Saturday, June 29, 2013

Allergic Reactions and Cures


Allergic reactions happen when a person who is sensitive to a climate, smell or physical material comes in contact with it and experience uncomfortable symptoms. Allergic reactions may occur instantly leaving very little reaction time and hence can be very serious or even fatal leading to death of the patient. Usually people are allergic to dogs, dust, dust mites, trees, bee stings, weeds, cats, molds, and foods, such as nuts, shellfish and strawberries. Such type of allergy affect allergic patient within seconds of exposure and can cause minor or major problems such as, skin rashes, hives, itching, sneezing, or watery eyes. Major severe allergic reactions include difficulty in breathing, swelling of tongue, wheezing, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, chest pain, tightness, and unconsciousness. In case of acute anaphylactic allergic reactions the treatment must be given within fifteen minutes or death could occur from anaphylactic shock.

Allergic reactions always occur quickly but some may take up to a few hours but allergic reactions do not usually occur after twenty four hours from exposure to allergen. When a allergic person is repeatedly exposed to allergen in smaller and smaller amounts on different occasions it causes symptoms of allergy. If someone is suffering from environmental or pet allergies then his or her allergy can be simply controlled by taking an antihistamine such as Benadryl, and a decongestant will relieve patient from symptoms. But in some cases people may also require immunotherapy and asthma treatment in addition to other medications. Allergic persons should avoid shellfish, poison ivy, peanuts, and bee stings whenever possible because more severe allergic reactions usually result when exposure to allergen occurs. Everyone who have experienced severe allergic reactions in the past, either an adult or children must carry an Epi-Pen in case of accidental exposure to their allergen. The Epi-Pen is a pre-filled syringe ready for emergency administration and contains epinephrine. Its very easy ot use, simply pull off the needle guard and inject it into a large muscle, such as the thigh. There is no need to waste valuable time trying to remove clothing of the patient as the Epi-Pen can be used through the clothing also.

It is very important to monitor the person who is suffering form any allergic trauma. Emergency treatment should be given immediately if symptoms do not eliminate within five minutes after giving the injection. If the condition worsens even after administration of an Epi-Pen, the patient should be immediately transferred to the hospital. Allergic reactions are quite common these days. It is important that people know what to do in the case anyone is suffering from algebraic reactions as it could be a matter of life or death for that patient.

Different Types of Allergies - Symptoms and Preventive Measures


Some people may think a better description of Austin would be the allergy capital of the world. With cedar, mold, pollen, ragweed and a seemingly endless list of allergens provide a year round cause of the sniffles, teary eyes and general suffering. Allergies are not only limited to vegetation, they are increasingly linked to foods, clothes, medicines, and Austin's abundant population of fire ants, bees, wasps and also household pets. Allergic reactions vary from the mild to very serious and if not caught in time, can also be fatal. It is very important to know the different type of allergic reactions and their causes so that preventative measures can be taken to avoid complications if left untreated.

Allergies are caused by the activation of white blood cells called mast cells and basophils such as ImmunoglobulinE (IgE, an antibody) in response to exposure to normally harmless environmental elements. Testing the skin to determine the presence of IgE levels is one method to check the level of allergic reaction, and treatment varies from allergen avoidance to prescription of anti-histamines, steroids, and immunotherapy in order to desensitize the body's response to the allergen. Here some of the more common causes of allergies:

Food Allergy-There are many people who react to a long list of foods such as soy, peanuts, shellfish, cow's milk etc. Reaction to food allergies can range from mild to severe. A reaction is triggered when a protein or a fragment of a protein is mistakenly identified by the body's immune system as potentially harmful.This can cause the body to go into anaphylactic shock, requiring immediate medical treatment. Milder reactions include an upset stomach, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. Common treatments are avoidance, immunotherapy, and the use of self-injectable epinephrine.

Clothes Allergy- The increased use of different types of dyes in clothing is leading to a growing number of allergies to fabrics such as nylon and polyester. Common symptoms may be red rashes, swelling, itching, and in more severe cases, eczema. Cotton and silk clothing leads to the fewest complaints of irritation. There are many remedies for relieving most irritation, usually involving topical creams.

Medicine Allergy - Many people are allergic to drugs like codeine, antibiotics, and sulfa drugs, and almost any drug can cause an adverse reaction. The first time a new drug is ingested, there may not be any reaction. The second time, the body produces IgE, and adverse reactions are common. The symptoms appear both externally as well as internally, and include digestive problems, or a rash. Severe reactions can be fatal. Seek immediate medical help if the person is experiencing a severe allergic reaction.

Respiratory Allergy/ Asthma - Allergens like dust, mold, mildew, pollen, etc. can cause inflammation of the air passages, causing difficulty in breathing. Common symptoms include coughing, sneezing, teary eyes and itchy throat. The best way to prevent such kinds of allergies is to maintain hygienic conditions in and around your home and have minimum contact with dust. Several medications, as well as inhalers, can reduce the amount of discomfort experienced.

Skin Allergy- People with sensitive skin have an allergic reaction to many things like jewelry, cosmetics etc. as soon as they come in contact with their skin. Symptoms include itching, redness, blistering and swelling of the affected area. To prevent such reactions, all direct contact with the objects should be avoided.

Insect Sting Allergy - People usually are prone to allergic reactions on being stung by insects like bees, ants, wasps etc. The insects inject poison into your body, resulting in immediate pain, itching and swelling at the site of the insect sting. As with food allergies, the first sting may not produce a strong reaction, but the second bite is likely to be worse than the previous one. Immediate medical attention would be required given the person's reaction to the bite. Minor reactions are often harmless.

Allergic reactions are the body's way of reacting to food, an insect bite, pollen and any other substance that it perceives as a threat. Sometimes, that response is overwhelming and immediate medical treatment should be obtained. With proper medication, allergies can easily be countered, yet they could be life threatening if ignored.

A 'Cure' For Chronic Allergies? Shots Help Patients Develop Long-Lasting Immunity


One in five Americans suffers from chronic allergy symptoms, and about 17 million more suffer from asthma, which often includes shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing. All are symptoms which can greatly impair a person's quality of life.

Traditionally, the first thing an allergist will do is treat via avoidance - having the patient avoid the allergen trigger.

Allergy shots were first used by a physician in 1911 who injected patients with boiled grass pollen. Needless to say, a lot has changed in the past century.

Allergy shots are the only treatment for allergies and asthma that actually change the way a body's immune system reacts to allergic triggers. Many oral medications, both prescribed and over-the-counter, treat only the symptoms. Allergy shots work differently.

By changing the immune response to allergens, such as pollen, cat dander or dust mites, patients can develop a long-lasting immunity.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, immunotherapy provided by qualified physicians is an effective and safe treatment for asthma, allergic rhinitis and insect venom allergy. Allergy shots cannot be used for food allergies. They are safe for both adults and children.

In addition to triggering the production of antibodies, the allergy vaccine seems to "confuse" the immune system. As the body processes the injection, the way you react to allergic triggers is changed, and it eventually turns off the antibody producing system.

A doctor might offer to describe the allergy shot process as one that slowly builds up immunity over several years. In the build-up phase, the shots are given in low doses on a more frequent basis before reaching the maintenance dose, where patients begin seeing an improvement in allergy symptoms. Despite misconceptions that allergy shots are a lifetime commitment, many doctors say most people take them about once a month for up to five years, although there are some patients who choose to continue longer.

Allergy shots are effective in 85 percent of patients, which is a tremendous percentage. It is the best treatment in the minds of numerous physicians.

So who needs allergy shots? First, an allergist will determine if a patient is truly allergic, which is usually done through skin testing that takes about 15 minutes. Patients may consider shots if the allergies are overwhelming and affecting their quality of life.

After an allergy has been identified, the severity and frequency will be assessed. Once this determination has been made, the level and type of treatment will be discussed. Once the patient has been reviewed for other complications or medical ailments, treatment can begin in an attempt to repel the allergy.

Wheat Allergy Symptoms - Blood Shot Eyes, Runny Nose, What's Going On?


I've recently been observing the term "gluten free diet plan plan" all round the web nowadays and decided a brief review was necessary to decide if we must take this seriously. I've been feeling a bit fatigued and been obtaining blood-shot eyes a little lately following a big meal and the study I did stated that it could be yeast allergy symptoms connected to gluten. Lets take a look at what could be happening.

What is Gluten?

Gluten is a protein contained in wheat, barley and rye (and countless foods - like bread and pasta - which include those grains). They also slip gluten into numerous other foods. Gluten may be utilized as an ingredient in foods for instance, ice cream and ketchup.

So how precisely does gluten impact the typical individual?

Studies have shown that men and ladies which might have celiac illness are frequently the most stricken from foods that have gluten. However, they are now just beginning to understand how it might effect individuals with common issues including: bloating, joint pain, runny nose, blood shot eyes, constipation, and so on. If you are going via any 1 of these issues following getting a big wheat meal you might be gluten sensitive and it might extremely nicely be effecting your life.

US Open winner Novak Djokovic has been on a gluten-free diet plan program this present year which has been related to his beautiful run on the courts.

It is viable a gluten-free eating routine helped him with:

1) Lowered systemic inflammation
2) Speedier recovery time
3) Much less immune program overload
4) Much much better nutrient absorption from food
5) Much much better gut motility and function

A lot of individuals have moderate yeast allergy symptoms

I hate to admit it but right following a meal at a Italian Restaurant which had been heavy on the bread - which has a beer or two thrown in - I really feel pretty poor. My wife feels the same. 1 reason why I appreciate Mark's Daily Apple is merely because it's a web site where I can head to discover fantastic tasting low-carb recipes and also gluten totally free foods. Mark has known as his type of eating as "Paleo". The Paleo Diet is really a way of consuming that very best imitates diets of our hunter-gatherer ancestors - lean meats, seafood, vegetables, fruits, and nuts.

No beer on a gluten free diet. Say it ain't so!

Permit me to preface this by stating, I completely love beer. If and when I select to get rid of a large number of gluten foods from my diet plan I do not think beer will on the list. At least one time per week I like to go out with family members and buddies and have a couple tall beers - frequently with dinner or perhaps just hanging with my wife. They really do make gluten totally free beer, nevertheless I will not eliminate wheat filled beer from my diet plan. It is distressing just thinking about it!

The Way I wish to integrate a gluten totally free food strategy

I'm about to go component time paleo - such as most gluten free foods then appreciate my carbohydrates and gluten filled foods at night and on the weekends when I'm unwinding. I'm going to attempt places like Whole-foods in addition to a neighborhood wheat-less retail outlet here in my region and adopt a gluten free diet to some extent.

And so I will simply do my best to buy gluten free options when it is practical. Mix in a few paleo meals and just eat normal gluten-filled foods the remainder of the time.

In conclusion

If you have been feeling unpleasant lately, or experiencing any type of yeast allergy symptoms, following a meal with plenty of breads, pasta's along with other types of flour you are able to think of, then you can have a gluten sensitivity. Replacing these kinds of foods isn't simple, but a part-time gluten free diet plan plan is possibly all you'll need.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis - Food Allergies and Using an Elimination Diet and Symptom Diary


Eosinophilic esophagitis is an inflammatory condition of the esophagus or feeding tube that is characterized by the abnormal presence of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell involved in allergic reactions) in the lining of the esophagus. Eosinophils are thought to migrate to the esophagus in response to foods that trigger an allergic response. The most common foods reported are milk, egg, soy, corn, wheat, beef, chicken, potato, oats, peanuts, turkey, barley, pork, rice, green beans, apples, pineapple, tree nuts and seafood.

Interestingly these very foods cause the majority of food allergies and food sensitivities or intolerance and are foods that contain many of the lectins that are suspected of causing problems in the gut, joints, skin and the brain. Restriction of these foods frequently improve symptoms in the gut and outside the gut in many people. If specific foods identified by allergy testing can be avoided improvement is usually noted. However, the symptoms and signs of eosinophilic esophagitis frequently, if not usually, return after stopping steroids unless accompanied by dietary manipulation that includes elimination of problem foods.

When food allergy testing is negative or equivocal, elimination diet may be the only way to determine what food or foods may be causing ongoing or recurrent eosinophilic esophagitis. Strict elimination diet has been most effective but is difficult to follow long term for most adults and children. More recently, Kagalwalla published success with a six food elimination diet (SFED) in children with eosinophilic esophagitis. The SFED restricted foods from six of the most common food allergens. The SFED eliminated cow's milk protein (casein), soy, wheat, egg, peanut/tree nuts, and seafood. This SFED was compared with an elemental diet (ELED), that consists of proteins broken down into simple forms in a liquid, such as what protein intolerant infants are fed. Such a diet is expensive, tastes poor and is not well received.

In this particular study it was noted that though the SFED was not quite as effective (74% versus 88% achieving significant improvement), the six food elimination diet has better acceptance, cost and likelihood of people complying with the diet. I would point out that the SFED is actually not a six food elimination diet. Not only are more than six food categories eliminated (peanuts are legumes and separate from tree nuts) but much more than six foods are eliminated considering there a multiple nuts and seafood. Processed foods containing any known or suspected foods must also be eliminated during an elimination diet.

The helpfulness of a diet symptom diary prior to an elimination diet is that sometimes it is difficult to identify problem foods and relate their elimination and re-introduction to various symptoms. Various simple diet diaries exist in print form and online formats that can be printed out to record manually foods eaten and symptoms noted. However, an online diet diary that provides an ongoing tracking of diet and symptoms as well as feedback does not exist, especially those customized according to an individual's health history.

Poisoned In The Home - Black Mold Symptoms And Treatment


Black mold is bad news for your body, and if exposed, you need to get your symptoms treated quickly. Until recently, people generally didn't believe that so many common problems were caused by black mold. But, recent research has been looking into the symptoms and treatment of black mold exposure.

The number one treatment is... you guessed it, prevention! I know, if you are suffering from exposure symptoms, it's already too late, but if you make your house a hostile alien environment for that nasty black mold, your symptoms will disappear.

There are toxic and non-toxic varieties of mold. First, let's look at ways to treat your non-toxic mold suffering.

Non-Toxic Mold

The most common black mold symptoms resemble those of a common cold, or what we usually refer to vaguely as "allergies." Since mold trouble is often associated with poor ventilation, one way to treat your stuffy nose and sinus trouble is to simply open the windows and get some fresh air. Then, after you feel better, creep around the house and find the mold and kill it.

You'll often experience these symptoms in certain parts of the house only. Your nose will tell you which part of your house is harboring the mold. If, for example, you get stuffed up when you go into the basement, you know there's a mold problem there.

There is no effective treatment to mold if you don't get rid of it. And, there is no way to get rid of mold unless you get rid of the conditions that cause the mold. Keep your house dry and well-ventilated, and check often the areas where mold is prone to grow.

Toxic Mold

Toxic mold is a different story and it is altogether more serious. Symptoms can be pretty wide-ranging. Doctors have identified at least 50 symptoms associated with black mold. Some of the most common include:

-Cold or sinus symptoms: runny nose, stuffy nose or headache

-Sore throat

-Persistent cough

-Itchy or red eyes

-Rashes or hives

-Nausea and fever

-Diarrhea

-Fatigue or general malaise

-Memory or hearing loss

-Asthma

-Shortness of breath

-Lightheadedness and dizziness

This is a pretty big list, but it's not everything. Some of these are very serious symptoms. With all of them, it's difficult to tell if the cause is mold-related or not. The proper diagnosis is essential for the proper treatment.

If you suspect there may be mold in your house, you should hire a licensed mold inspector to take samples. When you see the doctor, tell them that you believe you may have mold, and this will help them diagnose you.

These symptoms tell you that there is a toxic form of mold in your home, and your doctor may recommend a detox program. Mold spores have gotten into your respiratory system and dispatched mircotoxins throughout your body. That is why you experience such wide-ranging symptoms like memory loss or stomach trouble. Learn to stop toxic black mold from our site.

Aside from removing the cause, there are other treatments available. Your doctor may prescribe antihistimines or other nasal decongestants. These will not remove the allergy, but will provide temporary relief from symptoms. At the very least, they'll help you breath better.

If it is determined that your particular allergy is a form of asthma, your doctor will provide tougher stuff. This may include an inhaler and stronger drugs.

Severe cases may involve immunotherapy. With immunotherapy, a doctor gives you shots of a small quantity of the irritant that is causing your allergic reaction. Following the strict regiment of shots and drugs over time, your body will develop its own immunity to the allergen. Immunotherapy has shown remarkable results in the treatment of asthma and other allergies, but it is used only for particularly severe cases.

Before seeing your doctor, make sure you know in detail what is causing the allergy. You should know how much mold you've been exposed to and where in the house it is. This will help you to answer their questions so they can provide the best treatment possible.

Friday, June 28, 2013

Cat Allergies? Some Things Which Might Help


Having a cat allergy can be extremely heartbreaking to a cat lover. Sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose, sinus pain, hives, and other symptoms can be very mild and annoying or severe and life threatening. In actuality, if the symptoms are very severe and the cause is researched and it is found to be cats, locating the cat a new place to live just might turn out to be the best solution. However if the symptoms are mild, there is cause for hope. There are methods to at least minimize the pain of cat allergies and live with a cat, and immunotherapy offers desensitization from an allergen.

Symptoms of allergies can take on various forms. There are many common nose symptoms including itching, sneezing and congestion. Eye symptoms can include redness, itching, swelling and watering. Throat symptoms include post-nasal drip, itching or hoarseness and the need to clear the throat often. Skin symptoms can involve an itchy rash or hives. Ear symptoms can include itching, plugging or popping in the ear. More serious symptoms involve the lungs. Symptoms with the lungs can include hacking, wheezing, tightness in the chest, bouts with bronchitis and shortness of breath.

Cat allergen, the allergy causing stuff from cats, is not cat hair, but rather a protein present in the cat dander and saliva. These allergens become airborne as microscopic particles, which when breathed into the nose or lungs can produce allergic reactions.

The main reason why folks can acquire a new pet and not develop any of these symptoms until much later is because of the time required to produce these antibodies. It can take anywhere from three weeks to three years for a person's body to build up enough of the exact antibody so that an allergen can cross-link two identical antigens. This cross-linkage is the signal to mast cells to spill their contents, resulting in the typical allergy symptoms.

Immunotherapy is the usual and very effective way to get around a cat allergy. Immunotherapy gradually makes a person more resistant to the allergens. The goal of immunotherapy is to increase a person's tolerance ten times. This is one of the most effective remedies as it treats the root cause and doesn't just hide the symptoms.

It is unsafe and heartless for any indoor cat to be turned out. As well as the diseases and illnesses that can be caught out of doors, the indoor cat has no experience fending for itself outdoors and so is often unable to protect against cars, animals, and other hazards or to effectively search for food. Hence rescue groups have been formed to take care of cats if someone suffering from allergy has to turn it out of his house.

Managing Fall Allergies - 7 Ways To Minimize The Disruption Symptoms Can Cause


Unfortunately, nothing can prevent allergies in the fall or any other time of the year. However, following these 7 strategies has proven to drastically reduce your exposure to allergens which in turn can reduce the symptoms and the disruption they cause.

Stop Air Exchange---This means keep doors and windows closed and use air conditioning or heating to keep the inside temperature comfortable. Not being able to open the windows when the weather would otherwise allow may cost a little more, but is well worth it in terms of the allergens to which you are not exposed.

Try to park your car in a place where pollen cannot accumulate on it. And keep windows and the vent for outside air closed in the car as well.

Give Up Yard Work---This is one of the best things you can do during the time when the allergens you are sensitive to are at their peak. Mowing can send grass pollen flying, and raking leaves can send mold spores into the air. Delegate the mowing and leaf raking to someone else, and stay inside for several hours after the yard work is done to literally let the dust settle and the air clear. If you love gardening, it may be very possible to continue enjoying your work in the garden once the fall allergens are gone.

Wear A Mask---It can be difficult to resist being outside once the leaves begin to turn and the weather is gorgeous. For those times when you just have to be outside, wear a mask that can help filter the spores and other triggers that can make your life miserable.

Explore Medical Options---A good allergist is an invaluable resource. Find one. There are a number of preventative drugs that can help your body have less of a reaction. There are also allergy shots that can be given over a period of time to desensitize your body to the offending trigger(s). And you should always carry fast acting medication that you can take to prevent symptoms from escalating.

Leave Plants Outside---Get rid of or at least limit the number of house plants. They can often be a place for mold to grow particularly if the soil is kept moist.

Plan Outside Time Carefully---Dry windy days typically have the most spores in the air. Since they weigh so little, they can and do travel for miles from their place of origin. So the best plan is to plan indoor activities for those days. You can find a daily pollen count for your area online as well as air quality alerts. Tuning in to local news and TV stations in your area is an excellent way to stay in-the-know about allergens that are likely to be in the air.

Filter Indoor Air---Since the best way to manage allergies is still to avoid the trigger, filtering indoor air with an air cleaner that has a high efficiency particle arresting (HEPA) filter is an effective way to keep allergen levels low indoors.

And even though Ragweed, mildew, and mold spores may be at the top of the list, continually filtering the air in your home will also take out other allergens such as dust, dust mites, and pet dander that often work in conjunction with seasonal triggers to cause problems.

Keratosis Pilaris a Possible Allergy Symptom


Keratosis pilaris is a skin condition, where the skin on the back and outer sides of the upper arms are rough and bumpy. It can also appear almost anywhere else on the body, especially on the thighs and tops of legs. It does not generally occur on palms or soles of feet.

It can be related to an allergy, including a gluten allergy.

It is also called chicken skin because it resembles goose bumps. Many people are unaware they have this condition, confusing it with acne, especially when it appears on the face.

There are several types of this skin condition:

Keratosis pilaris rubra red, inflamed bumps.

Keratosis pilaris alba rough, bumpy skin with no irritation.

Keratosis pilaris rubra faceii reddish rash on the cheeks.

The condition can become more of an irritated rash. Scratching it can make is spread.

It affects an estimated 40% of the adult population, and up to 80% of adolescents.

It is causes by an excess of keratin (a skin pigment) in the body. The excess keratin a cream coloured substance, collects in the hair follicles, blocking them and forming hard plugs. You can feel this as hard bumps.

Dry conditions make it worse, which is why it is often worse in the winter.

No medically accepted cause is known, but anecdotal evidence suggests that it can be related to diet and allergies in some cases.

Some people find that gluten may be a trigger, caused by a gluten allergy or by celiac. In this case, a gluten-free diet will clear up this problem, along with many other symptoms.

Understand Ragweed Allergy Symptoms and Treatment


Ragweed allergy symptoms are among the most painful of all seasonal allergies. They are the last blow that hay fever inflicts on sufferers of seasonal allergies just before the winter months bring relief from pollen allergies.

For those who also suffer from spring or summer allergies, ragweed allergy season will be much harder on you than others. The pollen from ragweed is far more potent than the pollen that comes from trees in the spring, and from grasses in the summer. Its light weight allows it to be carried for hundreds of miles, while its high reactivity means that only a few grains per cubic meter of air can cause a dreadful reaction.

However, if you are looking to treat your ragweed allergy symptoms, it is first recommended that you understand them thoroughly. There are many similarities between ragweed allergies and a common cold. Knowing the difference is the key to determining the proper treatment techniques.

Common Symptoms


  • Itchy Eyes

  • Stuffy Nose or Runny Nose

  • Sneezing

  • Headache

  • Skin Itchiness

More Severe Symptoms

Ragweed allergies can lead to many more symptoms than just itchy eyes and runny noses. If ignored for too long, they can result in a number of more serious symptoms such as:


  • Difficulty Breathing

  • Wheezing

  • Skin Rashes

  • Cramps or Abdominal Pain

  • Vomiting or General Nausea

  • Confusion

Many of these more severe symptoms can indicate that you are at risk of anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening reaction that causes difficulty breathing due to restricted airways. You should see a doctor if you experience any of the above symptoms, or consider a rush to the emergency room if you have difficulty breathing.

Diagnosing Ragweed Allergies

Many people often confuse ragweed allergies with other health problems such as colds or even chemical sensitivity. Colds are notorious for producing the same symptoms including stuffy noses, sneezing, or headaches. Chemical sensitivities can lead to rashes, itchy eyes, or irritation that is mistaken for allergies.

If you suspect that you may have an allergy to ragweed, it would be a good idea to visit an allergist. There are a number of different tests that allergists can perform in order to identify what allergens are causing your problems. If you don't particularly care to visit an allergist, you can identify the cause of your symptoms in other ways. This includes understanding the symptoms, and looking at common resources like local pollen counts. By understanding when your symptoms are occurring, and what allergens are present in the air at that time, you can pinpoint the likely cause.

Treatment

Treatment of ragweed allergy is the same as treating any other seasonal allergy. This is because they are all caused by pollen. Avoidance is the recommended method of dealing with pollen allergies. Staying indoors during peak pollination hours, using avoidance techniques, or even running an air purifier are all great ways to reduce your exposure to ragweed pollen. See our Hay Fever Treatment site of a number of potential ways to avoid allergens or check out our site on Hay Fever for more information.

A Deadly Allergy - Mold And Mold Spores


Think disasters like fire or flood are the only things that can destroy your home? Think again. There may be an enemy growing in the dark, damp places in your house. This enemy may not only be harmful to your family, but may also threaten the life of your home. What is this enemy? Mold.

While some species of mold are not harmful, there are some that can be poisonous to your family and close to impossible to eradicate from your home. For those who suffer any type of allergy, mold can compound their allergy symptoms and make them especially miserable.

While most people are sensitive to mold, there are some people who are especially susceptible to the dangers of mold. These groups include the elderly as well as babies and small children. If you find mold growing in your home, you should evacuate these people immediately so they will not suffer any ill effects from the mold.

You may wonder how mold can get into your home. There are actually a variety of reasons mold may begin to grow in your home. These reasons can include water or pipe leaks, floods, or any other circumstances that may cause surfaces in your home to be wet for an extended period of time.

High humidity levels can also promote mold growth. If you notice a musty odor in your home or if you begin to notice either you or any of your family members start to have an increased incidence of sinus or allergy symptoms you might want to have your home checked for mold.

Mold is actually a living fungus that consumes the products, such as drywall, in your home for nutrients in order to live. During this process, molds produce organic compounds that are released into the air.

It is these compounds that are responsible for the musty smell associated with mold as well as the allergy type reactions experienced when they are breathed in by humans. Symptoms of an allergy to mold can include things such as dizziness, fever and headaches.

Removing mold from your home can be tricky since improper procedure can release mold spores into the air and make your problem worse. It is best to contact professionals to take care of your mold problem. They have the proper equipment and knowledge to clean up the problem without making matters worse. In some cases, parts of your home may have to be gutted and the drywall replaced to get rid of the mold.

In rare cases, homes have had to be burned because the mold problem was so severe it could not be remedied. It is usually best to find alternate lodging while mold is being removed from your home. This can save you the sickness associated with mold spore inhalation.

If you have ever suffered with an allergy, mold may have been responsible for your symptoms. Over a long period of time, exposure to mold can cause life threatening illnesses. People may actually have to abandon their homes while the mold is cleaned out, or the home may have to be gutted and rebuilt in order to get rid of the dangerous substance.

Animal Allergies


Allergy symptoms like itchy eyes or difficulty breathing can be cause bay an animal especially if it is a pet. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, approximately 60 million people suffer from allergies. Up to 30% of these people suffer from reactions to cats and dogs.

An allergic reaction is caused by protein particles generally found in pollen, food and dander. These particles are ingested, injected or absorbed through the skin. Although many allergies are inherited, some can be developed through repeated exposure to a substance.

Allergic reactions are commonly a stuffy nose, red, itchy eyes, coughing, sneezing, shortness of breath, breathing difficulties and rashes and swelling. A more serious reaction is anaphylactic shock causing dizziness and unconsciousness which can result in heart failure and death.

Animal allergies are usually caused by saliva, urine and skin secretions. A dog produces a substance which helps maintain a healthy coat. When this substance dries, it causes dander. A cat is constantly licking and cleaning itself. Its saliva contains Fel D1, a protein that can cause an allergic reaction. Other animals have allergy producing substances.

There are several options to minimize or eliminate the effect of allergies created by animals especially pets. Do not allow a pet in the bedroom. Use HEPA air filters and purifiers to maintain a clean air environment. Frequent bathing an brushing of the animal to minimize the allergen. The hypoallergenic breed of cat which has lowers levels of Fel D1 has been helpful in reducing cat allergies.

Medications such as nose sprays and pills are also available to treat allergy symptoms. Antihistamines such as Allergra and Claritin suppresses the immune system chemical that is activated in an allergic reaction. Cortiosteroids such as Nasonex is a nose spray that reduces inflammation. Decongestants shrink swollen nasal passages. Cromolyn sodium and leukotriene modifiers prevent the release of the immune system chemical. Rinsing the nasal passages with salt water can also be very effective. When these treatments do not work, immunotherapy, a series of shots containing small doses of the allergen, can be used to eliminate the allergic reaction. A doctor can best determine the appropriate treatment.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Allergies - A Simple Way to Stop Wheezing and Sneezing


Treat the problem - not the symptoms

Using an air purifier around your home can dramatically reduce your allergy symptoms. I always look forward to fall but it's a mixed blessing because like many Americans who suffer from allergies I don't look forward to the sneezing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Most people take all types of drugs and search for other remedies trying to deal with the season that it hits them with a vengeance every year. If you had allergies last year, there's a pretty good chance you will this year as well. You really need to try and fix the problem - pollutants - not the symptom - sneezing and wheezing.

HEPA - your best choice

If you know specifically what pollutant you are reacting to - ragweed for example- it' s easier to fix the problem But even if you don't, you just know that you have a difficult time breathing during certain parts of the year, use of an air cleaner can help. Most allergy doctors recommend HEPA allergy air purifiers.

How to choose an air cleaner

If you are like me and just dread certain times of the year because of all the air pollutants flying around you may be considering buying an air filter system for your home or office, or even for your car. The good news is that there are devices on the market that will remove most of the particles in the air and considerably reduce your aggravation. Unfortunately, they don't make one yet, or at least I haven't been able to find it, that will completely eliminate all the pollutants.

You will have several options when you begin to look from portable air cleaners and you can expect to spend between $100-$300 and more for portable units. All air units unit are rated by their ability to remove contaminants from the air - it's usually measured by what is called clean air delivery rate, or CADR. The higher the CADR rating a unit has the more efficient the unit will be at removing pollutants. You will usually find a separate rating for individual types of pollutants such as dust or pollen. The manufacture will normally provide information that will help you to determine the size of the unit you need based on the size of the room that trying to treat, so make sure you buy a unit that is large enough for the job.

If you want to get the most bang for your buck then remember to keep these tips in mind.

Portable Units - Things to look for:

Size and weight: Portable filters are available that weight as little as three pounds, and can be carried in a suitcase for an overnight trip.

Effectiveness: How effective is the unit in cleaning the air. You can find units that advertise removing from 90 to 99.9 percent of all micro organisms and pollutants.

Types of pollutants removed: Some technologies are more effective in removing specific pollutants- make sure you know which type of pollutant you are going after. What are you concerned with - is it smoke, micro organisms, or even bacteria and mold spores?

How quiet is it - some units make no noise at all, others with large fans can be pretty noisy.

Maintenance required - some units require that you change filters frequently to keep the unit at maximum operating efficiency

Air cleaners to avoid

Ozone generators - Air purifiers are designed to produce ozone have been advised against by the EPA and the American Lung Association. People with respiratory diseases such as asthma or emphysema should absolutely avoid using these devises. It is also strongly recommend that these units not be used if there are elderly people or children in the home. Not only do these units fail to provide any type of health benefit they don't do an effective job of removing odors or pollutants. Ozone can react with the organic material that makes up your body and cause potentially harmful consequences. Small amounts can cause shortness of breath and chest pain as well as may result in worsening respiratory diseases such as asthma. Bottom line - best to avoid.

Identifying Dog Allergy Symptoms and Treatments


One of the facts that you have to deal with when you develop some dog allergy symptoms is the fact that it is not easy to live with your favorite pet. Research shows that up to 40% of USA households have a pet. Therefore finding dog allergy treatments might become a priority if any member of the family developed a reaction.

Given the popularity of owning pets that is a characteristic of the developed communities, it is important to watch out for danger which is a potential allergen. Virtually every home in the USA has some dander. If someone develops dog allergy symptoms then you should consider some of the treatment programs which are offered by the experts. It is estimated that allergies are the 2nd highest cause of absenteeism. Therefore this condition has economic implications.


  • Signs that there is something wrong: You will experience regular wheezing and coughing especially when you are near a dog. Another classic symptom is an episode of red and itchy eyes. Suffers will have a runny and stuffy nose. This can lead to constant sneezing. On certain occasions the patient may experience some skin reactions. One of the typical warning signs is if you break out in hives in the location where a dog has licked you. It is important that you protect anyone that is suffering from asthma since they are particularly vulnerable to this condition. The vectors for transferring the allergens include urine and saliva.

  • Treatment programs: The known dog allergy treatments include antihistamines. These are chemicals that stop the leakage process whereby fluid will seep into the tissue and cause hives. Over-the-counter varieties include Benadryl, Allegra, Zyrtec and Claritin. Nasal sprays such as Astelin can be an effective alternative. Decongestants are useful for reducing swelling and reducing some of the effects that are associated with a stuffy nose. The best brands include Allegra-D and Sudafed.

If the methods mentioned above do not bring relief from dog allergy, then you may be able to use prescription steroids such as Nasonex and Flonase. However you must ensure that you have consulted with your physician in terms of preventing some of the worst side effects. You may decide that the best approach is to restrict the movement of your dog or any other pet in order to ensure that it does not spread danger. This avoidance strategy is favored by many home owners and pet lovers.

Are Food Allergies Causing Your Sinusitis?


People may respond to the altered diet habits because they have either a food allergy or a food intolerance. No matter what you may have heard from your well-meaning neighbors, friends or co-workers, allergies and intolerances to food are not the same.

A food allergy is the response of your immune system to the consumption of a certain food. It is an immediate response, in fact. You eat a food you're allergic to, your body will let you know about it just about immediately.

Not only that, but you'll feel the affects of a food allergy regardless of how much of the food you eat (which, as you'll discover shortly, sets it apart from a food intolerance). Even a minute amount of the food can prompt symptoms of your allergy. While for some people this can mean hives or digestive problems, it may also appear in the form of a sinus problem as well.

Many people experience, as part of their allergic reaction, nasal congestion or dizziness, two of the symptoms intimately linked to sinusitis.

Got Hay Fever?

You May Have A Food Allergy Too!

You don't have to take my word for it, though. The Mayo Clinic explains that many individuals suffering with hay fever, may also experience an allergic reaction to certain fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as nuts and spices.

This type of reaction is referred to as pollen-food allergy syndrome or oral allergy syndrome. This condition is a prime example of what's known as cross-reactivity. The proteins in fruits and vegetables actually trigger the reaction due to their similarity of the allergy-causing proteins of certain pollens.

Let's say, for example, you're allergic to ragweed. You then may also have an allergic reaction to melons. Find yourself allergic to birch pollen? Don't be surprised if you can't tolerate eating apples.

Sometimes this reaction can be mitigated simply by cooking the foods. For reasons yet fully understood, cooked fruits and vegetables don't cause the cross-reactive oral allergy symptoms.

If you suspect this might be a cause of your sinus problems, then consult the table below to discover some of the more common triggers.

Identifying the Origin of Your Gluten Allergy Symptoms


When trying to improve your health, you need to eliminate any possible food allergies or any food intolerance causing an autoimmune response in your system. A common yet often undiagnosed set of variables result in gluten allergy symptoms. If you're interested in the role of gluten in your life, first you need to determine if you are suffering from a wheat allergy or a gluten intolerance.

What Is A Wheat Allergy?

If you have a wheat allergy, when you eat wheat you experience an almost immediate allergic reaction. Sometimes that allergic reaction can be difficult to identify while other times it can be severe. Your body perceives wheat in its system and attempts to isolate and eliminate it. This is different from what happens in a gluten intolerance situation.

Once you have isolated your condition to being a wheat allergy, you can probably get away with just avoiding wheat products. You do not have to hunt down every trace of gluten in your diet like someone must do if he or she has celiac disease.

What Is A Gluten Intolerance?

Gluten intolerance, or its clinical name, celiac disease, is an autoimmune disease, not an allergy. This means when you consume gluten, that gluten triggers your body to attack itself. While the results of this autoimmune response can be severe, it can take a long time for those results appear, sometimes even years. So don't mistake a gluten intolerance for a wheat allergy. An allergy is not an autoimmune disease.

The autoimmune disease family includes conditions like multiple sclerosis and diabetes. Understanding celiac disease's relation to those diseases helps you understand how different from a wheat allergy it is. Like with a gluten intolerance, these diseases also feature a leaky gut and raised antibody levels.

Treating a gluten intolerance is much more difficult than treating an allergy to wheat. In addition to eliminating wheat from your diet, you must also eliminate rye, barley and spelt. And to make it even worse, you must also watch various food labels closely because gluten is often used to help give sauces and similar foods texture. It can even be used in vitamins and over-the-counter drugs as a filler or binder. All products using gluten in this way must be avoided.

What Next?

Now that you can distinguish between a wheat allergy and a gluten intolerance, what do you do if you are afraid you are suffering gluten allergy symptoms as a result of one of these conditions? You go to your doctor and discuss the matter with him or her!

A bad allergy can cause more severe reactions than you may realize and gluten intolerance, if left untreated, can have dire long-term consequences.

Allergy Relief For Humans and Dogs


Humans and dogs have the same physical reactions to allergens - itching, watery eyes and runny noses. Our bodies respond to the foreign substance in the same way. The difference comes in because dogs cannot communicate with us; they don't complain. Pet owners need to recognize the symptoms when they occur. Allergic reactions in humans and dogs are similar.

Relieving allergies in humans

Fighting off allergies involves an approach on two levels - treating the symptoms and finding out what is causing the reaction so it can be avoided.

Anti-histamines provide the quickest relief because they act directly to suppress histamine. Histamine is a chemical messenger that acts at the cellular level to produce the itching, swelling, and redness associated with allergies. Unfortunately, the use of anti-histamine has other problems.

Anti-histamines don't actually cure allergies. As soon as you quit taking them, the allergic reaction will come right back. Only by removing the allergen from the environment will symptoms resolve completely. Another problem is that anti-histamines have troublesome side effects - these include drowsiness (enough so that driving should be avoided) and over drying of tissues.

Air purification is a better long-term solution than anti-histamines because it removes the allergy causing substance. It is ideal for allergens that are airborne. Pollen and dust that cause redness of the eye and swelling of the nasal passages can be filtered out of the air completely. Along with this, getting plenty of water for fluid replacement and increasing anti-oxidants aids recovery.

Relieving allergy symptoms in dogs

When dogs show excessive scratching or licking, an allergic reaction should be expected. This is most commonly a contact reaction to an allergen as opposed to a sinus/nasal reaction. In these cases, they may scratch so much that fur is removed in an area they can reach. When eyes or ears are affected, they may show frequent rubbing of the area or a discharge. If the discharge is smelly, suspect an infection over an allergy.

Anti-histamines are sometimes used in dogs, and they can provide short-term relief. However, just as in humans, they are not recommended for long-term control and do not offer a real solution. They are also difficult to dose properly because dogs vary so much in size and weight. Using air purification and hydrocortisone creams is better, but along with this, bedding has to be cleaned and a check for mites or fleas is warranted. If commercial creams or ointments are used, take care to prevent your pet from licking them off. While they are safe for external use, they are not safe to eat!

Home remedies

Poultices are moist vegetable based remedies that can help sooth involved areas on the skin. These can provide quick relief without the concerns that come with commercial preparations. They are best when a small area of skin is involved and they work well for both humans and dogs.

• A paste made of ground sandalwood with lime juice.

• Almond leaves ground fine and mixed with water.

• Baking soda as a thick paste can be used for insect bites or small areas of contact allergic reaction. Let the paste dry to help draw out toxins.

• Poppy seeds crushed and mixed with lime juice and water.

• Citrus fruit juices (lime, orange, and lemon) are often used because of the vitamin content and acidity - fresh squeezed is best.

• Vitamin E oil can be used to promote healing when an allergic reaction has damaged the skin.
Long-term relief for both humans and dogs

The two most effective ways of dealing with chronic allergy symptoms are to avoid the causative agent and to retrain the body so that exposure doesn't lead to a full blown attack. Both of these require some investigation to find out just what is causing the problem. Is it pollen or something else that is airborne? Is it some chemical in the food or on clothing or bedding?

The way to track down the specific allergen is to remove possible causes until the reaction goes away, and then reintroduce the suspect to see if the allergy returns. Understandably, this can be an involved process. However, the information you obtain will be important if you ever want to get a 'cure'.

When a specific cause is known, you can then work on prevention or acclimation. Prevention comes by way of air purification and avoidance. This works best for seasonal type reactions where the allergen will only appear for a short time. Acclimation is the process of retraining the body to accept the foreign substance without responding with symptoms. Gradual exposure with small amounts of the allergen over time can build up a tolerance, but great patience and dedication to the process is required. Because of this, the method is usually reserved for allergens that cannot be avoided.

Some common suspects:

• Coloring agents used in foodstuffs (both humans and dogs)

• Dust or mites in bedding, carpets and air ducts.

• Soaps and detergent products.

• Any newly used product or material that coincides with the onset of allergy symptoms.

Food Intolerance - How to Tell If You Have Intolerance Symptoms


Given that nearly 70% of us are or will suffer from food intolerance at some point, this issue is becoming a critical issue in maintaining good health as, left undetected, intolerances can trigger chronic illnesses like diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's, asthma, cardiovascular disease, chronic weight gain and arthritis as well as common complaints like infertility, insomnia, PMS issues, eczema & other skin disorders, ADHD, Candida, back ache, migraines and more.

If you're wondering why food intolerance is becoming such a big deal these days it's because our lifestyle choices are causing intolerances to develop. Eating low fibre, high fat & sugar processed foods, drinking too much alcohol, over using medications like antibiotics, NSAID's, birth control pills and steroid medications are all having an impact.

Highly stressed lifestyles and chemical overload in our bodies due to pesticides on our foods, chemicals in our soap, laundry powder, deodorant and make up are all contributing to the development of this new epidemic. If you need convincing, just look at your local supermarket. You can see there's a growing demand from people for specialised and substitute food products - just take a look at the health section in your local supermarket to see the variety of goods offered to this massively growing market. There's gluten-free, dairy-free, yeast-free, wheat-free, egg-free and some people are even intolerant to healthy foods like pineapple, broccoli and ginger.

Food intolerance is not the same as food allergy which can be life threatening. Food allergy symptoms appear almost immediately and can include breathing difficulties and major rashes. Food intolerance symptoms can take up to 3 days to appear, which is why they are so hard to diagnose. Unfortunately our medical doctors don't turn to food intolerance as a possible trigger for these symptoms partially because they are not life threatening, there's no medication you can take and doctors are not fully trained in the business of nutritional therapy rather than drug therapy. Here are some typical symptoms though.

What are the symptoms of food intolerance?


  • Abdominal Pain

  • Anxiety/Moodiness

  • Belching after meals - unable to stop

  • Bloating & flatulence

  • Constipation

  • Cystitis

  • Concentration issues, difficulty remembering things

  • Diarrhoea

  • Eczema and other skin disorders

  • Foggy brain, memory issues, fuzzy thinking Headaches - recurring

  • Indigestion

  • Insomnia

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome

  • Immune system is weak - frequent colds and infections

  • Joint Pain, joint swelling

  • Low Energy levels, feeling tired, lethargic

  • Low Libido

  • Menstrual Disorders inc luding mood swings

  • Nausea after eating

  • Persistent cough or 'noisy breathing'

  • Sinusitis or constant nasal discharge

  • Snoring

  • Stomach cramping

  • Throat infections that recur a lot

  • Thrush and similar fungal infections which recur

  • Weight control problems - weight gain and weight loss

If you are suffering from one or more of these symptoms on a regular basis it is very likely that you have food intolerance. You may have even had it for years and been dismissing minor symptoms. The good news is that unlike food allergies (which can be life threatening), you can test for intolerance and cure it. Food intolerance is not for life.

Cat Allergy Symptoms


Symptoms of cat allergy can seriously damage your body parts including throat, skin, lungs and nose. A great care is needed be taken when you are allergic to a cat. Many people are tired up with their lives with cats but they still can kick the cats because they love cats. If you're one of them, then you're at the absolutely right place. What you need to do is just buy "How to keep cats Even if you're allergic to it" and all of your cat allergies problems are solved.

Different people have different types of allergies applicable to different parts of their body. Therefore it makes up a huge combination of allergies that may arise in people. Your ears may be allergic and they may get itchy or become plugged. Also, you feel problems and barrier in breathing openly. Coughing and wheezing are other common problems. But since you have "How to keep cats Even if you're allergic to it", you don't need to worry any more.

The book gives a comprehensive and practical approach to eliminate cat allergies from your and your home and allow you to live a happy life with your lovely and cutie cats. There are several safety measures that you should adopt in order to prevent cat allergies. First of all, you should not keep a cat with yourself if you are highly allergic to it. It may cause serious health damager to you. But if you are unable to throw out the cat of your house, and you love your cat more than anything, then there are several ways which you can use by reading this book.

You should try to keep the rugs, mats, bedding, flooring and carpets of your house in order to remove all the cat allergens from it. An intelligent way to save yourself form a tiring job of cleaning the bedding and rugs every time is to install tiles in your house removing carpets and rugs. This will not only give your house an elegant look but will also don't allow the cat allergens to stick on the floorings.

You should also acknowledge that cat allergens exist in the air you breath for very long periods of time. Therefore you should use several air filters to breathe the best air for your lungs.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Visine For Allergies - Does It Relieve Allergy Eye Symptoms?


Do you have an allergy?

Sometimes our eyes water as a reaction to excessive smoke in a room but once you have left the room it can clear up, if it doesn't then your eyes may be watering as the result of an allergic reaction. You can have an allergic reaction to all kinds of things, including smoke, pollen, seasonal changes and pet allergies. If you do think that you have an allergy that is affecting your eye then you might want to try Visine for allergies as many sufferers have found this to be effective.

Symptoms of an allergy

When you suffer from an allergy that affects your eyes this can often be felt in one or more of the following ways:


  • Itching at the corners of the eye and around it

  • Tearing or involuntary watering of the eye

  • Soreness - can be a direct result of the allergy or if you rub your eyes

  • Swelling and sensitivity to light - if these two things occur then you should consult a doctor.

Sometimes a cold compress can relieve itching around your eyes and may reduce and swelling that is beginning to take place. Alternatively it is well worth looking at Visine for allergies as it is especially designed to treat the sensitive eye areas - they manufacture a range of eye drops that are designed to deal with many different forms of eye allergy.

Seasonal Allergies

Are you one of the many people who suffer from seasonal allergies, i.e. allergies that only make themselves felt at certain times of the year? You may, like many others suffer from what is commonly known as hay fever - an allergy and reaction to the amount of pollen in the air. One of the problems with this type of allergy, particularly if you are susceptible to grass, is that they mix with other allergens and worsen the symptoms.

Symptoms often start with itchy eyes and can also involve sneezing; as well as tearing and swelling. Your doctor may prescribe antihistamines but you will need to take care when using these as they do not agree with everyone.

If you know when your seasonal allergies are likely to start then you should be able to take some precautions to avoid having to use antihistamines. It is well worth looking at some of the natural products that are around now - Visine for allergies is very good at reducing redness and minor swelling; although if this worsens then you should consult a practitioner.

Neti Pot - The Simple Allergy Solution


If you've ever suffered from airborne allergies, you're probably familiar with the symptoms: nasal congestion and pressure, watery and burning eyes, coughing and sneezing, and perhaps a sore throat. More severe symptoms include sinus headaches, neck pain or even upper tooth or jaw pain.

An allergy attack can make life generally miserable, causing fatigue and even difficulty sleeping due to sinus congestion.

Very simply, airborne allergy symptoms are the body's reaction to inhaled irritants.

Your nasal sinuses are a series of bony cavities behind the nose that are lined with a soft, moist tissue called mucosa. Part of the job of the mucosa is to trap airborne particles you inhale, in order to prevent them from being breathed in to the lungs. In this way, the sinuses act as an air filter for the lungs.

Normally, these trapped particles are then "rinsed" from the sinuses by mucus, causing little to no irritation.

If you have an allergy to the specific airborne particle, however, your body responds differently. Pet dander, mold and pollen are three common allergens that stimulate an "over-reaction" when inhaled. Your body secretes histamine, a protein that triggers the symptoms commonly associated with allergies.

The mucosa becomes swollen and inflamed, mucus production is ramped up dramatically, and you may experience sneezing fits as your body tries to forcibly expel the irritant. Prolonged sinus congestion can also trap bacteria, leading to a more serious sinus infection.

Antihistamines reduce symptoms by "deactivating" histamine, thereby calming the body's reaction. The downside of antihistamines is that they may cause drowsiness, dizziness, restlessness or upset stomach.

There is, however, an incredibly effective alternative to antihistamines.

Nasal irrigation, also known as nasal lavage, involves pouring a small stream of warm saline (salt water) into one nostril, letting it exit from the other nostril. This technique has been practiced for centuries in India, and is only recently gaining respect in the Western world as a safe, effective treatment for nasal allergies.

A neti pot, which looks like a miniature flower watering pot, is the most effective way to irrigate your own sinuses. It's cheap, safe, effective, and there are no side effects to this treatment. To check out research on the use of a neti pot, and to see an instructional video on its use, follow this link to the University of Wisconsin Department of Family Medicine at the bottom of this page.

The neti pot works, for two simple reasons:

1. The warm saline solution physically flushes out the congestion, which clears airways for normal breathing. Clear sinuses also reduce the risk of sinus infection.

2. It also rinses allergens off of the mucosa, removing the irritants that triggered the histamine reaction in the first place.

Neti pots are cheap (about $20), readily available (any drugstore), and very effective at managing chronic sinus problems. Plus, they last forever, are drug-free and easy to use.

Using a neti pot may feel strange the first few times, but you'll quickly feel more comfortable with it. Use a neti pot whenever you're experiencing allergy symptoms, and expect at least some relief immediately.

Try this simple allergy solution. You may be surprised at how well it works!

Do You Have Pollen Allergy Symptoms


How do I know if I am suffering from pollen allergy symptoms?

Many plants reproduce through pollination with the help of the wind. The male reproductive cells are spread through the air pollinating plants. Unfortunately these tiny male plant cells also are responsible for pollen allergy symptoms. Traditionally pollen allergies have been called hay fever because many people use to suffer them during the haying season but pollen allergies can occur in spring, summer or fall. Various plants pollinate at different times of year.

Pollen allergy symptoms can vary depending on climate and the severity of ones allergic reaction to them. They can be hard to identify because they are so similar to other allergy symptoms like those that occur with mold and pet dander.

-itchy skin and eyes

-stuffy nose, and possibly nose bleeds

-headaches

-sore throat

-trouble breathing and asthma attacks

-dark circles under eyes

-increased congestion

-sneezing, wheezing and coughing

-feeling drowsy, tired and weak overall

To help identify if you are suffering from pollen allergy a doctor can do skin testing for different allergens. Skins testing can involve either a scratch or prick to the skin and they generally only cause minor discomfort. Diagnosis can also be done through blood. A sample of the patients blood is taken and levels of the IgE antibody are measured for a particular allergen. In some cases a doctor may put a small drop of allergen in the eye for allergy testing.

If you think you maybe suffering from pollen allergy symptoms see your doctor and get a diagnosis so you can find out what allergen is causing the trouble. Once you have been diagnosed you can take steps to reducing your exposure and start treating your symptoms.

Helpful Information About Cocker Spaniel Allergies


Cocker Spaniels are a happy and healthy breed of dogs. However, some health problems may still affect your Cocker Spaniel pet. Among the health issues you need to be familiar with are Cocker Spaniel allergies. Allergies or hyperthyroidism in this breed of canines may be food allergies, inhalant allergies, pest allergies and contact allergies.

Cocker Spaniel allergies relating to food are normally affecting the ones between two and six years old. They may also be experienced by puppies and older dogs. The food that may be causing the allergy could be anything. Most dogs are allergic to milk but some also react to corn, beef, and the preservatives and additives used in manufactured dog foods.

You can tell if your pet has food allergy if he shows classic allergic reactions which are generally exhibited in the skin and ears. Frequent ear infections specifically yeast infection is identifiable with food allergy. Other symptoms of food allergy may include hair loss or bald patches, itchy skin, thick sheets of dander, hot spots, uncontrollable scratching, and increased frequency of bowel movements.

It is important to know that Cocker Spaniel allergies relating to food is different from food intolerance. Food intolerance may happen if your pet is highly sensitive to an ingested food. The dog may also display the classic skin reaction affiliated to allergy but he will not respond to allergy treatments. Food intolerance can be depicted if a dog experiences diarrhea, flatulence, dehydration, vomiting, and upset stomach. Elimination diets are helpful to determine if your dog is suffering from food intolerance or allergic reaction. It can also help pinpoint what food or ingredient the dog is allergic from.

Cocker Spaniel allergies can also be traced to inhalants. When the allergen triggers the immune system into producing histamines, the signs and symptoms start to show. Sneezing, wheezing, hot spots, coughing and extreme grooming and chewing of paws and licking are among the signs your pet is suffering from inhalant allergy.

Dust mites, household chemicals, flea products, pollens, grasses, mold, and perfumes are just some of the substances which trigger negative reactions when inhaled by dogs. The treatment for this type of allergic reaction usually consists of steroids and antihistamines. If the allergen is isolated, a vaccination shot can be given to your pet.

Other types of allergies are Contact allergy and Pest allergy. Contact allergies happen if the dog encounters materials which cause its body to produce negative responses like rashes, blisters and itchiness. Repetitive exposure to the material can cause dry, flaky skin and skin infections. Usual materials causing contact allergy are plastic, wool, sand, and synthetic materials. Fleas and other parasites can cause parasitic dermatitis or pest allergy. The common signs of this allergy are redness and intense itching. Using products containing fipronyl, amitraz and permethrin can effectively control fleas.

Cocker Spaniel allergies are common but preventable. Regular grooming, careful planning of the diet of your pet, and making sure his environment is safe and clean can efficiently minimize the possibility of allergic reactions.

Anti Allergy Bedding - Some Tips


Anti allergy bedding seems to be in fashion right now. Whether it is that there is widespread paranoia about dust mites or even the recent upsurge in publicity about bed bugs or just that the time has come for such a simple practical measure to be more widely accepted is not clear.

But is it useful?

It may seem obvious that using sheets and pillow cases that stop bugs and mites infesting your mattress or pillow is a good thing but there seems to be little proof that it actually works. So it's down to us as the consumer to watch out and do our shopping carefully and not just grab something due to big claims made in the advertising.

Anti allergy bedding may be a good investment if there are uncontrolled allergy symptoms and removing the carpeting in the house and especially in the bedroom is not practical. The carpets are the biggest hiding place for dust mites - one of the principal triggers for asthma. Frequent vacuuming is a must if the carpets cannot be removed.

Recently I came across some anti allergy bedding that slowly released a vapour that killed the dust mites. Sounds good until you wonder what the chemical is and what effect the vapour would have on your health, so again it is "buyer beware".

Other anti mite measures you can take include washing bed linens and pillows at a high temperature. Even 60 degrees Celsius (that's 140 degrees Fahrenheit) is hot enough to kill dust mites. The other temperature extreme works too - you can kill them by freezing. Some folks just put their pillow in a plastic bag and then pop it into the freezer overnight. This kills the dust mite but does not remove them from the pillow!

And whether you use anti allergy bedding you still need to make basic decisions about what kind of pillow to use. Scientists have found that feather pillows contain much less dust mites than polyester pillows.

Summary

Anti allergy bedding may be a useful way to reduce the allergy burden for an asthmatic family member but it is not a cure or solution on its own.

We still need to use all the normal measures we can in our lifestyle to reduce the overall allergy burden the body is carrying. If there are pets in the house it is essential to exclude them from the bedroom and keeping Fido and Fluffy clean with a wipe down perhaps with a treatment approved by your vet.

Finally a word about my absolute favourite allergy measure, that of using vitamin C as a natural antihistamine. I take several grams a day but for beginners to using vitamin C perhaps just taking a one gram dose may be a good start. To get the dose that you need its best to consult a nutritionally aware health practitioner with experience in allergy treatment.

The Types of Antihistamines Available For Allergy Sufferers


At this point in time, there are two types of antihistamines available for allergy sufferers. These medications are commonly sold over-the-counter, but may be obtained by prescription. These medications assist in both the onset of allergy symptoms and the relief of such symptoms.

The two types that are available for those that suffer from moderate to severe allergy symptoms are called "First-Generation" and "Second-Generation". In most instances, these antihistamines are combined with specially designed medications that assist in relieving pain and acting as a decongestant. In this guide, you will learn information pertaining to each of these types.

First-Generation

When purchasing antihistamines that are considered to be First-Generation, you should expect to experience side effects such as becoming tired and a form of drying that relates to the nasal and sinus cavities. Most of the older brands on the market are identified as First-Generation. Examples of this type of antihistamine drug include, but are not limited, to the following:

• Benadryl Allergy

• Dimetapp

• Vicks NyQuil

Second-Generation

If you want an allergy medication that does not produce the same side effects, such as becoming tired, you will likely benefit from antihistamines that are considered to be Second-Generation.

Many allergy sufferers have discovered that medications that fall into this type are stronger and are easily able to combat the symptoms associated with allergies more effectively than those medications that classify as First-Generation. Examples of this type of allergy medication include but are not limited to the following:

• Alavert

• Claritin

• Zystec

Conclusion

The symptoms associated with common allergies are quite challenging for many sufferers. The symptoms include congestion, a cough, eyes that are irritated and watery, sneezing, and even headaches. The two types of antihistamines available for today's sufferer are those that are considered to be First-Generation and those identified as Second-Generation.

When working to eliminate your symptoms, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages associated with each type so that you may select the most appropriate medication for your needs.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Cat Allergy Symptoms


People love their cats. These family members help to create memories that last a lifetime. Children love to play with dogs or cats. It can be so disheartening when a family member becomes allergic to pet dander. These allergies can cause asthma and other health issues, so they need to be taken seriously.

Symptoms of cat allergies include: sinuses may become drained or clogged, itchy red eyes, skin rashes. One of the most severe symptoms is difficulty breathing.

If you're like most people, you love your pet. This may lead you to ask the question: how can I control my cat allergies? The good news is that there are treatment options available. First of all you should look at things you can do on a daily basis around your house. This includes dusting and vacuuming as often as possible. This will remove the cat dander and other allergens out of the air that you breathe. It's also important to change the air filters in your heating units and air conditioner. Again this will make sure the air you are breathing is clean.

If none of these work, it is possible to purchase over the counter cat allergy medications that don't require a prescription. While these treatments are for allergy sufferers in general, they do work for people who suffer from cat allergies. Zyrtec and Claritin are two popular brands to look for. They are both non drowsy antihistamines, which is one of the main benefits.

Don't let cat allergies come between you and your favorite pet. By looking at all the treatments options you'll be able to find a way to continue to live with your favorite member of the family.

Natural Allergy Relief - Cure Seasonal Allergies Naturally


Natural allergy relief is possible for those suffering from seasonal allergies. Before attempting to cure allergies naturally, one must understand why they have seasonal allergies. They also must understand that allergy relief or long-term allergy cure is not provided by taking anti-histamines. Quite the contrary.

Anti-histamines are not the answer for seasonal allergies for numerous reasons, one of which is that anti-histamine side-effects are not pleasant:

  • dry eyes

  • fatigue

  • dry sinuses

  • dry mouth

  • inattentiveness

Anti-histamines also do not address the reason why your body is responding so severely to pollen, dander and other environmental stimuli. You ever wonder why some people react severely to pollens and some do not? There is a reason for it and it is answered with one word:

Biochemistry.

Biochemistry is what creates the building blocks for stable cell membranes and a balanced immune system. Individuals with unstable cell membranes are more susceptible to seasonal allergies. Why? Histamine is stored within a cell. If a cell membrane is weak or easily broken, histamine spills out into circulation causing the symptoms of seasonal allergies:

  • itchy eyes, nose and throat

  • watery eyes

  • repetitive sneezing

  • difficulty breathing or airway restriction

  • clear runny discharge from the sinuses

  • tickle in the throat due to mucous i.e. post-nasal drip

Cell membranes can be stabilized and strengthened by ascorbic acid and fatty acids called EPA and DHA.

With the proper amounts of ascorbic acid and anti-inflammatory phospholipids, EPA and DHA, cell membranes regain their fluid structure and increase resistance to break.

Let's focus on ascorbic acid first.

The Journal of Nutrition recently published a research article called "Effect of ascorbic acid nutriture on blood histamine and neutrophil chemotaxis in guinea pigs." The key comment in this article worth noting is: "Blood histamine was significantly depressed in the high ascorbate group compared to the adequate and low ascorbate groups." The full article is available for free online.

Summary of this research: Take increased levels of ascorbic acid to prevent histamine release. Remember that histamine release = allergy symptoms.

Now let's address the phospholipids of EPA and DHA. Cell membranes are made up of phospholipids. Some phospholipids are pro-inflammatory and these increase cell membrane destruction, leading to histamine release and allergic symptoms.

If an individual eats high amounts of arachidonic acid, an inflammatory phospholipid, they are more prone to allergies, arthritis, auto-immune conditions and so on. However, if this individual cuts down on eating corn-fed beef and begins to ingest grass-fed beef or wild salmon, their alpha-linolenic acid content in their cell membranes increases. With increased alpha-linolenic acid in cell membranes, inflammation and allergy symptoms significantly decrease.

For many, it is hard to alter dietary habits and it takes time. While it is recommended that an individual cease eating corn-fed beef and switch to grass-fed beef or wild salmon, this can be expensive and also hard to find in some areas. Taking a potent form of alpha-linolenic acid orally has been researched to stabilize cell membranes thereby reducing inflammation and allergy symptoms. Research done by the National Institute of Health in Japan proved this point. An excerpt from their study's results:

"In all cases the concentration of alpha-linolenic acid and docosahexenoic acid (DHA, 22:6 (n-3)) was increased, while linolenic acid (18:2 (n-6)) was slightly and arachidonic acid (20:4 (n-6)) was markedly decreased. Content of histamine in alpha-linolenic acid-treated cells was remarkably lower than that of untreated cells."

Translation: The researchers had cells which had high amounts of arachidonic acid in the cell membrane. Then they fed the cells high amounts of alpha-linolenic acid and DHA. They measured the amounts of each after and found that the cell membranes absorbed the alpha-linolenic acid and DHA which lowered the inflammatory arachidonic acid. This led to an overall decrease of histamine.

This means that if people suffering from seasonal allergies take a highly concentrated form of alpha-linolenic acid, histamine will further decrease. Alpha-linolenic acid has to be converted by the body into EPA and DHA. So, greater results and decreased symptoms of seasonal allergies will occur if EPA and DHA are taken directly. Combining ascorbic acid, and EPA and DHA will significantly reduce histamine release. Natural allergy relief can be achieved by many by simply taking ascorbic acid, EPA and DHA.

However, there is a catch.

It takes time for cell membranes to rebuild and stabilize.

For those individuals experiencing severe seasonal allergies, nasal irrigation is paramount. Nasal irrigation bathes the sinuses with filtered water and salt which flushes out the cause of seasonal allergies: pollen.

Neti pots are extremely effective if used morning, afternoon and night. This limits exposure of pollen to the immune system. If the immune system does not receive a trigger, it will not react. So, wash out the sinuses often with a neti pot to remove these potential triggers.

Some tricks with nasal irrigation:

  • Utilize a large enough neti pot. Many neti pots hold only 8 ounces of water. This is not enough to sufficiently rinse both sinuses. Also a smaller neti pot does not provide enough pressure as the water column is smaller. The higher the column of water or the greater the amount of water in a neti pot, the more effective it is in washing out the sinuses.

  • Use filtered water. Chlorinated tap water is a major irritant to the nasal mucosa. Filter and slightly warm the water.

  • Add about 1 teaspoon or so of salt and a 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. This softens the water and also creates a similar salinity of the natural sinus mucosa.

  • Do it in the shower in the morning if you have a chlorine shower filter. Simply fill the neti pot with the filtered, warm water, add the salt and baking soda and rinse your sinuses in the shower.

  • You may also perform the nasal irrigation over a sink or leaning over your bathtub.

For those with severe seasonal allergies, potent plant sterols are very effective at stabilizing the immune system. If the immune system is hyperactive, the tiniest amount of pollen will send the person into a symptomatic fit of sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and misery. However, with a calm immune system, it takes a greater amount of pollen to trigger an immune response.

The best way to take plant sterols using Sterol 117 is to:

  • Take a loading dose of Sterol 117 for 7 days. Take 2 capsules on waking and 2 capsules at bedtime. This loads your body of the plant sterols and quickly calms your immune system thereby stopping, or greatly reducing, your seasonal allergies.

  • Once your seasonal allergies have calmed completely, reduce the dose to 1 capsules in the AM.

  • If you find that you need to increase the dose back up to 2 caps a day or 2 capsules twice a day, do so. The goal, however, is to get down to the lowest dose possible.

  • Over time, hopefully, the increased ascorbic acid, EPA and DHA has stabilized the cell membranes which lessens the need of the potent plant sterols.

You will to be able to say something like this: "I began taking Sterol 117 at Dr. Ben's recommendation because my spring allergies have been terrible this year plus I developed asthma symptoms. Not wanting to take drugs because they either wire or tire me, I wanted a natural solution but thus far, none have helped. I began taking two Sterol 117's a day and within a couple of days all of my symptoms were completely gone, including the asthma symptoms. Sterol 117 has been nothing short of a miracle for me!"

Drinking plenty of filtered water throughout the day is also essential. Histamine levels are more concentrated in people who drink less water. The more concentrated histamine is, the more severe the seasonal allergies will be. Carry filtered water with you all day and drink at least 10 cups a day.

Soon, you can be the person who does not suffer from seasonal allergies. You will have stabilized your cell membranes, washed out your sinuses, calmed your immune system, increased your water intake, and chucked your anti-histamines into the trash can.

So when you see your co-worker miserable with seasonal allergies scrambling through their desk looking for their anti-histamine, tell them how you conquered your seasonal allergies. They'll love you for it. Do it for your boss and who knows what may happen.

In health,
Dr Ben

Gluten Allergy Symptoms In Different Age Groups


One of the difficulties you face when trying to identify and diagnose a gluten sensitivity is how its symptoms manifest differently for different age groups. There are gluten allergy symptoms that are specific to children while there are also some that are more common among fully grown adults. Let us examine these sensitivity symptoms in both age groups and distinguish how they differ.

Gluten Allergy Vs. Wheat Allergy

First of all, you need to understand that a wheat allergy is not the same as a gluten allergy. A wheat allergy is the result of a histamine response, like a peanut allergy or hay fever. A gluten allergy, which for this article we will consider a gluten sensitivity or intolerance, is an autoimmune response where your body attacks itself when it detects gluten in your system. A gluten sensitivity or allergy can have different degrees of severity, the worst of which is celiac disease, which can only be diagnosed with the presence of the celiac disease genes, HLA-DQ8 or HLA-DQ2.

Gluten Allergy Symptoms In Adults

In adults, many of these symptoms have earned the moniker silent celiac disease symptoms because they are not always the symptoms you first see listed when people discuss gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

These symptoms include joint pain, headaches, mineral and vitamin deficiencies (especially vitamin D and calcium), migraines and a loss in bone density. In some cases people may slowly develop ataxia and not realize it is a result of consuming gluten.

Gluten Allergy Symptoms In Children

While all the symptoms mentioned in regards to adults may be present in children as well, it is more common for the following symptoms to occur and to represent the explicit path towards a gluten intolerance diagnosis.

If your child is losing weight when he or she should be growing and gaining weight while also experiencing digestive disorders like diarrhea, constipation and gas, then I would suggest you discuss this matter with your pediatrician. A common and unfortunate symptom of a gluten intolerance is a failure to thrive; because this can have lifelong consequences it is imperative it be diagnosed as soon as possible.

This should help you better understand how gluten allergy symptoms may manifest for people of different age groups. However, this is not a condition that can be neatly defined or explained in one article. I encourage you to do further research and above all else, that you consult your doctor about these concerns.

The Uncommon Tea Allergy


There are many people that suffer from "food allergies". Yearly, it is one of the top ranked illnesses diagnosed by physicians. Some are extremely common while others, such as a tea allergy, occur less frequently. When suffering from an uncommon food allergy (such as tea); less information is available to help sufferers. In this article we will cover what suffering from this allergy entails, the tea allergy symptoms you may endure, and why the intolerance occurs.

When searching for information, you're not likely to come up with much. You will more than likely find page after page about tea for allergy relief and how green tea will help calm your allergies (and symptoms) that come along with them. However, if you are one of the few that suffer from a tea allergy- you are unable to reap the benefits of green tea healing; because often you are allergic or sensitive to green tea as well.

Definition:

Many people discuss food allergies, but what are they exactly? A food allergy is when a food is ingested and seen as an "invader". Your body responds to it by sending antibodies to stop the invader (treating it like an infection). This is generally referred to as hypersensitivity to an allergen. In this case it is the body's hypersensitivity to tannin or caffeine, which is a common ingredient in tea. There are two types of tea allergies that occur more frequently than others: chamomile and linden.

Symptoms

In most cases, tea allergy symptoms will clear up within a few hours to a few days.

Symptoms Include:

- Runny Nose
- Swelling: It can cause swelling of the face, cheeks, limbs, and/ or throat. In the case of throat swelling, if it causes trouble breathing, this can be more severe.
- Eye Irritation: This will be the first sign. This can range from watery eyes to itchy, red eyes. This should last no longer than a few days.
- Sneezing
- Skin Irritation: Hives (raised bumps on the skin) can appear and stay on the skin for up to a few days.
- Headache: This is very similar to a sinus headache (troubling the front and back of the head).

There are a few extremely rare cases where people can go into anaphylactic shock (life threatening allergic reaction). In these cases, the throat swells, blocking the airways and causing suffocation. If this happens, you can call 911 or have someone rush you to the hospital immediately. Death is possible, so take proper precautions.

Finding relief is similar to that of soothing any other allergy. There are many over the counter allergy medicines (such as Benadryl), that you can purchase. There are also many natural herbal remedies that you can try. However, these may interfere with your current health plan. Do not start any new medicines without first consulting a doctor. Some people are only allergic to certain types of tea, but reading the labels of all teas will help to ensure you do not ingest any items your body will treat as an allergen. Avoidance of all kinds of tea is often the most effective way to treat a tea allergy.

Loose Leaf Tea - To Help With Allergy Symptoms While Being Caffeine Free


Loose leaf teas are not bagged or placed in any outer enclosure for brewing purposes when purchased. Many teas are contained within bags for ease of brewing, but these teas are normally not as enticing due to the fact of severe processing steps taking away the loose leaf tea's flavors and aroma.

Loose leaf teas fall into many categories including red tea, green tea, black tea, white tea, pu-erh tea, oolong tea, herbal teas and organic teas. Red teas are known to slow the aging process and to help with allergy symptoms while being caffeine free and helping with kidney stones. Red teas are known for the lack of caffeine, low tannin levels and the high levels of antioxidants like aspalathin and nothofagin. Red loose leaf teas are thought to help with digestive troubles and are known to be used in South Africa to help with colic, allergies and asthma as well as skin disorders.

Green leaf teas are made only with the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, and do not undergo the oxidation that many other teas take part in. Originating in China, many varieties exist due to growing conditions and the time of harvest. Green loose leaf tea is thought to lower the chances of heart disease and fight against some types of cancer.

Black loose leaf teas are more oxidized than oolong, green and white teas. Black tea has a stronger flavor and has more caffeine, and is made up of 2 types of leaves including the C. sinensis sinensis and the C. sinensis assamica. Black teas are called crimson teas in China, due to the color of the brew, and are known to help reverse endothelial vasomotor dysfunction, and decrease cardiovascular troubles.

White leaf teas are known to help clear complexions, and have the highest concentration of antioxidants and anti-cancer properties of any tea. White loose leaf teas are uncured and unoxidized and normally have buds and younger tea leaves, and more caffeine than other teas. The most popular types are the Da Bai or large white, and the Xiao Bai or small white leaves of the Narcissus and Chaicha bushes.

Pu-Erh teas are known to help cleanse the blood, aid in helping diabetics control blood sugar and remove toxins in the body as well as improve eyesight. Also known as the bolay tea, this is a large leaf variety and is named after the Pu'er county in China. Much like a green tea, this tea can be consumed after being aged for many years to perfect the flavor. Rarity and flavor makes this tea a target for counterfeiters, this tea is known to be expensive only when the age and identity cause the buyer to know it is genuine.

Oolong teas are among the most drank in the U.S. and is known for helping the skin, teeth and bones due to fluoride content as well as helping with digestion. Reducing the risk of hypertension and aiding in weight loss and metabolism are only a few of the health properties it can boast. The distinct blue-green tint makes this semi-oxidized tea one of a kind.

Herbal leaf teas are known to help gain a restful sleep and aids in digestion, as well as relieves cold symptoms and helps with nausea. Herbal teas are also known as tisane or ptisan teas are words used to refer to infusions that are made from things other than tea leaves. Many are made with fresh and dried flowers, seeds and roots that are known to have healing qualities of their own.

To Buy or Try a Sample Please Go To - http://www.redleaftea.com/

Allergy Season And How To Use A Nebulizer To Ease Symptoms


Allergies are one of the most difficult things to live with and can be quite devastating for some. An allergy is defined by the medical community as an irrational response to environmental factors such as food or pollen. The most common allergy that affects millions of individuals is pollen and it is at its highest levels during the spring time season as the trees begin to regenerate their leaves. Although there is no cure for allergies there does exist ways of reducing the effects of its symptoms.

One of the ways is to actually utilize special medication in conjunction with a nebulizer in order to lessen the effects of the condition. A nebulizer is a health device that is made specifically to be used by allergy sufferers in order to deliver specialized medication. What the device does is that it takes the prescription medicine and transforms it into mist form which is then breathed in by the individual. The benefit of transforming it into mist form is the fact that it can actually be absorbed far more quickly by the body and as a result begins to reduce the symptoms faster.

A common example is that an individual that suffers from allergies can take their nebulizer device with them wherever they go. If you desire to go on a trip to Europe and you know that you have allergies then what you can do is plan to take your device with you along with the special medication that works for you on your trip. Whenever you feel that your symptoms are acting up then simply take out your portable device and then within minutes you are ready to take in the medication for relief.

The other beneficial aspect of the nebulizer system is the fact that it is completely portable. With the ability to take it with you wherever you go you can rest assured that you can have easy access to aid your health whenever you need to. The device actually comes with several different sizes of masks that can be used to help adults as well as children. Many children begin to develop allergy symptoms at a very young age and as a result it is important to begin early to help their condition. There is however different medication for children than there are for adults and as a result a physician needs to be consulted in order to prescribe the correct allergy prescription.

Monday, June 24, 2013

Some Facts About Asian Alcohol Allergy


Asian Alcohol Allergy is basically a condition that is also known as Asian flush. To be more specific, a person suffering from Asian Alcoholic Allergy will have various uncomfortable symptoms after drinking any alcoholic drinks. So, if you think that you or may be somebody in your friend circle is having this allergy, you must know some important facts about this conditions. Following are the facts about Asian Alcoholic Allergy:

1. Although it is named as Asian Alcoholic Allergy, anyone from all around the world can get affected by this condition. According to various studied, Asian alcohol allergy has been proved to be a very common disease across the borders. On an average, there are around 50% people all across the world suffering with this allergic condition. The name of this allergy is a bit misleading as it represents that only Asians are catching up with this problem. So, just be aware of the fact that you are drinking something alcoholic on a regular basis and developing some uncomfortable symptoms then you are surely suffering with this allergy.
2. The allergy has various symptoms which can be a little frustrating and surprising at times. Especially when you are among some of the formal or official people, the allergy symptoms can create weird situation. The best option would be to miss out on something alcoholic when you are out with business associates and formal functions.
3. The most common and usual symptoms of this Asian Alcohol Allergy is the reddening of the skin and all around the face. You can even get some splotchy color patches on the face and rashes all around the body. Itching is also one of the common symptoms of Asian Alcohol Allergy. Apart from all this, some other common symptoms of this allergic condition are nausea, difficulty in breathing and headaches. Some people with cardiac problems may even develop problems like high pulse rates.
4. Furthermore, one should never ignore the allergy symptoms mentioned in the above points. Almost all the symptoms are extremely uncomfortable and can frustrate you even more. You might think that it is easy to ignore the symptoms, but people around you will surely notice everything and it can get embarrassing.
5. The main reason for this Asian Alcohol Allergy is entirely biological. Just like everything else, alcoholic drinks are also metabolized by every human body. The main reason would be the reaction of alcohol with body enzymes.