Healthy Tips For Better Live » Allergies

Cockroach Allergy

admin — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 01:20:25 +0000

Cockroach allergy problems can play a significant role in people with asthma.

People with a sensitivity to cockroaches often develop a rash if one of these insects crawls over their skin.

Direct contact with these insects is not generally the main problem.

Cockroach infestations cause a high level of feces and body parts from dead insects, as well as saliva. Long term exposure can eventually cause some people to become sensitive to cockroach contamination, causing an allergy.

This is a similar problem to dust mite allergies, the main difference being that cockroaches are physically bigger (and more discussing) than dust mites.

This is particularly a problem with inner-city children who are more likely to live in an infested home. Many hospital visits dealing with an asthma attack can be attributed to cockroach allergens.

In some areas, most homes have a cockroach problem. A house can harbor thousands or even hundred’s of thousands of insects, generating a very large amount of air-bourn allergens within the home.

If you see just a single insect, you can be almost certain that it represents hundreds or thousands of others, hidden in cupboards, in walls, under the sink, behind the fridge etc.

The insects or their eggs can hitch a ride into your home with groceries, second hand furniture and other items brought into the home. In some areas they may simply crawl in from the outside.

Apartment buildings are worse, since once one unit gets infested, the insects can easily find their way into other units.

The best way to deal with a cockroach allergy is to get rid of the insects. Hire a professional pest control company, and if possible, stay out of the house for several days to minimize your exposure to the toxic chemicals used to exterminate cockroaches.

Airborne Allergies

admin — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 08:34:11 +0000

You have probably experienced the upper respiratory or skin symptoms of an allergic reaction at some point in your life. In fact, an estimated 1 in 3 people suffer from allergies. Sometimes, your allergies can be so frequent and draining that you require allergy shots to help you get through your day. Although everything from food to insect bites can stimulate an allergic reaction, one of the most common causes of allergies are airborne particles.

First, it is important to understand why allergies occur. Essentially, an allergic reaction is solely the result of your immune system’s overreaction to a common, non-harmful item. The immune system is “plastic,” or easily adaptable. As you encounter pathogens, your immune system develops antibodies to recognize and attack these invaders. Sometimes, though, these antibodies can be targeted to regular things in your environment, such as dust. Then, every time you encounter dust, your antibodies attack.

When your immune system believes it is under attack, it releases many chemicals such as histamine into your body. Normally, these chemicals help you fight a true invader. However, if your body is not actually under attack, the histamine can cause the painful, irritating symptoms of an allergic reaction. Common airborne particles that can be mistaken for invaders include:

-Dust mites -Animal dander -Mold spores -Pollen -Air pollution

As your immune system overreacts to one of these substances, you can suffer from a debilitating allergic reaction. Normally, airborne allergens affect your upper respiratory system as this is where you are first exposed to the particles. You can develop symptoms such as:

-Runny nose -Red, itchy eyes -Watery eyes -Congestion -Sneezing -Scratchy throat -Itchy nose

Allergies can make you feel miserable. If your symptoms are frequent and severe, you may want to take allergy shots in order to help reduce your immune system’s response to airborne allergens. However, it can be difficult and costly to seek this medical care every two to four weeks. Thankfully, though, you can find a health insurance plan that fits your needs. To find the right health insurance plan for your needs, contact a California health insurance agent from Catherine Michaels Insurance Services today.

Allergies No More

admin — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 19:57:53 +0000

We all suffer from allergies at one time or another. This usually happens more often with the onset of a seasonal change. For active people such as those going to school or those going to work, allergies such as hay fever can be a huge pain if not treated properly. Allergies tend to get very irritating especially in cases of stuffy or runny noses which you have to stop every minute to fix. All of these problems can be overcome by using an antihistamine drug such as the renowned Fexofenadine HCl.

When seasons change, they bring about a change in the weather. This is mainly those from cold to hotter weather or from hot to colder weather. These seasonal shifts induce many allergic reactions where hay fever is the most common. Other people suffer from allergies that are not seasonal related. This may include the “skin writing” allergy or various rashes that form as a result of an allergic reaction. Fexofenadine is an antihistamine drug that is highly recommended and often prescribed to allergy patients due to its incredible effectiveness.

Fexofenadine works as a histamine antagonist or as an antihistamine drug. It inhibits histamine from causing symptoms of many allergies such as a runny nose which usually originates from seasonal changes or in some people, pollen. It also helps to reduce local inflammations such as those from insect stings. The versatility of fexofenadine is such that it allows you to use it for almost any kind of allergy and still stays effective against all types of allergies.

Fexofenadine HCl is a prescription only drug which means you will have to see your local physician about the drug first before you can even think about taking a dose. This rule is for your protection only and helps to eliminate possible severe adverse reaction occurrences. Common adverse reactions include headaches, cold, flu, coughing, nausea, dry mouth, dizziness and fatigue. Reactions do vary from person to person and from age group to age group.

Whether you are just another seasonal sufferer or have an allergic condition that you cannot get a hold of, an antihistamine drug such as the highly acclaimed and highly prescribed fexofenadine HCl can help you overcome your problems with hay fever and other such allergies that plague your life.

Metal Allergy

admin — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 08:40:42 +0000

We live in a highly populated, polluted and industrialized world. It is quite true that while industrialization has brought about a great deal of by products and conditions that may not be as salutary or beneficial. The modern world is also quite a consumerist world, where one’s success if often determined and gauged by the abundance of things that they possess. But the human body is quite discerning and may bring up unexpected reactions to contact with or ingestion of certain external or foreign substances that do not go down so well with the human constitution. For instance, there are a lot of people who are allergic to certain kinds of food, including prawns and fish, nuts and egg. Some other people also have very pronounced metal allergy symptoms which show up in mild or severe forms the moment the person comes in contact with the particular metal that the person is sensitive towards or allergic to. This has become such a common phenomenon that one does not really get very perturbed on seeing the symptoms of such allergies.

Gold is one of the most alluring and attractive metals that is used widely in fashioning various kinds of jewelry. Since it glitters and is a repository of value, being scarce in supply, and hence is widely sought after around the world. But there are instances where gold is mixed or rather amalgamated with some portion of nickel, which creates a condition of metal allergy affliction. It is rather rare and quite unlikely that pure gold would cause any bodily reactions, rather it is the nickel part of the jewelry that is at fault in terms of the allergy. In fact it has been observed empirically that most of the allergic reactions that take place around the world are associated with nickel in some form or the other. It has also been seen that since most forms of jewelry are worn by women, the extent of allergic condition is prevalent more in the case of womenfolk, who warn various kinds of chains, bracelets, amulets or earrings that are metallic in nature.

Metal allergy causes certain rashes as well as itchiness and swollenness in the body which can cause real discomfort to individuals. These reactions can also be caused by consuming certain food types that are rich in nickel, which though it falls in the realm of food allergy, is actually caused by the metal content in the food. It has been seen that the amount of nickel that is present in legumes like wheat, as well as in team chocolate and also canned stuff is enough to cause mild to severe allergic reactions. In the mild form, the allergy may be manageable and may not require too much attention, except for total avoidance of such foods or contact with metallic jewelry that causes such reaction. On the other hand, if the metal allergy is acute and causes severe harm, it would need urgent medical attention that is imperative to save lives and prevent death.

When it comes to testing for metal allergy, doctors can place certain specific substances on the area which is infected with the rash, swelling or inflammation and then see the specific reaction that it has. Based on this, diagnosis is made and the allergy is suitably treated. In most cases some ointments and creams are applied to the infected area with the objective of bringing about a calming or soothing effect to the area and helping the healing process to get hastened. In most cases, once an allergy to a metal is discovered, one cannot do much apart from totally avoiding contact with the metal as well as ingestion of foods that contain traces of the metal in natural form.

Allergies Must Go

admin — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 15:38:20 +0000

You get the effects of allergies when your system over-reacts to certain substances found within the environment that are usually harmless. The miserable feeling that they cause is still with you as long as the condition exist.

When a person breathes in these substances called allergens, your body releases chemicals and histamines to counteract them. Often this will cause itching, swelling, runny nose and in cases that are more serious even hives or a rash. Different things may occur from person to person.

There are many allergens in the air that may come in contact with people’s eyes, or they can also be inhaled. The results often affect the skin, eyes, and your breathing. Many get allergy reactions from indoor or outdoor particles. Mold spores are a common carrier both indoors or outdoors, they can be located anywhere damp conditions occur. The outdoor molds are in the ground; compose piles or any damp vegetation area such as wet leaves or grasses.

The allergies from animals normally come from the dander that animals shed. Some people also react to other things from animals if touched.

Dust particles are carriers of many tiny particles such as pollen, mold, fibers and even insect mites. Dust mites seem to found in higher concentrations within bedding, mattresses and your box springs. Washing bedding often in hot water, vacuum mattress and box springs can reduce the effects of these mites.

There are several other allergy-producing items within our environment that can cause people various reactions. Just to name a few of them such as smoke, powders, fumes, trees, grass, and detergents for example can create the condition you least desire.

If common sense controls you have tried do not seem to solve your condition, then you should consult a doctor for further testing. Testing can be done to determine just which things are causing your reactions. Simple skin test is the most common method. Several different allergens are exposed to the skin and the reactions are noted. In some cases, blood testing may be required.

Many items can be easily treated and controlled. There are many different over the counter medications to help control the problems caused by allergies. The cases that are more severe may require injections under the directions of your doctor.

Feline Allergies

admin — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 17:16:07 +0000

A cat’s food allergy is a difficult thing to assess. Once it has been determined that a food allergy is the problem, the diet of the cat needs to be examined. Cats can be irritated by sarcoptic mange (scabies), fleas, and inhalation allergies (seasonal pollens for example) but a food allergy has been cited as one of the itchiest afflictions for a cat. Store-bought cat food tends to be seriously processed. Food colorings and a general lower quality of ingredients can play into this. A recent diet change can be also be the culprit. Most interesting however, is the fact that the determination of a food allergy can only really take place if all fleas are eradicated from the pet. A flea bite can at times produce a similar allergic reaction that of a food allergy.

There are several other factors that need to be discerned before a food allergy can be the “arrived upon” diagnosis. Cats will display their discomfort through unkempt hair, continual scratching of infected, crusty skin and possibly even recurring ear infections. Food allergies produce similar results to sarcoptic mange, and flea reactions, but they are a form of atopy. Atopy is characterized by irritation to areas of the body that hasn’t been in direct contact with the allergen. This is why it is very important to determine if the atopy is food related or inhalation related. Pollens, dust, and dust mites can all provide atopic dermatitis similar to that of a food allergy.

After eliminating the other potential irritants, the diet cat’s can now be adjusted. The next step is a hypoallergenic food trial. This is a four to eight week period of time where foods are fed to the cat in order to determine which produces the allergic reaction. During this period of time, if a food doesn’t bring about an adverse reaction, it is a good idea to adopt that food to the pet’s regular diet. Some suggest home cooking as a solution. The test diet can have home-cooked servings of chicken, fish and even tofu added as part of the attempt to determine the food allergy of a cat. There are also specialized foods available for purchase that help a cat owner determine food allergies. A cursory search of the Internet shows that there are specialized cat foods available in order to “mix-up” your cat’s diet and determine what works and what doesn’t work. Common meat products such as herring, turkey and chicken are available.

Sometimes a longer diet trial is needed. The ideas of a continuing inhalant allergy or a fresh round of scabies still being the culprit are things to consider. Furthermore, one has to be completely sure that the food that they are feeding to the cat is the only food that the cat is taking in. A cat’s food allergy is hard to determine, but with patience, and proper trial and error, it can be determined and your pet can be healthy in a relatively short amount of time.

Bird Allergies – 5 Facts About Bird Allergies

admin — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 22:47:21 +0000

With over 6 million pet lovers opening their homes to birds for a total of approximately 16 million birds, and considering over 50 million people in the U.S. alone suffer with allergies, it’s not surprising that pet birds and allergies find themselves on a collision course. Here are some interesting facts about bird allergies that may help you or another bird lover who suffers from allergies.

It’s not the dander it’s what’s in it.—-Many believe that it is the dander, dust, and feathers that trigger allergic symptoms. The fact of the matter is that it is the protein in these particles that is the true allergen. Breathing these fine particles over a prolonged period of time can cause symptoms that range from mild to life threatening in severity.

Dried fecal material is bad news.—–Cleaning the cage daily reduces the amount of dried fecal particles that can be sent airborne due to daily activity by the bird and humans. It contains the same allergen that dander, and bird dust contain, all of which can carry viruses and bacteria airborne.

Most of these viruses have potential to affect birds more than humans, but there are diseases such as psittacosis that affect humans as well. Thorough and regularly cleaning seems a small price to maintain the health of both birds and humans.

Symptoms can change.—–There are some people who have been exposed to birds all their lives without problems. Then suddenly without warning they exhibit very definite signs of being allergic when in close contact with the bird. This is not totally unheard of, and should this happen, great care should be taken to avoid more serious health problems.

Wheezing can be a serious problem particularly if asthma is an existing condition. Shortness of breath and/or a constriction of the throat are all serious symptoms and medical attention should be sought immediately.

Normal development equals dander.—-As long as you have your bird, there will be dander, dust, feathers, and fecal material. These are all a natural part of your bird’s growth and development. So if your condition is so severe that you are unable to be around the bird, unless you undergo allergy shots to reduce your sensitivity to the allergen, you will need to limit your time with the bird.

These things can help reduce allergens.—One of the best ways to reduce the allergens that birds create is to filter the air. Try using a HEPA or high efficiency particle arresting vacuum that filters the air before sending it back into the room.

The same type of technology is available in air purifiers. By definition a cleaner that uses HEPA technology must be able to remove 99.97% of airborne allergens that are.3 microns or greater. This type of filter can easily remove bird dander, dust, dried fecal material and feathers from your air 24 hours a day in a cost effective way.

Food Allergies, Intolerance and Adverse Reactions Associated With Specific Pollens

admin — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 14:07:48 +0000

If you are allergic to a pollen you may be allergic or react to certain foods such as apples, celery, nuts, melons or bananas. Numerous studies have confirmed the reports of people who have pollen allergies reacting to certain foods. The most well described and studied of the food-pollen syndromes is the oral allergy syndrome (OAS) or as it is also called “the burning mouth syndrome” because of the typical reaction noted by affected people. After eating a food that cross reacts with a pollen to which you are allergic, burning or tingling sensations begin in your mouth. Itching, pain, swelling and difficulty swallowing or breathing may occur. True anaphylaxis resulting in total body collapse from shock and death if not reversed has rarely been reported.

Typical pollen allergy symptoms such as runny nose and congestion, itchy watery eyes, and wheezing are also commonly reported. Other symptoms described include nausea, stomachaches, headaches, diarrhea and chest or throat tightness. Very few people are aware of these associations. Most doctors, except a few allergists and gastroenterologists, do not explore patients allergy history in the context of possible food reactions. Educating people about these types of conditions is one of the primary goals of “the food doc”, Dr. Scot Lewey, a practicing gastroenterologist (stomach-intestine specialist).

Ragweed pollen has been shown to be associated with these type of reactions after people eat bananas and fruits in the gourd family such as watermelon, honeydew, and cantaloupe. Pollen from Mugwort, another weed also known as Sagebrush, in the Artemisia family, has been associated with allergic reactions to celery, carrots, fruits in the Rosaceae family (apples, cherries, peaches) and those in the Gourd family (melons). Pistachio, persimmon, peanuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, lettuce, camomile tea, and honey have also been reported to cause reactions in some people who are Mugwort pollen allergic.

Birch tree pollen is associated with numerous food cross reactions including celery. Cross-reactivity between celery and Birch pollen occurs more in central Europe whereas in Southern Europe celery and Mugwort reactions are more common. A Mugwort-Birch-Celery-Spice syndrome has also been described. People allergic to both Birch tree and Mugwort weed pollen may react to spices like pepper and paprika in addition to celery, carrot, and mango. Birch pollen is strongly associated with food reactions to Rosaceae family fruits (apples, apricots, peaches, pears, cherries), tree nuts (walnut, hazelnut, Brazil nut), legumes (peanut, various beans and peas), members of the Parsnip family (parsnip, parsley, anise, cumin, caraway, coriander) and the potato-nightshades (potato, tomato, peppers).

House dust mite, a serious allergen for many people, cross reacts with mangos, shellfish, bananas, melons, tomato, avocado, papaya, pineapple, peaches, Kiwi fruit and various spices. Kiwi, an unusual fruit in a class by itself, may elicit a reaction in people allergic to Birch trees, Mugwort weed pollen, and latex. The Latex-Fruit Allergy Syndrome is characterized by allergy to foods in the Rosaceae family including almond (classified as a fruit not a nut) and plums, as well as other fruits such as passion fruit, papaya, pineapple, mango, melons, and bananas. It is also associated with reactions to spices such as dill, ginger, and oregano and the nightshades, potato and tomato and chestnuts.

A few articles in scientific literature have reported associations of specific HLA gene patterns to pollen allergy and fewer still have noted HLA DR and DQ gene pattern associations with food-pollen cross-reaction syndromes. HLA DQ genetics are well known in celiac disease. There is also limited published data associating certain DQ patterns with microscopic colitis, collagenous colitis and non-celiac gluten sensitivity. HLA typing may be clinically useful in evaluation and elimination diet recommendations for suspected food allergic, intolerant or sensitive individuals. This type of information will be one of the goals of thefooddoc.com website. A table that lists the common pollens and foods that have been reported to cross-react with those pollens will be posted on the site very soon.

Though extensive research has been done and many of the protein structures contributing to these cross-reactions is known, little is known about these reactions by most of the lay public and many doctors. Seasonal pollen allergies may be associated with more severe reactions. Those with documented cross-reactions or prior OAS reactions may be at increased risk and certain HLA gene or DQ patterns may be associated. People with known or suspected pollen allergies should be aware of these possible food reactions. If you would like further help sorting out if you are intolerant or allergic to certain foods please visit http://www.thefooddoc.com in the near future to undergo a free online assessment and sign up for the online diet symptom diary, updates, and access the free educational content.

Allergies Type 1

admin — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 02:23:45 +0000

Allergies Type 1 is also called contact allergy. It is is when food, mold, animal dander, pollen, or dust can cause an immediate allergy attack. Whey your body responds to the invasion, your body releases histamine from the irritated area such as the skin, nasal and bronchial areas.

A person with Allergies Type 1 is burdened with an overprotective immune system and is forever on guard against everyday things that don’t bother the rest of us. It might be a cute puppy, a patch of green grass, to something as simple as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

The hypersensitivity allergic reaction to type 1 allergies can vary fjrom mild irritation to sudden death from anaphylactic shock. Any sympton that causes swelling of the toungh or difficulity in breathing requires imeadate treatment by a physicial.

Mild cases of Allergies Type 1 can be treated with common products such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Pantothenic Acid, Glucosamine, Antioxidants, Allergy Aid, and Quercitin.

Vitamin A is a known antioxidant and can assist the human body in the healing process. Vitamin A is stored in the liver and fat cells of the human body and can reach toxic levels. DO NOT take more than the recommended dosage of Vitamin A.

Up to one-third of older people can no longer absorb Vitamin B from their food. Vitamin B is needed to form red blood cells and keep nerves healthy.

Vitamin C is nature’s protective nutrient, essential for defending the body against pollution and infection and enhances the bodies 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.

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

Many find Pantothenic Acid to be very helpful against allergy symptoms. It is another form of nontoxic B vitamins. Pantothenic Acid is critical in the metabolism and synthesis of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

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

Substances called antioxidants can neutralize free radical by pairing up or binding with the free radical elections thus inhibiting them from damaging cells in the human body.

Allergy Aid supplies 9 beneficial Herb’s to help provide temporary relief of respiratory allergies. The natural action of these specific Herb’s help to open bronchial tubes and ease breathing.

Quercitin is a well known flavonoid. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants and can reduce inflammation boost the immune system and strengthen blood vessels and improve circulation. Quercitin is also known for its ability to block the release of histamines, thus reducing or preventing allergy symptoms.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

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

Allergy Attack

admin — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 10:59:03 +0000

The last thing that you want to have happen when you are out enjoying company with friends is to have an allergy attack. If you are anything like me, taking allergy pills can make you drowsy and tired. Instead, when you are shopping around for allergy pills to take, try to look for ones that advertise non-drowsy formulas on the box. Also, it helps to be aware of the fact that in some situations, even though the box may indicate that the allergy pills are non-drowsy, it may still make you feel tired and/or lethargic.

Most people experience problems with their allergies during the beginning of the spring around the month of March or during the autumn around late September. The reason for this is due to the fact that these are two different times of year when there are different plants, trees and flowers that are beginning to bloom. For many people, allergies are worse during the spring time because this is when all of the pollen is being released into the air. If you live in states such as North Carolina, it may come as a shock to wake up one morning and see your vehicle caked in yellow from all of the pollen in the air. Can you imagine? You are actually breathing that into your lungs! It’s no wonder that people have a hard time breathing or find themselves sneezing uncontrollably. That being said, what can be done about it short of taking drugs all of the time?

For starters, if you struggle with allergies, the first step that you can take is to make sure that your living environment is as clean as you can muster. This means making sure that your carpets are vacuumed at least several times a week, that your bed linens are washed in hot water at least once a week and that you make sure to wash your hair in the evenings prior to going to bed. The reason for taking a shower and washing your hair at bedtime is because this rids your body of any allergens that may have been in the air. If you were outside all day or over at a friend’s house where they might have had a dog or cat or tons of dust, a lot of that actually gets trapped in your hair, which then gets transported to your bed onto your pillow as you toss and turn at night.

If you can help it, get rid of carpeting in your home and opt instead for hardwood floors as these do not attract dust and allergens as do carpets. If you have pets, make sure that you wear a mask and regularly brush them out several times a week (make sure you do this outside). If you do plan on going somewhere or running errands, pay attention to the time of day and do what you have to do in the early morning before traffic becomes heavy or in the later evening (when things have had a chance to settle down). On really high pollen days, opt to work out indoors at the gym versus at the park. Taking precautions such as these can greatly reduce your symptoms during the allergy season.