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.
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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.
To clearly explain what the cause of allergy is to you, let me start with this one of the numerous examples of allergic reactions. A household animal, dog, was brought into a house. After three month the dog was brought in, mum begins to experience itchy nose and throat and episodes of sneezing. One of the children in the house also develops chest tightness and coughing, especially when the dog is in her bedroom. The rest of the household (dad and the rest of the children) have no reaction (allergy symptoms) to the presence of the dog irrespective of the degree of contact they have with the dog.
What happened was that, mum and one of the children in the house (in which dog was brought) were allergic or developed allergy toward a foreign substance on or in the dog. Thus, the manifestation of the allergy symptoms in the mum and one of the children. But dad and the rest of the children are not allergic or did not develop allergy to the presence of the dog. Foreign substances (such as that from the dog) are called antigen. Antigens are substances capable of triggering or causing production of antibodies.
The antibodies are produced from immune system. Immune system is a body’s organised defense system against foreign invaders (antigens), especially infectious agents. Antigens may lead or may not lead to an allergic reaction and the consequent allergy symptoms. Any antigen that causes allergy symptoms (or allergic reactions) is referred to as allergen. The function of immune system in our body is to mobilize its defensive components to the site of invasion or infection in order to destroy the intruders, the foreign substance (antigen or allergen if it causes allergy or allergy symptoms). The immune system destroys antigens or allergens in two ways. When the immune system components have contact with the antigens or allergens, they respond by producing antibodies or immunoglobulins (Ig) – the first way. There are five types of these antibodies – IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD, and IgE.
The function of the antibodies in the destruction of the invaders is to attach themselves to the surface of the foreign substances and thereby make the foreign substance easier for the immune cells to destroy- the second way immune system functions to destroy invaders. The function of the immune system described above is a normal process in everybody. In a person that is not allergic to an antigen, the antibodies are produced in normal quantities to successfully fight the foreign substance and there is no any development of any allergy symptoms. However in allergic person, IgE is produced in excessive amount in response to the same antigen and this result to the development of allergy symptoms. Not that the foreign substance or the antigen or the allergen will generally cause allergy in the human body, not that the substance is harmful by itself, it is just that in some people, in the process of immune systems getting rid of the antigens, there is overproduction of IgE antibody. Such people are said to be allergic to the substance. Overproduction of the IgE is called hypersensitivity.
A person who is allergic to an antigen or allergen doesn’t start manifesting allergy symptoms or allergic reaction immediately he or she is exposed to the allergens for the first time. It takes times, months to years, before one starts showing the manifestation of the allergy symptoms. The period between the first exposure to the allergen and the manifestation of the allergy symptoms is called sensitisation period. During the sensitisation period IgE is being overproduced. Also during this period, as the IgE is produced, the IgE will be coating certain explosive cells that contain degrading chemicals. After the sensitisation period, another exposure to the allergen (such as dog dander or allergen cited above) leads to reaction of the allergen with the immune cells already coated or sensitised with IgE. This results into the cells releasing the various chemicals they contain, such as histamine. These chemicals, in turn, cause inflammation and the typical allergy symptoms. This is how the immune system becomes exaggerated and move to cause an allergic reaction when stimulated by an allergen in individuals which are allergic to the allergen.
Pollen allergies develop in humans due to the natural reproduction for plants which is done through pollination with the help of the wind. Often, pollen allergies are referred to as ‘hay fever’ because people noticeably suffer from them during haying season, but a pollen allergy can happen in spring, summer or fall because various plants pollinate at different times of the year. Symptoms can vary depending on general climate and how severe the reaction is to different types of pollen. Pollen allergies can be difficult to identify because the symptoms are very similar to other types of allergy symptoms like those that are noted with pet dander and mold.
Generally, the symptoms of pollen allergies include itchy eyes and skin, a stuffy nose with the possibility of nosebleeds. Sometimes this leads to trouble breathing. Often headaches are included in the list of symptoms, as are sore throat and dark circles under the eyes. Symptoms can also include coughing and wheezing as well as asthma attacks. Increased congestion is a frequent symptom, along with sneezing and runny nose. Feeling tired and weak or drowsy is one of the more common symptoms. However, sometimes food allergies are mistaken for pollen allergies.
Some of the differences include rashes and hives in food allergies in addition to itchy skin, or not just sneezing, but watery eyes and an itchy throat at the same time. Food allergies can also cause nausea, burping, vomiting or diarrhea, where usually pollen allergies do not. Sometimes food allergies increase allergic asthmatic reactions to dust and mold and make them worse without the symptoms being obvious right after eating the food.
Pollen allergies are the main allergies in the United States, especially during the seasonal allergy months, which are spring and summer. Wintertime is usually less of a problem for allergy sufferers, but there are still some plants that release pollen in the middle of winter. Because the symptoms often mimic other types of allergies, it is a good idea to visit a doctor to determine exactly what kind of allergy you are suffering from so that you can get proper treatment. Though you may want to, you really can’t diagnose yourself, and may try to treat one allergy with the remedy for another, which usually doesn’t work. All in all, pollen allergies are suffered by many people, and there are various effective treatments to help, but you should visit an allergy specialist to be evaluated and properly treated for the specific type of allergy you may have.
Are you allergic to your pet? Studies show that approximately 15% of us are allergic to dogs or cats. In fact, there’s an estimated 1/3 of Americans who live with a pet that we are allergic to. So strong is the bond to our furry family members that we’d rather suffer than be without them.
So what can we do to ease our suffering and keep our pet’s companionship? There are several steps we can take to reduce these allergy symptoms if you’re willing to do them. One is to use a HEPA air filtration system in your home. This can run into some money but worth it if you truly suffer from allergies.
Cleaning your home frequently to remove dust and dander helps reduce the allergens. Having tile or wood floors helps in not holding onto dust and dander like carpet does. Cleaning goes for our pets’ things as well including their pet beds, dog carriers, cat carriers, any bolsters in dog crates, their toys if they are washable, etc.
Using a “microfilter” bag in your vacuum cleaner so you actually catch the dust and dander when you vacuum helps.
So now the house, pet items and fixtures are clean, but what about bathing your pet weekly. Not as easy if you have a cat but even cats can get used to being bathed if you start early. Bathing your pet weekly can reduce the level of allergens in their fur by as much as 84%. Allergens are present in their fur because the glands in their skin secrete tiny allergy-triggering proteins, called allergens. These are present in their fur, saliva, urine and also float in the air. People vary in their level of reaction to these allergens.
Creating a place in your home where your pets aren’t allowed entry is another thing you can do to help reduce your pet allergy symptoms. Your bedroom is a good choice as there are impermeable mattress covers available to reduce allergies even further.
For the true sufferers of animal allergies who are unwilling to give up their pet, you can go to an allergist and get shots. These immunotherapy shots work by desensitizing your immune system to the pet allergens. This is a gradual process.
If you don’t have a pet and are considering getting one, be sure you know if you’re allergic first. If you are and are willing to do what it takes to keep your pet, more power to you. However, if you are allergic and unsure about living with the difficulties that may bring, it’s best not to get one.