish- crab, lobster, shrimp and snails.

Also, keep in mind that imitation shell fish may still contain shellfish as many manufactures add shellfish for flavoring Before you use it, read the label to be sure.

Dog Allergy Symptoms Can Be a Health Warning

Allergies can affect dogs as well as humans, and your dog's allergies can potentially impact your dog's well-being negatively. Food ingredients and chemicals, air pollution, fleas and their own fur can aggravate dog allergies. Rooting out the origin of these canine allergies is often wiser than giving medication to your dog, which has potential side effects. If your dog has multiple allergies, this might not be so simple.

Symptoms of your dog's allergy can include coughing, vomiting, wheezing, sneezing, runny eyes, tiredness, and patchy fur. So, how are the origins of dog allergy symptoms determined? Following that, how does one cure canine allergies? Fortunately, this is simply eliminated. Using your vet's recommendation, or by making a random choice, purchase a product that kills fleas. Since fleas aren't eliminated with just one use, apply the product with some regularity.

Canine food allergies are also common. It is possible that dog allergy symptoms are caused by a sensitivity to ingredient chemicals. There are certain ingredients that cause canine allergies more often than others. These ingredients include wheat, corn, chicken, beef, fish and eggs. Corn is the worst offender of these, and is very commonly found in inexpensive dog food brands. You can talk to your vet, or choose a dog food that is hypoallergenic, which will not include any common allergens.

It's also possible that your dog is allergic to his fur, which is common in dogs with long or thick hair. This situation is worsened when your dog grooms himself and swallows his own fur. Excess dander and hair can be removed through regular washing, every few weeks. Daily groomings using a stiff brush also help.

Home cleaning chemicals can also cause canine allergies. Natural products that omit bleach and harsher chemicals should be used. Your home can be affected by mold without your knowledge. Your family's health, as well as your dog's, can be improved by testing for mold and removing it.

Itchy skin, a common dog allergy symptom, can be alleviated with an oatmeal wash. Temporary, fast relief can also be provided by shampoos that contain aloe vera, tea tree oil or eucalyptus.

You can give primrose oils or omega 3 to your dog. These products have been shown to improve both human and dog skin conditions.

Anti-histamines are used to give immediate relief for severe allergies. Lethargy is one possible side effect.

Dog allergy symptoms can be indicative of larger problems in your dog's environment or health. Maintaining a hypoallergenic canine is mush easier than figuring out the cause of his symptoms. If you don't know where to begin, your vet can provide advice.

Asthma, Hidden Asthma, And Allergies

During the winter months, colds, flu, sore throats, and respiratory illnesses become more prevalent, outdoor activities decline, family members are in closer contact with one another, and our homes are sealed up against the wintry elements. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) declines as indoor airborne pollutants and indoor allergens increase. The accumulation of built-up antigens (allergens) within a home, typically cause family members to suffer adverse health effects. Recent research confirms the EPA's claim that indoor air quality can be 100 times, or even in some cases, 500 times worse, than the outdoor air quality. Those persons prone to allergies and asthma suffer severely at this time of the year. Until the general public becomes aware of the dangers of polluted indoor air and then begins to demand the services, Home Indoor Allergen Control services, specializing in improving indoor air quality, will remain limited in numbers. The EPA, utilizing public service announcements, is presently promoting campaigns to educate the public on the dangers to health from poor indoor air quality.

Coinciding with the energy conservation practices initiated in the late 1970's, including better insulated home-building construction methods, asthma (and asthma related deaths) among children has continued to increase, year after year, since 1980. Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be controlled through;

• patient/parent education


• allergy injections


• medications, and


• avoidance of "triggers"

Symptoms of Allergies

Symptoms ranging from itchy skin, stuffed up nasal cavities, runny noses, head or sinus aches, bouts of sneezing, sinusitis, irritated, watery and reddish eyes, puffy, swollen or discolored eyelids, wheezing, a "tight" chest, scratchy throats, raspy voices, dry unproductive coughs, feelings of lethargy, mental fatigue and even depression are not uncommon. These symptoms may only result in temporary, or day to day, discomforts for some. Yet these discomforts, even if minimal, can now be controlled, at a low cost and without over-the-counter allergy medications, a huge revenue source for the pharmaceutical companies.

More importantly, without utilizing the benefits of home indoor allergen control, the nearly 50 to 60 million American's (one in five) who suffer from allergies are at great risk of becoming afflicted with even more permanent, life long, ill-health effects including; asthma, bronchitis, perennial rhinitis (hay fever), eczema, dermatitis, sinus infections and other serious health issues, looming in their future.

Asthma and the Differing Types of Asthma

By overlooking the need for home indoor allergen control, children, the elderly, and persons with weak immune systems (even if just temporary) are at a high risk of developing long term medical afflictions. Although 4 to 5 million children, knowingly suffer asthma attacks yearly, asthma remains one of the more common chronic diseases of childhood and is often undiagnosed amongst children. There are as many types of asthma as there are "triggers" that can cause asthma attacks, but basically asthma is classified as either "intermittent or "persistent" asthma.

What is very important for parents to realize is the possibility of your child having "hidden" asthma a condition that exists before wheezing, coughing and rapid breathing become noticeable. Since infants and toddlers cannot verbalize how, or what, they are feeling, "hidden" asthma may be very hard to diagnose, even by your family physician. Irritability in very young children can mean many different things but, like a guttural cough or rapid breathing, could also be a sign of respiratory difficulties.

So how do you know if your child has signs of developing asthma or "hidden" asthma?

Pay attention! Become knowledgeable of the symptoms and alert to the possible triggers. Although it may be difficult to notice any tell-tale signs with children under the age of 18 or 24 months, there are definitive symptoms to look for in older children. Wheezing, for one you may think...but not necessarily so, is a prime characteristic found in asthmatics, yet it's not necessarily the most common symptom. Coughing is a particularly prominent indicator and wheezing may not be readily noticeable to parents or the family physician, even through a stethoscope. Children with a history of bronchitis, pneumonia, respiratory infections, numerous and constant bouts of coughing (particularly at night or in cold weather when asthma conditions tend to worsen) should be thoroughly checked for asthma. Coughing immediately after vigorous activities such as running, or even a long-lasting spell of crying, are also signs that should be noted and may require a physician's evaluation for asthma. Family history, especially a history of allergies or asthma, genetics, the child's moods and actions, responses to foods and possible allergy triggers, must all be communicated to a physician in assisting to determine whether a child may be susceptibility to asthma.

Infants and toddlers with a past histories that include chest colds, bronchitis, pneumonia, chronic coughing or unusual breathing patterns, either shortness of breath or rapid breathing, should be tested for asthma as well as other respiratory diseases. Keep in mind, as active as toddlers and pre-schooler's tend to be, it may be very difficult to discern the limitations of physical activities. Pulmonologist's, performing lung function tests on very young children, still find it difficult to ascertain an asthma diagnosis, but these tests may still reveal airway obstructions. Asthma, brought under control, allows children to live more active lives without frequent asthma attacks.

Common Home Indoor Air Pollutants Resulting in Asthma and Allergies

Through education and knowledge, basic common sense, and recent technological innovations, the removal, reduction, and control of the following worst pollutants and allergens, will greatly improve Home Indoor Air Quality and the health of the home occupants. Of the nearly 50 - 60 million American's suffering from allergies, 20 million or so, are allergic to household dust and/or the particulates that make up household dust. Guanine, a potent and harmful allergen produced by dust mites and found in their fecal pellets and exoskeletons, is a major contributor. The most common indoor allergens include:

• Dust and Dust mite allergens


• Second-hand cigarette smoke


• Pet dander


• Cockroaches


• Molds and mildew

Education will allow homeowners to gain the knowledge of just how these allergens accumulate. By simply changing practices and habits, methods can be easily integrated into the present home lifestyle to minimize the amount of unhealthy allergens and thereby improving the quality of health for the home occupants. To a degree, housekeeping practices have evolved over the past generation or two. Kitchen areas have tested to be the most bacteria ridden parts of a home.

Our bedrooms, especially within the mattresses that we sleep upon one-third of our life, are the dirtiest and nastiest. Mattresses and the micro-climatic ecosystem within them, provide all the creature comforts that allow dust mites to live, thrive and breed while producing the antigen guanine, the worst offender and most harmful of all indoor allergens. Our grandparents can recall the days when mattresses were carried outside to have the "dust" literally beaten out of them and then placed in the sunlight for a naturally cleansing. Nowadays, aside from both parents working full-time jobs, mattress technology has evolved to the point that mattresses are too heavy or too bulky, to tote outside even if there is an area that exists where the mattress can be placed for "cleansing". Carpeting accumulates many allergens as well, however carpeting does not provide the micro-climatic ecosystem that dust mites require. Regular vacuuming assists in controlling built-up allergens in carpeting, but only if the proper vacuum is used.

Home Indoor Allergen Control Technicians

Mattress cleaning technicians, trained in the removal, reduction, and control of home indoor allergens are in an excellent position to not only offer their much needed services, but to also help educate the general public on methods of improving and sustaining healthier lives by simply improving home indoor air quality.

The above information is not intended as medical advice. If you or your family members experience any of the above symptoms, please see a medical professional. Excellent information is available from either the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) or the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI).

Spring Allergy Season - A Few Good Remedies To Stave Off Sneezing And Allergy Symptoms

Well, spring is in the air, noses are sneezing and it's allergy season. The trees are starting to sprout new leaves and with the new leaves and spring flowers comes the dreaded allergy season. My worst allergy enemy is pollen. In fact, this morning I had to hose down my car because it had yellow layer of pollen on it...despite it being kept in a closed garage.

I've had a few natural remedies that have really worked wonders against seasonal allergies. Ordinarily I would be sneezing, stuffed up and very tired. Instead, I can get the paper without a full on allergy attack all without the use of conventional pharmaceutical drugs.

An allergy is the result of your immune system's over-reaction to pollens, grass, airborne fungi and even certain foods and cosmetics. When an allergen is introduced, the body fights back by producing an excess of inflammatory chemicals, such as histamine, from mast cells. This attempt to seek-and-destroy the allergen brings on the familiar symptoms of runny nose, watery eyes and sneezing.

OTC antihistamines merely block the action of histamine at receptor sites. They only suppress the appearance of physical symptoms but do nothing to redirect the underlying cause. Antihistamines also often produce undesirable side effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness and even depression. Therefore treating allergies naturally gets to the root cause of the symptoms and side effects we detest.

During serious bouts with allergies, you may want to assume an all vegan diet, or at least consider reducing your consumption of meat and dairy products.

ESSENTIAL HERBS TO FIGHT ALLERGIES

Nettle (Urtica dioica): Nettle has enjoyed a long history as a treatment for seasonal allergies. Dr. Andrew Weil, author of Natural Health, Natural Medicine (Houghton Mifflin, 1998) reports success with this herb to treat his own allergies. Be careful not to confuse this herb with another species, U. Urens, which contains high levels of leukotrienes and histamine.

Ephedra (Ephedra sinicia): Also known as mahuang, the generic name of this herb may be familiar since a synthetic version of its primary alkaloid, ephedrine, can be found in many conventional remedies as pseudoephedrine. This herb has been used to treat bronchial and inflammatory disorders in Chinese medicine for more than 5,000 years. In fact, ephedra is often used to treat asthma. Note: Ephedra can raise both systolic and diastolic blood pressure and can cause excitability in some individuals.

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea): Also known as purple coneflower, this Native American herb is one of the best immune enhancing supplements you can take. Echinacea has been the subject of more than 50 years worth of study and has clearly demonstrated an ability to increase the production of a number of T-cells and their distribution in the blood.

Garlic (Allium sativum): The antiviral properties of garlic have been well examined for many years. In Russia, the herb is known as "Russian penicillin" where it was once used to treat respiratory disorders in hospitals. Recent Japanese studies have found that aged garlic extract stimulates NK activity and a potent antimicrobial action against bacteria and yeasts. Garlic owes its efficacy to allicin, a byproduct derived from the amino acid alliin reacting with the enzyme alliinase. The biosynthesis of these constituents however, can be unstable in their natural state. Raw garlic is certainly good for you and has several health benefits to offer otherwise, but the enzyme necessary to produce allicin is usually destroyed in the stomach before the conversion can take place. For this reason, enteric-coated tablets of dried or powdered garlic tablets is the best form of supplementation to take advantage of this herb's immune-boosting qualities. Note: Garlic, and other alliums can raise or lower blood sugar levels. Consult your health care practitioner if you are diabetic or hypoglycemic.

Honey helps your body build antibodies to the allergens themselves. Using honey in teas or on bread daily can help ward off allergies. The key is to use locally grown, organic honey. The sames bees populating the plants near you will help you build up an immunity to the allergens in your area. (For more info about honey - read our article about the benefits of honey.)

Dosages:

Stinging nettle - 250 mg. freeze-dried extract every 2-4 hours or until symptoms subside

Ephedra: 12.5 - 25 mg. 3x day

Quercetin - 400 mg. 2x day between meals

Echinacea - 350 mg 3x day

Garlic - tablet equivalent of 10 cloves of garlic

Honey- 2 tbs daily

HVAC Service Can Help Prevent Allergy Symptoms

For people who suffer from allergies, it may seem like there is no escape from irritants. One study showed that indoor air quality can be up to 5 times more detrimental to one's health than air outside.

This can be caused by several reasons, or a combination of these reasons, with the most common problem being improper filtration. When allergy symptoms are at their peak, the problem is only exacerbated by this issue.

Sources of Indoor Air Contaminants

There are many causes of poor indoor air quality, and most of these problems can be detected and dealt with by professional heating and air technicians. Seasoned HVAC technicians possess the necessary knowledge, tools, and experience to identify and rectify most problems pertaining to poor indoor atmosphere quality.

Air Filters

As the air circulates throughout your home, the filter/s will remove harmful contaminates, dust particles, pet dander, and other allergens. Dirty, damaged, or poorly designed filters decrease the amount of contaminates that are filtered. Not only that, but clogged filters will also increase your HVAC system's work load and decrease the life of your equipment.

Duct System

Poorly designed, incorrectly installed, or dirty ductwork will greatly increase the amount of contaminants and allergens found in your home. Leaky ductwork can let mold, dust, and other particles into your home, because the leak will usually be located in an area that bypasses the filter.

HVAC System

Improperly maintained central heating and air systems will lead to problems over time, including the accumulation and spreading of allergens in your home. It is recommended that you have your home's HVAC system routinely inspected by a professional service technician at least once every other year. Also, improperly sized systems can lead to the same problems.

Other Sources of Indoor Air Contaminants

Improper ventilation is another leading cause of the issue at hand. This includes all areas of your home, including attics and crawlspaces. Inadequate ventilation can lead to humid or damp conditions, which increase the appearance of allergens and contaminants.

Along the same lines, poor humidity controls can lead to the same problems.

Negative atmospheric pressure can also cause your home to contain unhealthy levels of allergens and irritants. Negative pressure can cause mold spores, dust, and pollen to be literally sucked into your home through cracks in the foundation and walls.

Experienced and reliable service technicians can help you with your home's poor indoor air quality issues. There are many services and products that can provide easy solutions, such as purification devices, humidifiers, treatments, filters, and duct sealing and cleaning.

What Causes Mold Allergy and Asthma Symptoms?

Among the most common types of allergies is mold allergy, because mold can develop just about anywhere and can happen at any time of the year. We more popularly know and identify mold as that yellowish or greenish substance that results from our failure to throw out organic materials and clean out dark and damp spaces.

There are two plant groups in the family of fungi: molds and yeast, each of which has around a thousand permutations and versions to its name. While yeasts are characterized by single cells, molds are comprised of multiple cells that branch out when they grow. Both fungi subfamilies are allergic offenders, but only about a few mold species trigger allergic reactions in people.

Molds, when they multiply, also produce millions of spores. These spores are what cause allergies. When inhaled, these microscopic spores give birth to allergic rhinitis. And because they are so tiny and microscopic, escaping exposure to mold spores and susceptibility to mold allergy may be difficult to accomplish. Mold spores can easily bypass our bodies protective functions and lodge themselves into our respiratory organs.

Some people experience a more severe mold allergy attack when they take in food that has been processed with fungi, like cheese. There are also instances when dried food and some mushrooms, as well as yeast-related foods, like vinegar and soy sauce, help worsen the attack. We cannot say exactly the same for penicillin, however, though it is made from the mold Penicillium, because studies have not shown any blatant relationship between it and mold allergy.

Mold allergy or asthma symptoms related to molds can also come with the season, usually from spring to just before fall ends. Mold season is usually at its highest during the summer, because of the moisture and heat. Some molds thrive in cold temperatures, but most of them simply remain dormant until they are unfrozen and given the chance to grow again. Molds are particularly present just after the spring thaw because they feed on dead vegetation that that have been hit by the winter season.

Wherever there is moisture, you can be sure that molds will be there to grow. The best places they can thrive are damp closets and basements, unmonitored refrigerators, bathrooms, air conditioners, mattresses, house plants and uncleaned garbage pails, among others.

Given this information, households should make sure that all spaces are ventilated well and mold-attractive objects aired out regularly to avoid the development of molds.

The most common molds found in the United States are Cladosporium and Alternaria. Actually, there are many other mold species that they usually outnumber the pollen that spreads in the air. Worse than pollen, they can thrive both indoors and outdoors, and can be very tricky to detect at their early development stages. Most people recognize the presence of mold only after they have grown to annoying and smelly levels.

Continuous exposure to mold will not just bring about mold allergy but also lead to lung disease or asthma. If you have started to feel weird coughing symptoms and some wheezing, better have yourself checked immediately to nip the problem at the bud. Your physician will likely have you undergo a series of tests, including X-rays and blood sampling, to determine the cause. Needless to say, mold allergy, while seemingly temporary, is still not something that you should take for granted.