Oak Pollen Allergy Relief

Oak pollen allergies frequently bring symptoms of coughing, chest congestion, sneezing, wheezing, itchy eyes, sinus congestion, sore throat, and headache. Annually, beginning in March and lasting as late as May, central Texas is coated with sticky, yellow-green pollen from the live oak trees, and hundreds of people suffer respiratory allergy symptoms as a result. However, there are basic strategies you can implement to make oak pollen allergy season a much happier time of year.

Oak Pollen Allergy Relief Step 1: avoidance.

When possible, avoid extended outdoor activities. Pollen is transported by the wind from the trees to whatever it encounters, and that includes allergy sufferers. If being outdoors is unavoidable, wear a dust mask. This is especially important if you are completing gardening, yard work or outside maintenance that stirs up debris.

With warmer spring temperatures, it may be tempting to leave the windows open. But doing so will allow oak pollen to blow into your house and accumulate. This quickly becomes evident by the accumulation of oak pollen on your windowsills. Keep the windows shut as much as possible, especially in the bedroom. To further help lower indoor pollen accumulation, change your HVAC filters periodically. It may also be useful to purchase a free-standing air purifier and run it while sleeping.

Oak Pollen Allergy Relief Step 2: clean contacted surfaces.

Some exposure to oak pollen is inevitable. When you come indoors, take time to rinse your eyes, face and wash your hands. Also, rinse your nose out several times a day. This can be done with either a simple nasal saline solution, available at most drug stores or, alternatively, make your own saline using sea salt, water, and use a neti pot for application, available at most natural food stores. Removing of the majority of the pollen in your nasal passages can provide considerable allergy relief.

Oak Pollen Allergy Relief Step 3: Strive for sustained, allergy elimination.

The most common pharmaceutical allergy treatment options are decongestants, antihistamines and corticosteroids. All of these carry significant side effects. Additionally, while they may provide immediate symptom relief, they do not typically provide a long-term allergy elimination solution.

Safe, convenient non-pharmaceutical treatments for respiratory allergies are available. One of these treatments is herbal therapy based on traditional Chinese herbal medicine. In addition to immediate symptom relief, a good formula will help prevent secondary infection, and with continued use, provide allergy elimination. Unlike other herbal therapies, traditional Chinese herbal therapies contain multiple herbs that work in conjunction with each other. Therefore, they often provide greater relief than single herbs.

Whatever herbs you use to provide oak pollen allergy relief, it is important to include herbs that provide symptom relief, immune modulation and secondary infection prevention. For immune modulation, which will help with lasting allergy elimination, astragalus root is extremely beneficial. All herbal remedies should come from trusted sources, made by companies that employ stringent manufacturing guidelines.

It is essential to remember that if you suffer severe asthma-like symptoms, marked by wheezing and difficulty getting enough air, emergency treatment may be necessary. If wheezing causes severe tightness in the chest, light-headedness, or a feeling of fainting, do not hesitate to dial 911. The majority of asthma related deaths in the United States are preventable. By reducing oak pollen exposure, both outdoors and indoors in combination with carefully constructed herbal therapy, the spring can be a happier, healthier time for allergy sufferers.

Easy Homeopathic Allergy Remedy

Homeopathics can be used for allergies. Homeopathic medicine works by stimulating the immune system to fight off invaders.

Some common homeopathics for allergies are:

Allium cepa: Indications for this remedy include watery eyes and a clear nasal discharge that irritates the upper lip, along with sneezing and a tickling cough. The person usually is thirsty, and feels worse indoors and when rooms are warm, and better in fresh air.

Arsenicum album: A burning, watery, runny nose with a stuffy, tickling feeling during allergy attacks suggests a need for this remedy. Swelling below the eyes and a wheezy cough are common.

Euphrasia: This remedy can be helpful if the eyes are swollen and irritated with acrid tears or pus. The nose also runs, but with a blander discharge. Symptoms are often worse in the daytime and worse from warmth, and the eyes may hurt from too much light.

Ferrum phosphoricum: This is a very useful remedy in the early stages of any inflammation. Taken when allergy symptoms start, it often slows or stops an episode. Symptoms include runny eyes with a burning or gritty feeling, facial flushing, watery nose, and short, hard, tickling cough.

Gelsemium: A tired, droopy feeling during allergies with a flushed and heavy-feeling face suggest a need for this remedy. A sensation of dryness or of swollen membranes may be felt inside the nose-or the nose may run with irritating watery discharge, with the person sneezing frequently.

You may also find homeopathic remedy combinations for allergies. You will find the bottle has something listed on it about allergies, or pollen, or hayfever or sinus.

Start using homeopathic allergy remedies today to lower your allergies and bring some relief.

Tight Chest, Runny Eyes, Itchy Nose? You Could Have a Cat Allergy!

Can It Be Cured? In A Word, NO! But It Can Be Endured Learn More Below Instantly!

You walk into a room and there it confronts you. The feline nightmare: Instantly panic strikes, your breathing is hampered and anxiety hits you as your eyes start to water. You've been hit by a cat allergy!

These symptoms are by no means alone they have companions that cover a multitude of sins including sinus pain, hives, runny nose maybe even itching. All these come in groups and take you unaware and suddenly.

Don't worry there are no cats present in this article just some solid advice on what to do if you suffer from cat allergy, what causes the majority of cases and a possible(?) cure.
What causes these awful reactions anyway?

For a long time it was thought that the fur of animals was the irritant, it is not! It is a substance called a protein. Now without getting all technical this is present in Dander and Saliva. They can be airborne and microscopic. This is why they attack the lungs and nasal passages, they are breathed in.

What is an allergy?

This is where the body over reacts to a foreign body on this occasion the Dander. Part of the bodies defence is to produce Histamines these help it fight what it thinks are diseases. When the body goes into overdrive and produces too much Histamine an allergic reaction occurs.

Can I catch An Allergy?

No, not strictly catch. What does happen is that, even if you have not suffered before, your body has to produce enough of these Histamine antibodies to cause the reaction. This can take years to do or if the hit is big enough a few hours.

Are There Any Other Symptoms Than Those Mentioned Before?
I have included a list of the most common reactions for you:

Throat Symptoms

Itching,
Hoarseness,
Need to clear the throat often.

Eye Symptoms

Redness,
Itching,
Swelling,
Watering

Skin Symptoms

Itchy rash,
Hives

Ear Symptoms

Itching,
Plugging,
Popping

There are more serious symptoms that involve the lungs

Coughing,
Wheezing,
Frequent coughing,
Tightness of the chest,
Bronchitis,
Shortness of breath

These are by no means all the symptoms but the most frequent and common. Remember if you suspect an allergy no matter how mild always seek proper medical assistance.
Is there anything that can be done?

In the extreme circumstances the rehousing of the cat is the only real option. In nearly all other cases there is the possibility that something called Immunotherapy. Put simply this is where you slowly increase the exposure to the problem until such time as the symptoms stop. That is each time your body reacts the reaction gets less as you are more use to the irritant than previous times of exposure. Thus increasing your tolerance to the allergens. Due to the fact that this method treats the cause but does not hide the symptoms it is one of the most effective treatments there is.

If the cat needs to be rehoused then please rehouse it. Do not simply put an indoor cat outdoors. This is just not right. An indoor cat will be terrified outdoors as it has no experience of the big outdoor world and at the end of the day it was not the cats fault you had an allergic reaction was it?

Conclusion.

Hopefully this has explained a few things in relation to cat allergies to you and painted a clearer picture about the causes, the symptoms, and a possible cure? As with all things medical if you are in doubt please go and seek proper, professional help regarding the condition. This article is only intended to inform of the problem of cat allergies and give a possible help to those that suffer from it.

Natural Home Cures For Allergies - Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure & That Cure is Worth a Mint

There are numerous allergy symptoms that you can effectively handle with home remedies. Be sure to always consult your doctor for serious allergic reactions, persistent symptoms, or when an elevated body temperature accompanies allergy symptoms. But, for the average or mundane allergy symptoms, you can find some welcome relief by using the following home remedy and allergy prevention tips.

Whenever you experience a sore or irritated throat which is caused by postnasal drip, try a healing gargle of salt water and clove oil.

You will need:

* 1 tsp. (5 g) of salt
* 8 fl oz. of lukewarm water
* 2 drops clove oil
* A small glass

Mix the salt and 2 drops of clove oil into the glass of water and gargle as often as you feel the need. This gargle can be made with only the salt, or you can substitute the clove oil with Tea Tree oil. Do not swallow any of the mixture, simply gargle and spit several times a day as needed. The more often you gargle, the better your throat will feel.

It's also crucial to drink plenty of fluids whenever you have an irritated throat or sinuses as water will help thin out any mucus secretions.

Another remedy for dry, irritated or sore throat is to make a weak tea (using an herbal tea such as Green Tea or Chamomile is even better) and put equal parts honey and lemon in it. DO NOT GIVE CHILDREN YOUNGER THAN 18 months HONEY.

You can also clear the inside of your nose and frontal sinuses with weak salt water in order to clean sinuses, thin mucus and reduce the postnasal drip. You can use the pre-measured packets of sinus wash which are sold for Neti Pots, a pre-mixed nasal saline solution such as Ocean Spray (available in pharmacies and most grocery stores), or you can make your own.

To make the salt-water solution you'll need:

* 1/4 tsp. (1.25 g) of salt
* 1/4 tsp. (1.25 g) of baking soda
* 6 fl. oz. (175 mL.) of warm water
* A container with a seal to place the mixture and a nose dropper

Mix the ingredients and place in container.

Use the dropper (clean) to draw up the solution and gently squirt the solution into each nostril. You'll need to angle your heat back somewhat in order for the solution to run through the nasal passages and down the back of your throat. Spit the salt water solution out of your mouth. If you do swallow some of the solution it won't hurt you.

Other suggestions to use instead of a nose dropper:

* An all-rubber ear syringe
* A medical syringe without the needle (pharmacies give these out for kids medicine dispensing)
* A Water Pik, if you set it on low.
* If you like, you can also "snuff" it up your nostrils. Pour some solution into the palm of your hand and snuff using one nostril at a time.

Preventing allergies when possible is preferable to treating them and there are some simple things which can be done to help prevent indoor allergies.

* Air filters for your air conditioner, air purifier and furnace can be replaced with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter which may help reduce the particles in the air that contribute to your allergies.

* Keep your home aired out and dry by keeping the moisture level below 50% on your dehumidifier during humid weather.

* Dust and vacuum at least twice a week. Use a filter on your vacuum that is (HEPA), so that you'll be collecting those pesky little dust-mite particles and any pollen that is found its way into your home. If you use standard paper bag filters for your vacuum the "stirred-up allergens" in the air will escape back into your rooms unless your vacuum has a quality filtering system.

* Wear a face mask when dusting and vacuuming your home.

* Avoid having carpet, upholstered furniture, and heavy drapes in rooms where you spend a lot of time due to the the fact that these types of materials tend to collect a lot of dust.

* Opt for tile, linoleum, parkay or hardwood floors wherever you can in your home.

* Use roll-down shades or washable curtains at your windows.

* Damp mop hard surface floors daily.

* Vacuum walls, ceiling, closets, and the backs of the furniture once a week to get rid of dust.

* Make a solution of baking soda, mineral oil, club soda, or vinegar to clean rather than using harsh commercial cleaners that can produce allergic reactions in those who are sensitive.

* Cockroaches and other insects can provoke allergic responses if you have allergic asthma so get rid of these pests pronto.

* Keep air registers closed if there is a pet in the house, to reduce the animal dander from circulating around the rooms, especially in the bedrooms.

* Repair any water-damaged areas which leak, such as roofs or basements, immediately as these can lead to mold and mildew which can aggravate allergies.

* Regularly clean your air-conditioning and heating ducts and vents.

Avoid the following in your home:

* Tobacco products
* Wood-burning stoves
* Kerosene heaters

Bedrooms are prime areas to keep clean and dust free as we tend to spend a lot of time in these rooms. This is especially true of children. Keep items which are prone to collecting dust in another room. These dust-collecting items can include: stuffed toys, pictures, books, knickknacks, and also artificial flowers and trophies. Avoid using wool or down blankets, feather pillows, and foam rubber mattress pads.

Wash all bedding, pillow covers, once a week in hot water. You can use a pillow cover which has an allergen-proof casing to help reduce nighttime allergens. Don't have fish tanks or plants in the bedroom as these increase humidity and attract dust mites.

Now that we've allergy-proofed your home, let's look at a couple of very effective, easy-to-make natural remedies which help get you through your next round of allergy attacks.

Hayfever/Allergy Tea

* 2 parts Elderflowers
* 1 part Ephedra
* 1 part Eyebright
* 1 part Goldenseal

Mix all herbs together. use 1 teaspoon per cup of boiling water, let steep 10 minutes. Drink 1 cup up to 3 times a day.

Homemade Nasal Inhaler for Allergies

For those nasal allergy symptoms

You'll need:

* rock salt
* 2 d. Eucalyptus
* 2 d. Rosemary
* 1 d. Peppermint

Put a few pieces of rock salt into a glass vial, add the eos. The salt will absorb the oil. Use to inhale the vapors when you have a cold or sinus congestion

Hayfever/Allergy Oil Blend

Put 1 drop each of Chamomile and Lemon oils onto a tissue and inhale. Hay Fever usually affects people in different ways. Treatment is often a case of trial and error. Experiment with the oils. Add the following combination to baths:

* 2 drops Chamomile oil
* 2 drops Lemon oil
* 1 drop Lavender oil

Massage the neck, chest and back with the following:

* 2 drops Chamomile oil
* 1 drop Geranium oil
* 1 drop Lemon oil
* diluted into 1 teaspoon Base Oil

A Guide to the Management of Cat Allergy Symptoms and Treatments

The patients that display cat allergy symptoms may not even be aware of the underlying issues. It is heartbreaking to tell your children that they cannot keep their favorite pet. However that might be part of the course of cat allergy treatments that are required.

For some people the cold never seems to end. If you are in this situation you may want to consider the possibility whether you could be suffering from early cat allergy symptoms. Sometimes you may be offered the option of using a hypoallergenic cat but some owners feel that this is not a good replacement for the real thing.

• Reactive cat allergy treatments: It is better to deal with the problems before they arise rather than concentrating on a firefighting strategy. For example you should take antihistamines as a pre-emptive measure against a reaction in case you are exposed to pets. By conservative estimates up to 10% of the US population suffers from some form of pet allergy. Further cat allergenic reactions are 200% higher than those originating from dogs. Rather than reacting to the fur, most people are affected by dander and bodily excretions such as saliva or urine.


• Protein reactions: The element that will trigger the reaction is a protein. Therefore isolating it and avoiding it then you are likely to survive some of the worst effects. Essentially the immune system will mistake an otherwise harmless substance for a viral or bacterial infection. It reactions by attacking and this causes the skin to erupt or all the other signs. Therefore the allergy treatments for cats have to concentrate on the possibility of reducing the body reaction or removing the offending particle altogether.


• Indirect causes: It has been found that even if you are not necessarily allergic to cats, they may trigger other reactions. The breeding of hypoallergenic cats such as the hairless sphinx has been effect but some people prefer to take antihistamines as a solution to the problem. You should try as much as possible not to hug cats. The use of repellents has been controversial because some pet owners feel that it tends to do harm to the animals in question.

Although the cat allergy symptoms may be mild at the beginning, you could see an escalation if you do not get treatment at the earliest opportunity. Moreover you have to plan ahead if you hope to travel in areas where the pets are found.

Peanut Allergy Symptoms

Are you suffering from peanut allergy symptoms?

Many adults and children suffer from peanut allergy symptoms, as a result of peanut allergies. Peanut and nut allergies differ as the peanut is not actually a nut but a legume. Research suggest that peanut allergies have been on the rise although some children grow out of peanut allergies the vast majority do not. Do to the fact that children under two are not good at communicating its recommended that they not be given peanuts.

Some people confuse an intolerance to peanuts with a peanut allergy. Most people with a peanut intolerance will get indigestion or heartburn often after eating only a very small amount of peanuts. Peanut allergy symptoms are typical of most allergies. A common visible symptom is swelling of the throat and face. Generally symptoms occur within minutes of exposure to the peanut protein that cause the allergic reactions. Those who have server allergic reactions to peanuts can go into anaphylactic shock requiring immediate medical treatment with epinephrine. Symptoms of anaphylactic shock can include fainting, respiratory trouble, a flushed appearance and unconsciousness. If your child has server peanut allergies wearing a medical alert bracelet or medallion is a good idea. The bracelets these days are just like the stylish bands that people wear for cancer and other causes.

Common Peanut Allergy Symptoms

Swollen throat or face

Runny nose

Shortness of breath

Tightness in chest or throat

Vomiting

Rapid Heartbeat

Hives or skin rash

The problem is that peanuts are a cheap source of protein that many moms use in lunches, but science may have the ultimate solution. Researchers are looking for hypoallergenic peanuts that do not contain the protein that cause allergy attacks. There are over 14,000 types of peanuts so finding a peanut that causes fewer peanut allergy symptoms may take time.

What Are The Wheat Allergy Symptoms To Be Aware Of

People who suffer from a wheat allergy need to know what the wheat allergy symptoms to be aware of are as well as how to avoid them. A person who suffers from wheat allergies may experience chest pains, dizziness, vomiting or nausea, skin rash and bloating. Mood changes, arthritis, swelling of the tongue or the throat, eye irritation and coughing and a stuffy nose also are symptoms of a wheat allergy. The wheat allergy symptoms might also be a sign of some other medical condition. You should seek medical advice before self-diagnosing any of the symptoms you might have at the time.

With so many symptoms to watch for if you suffer from a wheat allergy, you might not even consider that you have an allergy. Arthritis seems to be a concern for allergy suffers. One might wonder how a wheat allergy can cause such a medical condition. It has been said that the wheat products cause changes in the gut structure, which in turn promotes arthritic development in people who are prone to the disease. There are many studies being conducted to find more relevant information on the affects of wheat allergies and arthritis to further address the problem.

What are the wheat allergy symptoms to be aware of that can cause more severe medical problems? The answer to this is the chest pains. Constant chest pains from a wheat allergy might be the wrong diagnosis as an allergy instead of a heart problem. This can be alarming and requires more of a professional diagnose. A doctor will more than likely order some tests to rule out heart conditions or allergies before advising you of a treatment. If you do have a wheat allergy that is causing the chest pains, you need to refrain from wheat and wheat by products to eliminate the pain.

Wheat allergy symptoms can be mild to severe depending on your tolerance level to wheat. Many people have a low tolerance for wheat while others suffer from severe symptoms from a wheat allergy. One must also remember that if you have a low tolerance to wheat products you cannot just stop consuming wheat products and then a few years later start eating wheat products again. You will no longer have a low tolerance level, you will have an allergy to wheat. This is something every person has to consider when dealing with the wheat allergy problem.

Steroids For Dogs - Tips & Cautions For Quick Relief of Allergy Symptoms

Steroids for dogs: In the control of intense allergy symptoms, anti-inflammatory steroids provide highly effective relief of inflammation and swelling. They are most often used for a short period of time while testing is performed and other means of control of the symptoms of dog allergies is put into place.

Anti-inflammatory steroids are usually prescribed orally and initially given at a starting dose, with subsequent doses tapered until discontinued. A dog steroid should never be stopped abruptly or before the completion of the entire series of doses is given as prescribed by your veterinarian. This is because tapering the drug correctly is necessary in order to prevent a possible deficit of adrenaline in the dog's body.

Be aware that canine steroids are also used for other medical conditions other than the allergies that dogs have, these include inflammation of the brain, spine, stomach, and intestines, as well as arthritis and immune mediated diseases.

In dog allergy treatment, canine steroids are considered the most problematic of canine medications because of the side effects of both short term and long term steroid use. However, this should not dissuade you from the use of a canine steroid because there are instances when a canine steroid is the only medication capable of bringing quick control of the severe symptoms of dog allergies.

Although intended for short-term use, there are situations when a dog steroid must be used on a continuing or on-going basis. However, when possible they should be used only for short-term treatment for dog allergies, or other conditions as determined by your family veterinarian.

Side effects from anti-inflammatory steroids in dogs are more numerous than in cats. The most common are a drastic increased in appetite and continuous thrust, with the resulting frequent urination and unexpected weight gain. Other side effects include mood swings, which can be disconcerting, and panting. Long term steroid use can cause skin lesions and very serious changes inside the body, most notably Cushing's Disease. With long term steroid use these internal changes can shorten the dog's life span.

Nevertheless, anti-inflammatory steroids are one of the most important and highly effective canine medications used today. When needed, canine steroids are efficient in controlling inflammation and swelling, allowing relief from symptoms, and allowing time for blood tests, lab work, allergy skin testing, and for determining and implementing a course of treatment most suitable to your dog.

Rejuvenation Acupuncture for Allergy Symptoms - Ancient Chinese Medicine Can Provide Relief

Sniffles, stuffy nose, watery eyes, and those embarrassing sneezes at the most inopportune times plague 1/3 of the population. This is a sign of the season.... the allergy season.

An allergy is an exaggerated immune response or reaction to substances that are generally not harmful. Many allergy sufferers take the route of trying to get relief with prescription or over-the-counter medications. According to Denise Ellinger, L.Ac. (Licensed Acupuncturist) many of these allergy symptoms can be avoided. She believes that your health is your most precious commodity. Balance in all aspects of your life is key to guarding and maintaining the treasure of you. In addition, the typical regimen of looking to that 'magic pill' is not the answer. Often, ancient Chinese medicine can bring relief with no side effects and often long-lasting results. The premise of Chinese Medicine is to get to the root of the cause. The most commonly used seasonal allergy medications may include antihistamines, decongestants, and for more severe reactions, corticosteroids. These medications come with side effects and often they only manage the symptoms. Some of the more common side effects of allergy medications are:

Sleepiness

Several of the antihistamines have the side effect of sleepiness. This makes it a potential danger if you have to drive or operate machinery and certainly does not help your performance at work. While that is a 'good thing' if you need help getting to sleep at night, look at the next two side effects to see if you want those results.

Do not use decongestant nasal sprays for more than 3-5 days. Use beyond 3-5 days causes swelling in the nasal passages and aggravates allergic symptoms. Oral decongestants may increase blood pressure, cause or aggravate existing heart rhythm abnormalities, and/or cause wakefulness and difficulty falling asleep.

Increased appetite

Another potential side effect of taking antihistamines is an increased appetite. Only when you are striving to gain weight is this a positive outcome. Before you know it, you've consumed an extra 100 calories or more. Then you create that spare tire around your middle or perhaps it lands right there in front as belly fat.

Depression

Some asthma medications can exacerbate depression or suicidal thoughts and mental status should be evaluated on a continual basis.

Acupuncture is very safe in the hands of a trained, qualified, licensed practitioner. But, correct diagnosis of what imbalances are causing your allergies will also include Chinese Medicine dietary advice, lifestyle advice, and possibly herbal formulae to bring you back into balance. Actually, some very pleasant side effects that also can occur might be increased energy, less chronic pain, relief from asthma, less stress, relief from PMS, arthritis, or headaches. Perhaps you need a quick fix for jet lag, tennis elbow, an aching back, or flu or cold symptoms. Chinese Medicine is based in the concept of balancing energy. Balanced energy creates health. Similar to mitochondria receiving information to transmit instructions and to create energy for cell health, maintenance of the body's energy flow and balance promotes healthy communication within the body. If your health is a garden, it must be maintained on several levels (physical, mental, and spiritual) as well as tended to daily. It is the quintessential Anti-Aging medicine!

After evaluation of your chief complaint, signs, and symptoms, we find acupuncture points along the appropriate meridians (channels of energy flow) related to involved organ systems. Fine, sterile, needles are then inserted. The flow of energy is redirected to correct any imbalance. After twenty to thirty minutes the needles are removed.

What a joy I feel to be free from the sniffles, stuffy nose, watery eyes, and sneezes. Other side effects include increased energy and better sleep. Did I mention less stress felt in my body? Denise Ellinger at http://www.acubeauty.com has such a gift for healing with rejuvenation acupuncture.

It is important for patients who have significant, potentially life-threatening allergic reactions (i.e., anaphylaxis) to co-ordinate incorporation of alternative therapies with their physician.

Mold Allergy Symptoms

You might not know mold is even there, so this article will give you some major symptoms that mold is present and that you are having an allergic reaction. Most people are exposed to mold spores. Mold is a fungus that breaks down plant or animal matter, like food, wood, leaves and dirt. It's present in your home and outside of your home. It's even present in the places you work and the place's where you hang out at. Mold can even trigger an asthma attack.

Here are some major symptoms.

Coughing

Wheezing

Runny nose

Irritated eyes, throat and nose

Shortness of breath

Sneezing

Chronic cough

Nasal congestion

Skin rashes and hives

Sinus headaches

Black Mold Symptoms are

Coughing up blood

Difficulty breathing

Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea

Nose bleeds

Dizziness

Chest congestion

Anemia

Skin rashes

Memory loss

Forgetfulness

Death

Mold allergy symptoms vary from person to person, and rang from mild to severe. You may have year round symptoms or seasonal symptoms. Do you live in a damp area or do you live in a heavily wooded area where there is lots of leaves? If you live in those type of area's you are exposed to mold.

One way of testing if you are in a place where mold is present is if you are showing the symptoms above in the areas you are at. So when you leave the place that you are showing the symptoms are the irritants going away and when you return to the place do the symptom return. If so there is probably a large amount of mold in the area.

If you have any of these problems see an allergist for skin testing or a blood test to diagnose if you have a mold allergy.

Types of Allergies

There are various kinds of Allergies and classifying them all in one lot is confusing. Every single allergic reaction has unique symptoms and the intensity may differ with every person. It's a common belief that allergy symptoms are mere sensitivity to allergens. Additionally they believe it would be cured easily, giving proper treatment. One must understand, mere sensitivity isn't dangerous, while allergies could be life-threatening at times. Based on the allergens, allergies are classified as follows:

Food Allergies: Very often, people confuse themselves between food intolerance and food poisoning with food allergies. Food intolerance usually causes symptoms in the digestive tract like diarrhea, nausea or abdominal pain. Sensitivity to caffeine and intolerance to lactose are some common examples of food intolerance. As the symptoms of these intolerance, aren't associated with immune system, these must not be mixed up with food allergies. Also food poisoning is a reaction, which occurs when degraded or uncooked(partially cooked) food is ingested. Also, if taken the next time there will not be any reactions. On the contrary, food allergies are caused due to allergens in the food. They react exactly the same and mostly with increased intensity each time taken. Moreover it can cause dreadful anaphylaxis with repeated intake. It's when, the immune system is severely attacked in response to allergens. Some of the common allergens are cow's milk, wheat, peanuts, eggs, shell fish, fish etc.

Medication Allergies: After consuming drugs, it is very important to examine the reaction. The physicians will be very concerned about the reactions connected with medications, as they may become life threatening in some cases. Cephalosporin, penicillin or sulfa drugs are most commonly associated with anaphylaxis. Here too, medication adverse reactions are often mistaken for allergies. Adverse reactions do not make you vulnerable to anaphylaxis. So when you're explaining the reactions to a medication to the physician, he will particularly ask you about the symptoms. They will determine whether or not to continue the medication again, depending on your description.

Insect Venom Allergies: Some people have allergies to insect bite or sting. The venom injected into their skin can cause more severe allergies. Reactions to stings of hornet, bee and wasp may be fatal. Irrespective of whether you are allergic to insect venom or not, once the insect attacks you, you will notice a rash at the bitten site. As soon as you experience a reaction consult a physician to make sure that you are allergic or not to insect bite. When you have an allergy, prompt medical attention is required to avoid the condition becoming worse.

Environmental allergies: The allergies that come from pollen, mold, dust mite deposit etc are called environmental allergies. Asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis are the common reactions in response to these allergens. As soon as you understand you are allergic any of the above listed allergen, consult your physician. He can assist you on avoiding or minimizing the effects and strategies for prevention in future.

Mold Allergy Symptoms - Problems and Solutions!

Small quantities of mold e.g., that on a shower curtain, aren't significant and won't result in mold allergy symptoms.

If you're exposed to big amounts of mold, you need to take steps to get rid of the source of mold. Some sorts of mold produce mycotoxins and the leading indicators of this is much more significant than a mildew allergy. Black mildew, as an example, results from heavy water damage, for example in a flood. Moisture and heat are the 2 conditions in which mildew spores grow at a fast pace.

Although you will take additional care with cleaning, if some of the water seeps into cracks and crevices, mold can grow in awfully minuscule places and this is going to be the root of your mold allergies. Simply because you cannot see the mildew or mold does not imply that it is not there. Infrequently, you can smell it before you see it and it is them you notice that what you presumed was sinus issues may be mold allergy symptoms instead. To keep your mildew allergy mild, you can ensure that you control the level of humidity in your house.

Under ideal circumstances, you must remove carpeting from the bedrooms of your house, or at least from the room of any person that has a mold or mold allergy. When a person in your house has a mildew allergy, it means you have got to ensure you dry everything before you put it away. An exhaust fan in the kitchen will help moisture from cooking to build and you must empty the rubbish container before it starts to sniff. All these jobs are standard things you can do on an everyday basis to help forestall another outbreak of mold allergy symptoms.

Skin Allergy Definition, Causes and Symptoms

What is a skin allergy? A skin allergy is a reaction caused by a substance that comes in contact with the skin, thus a skin allergy. Some types of contact skin allergies are dermatitis, eczema and hives. Contact dermatitis develops when the skin comes in contact with something that a person is allergic to. A reaction to skin allergies may cause a redness or even swelling, stinging, burning or blisters and yes, itching.

Skin Allergies are one of the most prevalent causes of skin conditions. Generally, they are caused by an immune system which becomes hypersensitive after exposure to certain substances which it recognizes as harmful. As a result of this exposure, the body's immune system releases huge amounts of antibodies to combat these "supposedly" harmful substances. The release of these immune cells may then cause an adverse reaction in other cells within the body.

The major symptom of skin allergy are hives, rashes, swelling, itching which may includes one or more physical signs like dry skin and it results in cracking of the skin. The hands, face, arms and neck are the common areas affected by skin allergies as are exposed usually every day.

Hives are red bumps or welts that form on the top layer of skin. Usually they will appear in a small area first, but they can then spread. You will find that the hives can appear on the face, arms, neck, or all over the body. The nature of hives is to be itchy. This means that food allergies cause itching skin in humans. Often the skin may appear itchy before the actual hives or reddened patches of skin will appear.

Common symptoms of allergies include redness and itchiness of the eyes, wheezing or other breathing problems, skin rashes or hives. Some people with severe allergies might even experience anaphylaxis or death in extreme exposure situations. There are many common allergies from which many people suffer. Animal dander (particularly from cats), pollen, dust mites and certain medications can all be causes of allergies. Some individuals are also allergic to certain foods or even whole food groups.

Something to keep in mind with the skin reaction as a result of food allergies is that irritating the area or becoming stressed over the issue can cause the skin reaction to be more pronounced. In other words if you become stressed you can actually psychologically induce hives. It is a reaction of too much chemical in your body as a result of stress. This means that for those with a food allergy they can cause the hives to become worse than they would normally be.

Eczema the most common skin problem is triggered by allergies. Similarly hives are caused by allergies. It is important to learn about allergies so that we can care for our skin. Most of us have different ideas about allergy. Some of us do not believe in allergy while some of us think that they suffer from allergy with every substance. Most of us are allergic to something. Most of these allergies are harmless but some like eczema can cause lot of distress and skin problems.

Mold Allergy Symptoms Are Not Always What You Might Think

A lot of people have mold fungus in in their home and they do not even know it. Worse yet, many of them have mold allergy symptoms that they do not recognize as such. It is actually very common. More houses than you would think have mold and/or fungus. However, just because it is uncommon does not mean it should go unheeded. There are certain kinds of mold which are actually toxic, such as black mold. Other types of mold are just annoying. Still, they can pose certain health risks. That alone makes it important for you to get rid of your mold as soon as you spot it.

Let us take a look at some of the health risks. Some of them are annoying. Some of them are serious. Some of them are down right dangerous. Having mold in your home can cause an excess of headaches and even rashes. More seriously, mold can lead to allergic reactions and allergies, asthma, and painful sinus infections. On the much more serious side, studies have shown that being exposed to mold can lead to pulmonary problems, fibromyalgia, and even cancer.

Naturally, the risks of these mold allergy symptoms are much higher if you have a significant amount of mold in your home. As you might expect, there are some areas of your home which are more given to mold. The basement and the attic are probably the most common, because they tend to be very moist, especially the basement. Padding and carpet pose a risk as well, especially if they are in close proximity to concrete. The areas around your showers and sinks pose a high risk too. You cannot discount the vents for your heating and air conditioning either.

The good news is that you can get rid of fungus and mold without too much hassle. You will have several options at your disposal. The first step, though, is figuring out what kind of mold is in your home. Naturally if you have toxic mold, you want to get rid of it as quickly and safely as possible. It is harder to get rid of but most types are quite simple.

You can test for mold in several ways and this is recommended before you suffer from any of the mold allergy symptoms listed above. Calling in a specialist is always an option. You can also buy a kit yourself. Testing for mold on your own is quite easy. You will be able to find these kits at a variety of local stores.

You have different options for eliminating mold as well. Again, it may be necessary to call in specialists depending on how much mold you have. You can also get rid of it yourself with the help of standard cleaners. Using bleach is probably the most common treatment.

You can also prevent mold from occurring in the first place which is a great way to insure you don't get any of these mold allergy symptoms. Keeping the at risk areas of your home dry can be enormously helpful. The more moisture you have in your home, the more likely you are to get mold.

What to Know About Allergies and Throat Swelling

Allergies can be confusing things. There are some people, most of the people, as a matter of fact, who simply cannot tolerate certain things. Most people are allergic to something, a bug, a mold, or something else. Most of the time, allergies are not very severe.

This is because our bodies find their own ways to fight off the things that we can't handle, and we are able to deal with our allergies on our own. Most of the time, people show signs of having allergic reactions by having a stuffy head, or another small symptom. These can be easily fixed by taking allergy medicine, or having allergy shots. However, now and again people have very severe allergic reactions, and if this is the case, they have to deal with allergies and throat swelling, which can be very bad indeed.

When Does This Happen

When someone is dealing with allergies and throat swelling it means that there has been something very bad that has happened. This is a very severe form of an allergic reaction, and it can be the one that causes the most problems. It means that their body is not able to deal with whatever they are coming into contact with, and it can be a very dangerous thing.

If you or someone you know is having such symptoms, it is not something that you can simply leave alone. You have to make sure that the person who is experiencing it sees a doctor right away, because if you do not see a doctor, you are going to find that you might be in very big trouble.

If someone has allergies and throat swelling it means that their throat is closing up. IF this happens, it is not going to stop on its own, at least not in enough time to save the person from dying. This is considered a very severe reaction, and you have to be sure to get the person to emergency help right away.

If you want to know more about the possibilities of allergies and throat swelling you have to be sure that you see a doctor and discuss your concerns with him. He will let you know what kind of allergies you have and whether or not is going to happen to you.

What Is Allergic Conjunctivis?

Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious, unlike pink eye. It is a seasonal allergy. Lid o edema, milky pink appearance of eye are the signs. It is caused by airborne allergens that come in contact with the eye. It is usually an acute, intermittent, or chronic conjunctiva l swelling generally brought on by airborne allergens. It's nearly always secondary to environmental allergens and, for that reason, usually presents with bilateral signs and symptoms.

It can cause much discomfort due to these symptoms. Symptoms are conjunctival hyperemia, ocular discharge, and based on the etiology, discomfort and itching. Symptoms are hyperemia, lacrimation, irritation, and discharge. Itching, watering, redness of the eye, and the eye symptoms commonly accompany by allergic rhinitis. Continuous itching from the eye, tenderness, impaired vision along with a feeling of dryness.

Also, stickiness, itching, and difficulty with opening the eyes on awaking. This may appear quickly, soon after the eyes have come into contact with the allergen. It is the effect of elevated histamine created in the eye area from an allergen, not bacteria. Allergic conjunctivitis may very well be treated with over-the-counter antihistamines that can help prevent mast cells within the eyes from producing histamine. Allergic conjunctivitis is an illustration of soluble antigens binding to IgE and causing mast cell degranulation - Type I hypersensitivity.

It is probably the most everyday sort of eye allergy and is also broadly experienced by the worldwide population. Allergy is common cause of conjunctivitis and red eye. It is also an inflammation of the conjunctiva I of the eye. Conjunctivitis is swelling and redness of the membrane that lines the eye. The eye will act in response with itching, tearing, redness, and inflammation in reaction to an allergen, an infection, plus an irritant.

Eye may produce clear mucus in response to the chemical agent. Allergic conjunctivitis is brought on by an allergic reaction to typical environmentally friendly microorganisms.

When your eyes are feeling particularly raw and uncomfortable at times, it may well be seasonal triggers blamed for causing allergic conjunctivitis. Allergic conjunctivitis often looks and feels very similar to bouts of infectious pink eye you had as a child; however, when the cause is allergies, it requires a different strategy to prevent and treat symptoms. However, these symptoms can be greatly reduce naturally. Also, certain equipments and things you can perform in your environment that can prevent or even reduce the chances of you conjunctivitis.

Natural Cleaning For Allergy Sufferers

Clean surroundings can actually help in controlling your allergy symptoms; however, the products you clean with may also be contributing to those symptoms. I have been in the residential cleaning service industry for over fifteen years and have many clients who are also allergy sufferers. The best way to avoid having a flare up of symptoms is to have some one else do your cleaning for you, however, I understand that you may not always have that option, so read on:

Symptoms caused by cleaning products may include:

-Itchy,watery eyes
-Congestion
-Wheezing
-Skin rash

There are measures you can take with your cleaning routine which will greatly reduce the risks of having a reaction to allergens in your home. The first thing you should focus on is the cleaning products you use, I recommend using all non toxic cleaning supplies, including; microfiber cleaning cloths, a solution of vinegar and water, lemon juice and oil soap, a True H.E.P.A filter vacuum cleaner and a vapor steam cleaner.

Carpets and Rugs:

Allergy sufferers should limit, or even eliminate carpeting in their homes, but if you love your carpets (even if they don't love you) you can control the allergens in them with some extra effort.
Use your H.E.P.A vacuum cleaner to effectively trap all the loose dirt, pet dander, dust and even dust mites lurking within the fibers of your carpet. True H.E.P.A filter vacuum cleaners are capable of trapping at least 99.97 percent of particles up to.3 microns in size.

After you have thoroughly vacuumed your carpets you should use the steam cleaner to gently clean and disinfect using high temperature steam. Wrap the floor brush attachment in a towel and gently go over the carpets. The heat from the steam will kill most of the dust mites you may have missed with the vacuum cleaner.

Allow your carpet to dry before vacuuming it a second time to pick up any dirt loosened by the steam cleaner.

Dusting:

To get rid of dust on furniture and other easy to reach surfaces the dusting brush attachment on your H.E.P.A vacuum cleaner will work well. You can use a slightly damp microfiber cloth on the surface after vacuuming. To get to those hard to reach areas the crevice tool attachment on your vacuum cleaner will get the job done.

Bathrooms:

Cleaning your bathroom with non toxic cleaning products is a smart choice, not only for allergy sufferers but for anyone who cares about their overall health. Most, if not all, of the cleaning products used for cleaning bathrooms contain harsh, toxic chemical ingredients.

You can use the solution of vinegar and water to clean all the glass surfaces in your bathroom. To clean and sanitize, dilute non-chlorine bleach and water, this solution can be used on tiles, toilet bowls, tubs etc. You may further sanitize with the steam cleaner.

Kitchens:

Stains are most common in the kitchen; fortunately most surfaces in the kitchen are more stain resistant than in other areas of your home. Greasy stove tops can be cleaned with the steam cleaner and a towel dampened with a solution of oil soap and water. A high performance non toxic cleaner will work on the more stubborn stains. The solution of vinegar and water is also very useful in the kitchen. Wipe your counter tops with a microfiber cleaning cloth.

Floors (tile and hardwood)

Vacuum floors thoroughly with your incredible H.E.PA filter vacuum, then go over them with the steam cleaner to loosen any ground-in dirt.The oil soap can be diluted in water for a solution that will work wonders when cleaning your hardwood floors. Finally, use a sponge mop made damp with the oil soap solution for cleaning your floors.

Bedrooms:

People tend to overlook vacuuming drapes and mattresses when cleaning their bedrooms; however those two areas are critical in controlling allergies. Use the dusting brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to vacuum your mattress thoroughly every two months. To vacuum your drapes be sure to use the suction control switch on your vacuum cleaner, as you will need less suction.

The cleaning methods I've described are quite effective at controlling allergens in your home, there are further steps you can take in conjunction with your cleaning routine. I also use an air cleaner to trap airborne particles within my home (yes; it has an H.E.P.A filter also).

Symptoms of Mold Infection

All molds and mildews are friends of human beings. They participate in a major task of ecosystem. Without these microscopic organisms bio-degradation is not possible on earth. Natural degradation or bio-degradation is an important phase of earth's ecosystem. Complex organic substances are transformed into simpler form by molds and mildews.

At the same time, these fungi create a lot of problem for human beings. The problem reaches such a height that everybody starts thinking how to kill mold and how to get rid of them. Mold problem takes such a bigger shape in humid season or after flood and water damage that everybody talks about remediation.

Molds are microscopic. The problem begins when human beings inhale moldy air. Fragments of their body parts or the spores are so tiny that they easily enter into human body during breathing and result in allergic responses.

Human immune system reacts against all intruders. They consider moldy parts as enemy and start doing their work.

People need medical attention to cure mold infection and allergy. But the problem is symptoms of mold infection are so similar with that of flu and cold that the victims fail to identify the reason of the illness. Any delay in starting the right course of medicine or mold removal process worsens the condition.

Here is a list of symptoms of black mold infection:

As mentioned before, symptoms of black mold exposure share similarities with the symptoms of flu. Here is a list:

* Red and watery eyes
* Headache
* Chest congestions, cough
* Nausea, sickness
* Dizziness
* Runny nose with itching and burning sensation
* Respiratory trouble, wheezing - condition might turn serious for asthma patients
* Skin rashes
* Fever
* Indigestion, gastrointestinal disorder - toxic black mold poisoning often lead to diarrhea

People with weak immune system suffer a lot. They need to take all precautionary measures to avoid mold infection.

Though the symptoms are very much similar with that of flu, you can distinguish mold infection if you observe the patient closely. When you have mold in your home, the victims would get sick when they are in. Take them out and they would start feeling better.

How to confirm the reason of allergy?

When many of your family members start suffering from various allergic reactions, you should take the matter seriously as their might be molds at your home.

Look for small spots on walls, around kitchen sink, in bathroom, below the carpet and all other places. Crawl spaces, basement, window siding, walls surrounding plumbing system, leather goods, wood, wallpaper etc. are extremely prone to mold attack.

When molds grow inside your home, you would probably smell their presence before watching the black spots. Mold growth is generally accompanied by a musty odor. So keep your sense organs open. You might smell them as soon as you enter home from outside.

Get rid of molds and mildews:

Since they are important members of ecosystem, its better to go organic while killing molds. Instead of using chemical based synthetic products, use of natural mold cleaning products give much better result when it comes to clean mold.

Modern spray based cleaners are easy to use and effective. Kill mold and keep healthy.

Nutritional Supplements for Allergies

An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system misinterprets a normally nontoxic substance, such as grass, pollen, a detergent, or a certain food, as a harmful invader. The immune system then responds to this perceived threat, called an allergen, by releasing substances called histamines.

Histamines produce a wide range of bodily reactions, including respiratory and nasal congestion, increased mucus production, skin rashes and welts, and headache. In the case of an actual threat to the body, in the form of, say, a flu virus, these reactions would form an important line of defense against the invader, helping to trap it and expel it, and encouraging you to rest and recover. But during the false alarm of an allergic response, the body overreacts to a harmless agent.

Why some people develop allergies to certain substances and the others do not, is not totally clear. It does seem that certain allergic responses, such as hay fever, have a genetic basis. An excess accumulation of mucus in the body, which attracts and stores the irritant, also contributes to or causes allergic responses. In addition, stress and a generally depressed immune system may contribute to the severity of allergies.

CAUSES

Allergies happen when the immune system attacks a harmless substance. Common triggers for allergies include mold; dust; tree, grass, or flower pollen; animal dander; feathers; insect's venom, especially from bee stings; metal, particularly nickel; household chemicals; and some cosmetics.

• An excess of mucus, caused by a poor diet


• Stress, which depresses the immune system


• A break-down of the cellular communication which causes cells to overreact

SYMPTOMS

Allergic responses can produce any one or a combination of several of the following symptoms:

• Nasal congestion


• Sneezing


• Coughing


• Red, itchy, or watery eyes


• Wheezing


• Sore throat


• Hives, rashes, eczema, or other skin eruptions


• Headache


• Fatigue


• Fluid retention


• Swelling of the throat and the tongue


• Slow systemic inflammatory response that can effect each individual differently

ROOT CAUSES

· Genetics

· Nutritional deficiencies

· Poor digestion and detoxification

· Limited diet (in cases of food sensitivities, the lack of variety in the diet)

· Toxicity

· Break-down in cellular communication

TREATMENT

Diet

Recommended Food

Base your diet on non-mucus-forming foods: whole grains (although wheat and gluten sensitivity is common), fresh vegetables and fruits, cold-pressed oils, and raw seeds and nuts. (Many people with environmental allergies also have reactions to nuts, so monitor your reactions carefully.)

To keep your immune system healthy, make sure to get enough lean protein. Seafood and tofu are good sources that don't encourage mucus production.

Optimally you need to drink half an ounce of water for each pound of body weight to thin mucus secretions.

Flaxseeds and flaxseed oil can reduce inflammation. Take 2 tablespoons everyday.

Food to Avoid

Eliminating foods that cause mucus should be a priority for any allergy sufferer. Mucus-forming foods include all dairy products, fried and processed foods, refined flours, chocolate, and eggs.

Detoxification

It can be very effective in individuals that have high toxic load of heavy metals or environmental exposure.

Can be done through oral agents or through active ionic detoxification or both.

The following is a suggested list of different high quality nutritional supplements that can be helpful. Keep in mind this is a general list and you should seek a qualified practitioner's advice before using any nutritional and dietary supplements. I would like to put emphasis on the importance of high quality, potency and professional brand nutritional and dietary supplements. Low quality supplements may contain additives or coloring that could actually har

Vitamin C - it has a natural antihistamine effect.

Stinging nettles - it is effective for hay fever.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) - it reduces allergic and inflammatory responses.

Quercitin - it has a natural antihistamine effect.

Eyebright - apply as a solution to irritated eyes.

Essential fatty acids - reduces inflammatory responses associated with allergies.

Thymus extract - calms the immune response

Probiotics - reduces the potential for allergies

Protease enzymes - decreases allergic and inflammatory responses

Digestive enzymes - assists in the digestion of food and reduce the likelihood of food sensitivities

Betaine hydrochloride - assists in the digestion of food and reduces the likelihood of food sensitivities.

Other Recommendations

• Exercise to expel toxins, support the immune system, and reduce stress.


• Don't smoke or expose yourself to secondhand smoke.


• Avoid or reduce exposure to allergy triggers.


• Xylitol nasal spray reduces allergy symptoms.


• Drink plenty of water

All About Dog Allergy Symptoms

There are thousands of people who suffer allergies to pets, one of the most common of which is dog allergy symptoms. It is a stunning fact that nearly 40% of US household have a dog. With this huge presence of dogs, dog dander gets everywhere including locations where the dog has never set a paw. For someone with dog allergies, it is therefore necessary to know the common dog allergy symptoms.

Allergies can strike anyone at any age in their life. Most people that suffer from dog allergies often have other mild or moderate allergies to pollens or molds. There is believed to be a strong genetic relationship in contracting dog allergy. In other words, if your parents have allergy to dog, then you are likely to have them also. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, allergies to dogs occur in approximately 15% of the population. People having this allergy are often allergic to the dander (dead skin that is continually shed), the saliva, or the urine of dogs. Its symptoms are similar to those of any other nasal allergy. These include:

• Coughing and wheezing

• Sneezing

• Running, itchy and stuffy nose etc

People experiencing dog allergy symptoms also have skin reactions. Sometimes their skin might breaks out where a dog licks them. Other more severe dog allergy symptoms include development of hives on the face or chest. People with this allergy symptoms are well aware that when their allergies are acting up, they will suffer from itchy eyes, runny nose, asthma symptoms, red itchy skin or a rash. Often, people that are unaware that they have dog allergy, especially children, will suffer from some of these symptoms and may have a greatly increased incidence of 'colds' and asthma symptoms. If the person is separated from the animal for several days to weeks many of these symptoms will subside only to reoccur when they come into contact with the animal again.

Some common things to do in order to reduce dog allergy symptoms include

• Keeping animals out of the bedroom since we spend most of our time there.

• Always ensure all ducts to the bedrooms are closed and use electric heaters.

• Clean and vacuum your house and rugs regularly.

• Ensure your dog has a weekly bath.

• Do not allow your pet on the furniture.

• Always use car seat covers if you are to allow your pet in the car.

• Wash your hands after handling the pet, his toys, bed, etc.

• See your physician and discuss possible immunotherapy or medications.

In conclusion, people with dog allergy symptoms are advised to stay without having dogs as pets although this is not a realistic option most of the time. At the same time, even if we do not have allergies ourselves, with a little empathy and consideration on our part, we can make life much easier for our friends and relatives who suffer from dog allergy symptoms.

How Can An Allergist Help You With Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergies

Itchy eyes, a runny nose, and frequent sneezing are indicators of allergies. More than half of the U.S. population has tested positive for at least one allergen. Allergies are among the most common chronic diseases in the country and are estimated to cost businesses and the U.S. health care system $7.9 billion each year. An allergist can help relieve symptoms so people spend less time inside sneezing and blowing their noses and more time enjoying each day.

Self-treatment for allergies is usually not effective because many over-the-counter medications do not treat moderate to serious cases. Some people mistake allergies for a cold and use the wrong medication. A visit to a general healthcare practitioner may not reveal the mistaken diagnosis because most general physicians are not very experienced with allergies. The medical professional may identify that a cold is not to blame for the symptoms but may not be able to render an accurate diagnosis.

An easy way to get the correct initial diagnosis is to visit an allergist. This medical specialist has the skills and equipment required to identify an allergic condition. Years of study regarding different types of allergies and access to tests that reveal allergic triggers enable this professional to quickly pinpoint the problem and prescribe the most effective course of treatment. After just one visit, patients may be on their way to feeling better than they have in years.

Treatment may involve avoiding the allergy trigger or taking medication. If a person is allergic to an environmental substance like pollen, avoidance is usually not possible, so medication will be required, particularly during seasons in which pollen is commonly present in the air. An allergy doctor may recommend trying several medicines under medical supervision to determine which is most effective.

There are many types of allergic diseases, ranging from common allergic rhinitis and sinusitis to eczema, asthma, hives, and swelling of the skin or mucous membranes. Some people are allergic to airborne substances, while others have allergies to certain foods, antibiotics, insects, or biological materials. Identifying what is triggering the allergic reaction is the first step in treatment.

An allergist will conduct surface and intradermal skin testing, patch testing, and pulmonary function testing to determine allergy causes. The sooner the sufferer consults with this medical professional, the sooner treatment can begin. Living a life free of allergies due to proper diagnosis is better than suffering with them for years as a result of improper treatment.

What Are Food Allergies, Intolerances And Sensitivities?

Food allergies are due to IgE antibodies made for specific foods that an individual has for some reason developed because their body has misinterpreted the food(s) as a foreign invading protein. The presence of IgE antibody to the specific food a person is allergic to results in an immediate immune reaction of the body to the food when it is eaten. The IgE antibody binds its specific food protein and initiates reactions in the body that include the release of chemicals such as histamine that may result in symptoms of itching, swelling, wheezing or difficulty breathing, rash or hives, and if severe, shock resulting in death if not reversed. Vomiting and diarrhea may occur but are less common.

Testing for the presence of allergy to a food or foods can be done by blood test or skin testing or both. One of the most common blood tests is the RAST test that looks for the presence of the specific IgE antibodies to common food allergens and other foods based on a history suggesting that a particular food is suspect. Skin testing is done by injecting or applying extracts of the common and any suspect food(s) to pricked or scratched skin and looking for diagnostic "hive" like reactions at the site of the suspect food. The most common food allergens are peanut, cow's milk, wheat, corn, soy, shellfish, eggs, tree nuts, chocolate, pork, tomato, and citrus.

The terms food intolerance and sensitivity are commonly used interchangeably. They refer to a group of food reactions that occur that are not IgE antibody caused. In more general terms they refer to any adverse or unpleasant reaction that occurs after a food is eaten.

Food reactions that are not allergic in cause may have a variety of causes. A particular food may not be tolerated because it is not digested adequately due to an enzyme deficiency. Lactase, the enzyme that digests milk sugar or lactose, is present on the surface of the intestine lining cells. Lactase deficiency can be inherited or acquired. It commonly occurs whenever the intestine lining is damaged. Because the lactase enzymes are on the outer most surface of the intestine they are more vulnerable to injury. For example, after intestinal flu or in untreated Celiac disease, lactose intolerance is common. Other sugar enzymes can be deficient or the intestine can be simply overwhelmed by too large a sugar load at one time. A classic example is "the Big Gulp" syndrome when someone drinks a giant cola beverage then experiences the "gut ache" from the tremendous amount of fructose. Large amounts cannot be handled by the intestine and that results in bloating, urgency and terrible diarrhea.

Deficiency of digestive enzymes released into the intestine can result in poor digestion of foods. For example, when the pancreas gland is damaged (pancreatitis) chronically, usually from chronic alcohol abuse, or is congenitally underdeveloped or malfunctioning (e.g. cystic fibrosis). The pancreatic enzyme deficiency that occurs results in malabsorption, especially for fats, that cause symptoms of diarrhea and weight loss. Abnormal bacteria types and levels in the gut, also known as dysbiosis, and abnormal excess levels of "bad" bacteria or presence of bacteria in upper small intestine where little or no bacteria normally occur (bacterial overgrowth) can interfere with digestion, absorption or cause fermentation of food resulting in symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea.

Some foods and food additives have a direct toxic effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Additives such as MSG and sulfites can cause symptoms, including flushing and diarrhea or the "Chinese restaurant" or "salad bar" syndromes.

All foods contain proteins known as lectins. Some of these proteins are highly resistant to digestion and are toxic to the human intestine especially if they are not pre-treated by soaking, cooking well, or removing toxic portions. For example, inadequately soaked and cooked kidney beans will cause a food poisoning like illness. There are several foods that have lectins that are poorly tolerated by many humans and are lethal to insects and pests. One researcher, Loren Cordain PhD., author of the Paleo Diet, has published extensive research on how the human intestine is not "evolved" to tolerate many of the foods we now eat but did not eat in the ancient "hunter-gatherer" times resulting in many of the illness seen in modern societies and the rising epidemic of autoimmune diseases. Several of the "modern" foods that were not part of the ancient diet but constitute much our diet now have well recognized toxic or poorly tolerated proteins known as lectins. Examples include wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), casein (cow's milk protein), peanut agglutinin (PNA), soyabean agglutinin (SBA) and tomato lectin (TL) that have been shown in animal studies to be toxic to the human gut. There are a few published studies and little active research on the role of dietary lectins in health and disease.

When the reaction is an immune toxicity reaction to a food protein intestinal damage commonly results, frequently referred to as "leaky gut" because of the symptoms of malabsorption or the entry of toxic food proteins and/or bacterial products into the blood stream resulting in a variety of adverse health effects. This reaction may result in autoimmunity, the body attacking itself within the gut or distant organs or tissues. The reaction may be aided by abnormal bacteria types and/or levels in the gut (dysbiosis). The symptoms commonly develop over time and flare in just hours to up to three days after eating the offending food and continue as the food is eaten.

Because the protein in the food is usually the cause and such proteins may be hidden in other foods, especially processed foods, and the toxicity is more of a delayed and cumulative immune reaction, it is very difficult for the person suffering from this to identify the specific food as the cause. For example gluten (the protein in wheat) and casein (the protein in cow's milk) are in many foods and toxic to many individuals. Over time people sensitive to such food proteins typically become more ill and may develop enough intestinal injury that blood tests for other types of antibodies, IgG and/or IgA, to the food or specific food proteins, may be detectable in the blood, stool or saliva.

Delayed immune response to proteins in the food (wheat, cow's milk) resulting in bowel injury, gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal symptoms and increased autoimmune conditions is most well recognized in Celiac disease. It is an autoimmune disease resulting from ingestion of gluten in wheat or products made from wheat flour (or gluten like proteins in barley and rye). It used to be considered a disease of children and rare, especially in the United States. However, blood test screening studies have documented that it is present in approximately 1 in 133 to 1 in100 people worldwide though most of those affected are undiagnosed and untreated. It is diagnosed by positive screening blood tests and confirmed by a characteristic abnormal small intestine on biopsy followed by relief of symptoms and return of the intestine to normal after a gluten-free diet. Untreated it is associated with higher rates of cancer especially lymphoma, osteoporosis, anemia, and other complications of malabsorption resulting in shortened life expectancy. It is treated with a life-long gluten free-diet. Lesser degrees of gluten intolerance or sensitivity may not be severe enough to cause abnormal or diagnostic blood tests and intestinal biopsies but result in symptoms that improve or resolve with a gluten-free diet and may be detected by elevated stool or saliva antibody tests.

Though injury to the intestine tissue may be seen visually as abnormal appearing tissue during endoscopic procedures such findings are non-specific for the cause. The tissue frequently appears normal and therefore many times is not sampled by biopsy, though under the microscope injury may be seen, though not specific for cause or food. If the physician is either not suspecting food intolerance or doesn't routinely biopsy normal appearing intestinal tissue looking for signs of food intolerance, the injury may not be discovered.

The immune based food intolerances are commonly associated with many symptoms that can be both gastrointestinal and outside the gut and may include bloating, gas, diarrhea (and sometimes constipation), abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, headaches, joint and muscle pains, skin rashes, weight loss or gain, anemia or nutritional deficiencies, irritability, depression, mental fogginess, and nerve pain (neuropathy). These symptoms may be misdiagnosed or mislabeled as irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, reflux, ulcer, and fibromyalgia, etc. without another thought by patient or physician that food intolerance may be the cause and specific food elimination may be the cure. The common food allergens also are the most common causes of food intolerance reactions.

Generally, most physician are aware of common food allergy symptoms and how and when to test. However, several studies have confirmed most people's experience that the majority of primary care physicians are unaware of the common symptoms of Celiac disease, that blood tests exist for screening antibodies and the high risk genes, and that it is common and may be diagnosed in adults. This is why the diagnosis is delayed on average over 11 years in most adults, after many of them have irreversible complications such as osteoporosis, cancer, or another autoimmune disease. The awareness and acceptance of non-Celiac gluten sensitivity and other food protein intolerances in the medical community is even worse.

Therefore, food intolerance or sensitivity is commonly missed and untreated. Many patients are forced to self-diagnose by discovery of the link of their symptoms to specific foods serendipitously, often as a result of an elimination diet, recommendation of an alternative practitioner or friend/relative, or search for help on the internet or multiple physicians for help. Hopefully, by reading this article you now better understand food allergies and intolerances, why they are often missed and that they are a common cause of many symptoms, not just intestinal, that usually improve if not resolve once the offending food or foods are eliminated from your diet.

Dog Allergy Symptoms

From personal experience as a dog with allergies, I have several suggestions for training humans to become better dog mentors. Dog allergies can include skin allergies, dog food allergies (particularly corn and soy), house dust mites and ragweed. Many people don't suspect food allergies as the cause of their dog's itching because their pet has been fed the same food all its life and has just recently started having symptoms.

Symptoms of Fatty Acid Deficiency:

• Coarse dry hair.


• Skin lesions.


• Skin ulcers.

Symptoms of Protein deficiency:

• Depressed food intake


• Weight loss.


• Muscular wasting


• Rough and dull coat.

Symptoms of allergic reactions to dogs include sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing.

Symptoms include:

• Weakness,


• Loss of energy,


• Lack of appetite,


• Vomiting,


• Diarrhea,


• Rapid heart rate,


• Rapid breathing,


• Dark urine,


• Pale or yellow gums.

Symptoms can appear at any age, whether a pet has just started a new diet or has been eating the same food for several years.

Any health care suggestions located here are NOT to replace a veterinarian visit; please take your dog to a vet immediately at any sign of odd behavior or any symptoms of illness or injury. Dog owners may not want to part with their pets, despite the symptoms they endure. Short of getting rid of the dog, here are some ways to decrease dog allergen exposure for dog owners:

• Ensure the dog is neutered.


• Bathing the dog at least once or twice a week.


• Wiping your dog with a wet cloth or hand towel daily.


• Remove the dog from the bedroom and close the bedroom door.

Keep the dog outside or in the garage, or in a part of the home with an uncarpeted floor.

Vacuum frequently with a HEPA-equipped vacuum cleaner. Purchase a HEPA room air cleaner for use in the bedroom and/or other parts of the home (it is best to keep the HEPA filter off of the floor so as to not stir up more dust).

Follow house dust mite avoidance precautions. If the above measures do not help to reduce allergic symptoms, getting rid of the pet dogs may be needed, particularly for people with uncontrolled asthma.

Generally speaking, poodles shed less hair and dander, and therefore cause fewer allergy symptoms. The fact that these small dogs are frequently bathed may be one reason why people with dog allergies have few symptoms with owning this breed. A number of medications can also help relieve the symptoms of allergies.

The allergens become airborne as microscopic particles which, when inhaled into the nose or lungs, can produce allergic symptoms. It is worth mentioning that the same source may be worsening your own allergy symptoms, so taking care of it would make life easier for both you and your pet.

Dogs can cause allergic reactions in people with allergies specific to dogs and in people with allergic asthma, a condition in which asthma symptoms are triggered by an allergic reaction.

In order to overcome these frustrating symptoms your approach needs to be thorough and systematic. Allergies have also been implicated as a possible cause of Acral Lick Granulomas, a frustrating, treatment resistant condition whereby the dog creates a sore on his skin from constant licking

DIAGNOSIS:

• If a dog has the above symptoms and responds well to the treatment measures outlined below, no further diagnostic tests may be needed.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Symptomatic Therapy Treating the dog's symptoms may include;

• Cool baths with or without colloidal oatmeal,


• Epsom salts, or medicated shampoos. Many people don't suspect food allergies as the cause of their dog's itching because their pet has been fed the same food all its life and has just recently started having symptoms.

If the symptoms improve during the trial diet, go back to the original food for several days. How can a person reduce allergic symptoms to a pet. By keeping the animals out of the bedrooms at all times, we can greatly reduce the symptoms of pet allergies.

Owners of Bichons showing suspicious symptoms should seek immediate veterinary care as these diseases can strike with little or no warning and kill very quickly.

Dog allergies may produce symptoms such as itchy, watery eyes, stuffy nose, coughing, sneezing, skin rash, swelling, and breathing problems. Dog allergies may be the result of seasonal conditions, environmental factors or symptoms of food allergies.

Dog allergies are very similar to human allergies and also produce the same symptoms as human allergies.

Natural Allergy Relief - Squashing Allergies and Their Symptoms

Allergies: Cough, Cough, Sneeze, Sneeze, Ohh what a relief!! NOT........

Having allergies can be one of the most annoying conditions you can have the pleasure of being blessed with. Your head is clogged or nose is running a marathon, your eyes are watery or itchy and you have been blessed so many times you would think God himself had heard you sneezing. It makes your day miserable and most medications you can take will only make you sleepy.

Allergies can be caused from almost anything, mold, dust, pollen from trees or flowers, animal fur, insect bites, household chemicals and more to list the most common. The excess of mucus can be caused by a poor diet and even stress can bring allergies on. To get rid of allergies naturally with no side effects, we suggest some of the following remedies and then changing your diet for continued prevention.

For relief of your allergies you can go to any local health food or herbal store and pick up these herbs. You should pick the one that fits you best and if you don't see improvement within three days discontinue and re-evaluate your symptoms and back to the drawing board. Use the remedy that best fits your symptoms. Again, only choose one remedy for three days before trying another. Stop taking remedy as soon as you experience relief.

• Allium Cepa- If you have burning, watery eyes and a runny nose. Your symptoms feel better outside in the open air.


• Euphrasia- Can be taken if you're experiencing burning teary, red eyes. You can also use Eye-Bright, 5 drops ratio to 翻 ounce saline for your irritated eyes. Apply twice daily.


• Sabadilla- Take this if you suffer from repeated "ah choo's" i.e. sneezes and runny nose.


• Histaminum- Are you experiencing normal allergy symptoms which have a sudden onset? This helps!!!


• Natrum Muriaticum- Take this if you sneeze at the sun and get re-occurring cold sores. Craving salt might also be a concern for you.


• Silica- Can be used when upper respiratory problems develop into an infection, do you feel irritable and tired??? Silica screams "USE ME!"


• Nux Vomica- You may wake up sneezing and crave stimulants such as tobacco or sweets.


• Arsenicum Album- You will have burning eyes and constant runny nose causing red and sore irritation under the nose. You are sensitive and have many allergies.


• Lycopodium- For people with only one-sided nasal congestion and throat issues. If you are in this category, you might also experience bloating after meals.


• Pulsatilla- Do your allergies get worse in warm conditions or have a lot of congestion at night. This one is definitely for you...


• Stinging nettles - For Hay Fever.

I would also suggest taking 1,000 mg of Vitamin C which is a natural anti-histamine, three to five times daily. If this gives you diarrhea you can decrease the dosage or try taking Quercitin. Also, Butterbur has been studied and found to be better than Allegra and comparable to Zyrtec. In the evening, take a hot bath with Chamomile or Lavender to induce sweat and clean out toxins.

Now that you have gotten rid of the symptoms of your allergy, try some of these dietary changes to prevent further episodes.

We Recommend:

• Increase your whole grains. This is something we should all be doing anyway.


• Increase you intake of fresh vegetables and fruits to help with detoxification. You might try a 3 day vegetable juice fast for best results.


• Cold pressed oils and raw seeds and nuts.


• You will need to increase your lean protein such as seafood and tofu.


• Drink all the water you can. This will cut mucus secretions.


• Take flaxseed or flaxseed oil to reduce inflammation, 2 tablespoons every day.

We do not recommend:

• Dairy products, fried foods or processed foods, refined flours, chocolate and eggs. Dairy only makes mucus secretions thicker.


• Cut down on fats and oils and trans-fatty acids.

We also have many products in the surrounding areas of this page; please click on any of these remedies for reoccurring symptoms and relief remedies.

Treating Severe Cat Allergy Symptoms Properly

Many people love cats but a lot of them are suffering from cat allergies. Most of the time, people are typically showing mild symptoms among the common cat allergens like hair and saliva. These mild symptoms can be treated with the help of medications that can be purchased even without prescription.
However, some patients may experience severe cat allergy symptoms which can definitely be bothersome for them.

In contrary to regular rashes or allergic rhinitis among individuals, they may experience extreme pulmonary or skin symptoms like asthma-like allergy attacks and even eczema. These symptoms however are not treatable by over the counter medications so they need to get medications right from the allergists or their physicians.

The most common medication for these severe cat allergy symptoms are allergic shots. Treatment approaches using shots may come in two different forms. The first one would contain medications that will help alleviate the symptoms. These would immediately calm their system and prevent soreness. Aside from treating them immediately, these medications can also help prevent the occurrence of symptoms for a long time. This is why you'll see lots of people who have this problem to take shots at intervals of several months just to avoid getting these symptoms.

The next approach is the shot would have allergen serums which will trigger the symptoms This is called immunotherapy which will make your body immune from allergic reactions by producing the right antibodies to prevent their attacks in the future. The good thing about this is it will help you be immune to cat allergies after some time. This type of approach, however, is not meant for treatment but just for therapy purposes.

Skin problems like eczema are also an extreme symptom of cat allergy. This problem can only be solved by getting help from a dermatologist. In addition to just regular topical creams or medications, they can prescribe others that will totally clear out your body from this skin problem. In a sense, this medication is considerably stronger as it treats the body from this extreme symptom.

Once you've experienced these severe cat allergy symptoms, it's vital for you to get treatments with the help of your physician. For the time being, they may also ask you to avoid getting exposure to cats. With the help of their procedures and getting less cat exposure, you'll definitely get treatment from cat allergies and even totally be free from it after doing your therapy.

What Everyone Needs To Know About Allergy Symptoms And Relief

Millions of people suffer from allergies and complain how bad their symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, itchy, sore throat as well as itchy, watery eyes and an itchy nose are when they have to cope with their allergies every year. If you suffer from allergies, you know that allergy relief is a must to go about a busy day. Lots of people have found that Loratadine is a very effective allergy medication for them. Allergy products like this will likely provide you temporary relief of allergy symptoms, but, unfortunately, this medication does not prevent the allergic reaction from occurring.

What is an Allergy?

In order to understand how the body works and why you suffer with the symptoms you do, it's important to know what an allergy is and to understand how the body responds to allergens. An allergy is an exaggerated reaction by the body's immune system when we come into contact with foreign substances. These usually harmless substances do not incite any type of response in non-allergic people, but those who are allergic recognize a foreign substance and the immune system is immediately turned on to product the body. The substances that cause the immune system to reaction are referred to as allergens, and include the following:

• Molds


• Danders


• Mites


• Pollens


• Foods


• Drugs

Allergens are really any foreign body that can cause some type of allergic reaction in people. When an allergen enters into the body, the immune system is triggered and people, who are allergic to the substance, say pollen, will show symptoms of an allergic reaction. When you act inappropriately to allergens that are typically harmless to people, such as dust, you are having an allergic reaction which means you are allergic, or in medical terms, atopic. The word allergy comes from the Greek and loosely translated, it means altered reaction.

Allergy Facts

Here are some general facts about allergy symptoms and allergy relief To give you an idea of how prevalent allergies are, here are a few general facts:

• Approximately 50 million North Americans are somehow affected by allergies


• People in the United States spend approximately $10 billion per year on allergy treatments


• 35 million Americans suffer from nasal allergies, six million are children


• 15 million Americans suffer from asthma, 5 million are children


• Over the last 20 years, the number of people suffering with asthma has doubled

How Do Allergy Medications Work?

The drugs that work to block the cells that respond to allergens are known as antihistamines as the cells that respond are known as histamines. Antihistamines work to block the signals that activate the body's white blood cells. When histamine is released, it binds to receptors in your nose and throat, which causes them to swell and then leak fluid resulting in inflammation, congestion, runny nose and itching. Antihistamines coat receptors which prevents binding and this prevents those annoying nasal allergy symptoms from occurring.

If you need allergy relief, you should try one of the most popular antihistamines on the market today, Loratadine. Millions of Americans swear by this drug and claim temporary relief of their allergy symptoms.

Could Your Symptoms Be Due to Mold Allergy?

Are you experiencing a confusing combination of symptoms that your doctor just cannot explain? You could be reacting to mold.

Mold spores are always in the air, and some strains are particularly toxic to humans. But even small amounts of common mold spores can trigger allergic reactions in some people, and lead to multiple symptoms. These may include respiratory problems, headaches, mental fogginess, body aches and pains, rashes and depression, among other things.

Mold allergies become even more of a problem during certain seasons such as autumn, when lots of organic matter decomposes, or spring, when many molds reproduce by releasing huge amounts of mold spores.

Mold develops easily in warm humid environments, and when air moisture is high during to long periods of rain or flooding. Unnoticed water leaks and warm kitchen and bathroom environments create ideal breeding grounds for mold, especially where there is not enough ventilation.

In areas with cold winters, mold can grow on fallen leaves, getting into the air when the leaves are mowed or raked, and triggering allergic reactions.

Mold allergies can go undetected for many years because the symptoms are so varied, and can affect all parts of the body, including the nervous system. Also, mold spores are not visible, and many cases of mold occur in hidden places where they are not noticed.

Not many doctors realize just how insidious mold allergies are, or how many different symptoms they can cause. Mold allergy should be considered whenever a person presents with systemic or multiple symptoms, especially if those symptoms seem to occur at certain times of year such as rainy season or autumn, or in particular environments such as one house or room, but not another.

To protect against mold, remove moldy-looking or musty-smelling potting soil; wash and dry dish cloths every day; air out sweaty shoes; wipe showers dry after each use; regularly air out cupboards, basements or attics, ensure good ventilation, and let sunlight into the rooms.

If you suspect that you or a family member is reacting to mold, do not wait until your symptoms get worse. Get tested and treated.

What You Need To Know About Intestinal Biopsies

Failure to obtain biopsies during endoscopy misses important treatable intestinal conditions

Thousands of people are undergoing endoscopic exams daily without having tissue samples obtained. Sadly, though their exams may visually appear normal, under the microscope there are often microscopic findings that explain the symptoms that will respond to directed therapy. The gut is lined with superficial cells that contain a few immune cells that release chemical mediators that attract other cells to the area and fight off foreign invaders.

Several cells only seen microscopically play a role in digestive symptoms

Lymphocytes, eosinophils and mast cells are the immune cells that are normally present in small numbers in the surface cells of the gastrointestinal tract. A few lymphocytes are present in the tips of the surface cells that are a type of epithelial cell. These lymphocytes act as the body's scouts. They survey the barrier of the gut to the inside of the body, looking for signs of potential invading infectious agents. Once an attack is perceived, they signal reinforcements to join them on the front lines.

Lymphocytes are immune cells detected early in celiac disease and cause bowel symptoms

When persistent increased numbers of lymphocytes are present in the surface cells, a chronic inflammatory condition of the gut exists. In the duodenum, autoimmune reaction to gluten in genetically susceptible individuals is a common but frequently missed cause of chronic inflammation known more commonly as celiac disease or Sprue.

Eosinophils and mast cells are allergy cells that cause bowel inflammation often due to food

Eosinophils and mast cells are types of immune cells involved in allergy reactions in the body. They are less commonly present in the gastrointestinal lining except when there are parasites, food allergies, or chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders are less common and a newly recognized condition, mastocytic enterocolitis, is diagnosed when excess mast cells are present in the small bowel and colon. However, mast cells may be difficult to see on biopsies without a special stain for tryptase, an enzyme present in mast cells that are immunologically activated.

Allergic esophagus condition may mimic reflux but is due to food and eosinophils

The esophagus normally contains no eosinophils. The two exceptions gastroesophageal acid reflux in which small numbers, up to 6-7 usually and no more than 10-12 per high power field (40X magnification) are found in the lower esophagus only not in the mid or upper esophagus. Allergic eosinophilic esophagitis is diagnosed when 15 or more eosinophils per high power field are found in more than two fields or more than 20 to 24 per high power field in one field are seen or lesser numbers are present in the upper esophagus. Mast cells that are activated have also been found associated with allergic eosinophilic esophagitis and their presence supports allergic esophagitis over reflux as the cause of the increase eosinophils though it is believed some people have both conditions coexisting.

Allergy and immune cells in the stomach and intestines found microscopically cause symptoms

In the stomach and small intestine more than 10 eosinophils per high power field defines eosinophilic gastroenteritis. In the small intestine and colon more than 20 mast cells per high power field found in association with otherwise unexplained diarrhea is now termed mastocytic enterocolitis. This newly recognized and described entity is previously unrecognized cause of diarrhea in some patients diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome who may have been told they have a normal colon exam though no biopsies were done. Similarly, more than 20 lymphocytes per 100 epithelial cells in the colon are found in lymphocytic colitis, another form of microscopic inflammation of the intestine resulting in diarrhea that may be inappropriately diagnosed as IBS.

Gluten grains wheat, barley and rye cause increased lymphocytes with normal blood tests

In many of these patients, gluten sensitivity is to blame and the lymphocytic colitis is felt to represent a colonic form of celiac disease. In celiac disease, 30 or more lymphocytes in the tips of the villi per 100 epithelial cells is the earliest sign of gluten injury occurring before the villi become flattened or blunted. This finding may noted before the specific blood tests, anti-endomysial (EMA) and anti-tissue transglutaminase (tTG) antibodies appear in the blood even though the intestine is damaged enough to result in nutrient malabsorption and diarrhea. Anti-gliadin antibodies are often present however when significant intra-epithelial lymphocytosis is present along with symptoms that respond to gluten free diet. Lesser degrees of intra-epithelial lymphocytosis have been proposed as highly suggestive of early celiac disease and or gluten sensitivity, in the range of 20-25 per 100 epithelial cells.

Colon can be affected early with microscopic signs only

In the colon, the presence of eosinophils is considered one of the earliest findings of chronic inflammatory bowel disease. In the right colon more than 20 eosinophils per high power field and in the left colon greater than 20 per high power field is considered abnormal and suggests eosinophilic colitis, chronic inflammatory bowel disease or a parasitic infection.

Allergy cells release chemicals causing pain, diarrhea, and sometimes constipation

Eosinophils and mast cells release chemicals that irritate the bowel, increase permeability (cause leaky gut), increase contractions of the gut, increase intestinal secretions and heighten pain. Both cells are related to allergies including food allergies. It is therefore not difficult to conceive of a link to adverse food reactions in the development of intestinal irritation.

Most digestive symptoms should be evaluated by scope examination and blood tests

The important point to be aware of if you have gastrointestinal symptoms and are undergoing or have undergone an endoscopic examination is that a normal appearing intestinal lining does not exclude the presence of damage or irritation sufficient to cause symptoms of pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea nor exclude impaired digestion and absorption. Blood tests exist that can help screen for celiac disease, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis but biopsies of intestinal lining is usually required for definitive diagnosis.

Normal appearing gut lining may not be normal, make sure you get biopsies

Only through obtaining tissue samples that are examined under the microscope can abnormal types and number of inflammatory cells be identified. It is through biopsies of normal appearing intestinal lining that the correct diagnosis of various microscopic forms of gastrointestinal inflammatory diseases is confirmed. So, if you are preparing to undergo an endoscopic exam, I encourage you to insist that your doctor perform biopsies even they believe your exam looks normal. Based on the information I have reviewed above, a normal exam should be tip off that one of these microscopic conditions might be to blame for your symptoms.

References:

Al-Haddad S, and Ridell RH. "The role of eosinophils in inflammatory bowel disease." Gut 2005; 54:1674-1675.

Guilarte M et al. "Diarrhoea-predominant IBS patients show mast cell activation and hyperplasia in the jejunum." Gut 2007; 56:203-209.

Jakarte S et al. "Mastocytic enterocolitis. "Increased mucosal mast cells in chronic intractable diarrhea." Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2006; 130:362-367.

Kirsch R et al. "Activated mucosal mast cells differentiate eosinophilic (allergic) esophagitis from gastroesophageal reflux disease." Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition 2007; 44: 20-26.

Liacouras CA. "Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders." Practical Gastroenterology March 2007. 53-67.

Rubio CA et al. "Lymphocytic esophagitis: a histologic subset of chronic esophagitis." Am J Clin Pathol. 2006; 125(3): 432-437.

Yousef MM et al. "Duodenal intraepithelial lymphocytes in disorders of the esophagus and stomach." Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology 2006; 4:631-634.