Food Allergy Blood Test

We all know that most of us have an allergy to something. But finding out what the allergy really can be a discouraging job. Performing a food allergy blood test is something that you and your physician can do by eliminating foods from your diet and figuring out the symptoms of allergies.

However, there are 3 kinds of tests, it's the skin prick, CAP-RAST and ELISA test. Each test has its own pros and cons. Some tests are good for kids or people with skin orders such as eczema. Some may take longer than the others, and some perhaps may not include the allergens you have gone through. These tests look for particular antibodies within the blood to spot an allergy. There are 2 types of antibodies; IgG and IgE. IgG antibodies get longer to respond, normally for about 48 hours. IgE antibodies typically react faster, in about two hours or less.

The skin-prick food allergy blood test is an easy type of test that is done at the physician's office. This form of test is normally less costly compared to CAP-RAST or ELISA tests. It also takes a smaller amount time to determine outcomes. The skin-prick test is done through applying a small drop of allergen to a particular extort on the skin, then pricking it using a needle. In case an individual is allergic to that particular allergen, a wheal (looks like a mosquito bite) will form in 15 minutes. For the CAP-RAST blood test, it needs a blood sample, which is sent to a laboratory where it is being tested to determine if the blood has IgE antibodies to that particular food allergy. CAP-RAST test is best for small kids that were having hard time with skin-prick test. This is also good for individuals, which are suffering from skin problems such as eczema that tends to make it more difficult to read the outcomes. It takes about a week to obtain the outcomes from this test.

The ELISA test is another type of food allergy blood test. This test contains more allergens compared to other tests, for about 190 various food allergies. It helps detect the amount of IgG antibodies. On the other hand, if you haven't eaten a specific suspected allergen for the last three weeks, one downfall may produce a false negative. ELISA test sample is gathered and dealt with much like the CAP-RAST test.

The best test is indeed a lifesaver for people who continue suffering with strange allergy symptoms. Several people who have allergies never recognize that they could stay away from the symptoms through removing particular food from their diet. Nevertheless, one major problem to all food allergy blood tests is the fact that they cannot tell you the kind or severity of symptoms an individual will acquire. This indicates that two individuals could have each test positive for an allergy to peanuts. One individual may perhaps have the ability to eat peanuts, but includes a gentle reaction. Even though the other person would consume peanuts and go into anaphylaxis.

Penis Rash - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Penis discomfort as a result of inflammation, redness, discoloration and itchy skin and other rash-like symptoms can be caused by a variety of different circumstances.

STD'S - Various sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can cause rash-like symptoms on the penis and groin area. If a rash appears after recent sexual contact consult with your doctor. Chlamydia and herpes zoster may cause rash-like symptoms in some individuals.
Symptoms - Rash along base of penis and/or scrotum. May be accompanied by discharge, blisters, fever, sores or a burning sensation.
Treatment - Your physician can conduct a STD screening test and prescribe medication necessary for treating any particular infection.

Allergic Reaction - A variety of plants, soaps, detergents, lotions, jewelry, fabric and latex can all elicit an allergic reaction that may result in a penis rash. Some men are allergic to latex condoms and may decide to choose alternative materials such as sheepskin or non-latex based materials.
Symptoms - Penis itching, penis irritation, discoloration or dry penis skin or in the genital region.
Treatment - Cease contact with product or item that may have caused penile skin irritation. If you have recently switched to a new soap or detergent switch back to a more familiar brand. You can also use hypoallergenic products to prevent penis rashes from appearing in the future. Wash genital area with clean, cool water and dry thoroughly. Treat with penis health creme to keep area moisturized.

Infection - Impetigo is an infection caused by bacteria. Bacteria can affect your skin via a small cut or scratch. Scabies is a type of parasite that can infect your skin if you have been outdoors (hiking or camping). If penis skin has been exposed to a poison oak, ivy or sumac you can expect redness and irritation.
Symptoms - Redness, swelling, honey-colored, crusty blisters or sores.
Treatment - Your physician can conduct a screening test and prescribe medication necessary for treating any particular infection

Penis skin Problems - Acne, eczema, psoriasis or seborrhea dermatitis may cause a rash to reappear on a regular basis. Weather (either extremely hot or extremely cold) can also cause rashes and other skin problems as a result of drying of the skin. In some individuals skin problems, such as acne outbreaks, may be brought on by stress levels.
Symptoms - Rash like appearance, dry and flakey skin. Reddish discoloration of the skin. Itching, irritation and discomfort.
Treatment - For recurring rashes and other skin problems consult a general practitioner or dermatologist. You may consider a variety of lotions or penis specific cr癡me, like Man1, that may help minimize rashes and discomfort

Health practitioners recommend a penis health creme that helps many men suffering from penis skin issues. It contains penis specific vitamins and minerals plus select moisturizers, anti-bacterial properties and vitamin e to maintain healthy penis skin and treat penis rash.

Allergic Bronchitis - Treatments That One Should Know

Allergic bronchitis is a type of asthma, which causes the obstruction of the airways when the bronchi or the air passages of the lungs become filled up with mucous during an asthma attack. Respiratory illnesses have significant effects on the lives of millions of people. It can be acute, when it is a short term illness and easily treatable. In allergic bronchitis, both asthma symptoms and allergies are present which can cause hay fever and allergic rhinitis. By far, the majority of cases of bronchitis stem from viral infections.

Allergic asthma also known as allergic bronchitis is different from non-allergic bronchitis, which is often linked to a severe cold or flu. This condition is triggered when the overly active immune system identifies harmless substances as dangerous and then releases antibodies to attack them as they enter the body. Most allergic bronchitis is mainly caused by an exposure to allergens, while there are conditions that can be considered as a non-allergic bronchitis which is caused by a virus or bacteria.

Symptoms of it may include runny nose, shortness of breath, red or swollen eyes, rashes, hyperventilation, tickling in throat, constant sneezing, tight chest, headache, nausea, coughing, and other allergy symptoms. This type of bronchitis is often worse at night. Chronic bronchitis is characterized by a persistent dry cough without other symptoms.

Treatment of mild to moderate types includes, taking anti-histamine medications and avoiding allergens that can stimulate the allergy. It may also be treated with antihistamine medications to reduce the allergic reaction. Consulting your doctor is also important. They usually conduct an examination or skin test where in allergens are inserted beneath the skin that will identify specific allergens that cause allergic bronchitis. Your doctor may also recommend you to an allergist, who specializes in this condition and can give you more advice in preventing the occurrence of it. This can be cured after 25-35 days of treatment.

There are some cases that a person can be so sensitive to allergens that blocked airways caused by severe swelling of the tissue in the airway can cause hospitalization or death and this is considered as a dangerous situation that needs immediate medical assistance. But fortunately in most cases allergic bronchitis is considered as a mild to moderate condition. Awareness of this particular condition is important.

Allergic bronchitis is manageable, however if you have this illness you must also be aware that it can be dangerous at times. It is important that you know how to deal with it whenever you are exposed to unexpected allergen, like taking medications with you at all times in case of emergency.

HEPA Filters Vs Ionizers: Which Is Best For Allergy Reduction?

That's a good question. Many people suffer from allergies as a result of poor indoor air quality in their rooms and offices. The air in our rooms and offices is often loaded with all kinds of allergy-aggravating particles like dust, dust mites, mold spores, pollen, etc. So, the logical thing to do is clean up the air. But there is some confusion as to whether ionizers or HEPA filters are better for allergy reduction, keeping pet dander down, etc.

Well, the answer is 'yes': it's best to have both if you can, but if you can only choose one, choose the air purifier with a true HEPA filter. Here's why: a true, certified HEPA filter has dense fabric-like woven fibers that have very small spaces in between where only air can pass through-true HEPA filters trap the very smallest particles, everything larger than 0.3 microns, which includes dust, dust mite parts, pet dander / pet hair, human hair, pollen, mold spores, bacteria, and some viruses. Certified HEPA filters are designed to trap these particles that cause allergy problems, or allergy symptoms. Certified means AHAM certified (American Home Appliance Manufacturers Association), which means that the filter has been tested by this independent testing group and certified to remove 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns and larger.

Adding an ionizer is good because it can make the HEPA filter even more effective. As the ionizer releases ions in the air, the ions cause small particles (especially pet dander) to stick together, making them heavier and easier for the HEPA filter to trap. One thing to remember, however, is to choose an air purifier / ionizer that does not produce ozone. Ozone has been proven harmful to humans/animals over and over, and it's actually a respiratory irritant, which will only increase your allergy symptoms.

The best ionizers produce only an OH- or hydroxyl ion, which has the same effect on particles / airborne bacteria / organisms as ozone, but is not harmful to humans/pets, and has actually been found to even help depression! Negative ions also destroy bacteria/viruses in the air so they useful in a family's effort to keep colds and flu under control, as well.

The other very important thing to remember about HEPA filters is that you must replace them regularly, especially if you have indoor pets. Why? When a filter becomes clogged, 2 main things begin to happen: 1) backflow / leakage of unpurified, allergy-aggravating air because some of the air drawn in cannot pass through, 2) the air purifier is stirring up air-and allergens-and with a clogged filter, it is blowing around polluted air, which can actually make allergy symptoms worse, and 3) increased energy costs / higher utility bills--as the air purifier is having to work harder to get the air through the clogged HEPA filter, more energy is used. Replacement of your HEPA filters ensures that you will continue to breathe clean healthy air, reduces the chances of an allergy attack, and you'll probably see a reduction in allergy medication costs.

So overall, we recommend that you choose an air cleaner or air purifer with a true HEPA filter and a healthy negative OH- ion 'ionizer'. but definitely one with a HEPA filter if that is all that is available to you. Brands like Blueair and Winix offer air cleaners with the HEPA/ionizer combination. Together, HEPA filters and a good ionizer will do a great job cleaning up the air in your rooms/offices and can definitely play an imporant role in allergy reduction. And make sure to replace your filters regularly!

Identifying Common Allergy Symptoms

Do you have allergies? Whether you have seasonal allergies or you are allergic to certain situations, such as being exposed to animal dander, coping with allergy symptoms can be quite difficult. Not only are allergy symptoms uncomfortable, they can slow you down during the day and interrupt with your sleep cycle. Therefore, it is important to know how to recognize allergy symptoms and to know what to do in order to alleviate the symptoms you experience.

Recognizing Allergy Symptoms

Since there are so many different types of allergens and because everyone's body reacts differently to these allergens, allergy symptoms can differ from person to person. Nonetheless, there are several different signs and symptoms that are commonly associated with allergies and may signal that you have allergies.

Some of the most common allergy symptoms include:

o Abdominal pain
o Congestion
o Cramps
o Diarrhea
o Difficulty swallowing
o Dizziness
o Itchy and watery eyes
o Itchy skin
o Mental confusion
o Problems breathing
o Rash
o Vomiting

Whether or not you experience these symptoms will depend upon the type of allergy and how you make contact with the allergen. Physical contact with an allergen, for example, is more likely to cause rashes and itching, while inhaling the allergen is more likely to cause breathing problems.

Coping with Allergy Symptoms

Depending upon the type of allergy you have, you may be able to prevent allergy symptoms by taking certain types of allergy medicine. If you have seasonal allergies, for example, you might want to discuss the issue with your doctor and begin taking a prescription allergy medicine that will help prevent allergy symptoms from developing. If you are allergic to animals, on the other hand, you may want to talk to your doctor about prescribing an allergy medicine that you can take before being exposed to the known allergen.

Of course, you can't always prevent an allergic reaction. Sometimes, you may find yourself unexpectedly exposed to allergens. In this case, you will need to treat the allergy symptoms after they develop. It is important to keep in mind that you can only treat the symptoms when they occur rather than "curing" the allergy. Therefore, you should search for medication that will help alleviate the symptoms you are experiencing. If you have a rash, for example, you will need to use a topical ointment to treat the rash. If you are experiencing diarrhea and vomiting, on the other hand, make certain to stay hydrated and to seek medical attention if you cannot get the symptoms under control.

Dealing with Dog Allergies

Dog allergies are very similar to human allergies and also produce the same symptoms as human allergies. There are 5 types of dog allergies: food allergy, flea allergy, bacteria allergy, contact allergy and atopy. Here are some basic facts about each of these allergies.

Food Allergies

The most common symptom of food allergies is scratching, due to skin irritation. Dog foods contain a host of ingredients which can cause an allergic reaction to your dog. Some of these ingredients are:

Meats: Beef, Chicken, Pork, Lamb, Fish, Eggs

Diary products (Milk)

Grains (Wheat, Whey)
Corn

Most dog owners often scold their dog for scratching too much. Any obsessive behavior your dog demonstrates, such as constant scratching, chewing, licking, requires immediate attention. Never assume that this is just a new habit your dog picked up. Dog allergies can make your dog very uncomfortable.

Aside from scratching, some of the other symptoms dogs can experience are:

sneezing

coughing

eye and nose discharge

Itching around the anus

hair loss

loss of appetite

pawing at their ears or head shaking

vomiting

diarrhea

breathing problems

Isolating the allergen which causes the allergy is not easy because the dog is usually allergic to one specific ingredient in the food. Therefore, it is a matter of isolating that ingredient. You can try doing this with an elimination diet, which most people don't have the time or energy for. The elimination diet requires preparing specially-cooked meals consisting of a more exotic meat, like rabbit or venison, mixed with rice or potato, which wouldn't normally be found in dog food.

An easier and more modern approach to test for the presence of a food allergy is to try a dog food which contains hydrolyzed proteins, such as Purinas HA or Hills z/d. Hydrolyzed proteins are broken down into molecules so small, they can't affect the immune system, which is what causes the allergy. If the allergy goes away while your dog is on this diet (which would take about 8 weeks), then he most likely is suffering from a food allergy. At this point, you would start to re-introduce the possible allergens one by one (individual meats, wheat, corn, milk, etc.) for a period of two weeks each. If the symptoms return, it is most likely due to the ingredient being introduced at that time. You should look out for that ingredient on dog food labels in future purchases.

Atopy (inhalant allergy)

Atopy is the most common of all dog allergies, which is caused by environmental factors, such as dust mites, molds, house dust, human dander, feathers or pollen.

Signs of atopy include excessive chewing, licking and scratching at the face, paws, abdomen, armpits and genital area. Evidence of this behavior can be found in examining your dog's paws, armpits and genital area. Reddish-brown stains develop in these areas due to excessive licking. This may not be evident in dogs with dark coats.

Atopy is not easy to diagnose due to other dog allergies having the same symptoms. Once these other dog allergies (food, flea and contact) have been ruled out, your vet can proceed with testing for the root cause of the atopy. The most accurate method of testing for atopy is Intradermal Skin Testing.

There are many different treatment options for atopy. The best treatment would be avoiding the allergen altogether. If this is not feasible, other treatments include cool water baths with medicated shampoo, antihistamines, allergy shots, corticosteriods or a diet rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.

Flea Allergies

Dog allergies to fleas are not caused by the flea itself, but rather the flea's saliva. A common symptom of flea allergies is scratching at the tail area which causes hair loss, scabs and sores. Your vet can easily diagnose a flea allergy by checking for the presence of fleas in the coat. Fleas can be seen by the naked eye. Intradermal Skin Testing can also be used to test for this type of allergy. The most effective products for eliminating fleas are:

Advantage - Flea control for your Dog & CatFrontLine - Flea & Tick

Medication for your Dog & Cat

Capstar- Flea infestation on Dog and Cat

K9 Advantix Flea and Tick Medication (based on dog's weight)

Bacterial Allergies

A dog's skin normally harbors Staph bacteria. Usually, this bacteria does not have any affect on your dog but some dogs develop a sensitivity to it causing an allergic reaction. Your dog may develop crusts on the skin and patches of hair loss due to scratching, similar to ring worm. If these patches become infected, your dog will need to be treated with antibiotics.

Contact Allergies

Contact allergies are the least common of all dog allergies. This type of allergy produces swelling, redness, itching and hair loss. Common contact allergens include flea collars, plastic food bowls, pet sweaters, plants, grass or wool bedding. The best way to diagnose this allergy is if the symptoms continue after ruling out all other allergies. If this is the case, then you must pinpoint the allergen and remove it from your dog's environment.

This information is NOT intended to replace the advice of a veterinarian, dog trainer or pet care professional.

Mold Allergy in Food - The Cause and the Cure

At first, I never knew that mold allergy can come from food. My mother and I share the same allergy. Damp places, high humidity climate, old clothes or books always give us difficult breathing or other mild asthma symptoms. But when my mother was diagnosed to have the allergy from food, I just realized that there are many kinds of food that use mold in the processing. Who can have this allergy? Do both mold allergy in food and in air always come together? And how to cure it? Keep on reading...

Mold, as well as mildew, is included in the fungi family. They differ from other plants or animal by their unique reproducing methods. Their seeds are called spores. When an allergic patient is inhaling spores, they might have symptoms like sneezing and difficult breathing. Besides in the air, mold can also grow in foods. Although it's only in small percentage, people with respiratory mold allergy can have the same allergy from food too. My mother cannot eat foods that are processed with mold, such as soy sauce, 'tempeh' or fermented cassava, while I don't share the same allergy.

Although not a processed food, peanut can also cause the allergy from the mold alfatoxin, a toxin that can be found in corn, wheat, soy, and sorghum, as well as in peanuts. Other foods that might cause the allergy are mushroom, melon, berries, beer, smoked meats, and some grains, as well as some cheeses, like blue cheese. Other dairy products such as milk is believed to contain alfatoxin if it came from cows that is fed by moldy feed. The most common molds found in food are aspergillus and rhizopus.

So how can we avoid and cure mold allergy from our diet?

Just like any other food allergies, the best way is to stay away from foods you are allergic to. You need to have an allergy testing to confirm exact food products that cause your food allergy, and include those foods into your restricted diet. Some people try organic diet to stay healthier. However, as organic products lack of chemical fungicides, they can be moldy faster than non-organic products.

How to cure ?

Allergy is a body reaction against a toxic situation. Most of the cases, toxins that cause allergy come to non-natural substance. It happens as well in mold allergy. Therefore, the effort to cure the allergy by pharmaceutical medicines seem not appropriate, as those medicines are also toxic.

The best way to cure this allergy, and any other allergies, would be natural cure. Herbal therapy, homeopathy and acupuncture/acupressure are some of natural medication methods that you can try. Of course, sudden discontinuing of pharmaceutical medication would be unwise either. You should consult your doctor before slowly replacing your treatment with natural substance.

Allergy is a unique disease that we often cannot make disappear, however through a consistent and healthy diet and lifestyle, you can live normally with allergy, or even asthma.