Allergy Causes And Symptoms

Allergies tend to be remarkably prevalent and every single day more people are becoming more prone to allergies. As reported by research, up to 50 million people today in the united states are actually allergic. It is also amongst the primary reasons responsible for people missing work and children skipping school each and every year. Unfortunately not many individuals are aware of allergies and the precise cause responsible for allergies.

An allergic reaction is simply a process by which our immune system overreacts to particular foreign materials once they come into physical contact. An allergic reaction is usually of different types such as food allergies, drug allergies, insect sting allergy as well as others. These kind of allergies can be acquired and also may develop quickly in a man or woman. Let us examine at some of the causes and symptoms of allergies.

Factors That Cause Allergies

There's no precise reason for allergies. Almost any substance may lead to an allergy in an individual that is normally susceptible to that exact substance. It's possible to acquire an allergic reaction by simply inhaling or swallowing any sort of material that may possibly trigger your entire immune system to overreact and can produce an allergic response. Nevertheless, there are some risk factors which will raise the likelihood of producing an allergy. These kinds of variables are often split into two main types namely environmental factors and host factors.

Allergy Variables:

• Host factors: Many of these typically include genetic factors, heredity, age and ethnic background. From all of these, heredity is easily the most significant risk factor, which increases the probability of an individual to be able to develop an allergy. For example, if your own father and mother are actually allergic then you are also likely to become even more vulnerable to allergies.

• Environmental factors: All of these mainly include direct exposure to diseases in the time of childhood, dietary adjustments, environmental pollution as well as others. The most common environmental factors that could possibly lead to allergies include breathing in of allergens (substances which often cause allergies) such as pollen, airborne dirt and dust, mold spores, dust mite waste, pet dander as well as others. These are additionally major factors behind someone producing respiratory allergies.

Viral attacks and pregnancy (via the mother to fetus) tend to be in addition a few of the risk factors that could make contributions towards the development of allergies. During being pregnant and viral infections the body's defenses usually are usually decreased and weakened. During this case, a foreign body or an allergen has larger odds of assaulting the human body leading to over reaction by the immune system and leads to allergies. A number of drugs or dietary supplements may additionally produce allergies; hence it is preferable that you always consult with a medical doctor before using any sort of medicines.

Symptoms of Allergies

Men and women who happen to be allergic may encounter specific symptoms which will may have an impact on the skin, respiratory system, gastrointestinal system and in extreme cases also can affect the heart. These symptoms are completely different in various types of allergies.

• Symptoms of respiratory allergies: The respiratory symptoms of allergies primarily include things like runny nose, sneezing and nasal congestion. In really serious situations, someone may possibly also experience shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing.

• Symptoms of food allergies: A difficult time in swallowing, itching in the mouth, queasiness, diarrhea, and throwing up are usually a few food allergies symptoms. On top of that, someone might in addition encounter stomach aches and perhaps irritation of the mouth, throat and lips as part of the food allergies symptoms.

Aside from all these, allergies could also contribute to a variety of annoying symptoms like asthma and ear infections. An allergic woman/man may also encounter some different symptoms particularly skin associated symptoms which includes eczema and hives, headaches, a diminishment in smelling sensation and disruptions with sleep.

Allergic to Chlorine? Here's What You Must Know

If you are allergic to chlorine, you probably need a whole house chlorine water filter. Otherwise, you can be exposed in many different ways at many different times. It really depends on how severe your allergy is.

At one time, it was believed that very few people were allergic to chlorine. Now, it seems that more people either have an allergy or are at least "sensitive" to the chemical. Also, it has been noted that sensitization can occur over time. In other words, the more you are exposed to something, the more likely you will begin to experience unwanted symptoms.

When you consider that, you realize that anyone can benefit from a whole house chlorine water filter, whether allergic to chlorine or not.

If you ask someone in the cosmetic industry, you will learn that showering in chlorinated waters changes the color of your hair, causes excessive dryness of the skin and hair, as well as contributing to bad hair days. One respected hair dresser advised his clients to wash their hair in bottled waters before a big show or photo shoot. He has since started marketing his own showerhead filters.

Those are strictly cosmetic benefits, but allergy symptoms are a health concern. Symptoms may include breathing difficulties, similar to asthmatic attacks. The more common symptoms are watery, itchy eyes when exposed to the vapors. Itchy throat or even vomiting can occur after drinking chlorinated water. Exposure during showering can cause itchy skin, rashes and symptoms that at first glance appear to be eczema or psoriasis.

If your symptoms are severe, then a whole house chlorine water filter is really your only solution. If your symptoms are mild, you may be able to deal with a filtration device for you kitchen and another for your shower, but, from a strictly economic standpoint, a whole house chlorine water filter may be less expensive in the long run.

You have to remember that separate filtration devices will require separate replacement cartridges and the schedule of replacement can vary. If you live alone and are allergic to chlorine, you should keep your cell phone or a med-alert device with you at all times. Symptoms can become debilitating in a very short period of time.

I know that some doctors suggest prescription medications, as opposed to dealing with the root cause of the problem. But, in my opinion, there is no reason to simply treat the symptoms.

A kitchen purifier and one for the shower would cost far less than a six month supply of an effective allergy drug. Besides the fact that, those drugs cause unwanted side effects, such as fatigue and drowsiness.

You should also know that there may be other hazards in your water supply to contend with. A good whole house chlorine water filter will remove other chemical contaminants, as well as sediments, protecting your pipes from corrosion and protecting your health at the same time.

If you are allergic to chlorine, I would suggest that you buy a home filtration device. It just makes sense.

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) Allergy

TABLE OF CONTENT

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome
Causes & Mechanisms
Symptoms
Triggers
Management & Treatment
Tips for success
Self diagnose your MCS in our brand new MCS Shop!
References

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity [a.k.a Idiopathic Environmental Intolerance (IEI), 20th Century Disease Syndrome, Total Allergy Syndrome, Immune System Dysregulation, and Chemically Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome] refers to an unusually severe sensitivity or allergy-like reaction to a variety of pollutants such as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's), perfumes, smoke, petrol, diesel, solvents, chemicals in general, and can sometimes include sensitivity to pollen, house dust mites (HDM's), pet fur, and pet dander {1}. It is an acquired condition, which is typically initiated by a definable exposure to a toxic substance. Symptoms of MCS are provoked by very low doses of causal factors and may occur in various organ systems {2}. The mechanism of the cause of MCS is unknown and its processes are currently not fully understood; however, it tends to occur in people with a tendency to allergies or if allergies run in the family. Usually, individuals are well until at some point in their life they are exposed to certain chemicals, either in one large dose or in repeated small doses {3}.

Causes & Mechanisms

The cause of MCS is unknown. It has however been suggested, but not proven, that chemicals travelling in the air enter the nose and affect an area of the brain known as the limbic system, which plays a role in emotions, motivated behaviour, and memory. This can make an individual more sensitive to chemical odour previously encountered. It has also been suggested, but with little evidence, that acute or chronic exposure to chemicals can cause susceptible people to lose tolerance for chemicals they could previously tolerate {4}. Some theories have suggested that the immune system of MCS patients is somehow damaged causing sensitivity to all sorts of triggers. Perhaps the most worrying feature of MCS is its ability to worsen the effect of other problems experienced by patients; these include depression, food intolerance, and asthma (to mention a few) {1}.

Symptoms

Individuals who suffer from MCS can have severe symptoms, which can interfere with their daily life and work. These symptoms generally occur in one of three categories: central nervous system symptoms, respiratory and mucosal irritation, or gastrointestinal problems {5}. As such, symptoms include, but are not limited to, a rapid heart rate, chest pain, sweating, shortness of breath, fatigue, tiredness which is not relieved by rest or sleep, flushing, dizziness, nausea, choking, trembling, numbness, coughing, runny nose (rhinitis), sore throat, cough, hoarseness, altered sense of smell, sensitivity to light and noise, skin rashes, itching skin, and difficulty concentrating.

Triggers

MCS sufferers typically present with a firm belief that their symptoms are as a result of chemical exposure, and these symptoms are accelerated by a range of everyday chemicals and common environmental agents. These include,

1. Perfumes

95% of chemicals in perfumes and fragranced products are synthetic chemicals, which are derived from petroleum; these include benzaldehyde, benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, camphor, ethanol, and limonene, to mention a few. These are all known to have a negative impact on health particularly to the central nervous system {6}.

2. Pesticides

Acute exposure to pesticides is usually thought to be the initial trigger when the onset of MCS occurs suddenly in an otherwise healthy individual. Pesticides are potent chemicals, due to the fact that a considerable number of them are chemically related to war time nerve agents and as such have negative effects on the nervous, endocrine and immune systems These effects are expected of pesticides in order to kill pests and as such it is no surprise that humans can be affected negatively by their effects. Common pesticides include DDT (which is one of the most potent and has now been banned from a number of western countries), lindane, and chlordane, to mention a few {6}.

3. Household Cleaning Products

Most of the pollution in the average home comes from the use of common household cleaning products. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), only around three in ten of the thousands of chemicals used in household cleaning products have been safely tested. Common chemicals used in cleaning products include toluene, found in stain removers; hexane/ xylene, found in aerosol sprays; EDTA, found in bleach; and diethyl phthalate, found in a variety of products such as cosmetics, insecticides, and some food packaging {6}.

4. Natural gas

When natural gas burns, it produces hydrocarbon products such as methane, carbon dioxide and small amounts of carbon monoxide. Inhalation of these can cause adverse reactions. Individuals can be exposed to natural gas at home where it is used in heating systems, stoves and water heaters or at work, for people working with chemicals, petroleum, metals, glass, plastic, pulp and paper, to mention a few {6}.

5. Other triggers include, vehicle exhaust, perfumes in cosmetics, shampoo, tar fumes from roof or road, varnish, shellac, lacquer, nail polish, nail polish remover, marking pen, laundry detergent, hair spray, after shave lotion, etc.

Management & Treatment

The best way to manage MCS is to avoid the sensitising agents, which trigger symptoms. Complete removal (where possible) of the chemicals, which cause MCS symptoms helps eliminate exposure. Prevention of exposure provides the body with enough time to detoxify and heal itself; however, it would be quite difficult to eliminate a number of these agents since most are encountered on a day to day basis. As such, other treatment modalities need to be considered to help manage MCS.

Alternative treatment for MCS include,

1. Detoxification programs

These are detoxification programs involving a lot of exercise and sweating, as well as chelation of heavy metals. Oral chelation is a popular mode of detoxification, which helps to improve health and nutritional status by replacing toxic metals with essential elements. This form of therapy uses chelating agents such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to tightly bind to heavy metals and remove them from the body, usually through urine. The concern with chelation therapy however is that chelating agents are not generally specific and as such it is possible that essential trace elements can be removed as well as toxic metals.

2. Nutrition

MCS sufferers are sometimes advised to avoid all suspect foods, which may trigger certain symptoms. It is thought that MCS sufferers have a higher likelihood of nutritional imbalances, particularly deficiency in magnesium. Intravenous infusions of vitamins and minerals such as, vitamin C and B vitamins, magnesium, and trace minerals, can have significant therapeutic benefits {6}.

3. Drugs such as antihistamines and steroids.

4. Immunotherapy is sometimes used as a mode of treatment to help sufferers develop a tolerance for certain allergens. This is carried out by injecting small amounts of many allergens just beneath the skin of the patient; however, tolerance may not develop for months or even years.

Tips for success

- Full assessment, including nutritional, neurological examination and selective skin tests
- Peak flow monitoring
- Keep a symptom and cause diary to monitor triggers
- Eliminate all toxins from your home
- Choose only unscented natural skin care and cosmetics
- Use natural detergents and cleaning products
- Replace all your cleaning products with a natural product range
- Remove all man made and chemically treated carpets and soft furnishings and replace with unbleached organic alternative
- Use organic pure cotton bedding for comfortable fume free nights
- Wear unbleached natural fibres, particularly close to your skin
- Avoid all processed foods

9 Great Home Remedies For Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis results when allergies like dust, pet dander, pollen, smoke attack your immune system and cause congestion, stuffy/runny nose, watery eyes and sneezing. It also involves itchy eyes and nose. Treatment involves easing the symptoms and avoiding exposure to irritants and allergens. It is a very common problem in pollen season and that's why is often referred to as 'hay fever'. People having chronic / perennial allergic rhinitis suffer these symptoms throughout the year. Mild cases can be treated with antihistamines available over the counter. However if the symptoms are severe then allergy shots may be prescribed.

Prevention

In most countries, allergic rhinitis is at its peak and very common during pollen season. Hence it is advisable to be cautious and begin the required medication and treatment before the beginning of the season and prepare yourself. Most important is to fortify your immune system for which most important is vitamin C. Have vitamin C rich foods in your daily diet such as freshly squeezed orange juice, pineapples, tomato soup. Vitamin A is also very important for strengthening mucus membranes. Include carrots in your daily diet.

Avoid inflammation aggravating foods such as dairy products, meat, wheat, sugar and lots of salt. And have foods that are anti-inflammatory and have antioxidants including beans, vegetables and fruits.

9 home remedies for allergic rhinitis

1. It is vital to avoid exposure to allergens and to create allergen free environment.

2. Your room, furniture, sofas, mattresses, carpets, rugs should be dusted and cleaned regularly.

3. Place air purifiers and humidifiers/dehumidifiers in your room. The correct humidity level of 45% - 50% should be maintained inside. Too much humidity and too less are both bad for this condition and aggravate symptoms.

4. Use saline nasal wash to keep your nasal passage moist and to clear mucus.

5. Steam inhalation has been used for hundreds of years to clear nasal passage and loosen mucus. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil or peppermint to the steaming water and inhale the vapors.

6. Keep yourself hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, 6-8 glasses of room temperature water, soups, broth.

7. Having freshly produced unfiltered honey relieves allergic rhinitis.

8. Make a mixture of 1 tablespoon each of honey and lemon and briefly heat it. Have 1 teaspoon of this mixture three times daily to treat your hay fever.

9. Consult a practitioner before having any supplements. For instance probiotic supplements are known to ease the severity of the condition. Herbal preparation such as biminne has been known to effectively relieve symptoms. Indian gooseberry and Echinacea pills available over the counter are also known to naturally strengthen immune system. But it is recommended to consult your physician before doing self medication.

Hence you can effectively address allergic rhinitis through a natural course of therapy including lifestyle changes, dietary plans and alternative medicine which can relieve symptoms and build a stronger immune system to fight against allergens.

Latex and Condoms - The Allergic Reaction

Latex Allergies affect up to 1 in 13 consumers in the world. A very common allergic reaction, the extent of the reaction can range from mild skin irritation (dryness, itching, burning, scaling, and lesions of the skin) to more severe reactions like the above across a wider range of areas to extremely serious reactions. These serious reactions include hay fever-like symptoms, conjunctivitis (pink eye), cramps, hives, and severe itching. It is rare, but symptoms may progress to include rapid heartbeat, tremors, chest pain, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, anaphylactic shock, or potentially, death.

If you believe you have a latex allergy, the first step is to see a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. This can be conducted on an out-patient basis, but will help to rule out any other potential causes.

Once confirmed, the safer sex industry has produced a large variety of non-latex condoms. These condoms, produced from other substances than natural rubber will not cause an allergic reaction. Some of the most popular brands in this space include:

Lifestyles Skyn Condoms - the Lifestyles Skyn Condoms are the most popular non-latex condoms, using polyisoprene. With the strength of latex condoms and an extremely sensation, it is also the cheapest non-latex condom on the market. As a Polyisporene condom, only water based lubricants should be used to avoid damage and compromise of these condoms.

Durex Avanti Bare Condoms (Box of 36) - the Durex Avanti Condoms are also polyisoprene made condoms, introduced after the Lifestyles Skyn Condoms. With the backing of the popular Durex brand behind it, these condoms are specially shaped for a more comfortable fit. As a Polyisporene condom, only water based lubricants should be used to avoid damage and compromise of these condoms.

Trojan Supra Non-Latex Lubricated Condoms - The Trojan Supra Non-Latex condom is made of strong, ultra-thin micro sheer polyurethane to provide a high degree of comfort and an alternative.

Trojan NaturaLamb Lubricated Condoms - Lastly, perhaps the most expensive non-latex substitute, are the Trojan NaturaLamb condoms. Made from a natural memberange taken from lambs, they are treated with a unique jelly-type lubricant and rolled for your further comfort and convenience.

Allergies And The Seasons Of Change

Every year most people look forward to the change of seasons. For some people, however, the change of seasons is something that brings dread to their hearts instead of joy. For people who suffer from seasonal allergies, the change in seasons means new plants are blooming and flowers are blossoming and their seasonal allergies will return full force.

They may suffer from sinus headaches, sneezing, runny noses, sinus congestion, and watery eyes, among other symptoms. People who suffer from seasonal allergies need to find some relief from their symptoms, though they hope the relief will be easy to obtain and at reasonable cost. With a little determination and effort, these people can find out information about remedies that are available for their seasonal allergy symptoms.

They can find this information on the Internet, in books, and seek assistance at stores that sell natural remedies. Of course, they should check with their doctor before starting a new remedy, even one that is all natural, to stay on the safe side, but they should really have no difficulty finding inexpensive remedies to relieve their symptoms safely. To relieve nasal congestion, for example, an allergy sufferer may want to eat spicy foods. These spicy foods will make their noses run and thereby clear their sinuses at least temporarily.

By consuming Vitamin C, allergy sufferers can boost their immune systems and get relief that way too. An allergy sufferer can also obtain a very low cost sinus relief remedy by irrigating the sinuses with a typical syringe filled with a saltwater solution. When people are suffering, they will be inclined to try many different remedies. However, they should exercise caution and give a remedy a reasonable chance to work before trying a different remedy. It is not always a good idea to mix remedies because adverse reactions can result.

Furthermore, if a person suffers an adverse reaction while mixing two different remedies, it may be more difficult to determine which remedy caused the adverse reaction or whether it resulted from the combination of the two remedies. To deal with seasonal allergies most effectively, allergy sufferers should remember to start taking their allergy remedies early.

It is best to start at least a month or so before the start of allergy season in order to give the remedies a chance to take effect in their bodies and bloodstreams before the onslaught of symptoms begins. By getting an early start, an allergy sufferer maximizes the likelihood that he or she will encounter a minimum of symptoms as the season progresses.

Top 10 Reasons To Use Herbal Remedies - Allergies, Hay Fever, Itchy Skin

For natural allergies relief, hay fever, itchy skin and many other kinds of ailments

From refreshing herbal drinks and teas, to home care, to professional treatment of serious disease by an herbal expert, herbs have a huge range of capabilities. They can treat hay fever, itchy skin, eczema for natural allergies relief, as well as many other kinds of conditions.

Let's take a look at some of the best reasons to use herbs and herbal remedies on a daily basis.

1. Natural Allergies Relief

With both antiviral and immune stimulating action, herbs can shorten the duration of respiratory infections and reduce the frequency of colds and flu, providing long lasting natural allergies relief.

Hayfever, along with the itchy eyes, post nasal drip, constant runny nose and other allergy symptoms can be relieved with herbs, and in time, the immune weakness and oversensitivity behind them can be greatly reduced.

Herbs are an ideal treatment for sinusitis, which is often related to allergies or long standing yeast and viral infections.

There are other allergy herbal remedies as well, for itchy skin, eczema and many others.
Herbs can also help immensely with the symptomatic treatment of asthma.

They also address underlying immune and hormonal causes. Even in advanced cases, for example emphysema, symptoms can be relieved.

2. Better Digestion

The strength and vitality of your digestive system is crucial in promoting long life.

Your digestive system breaks down the food you eat into nutrients and energy for your body to use.

There are a wide number of herbs that improve digestion, increasing function in the whole digestive tract. Appetite is increased and assimilation of nutrients is improved.

3. A Stronger Immune System

Immunity has now been recognized as a cornerstone of our health.

It is the body's defense system that is the reeal key to longevity and freedom from infection and chronic illness. Herbs possess unique abilities to augment and maintain immune health.

4. Slows the Aging Process

75 percent of Americans are not getting enough free radical fighting antioxidants, such as viatmin E selenium or even vitamin c. These are quickly used up under stress, while hormonal, immune and neurological imbalances further accelerate aging.

A number of herbs are highly prized and renowned for their anti-aging and longevity promoting effects. Science has extensively verified that these complex plant medicines have the definite ability to prolong the duration and quality of life.

Many of these anti-aging herbs are adaptogens and tonics, normalizing metabolic, hormonal and neurological systems and stimulating cellular regeneration. Others have more focused effects on the brain, heart or immunity.

5. Increase your Energy Levels

Herbs have the ability to increase energy, vitality and well being, balancing and improving the function of the body's major control systems -immune, hormonal, cardiovascular and nervous.

Thus they are particularly well suited for the effects of long term stress , both physical and psychological.

Herbs can help compensate for and overcome the effects of overwork, depression, prolonged illness and convalescence after illness.

6. Physical Ailments

As the main form of medicine in all times and places, herbs have been used to treat literally every physical symptom or condition. In fact most herbs have a very definite affinity to specific organs or tissues.

Herbs can be used to treat acute conditions, like allergies, hay fever, itchy skin, eczema providing natural allergies relief, and to treat many other acute conditions, like back pain, as well as chronic conditions, such as psoriasis, arthritis and arteriosclerosis. Beyond this, herbs can be used as an excellent form of disease prevention.

7. Mental Clarity & Focus

With all its complexity, the brain is highly sensitive to toxic impacts over time. Dietary toxins, pollutants add to the burden of toxic damage.

As circulation becomes diminished, the brain recives less of its vital nutrients and antioxidants.

Specific herbs are known to enhance the levels of neurotransmitters and improve blood flow to the brain, thereby increasing its oxygen and nutrients supply. More than this, such herb augment the metabolism, detoxification and healthy functioning of brain cells.

Examples of specific herbs that support brain function:

Bacopa, Ginkgo, Ginseng, Gotu Kola, Hawthorn, Oats, Rosemary.
These herbs work by increasing circulation, oxygen, sugar and nutrients to the brain and by enhancing neurotransmitter activity and production, helping it to work more efficiently.

8. Fewer Drugs in Your System

Herbs have a therapeutic effect on the body, are less concentrated than prescription medication drugs, have fewer side effects, and are much less expensive.

Pharmaceutical drugs can be very dangerous, with multiple side effects, even when use as directed. When using herbs, you can keep dangerous drugs out of your body.

When taking herbs, there are a few simple precautions :

Review any side effects or safety tips about an herb before you take it. Start with half of the required dosage and then increase to a full dose after two days.
If you experience any unpleasant symptoms after starting on a herb or herb formula, consult with your herbalist.

9. More Bang for Your Buck

Herbs are many times more cost-effective than drugs or modern medical intervention, and with fewer side effects.

When you herbs use , you feel better and get sick less often. And because of this, you are youre more productive and spend less money on drugs and visits to the doctor.

Herbs greatest savings come with their ability to prevent chronic diseases whose cost in medical expenses lost work and emotional strain is beyond estimate.

10. Effective

Herbs have proven themselves effective in treating every conceivable type of health problem in tens of millions of patients.

While the current standard of double blind scientific study is useful it takes second place to the centuries of consistent action and clinical results observed by healing practitioners and patients around the globe in every culture and time period.

Taking herbs every day can help your body in so many ways,from helping your immune system to giving you more energy, from providing natural allergies relief to helping you think more clearly.