The Masked Allergy and Symptoms

These differ from the conventional allergy as they are frequently exhibited in a masked form. For this reason, clinical ecology has been slow in gaining medical acceptance. However, these days the doctor specializing as a clinical ecologist is gaining recognition in Europe and the United States. Speaking on the situation in Australia, Professor Ian Lewis of the University of Tasmania says that the current medical training is not geared towards producing doctors that can solve problems. He feels that doctors should be taught to consider alternatives to drug therapy, rather than be over crammed with factual knowledge. This may lead, in time, to a resumption in use of the physician's greatest historical tool - a thorough investigation of the patient's diet and environment.

In effect, ecological illness is one large allergy. Most people today have it, to varying degrees. Within this general malaise, more specific allergies or sensitivities occur. Invariably however, exposure to the allergen does not produce an immediate or detectable response. Symptoms tend to be masked and therefore very difficult to trace back to a specific cause. For this reason most doctors are not able to diagnose a food or chemical sensitivity occurring as a masked allergy. Their lack of training, understanding and interest in this area compounds the difficulty in obtaining a correct diagnosis. Time and time again masked allergy symptoms are diagnosed as something quite different. The symptom is then treated by the doctor and the cause remains undetected. This approach will quieten the symptom for a while but it will continue to flare up regularly until the individual is classified as a chronic sufferer. The sufferer is then often placed on the strongest drug available, on a semi-permanent basis, and told to live with it. Meanwhile, the allergy remains undetected, and the build-up in toxins causes further suffering and damage to an already weakened system. In the words of Drs Kenyon and Lewith -

"Masked allergy may exhibit itself by a patient being exposed to a common food such as wheat, daily. No clear reactions to the wheat are shown in the patient's symptoms; for instance the patient does not exhibit an acute asthmatic wheeze after eating a slice of bread, or urticaria after eating biscuits. But a symptom complex which may involve asthma, accompanied by general malaise and depression, or osteoarthritis accompanied by headaches, may be the presenting complaints. The patient avoids wheat for a period of five days then, if the wheat is the major allergen, the symptoms will usually disappear. Re-exposure after this period of time will often induce an acute recurrence of the symptoms. This recurrence may occur immediately or twenty-four hours after re-exposure."

It is easy to see why masked allergies and symptoms continue to baffle the modern doctor. It would not be an exaggeration to claim that many doctors do not understand this process and, as a result, many of their patients are being treated for asthma, skin problems, lethargy, irritability, digestive problems and a whole range of symptoms whilst the real cause, the masked allergy, goes undetected.

Cause And Symptoms Of Nasal Allergy

Nasal allergies are caused by inhaled substances. The lining of the nose reacts to these particles by swelling and increasing mucous production which results in a blocked, runny nose. Nasal allergies are very common in children, and appear to be getting more common all the time. In Chinese medicine, acupuncture is often used to treat allergies. However in the United States the most common treatment is over the counter products such as antihistamines and decongestants.

Nasal allergies are responsible for 3.8 million lost workdays and school days and every year. Many hay fever attacks (nasal rhinitis) are often misdiagnosed as a common cold. Taking aspirin and staying home for a few day does appear to alleviate the symptoms but it does nothing to correct the under lying cause since the common cold is not the problem.

Physicians do not know why some people are more sensitive to a specific substance than other people but they do know how the body reacts to allergies. Nasal allergies are Allergies Type 1, also called Contact Allergies. Some type of substance such as pollen, dust, dust mites, animal dander and mold spores come into contact with your nasal membranes which causes your hypersensitive immune system to kick in. Symptoms include swelling of the sinus membranes, increased mucous production, red and watery eyes. In sever cases you can also develop hives, shortness of breath, bronchial spasms and other symptoms.

The overproduction of the histamines by the immune system can cause the surrounding tissue to be damaged. Antihistamines and decongestants act to decrease the allergic reaction by controlling the chemicals released by the hyperactive immune system. Antihistamines can reduce swelling, thicken the mucus production but it may also slow the healing process. Six of the ten best-selling over-the-counter medications for nasal allergies are antihistamines and antihistamine-decongestants.

Treating the symptoms and not the cause of the problem is not the best course of action. Finding what causes your irritation and then avoiding it should be the first step. The second step should be the boosting of you immune systems ability to heal itself such as taking large dosages of vitamin C in amounts is one of your best means of defense against nasal allergies.

Common vitamins and over the counter products that can help you with your nasal allergies are Vitamin C, Eucalyptus oil, Vitamin E, Beta Carotene, Glucosamine, Quercitin,

Vitamin C is essential for defending the body against pollution and infection. It enhances the immune system and aids in growth and repair of bone and tissue. Take 1,000 to 5,000 mg daily.

Eucalyptus or olbas oil in boiling water and inhale the steam that is being generated. This treatment is also very good for any type of stuffy nose due to allergy problems. Both readily diffuse into the air and can provide benefits to nasal and bronchial areas.

Vitamin E protects the lung tissue from inhaled pollutants and aids in the functioning of the immune system.

Beta Carotene protects the mucus membranes of the mouth, nose, throat and lungs. It also helps protect Vitamin C from oxidation, which enables it to perform at optimum efficiency.

Glucosamine is an anti-inflammatory and may give some relief from bronchitis symptoms.

Quercitin is also known for its ability to block the release of histamines, thus reducing or preventing allergy symptoms. Take 500 mg twice daily.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.

Dust Mite Allergies - Easy Solutions For Relief

Allergies - Dust Mite Sensitivity

Dust isn't generally an allergen, even for sensitive persons. But dust mites have that name because they live on the small particles that are in everyone's home. They are a common cause of allergic reactions.

As they produce feces and their bodies decay, they introduce proteins into the environment that the immune system may judge to be foreign invaders. That triggers a release of antibodies called IgE (immunoglobulin E). Those stimulate the release of histamine, which creates the common allergy symptoms such as watery, itchy eyes (conjunctivitis), runny nose (allergic rhinitis or hay fever) and others.

When pollen levels are lowest in winter, dust mite populations can be at a peak. This is the period in many climates when humidity is high, owing to frequent rain or melting snow. Dust mites thrive when the air is humid and tend to die off when it falls below 50%.

As with most environmental factors, prevention is the best medicine.

Keep the quantity of dust mites and their products as low as possible by thorough cleaning. Wash bedspreads and sheets weekly in hot water (130-140F/54-60C). If possible, freeze dry bedding overnight in a large freezer. Using hypo-allergenic sheets and bedspreads can help, too. Wool or down make for very comfortable bedding, but they encourage dust mites more than synthetic blends.

Children are the most susceptible, especially those from families with a history of allergies. When selecting stuffed toys, look for those that are washable in hot water. Wash pillowcases frequently in hot water and add a mild bleach.

Special dust rags and mops that actually hold dust rather than fling it into the air are helpful. Vacuum frequently with a vacuum cleaner that sports a good HEPA filter. For the truly sensitive, wear a surgical mask during dusting and vacuuming. Leave the room for half an hour afterward to let the dust settle. Dust mites are heavy and don't remain airborne for long.

Some may want to consider replacing carpeted areas with wood or synthetic flooring. These materials retain much less dust and are easily mopped. The bedroom is a good place to concentrate on. Fabric curtains can be replaced with wood or plastic shutters. Louvers can be more easily wiped down.

Even the most diligent can still suffer from allergy symptoms. Medication is one good option. Over-the-counter antihistamines such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) or Claritin (loratadine) do offer symptom relief. Prescription strength nasal sprays, such as Nasonex, are a godsend to others. Follow the directions, though, and don't overdose.

For those that suffer asthma symptoms, such as wheezing or chronic coughing, bronchodilators can be beneficial. These help open up the bronchial tubes. Corticosteroids may be taken alone or in conjunction with them. As with any prescription medicine, a professional diagnosis is a must before starting any such treatment. All drugs have side effects.

In more extreme cases, immunotherapy may be appropriate. These are allergy shots containing extracts from dust mites that attempt to desensitize patients. This is a long-term course of treatment and you should consult your physician.

Are You Allergic to Your Luxury Bed Linen?

Allergy Alert: When you come in contact with a substance that causes your body to produce an adverse reaction; you may be experiencing an allergic reaction. Generally, allergies cause the body to produce a substance called histamines as a way to tell the body that something is wrong.

Some allergies occur in the bedrooms with bedding, linens, certain fabric types, carpeting, and draperies that can cause allergic reaction to dust, dust mites, and other allergens common to this room.

Symptoms:

• You may suffer a stuffy nose and congestion
• You may have runny, itchy eyes
• You may develop persistent body itchiness

Dust can accumulate underneath your bed, on heavy draperies or blinds, on seldom-used upholstery, and this dust, when disturbed, can trigger an allergy attack. Did you know...?

1. That making the right choices in bedding can be the difference between a sleepless, stuffy night and miserable morning or a restful sleep?
2. That dust mites are a common allergy and they live in every mattress, no matter how expensive?
3. That pillows should be encased in dust mite-proof pillow covers which unzip and can be laundered often?
4. That airing pillows regularly can also benefit the allergy sufferer?
5. That mattresses can be cleaned using a HEPA filter vacuum when a thorough cleaning is needed?
6. That investing in a good, quality dust mite-proof mattress cover is money well spent?
7. That cheap foam pillows emit gasses, called out-gassing, which can irritate breathing passages, causing allergy and asthma attacks?

So, could you be allergic to Egyptian Cotton or Bamboo fabric types? You may be. But if you experience any of the symptoms above, your luxury bedding may not be for you. So, be mindful about the type of fabric and luxury linen that you purchase for your bedroom design.

Acupuncture to Treat Allergies

Allergies are a condition when the body becomes hypersensitive to an external object. The symptoms of allergies vary from person to person. Symptoms may include watery ot red eyes, skin irritation and rashes, breathing problems and weakness. Once diagnosed, the best treatment for any kind of allergy is to avoid exposing the body to the object that provokes allergy. There are many ways by which allergies can be treated. They are medication, acupuncture, homeopathy, yoga and various other therapies.

Acupuncture, as an option for treating allergies is becoming more widespread. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese method of healing by inserting thin, fine needles into specific points in body to control and relieve pain and cure or prevent certain diseases.

Acupuncture is based on the principle of balancing "Qi" which is the vital energy that flows throughout the body. According to Chinese, any imbalance and disruption of the flow of Qi in the body affects the health of the individual. The points or the energy flows are stimulated and balanced throughout the body by inserting needles and hence health is restored. Acupuncture to treat allergies can be used alone or as a combination treatment with any other therapy or medication. Acupuncture is generally preferred over strong medication because it has no side effects. The acupuncturist develops a plan to relieve a patient from the allergy symptoms while focusing on the underlying cause of the problem and curing any imbalance in the immune system. Allergy creates different reactions in different individuals; hence the acupuncturist decides the placement accordingly. He determines the direction and the depth to which the needles are to be inserted in the patient's body. Each session can range between 20 minutes to about an hour. The time taken to respond to acupuncture may vary in each individual.

Symptoms and Preventions of Ragweed Allergy

Have you heard of ragweed allergy? Probably not, well, that is if you are living outside the United States, then it would be the first time you would have heard of it. It mostly affects residents in the U.S when in contact with a plant called Ragweed. Ragweed plants are weeds that grow throughout the United States. They are most common in the Eastern states and the Midwest. Usually, these plants are found along roadsides and riverbanks, in vacant lots and fields.

As August draws near, many American citizens develop seasonal allergy symptoms. Actually, it is the pollen in the plant that causes allergy to them. When a person is sensitive to pollen from the weeds, he is most likely will develop an allergic reaction when he inhales the pollen. And when this happens, ragweed allergy symptoms will develop quickly. These symptoms include runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, coughing, and other allergic rhinitis symptoms.

Sadly, almost no place in the United States is immune because ragweed plant can grow anywhere. As a result, almost everyone in the United States is exposed to Ragweed and the possibility of a ragweed allergy. Even if a person does not live in an area that is covered by weeds, he might also develop allergic symptoms of ragweed allergy from its pollen, since pollen is carried by the wind.

Some people are prone to severe symptoms such as asthma, chronic sinusitis, swollen eyes, and headaches. The best way to treat these is to go see a doctor and get a prescribed medicine for it. There is no cure for this kind of allergy and what you can do is to prevent from getting one. You might want to get shots before allergy season begins, which usually starts in August. For people who have severe problems should see a specialist for such allergy to get the best advice and treatment for it. You might think that changing of location is troublesome and not practical, but it could be your last resort to get relief from allergies. When changing location, you should consider tracking the pollen count for the area you have chosen to live. The news often reports the pollen count, especially when the pollen is high. You can also check out the National Allergy Bureau for pollen counts.

Other ways of preventing allergy is to stay indoor when pollen count is high. Closing your windows and using your air condition will help decrease your exposure to ragweed pollen. Also, consider having a high efficiency particulate air filter attachment when the pollen is high. This will help remove some pollen in the indoor air. And if you have pets, like dogs for instance, consider bathing them regularly, since dogs often times go out and can carry pollen into your home.
And also it is true that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. So eating fruits and vegetables, with regular exercise can boost your immune system and prevent illnesses in the future, even ragweed allergy. So remember that an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Always live a healthy lifestyle.

Cat Food Allergy Symptoms - What Symptoms To Watch Out For

Most of the time, people may think that they are the only ones who have problems when it comes to allergies. The truth is even pets have their own problems with these reactions and show cat food allergy symptoms.

Just like humans, there are some foods that are not meant to be eaten by your pet cat or that doesn't meet their nutritional needs. Hence, they would give out these allergic reactions as a way to show that they have this problem. The good thing about this problem is you can solve this problem given that you know the symptoms to watch out for. Here are several of the symptoms you have to notice and treat your pet immediately.

Excessive scratching can be related to possible allergic reactions among cats. Humans also experience itchiness in eating foods that have allergens for them so cats may also be the same when they eat foods that are not suitable for them. Too much scratching will now result to the next symptom.

The second among the cat food allergy symptoms is absence of hair on certain skin areas. With continuous scratching, their skin will also fall out excessively and leave these spots. Therefore, even if you don't see your cat scratching that much, hairless spots can be enough to tell you that they've been scratching that much within the body. Depending on the extremity of their symptoms, these hairless spots may also have wounds since they've been scratching it for some time.

Third, you may also notice that your pet has an odour on these hairless spots. Wounds are open lesions on the skin and they can also be infected especially if they have them for some time. This odour would indicate that the wound is already infected or also known as active infection for them.

Once you've seen that these symptoms are present on your pet then it's time for you to get it treated to avoid more serious problems for them. Make sure to bring them to your physician to get them treated especially at instances of active infections. At this point, be sure to remember the foods that your cat ate and tell them to the veterinarian. They may advise you to do elimination among the foods they eat to know what they're allergic to.

In conclusion, cats also experience cat food allergy symptoms but as long as you know them, you can get them treated immediately and keep them from these symptoms that prevent them from being active pets.