Healthy Tips For Better Live » Food Allergies

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.

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.

Dog Allergies

admin — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 22:32:48 +0000

Humans aren’t the only ones who can suffer from allergies. Allergies affect many different mammals, including dogs. Dogs have long suffered from allergies that come from many different sources. Only recently have people started doing things to help man’s best friend deal with the ravages of dog allergies.

As in humans, most dog allergies are reactions to ingredients in their food. Less care is put into a typical dog food preparation than human food so many different types of fillers, fiber and protein make it into the finished dog food. While most dogs do not suffer from allergies to the food, some do and it can be just as difficult for them to deal with these allergies as it is for humans to deal with their food allergies. Another cause of dog allergies are dust mites. Dust mites are common causes of allergies in humans. Dust allergies cause the same difficult reactions that are common in humans. This is why it’s important to keep your dog’s living area dust free. Reducing the dust level by frequent dusting and cleaning is essential.

Treating dog allergies is important if you care for your dog. As in humans, allergies are uncomfortable and can make life less enjoyable. The same holds true for dogs. For example, to take care of food allergies, make sure that quality dog food is used. Observe your dog after eating. If he is showing signs of allergies then it’s recommended to try a different type of food and see if your dog’s allergy problems are reduced. Dog allergies can make life difficult for your pet. You have the power to help him overcome his negative health issues.

Pollen Allergies

admin — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 23:55:03 +0000

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.

Second Hand Smoke Affects your Pets

admin — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:17:42 +0000

The life you save may be your pet’s!

There’s always been lots of information about second hand smoke and people but did you know there is considerable research proving secondhand smoke is harmful for pets too?

Think about this everytime you light up in your house with Fido on your lap, or when you’re taking Spot to his favorite park.

The American Lung Association of New Hampshire provides some stunning facts on why you should consider your pets when you smoke around them.

DOGS

• Dogs that inhale secondhand smoke are three times more likely to develop lung or nasal cancer than dogs living in smoke-free homes.

• Dogs can experience allergic reactions to secondhand smoke. Common symptoms of this allergic reaction are the scratching, biting, and chewing of their skin. Owners often confuse this reaction with fleas or food allergies.

• Cigarette butts can also be deadly. Two butts, if eaten by a puppy, can cause death in a relatively short period of time.

BIRDS

• Birds can react badly to secondhand smoke and may develop eye problems, as well as other respiratory problems like coughing and wheezing.

• Birds that sit on a smoker’s hand can experience contact dermatitis from the nicotine that remains on the smoker’s hand. This can cause them to pull out their feathers.

CATS

• Cats exposed to secondhand smoke in the home have a higher rate of an oral cancer called squamous cell carcinoma, which may be due to the way cats groom themselves. When cats groom themselves they eat the poisons from secondhand smoke that have settled on their fur.

• Cats exposed to secondhand smoke have a higher rate of feline lymphoma, a deadly form of cancer, than cats not exposed to secondhand smoke.

• Cats can develop respiratory problems, lung inflammation, and asthma as a result of secondhand smoke. There are 4,000 chemicals in secondhand smoke, and 43 are known to cause cancer.

Other dangerous issues can occur……

By ingestion of cigarette or cigar butts which contain toxins. Death- From 1-5 cigarettes and from 1/3-1 cigar can be fatal if ingested.

By drinking water that contains cigar or cigarette butts (which can have high concentrations of nicotine)

By ingestion of nicotine replacement gum and patches.

Think again of the health effects:

Breathing problems in dogs and asthmatic-like symptoms in cats

Salivation

Diarrhea

Vomiting

Cardiac abnormalities

Respiratory difficulties and respiratory paralysis

Feline lymphoma in cats

Lung cancer in dogs

Nasal cancer in dogs

Prevention:

As in the case of children and others in the home, don’t smoke.

If you must smoke take it outside- Don’t expose others to your smoke

Don’t allow others to smoke around your pets.

Keep ashtrays clean- Don’t leave butts in them for pets to find.

Dispose of nicotine gum and patches in receptacles that can’t be accessed by pets.

Consider quitting- The health effects of your smoking on pets is just one more good reason to quit.

If you can’t or won’t quit, consider a safer alternative……electric cigarettes. Products like Green Smoke are devices shaped like a cigarette but they contain a battery, water and nicotine. You’ll still get your nicotine fix but you and the people and pets around you won’t be inhaling the 4000 toxic chemicals that cause major health issues every day.

Candida Cleanse – a Powerful Way to Improve Your Health

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:57:50 +0000

Before performing a Candida cleanse, consider this; most cases of Candida infection are caused by the person’s own Candida organisms. Candida yeasts usually live in the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, and vagina without causing symptoms. Problems occur when something upsets the balance of bacteria in the body and allows the yeast organism to reproduce and become overgrown in these sites, leaving the body unable to perform it’s natural detox process.

To appropriately restore the bodies natural ability to cleanse and detoxify itself there should first be an understanding of the risks of the overproduction of yeasts, what causes the overproduction of these bacteria’s, and how a Candida cleanse can restore the natural detox ability of your body.

How Does the Overproduction of Yeast Effect My Health?

One of the most known forms of yeast is the vaginal yeast infection. However, the over production of yeast can play a role in just about any mental health condition or chronic illness you can think of.

Yeast overgrowth interferes with the bodies natural detox process and is considered to be a leading contributor in alcoholism, irritable bowel syndrome, multiple chemical sensitivities, crohns, autism, chronic fatigue syndrome, leaky gut syndrome, pms, endometriosis, fibromyalgia syndrome, prostatitis, attention deficit disorder, multiple sclerosis, asthma, food allergies, muscle and joint pain, clinical depression, anxiety disorders, asthma, repeated urinary tract infections, hormonal imbalances, migraines, digestive disturbances, difficult menopause, psoriasis, lupus, chronic pain, rheumatoid arthritis, Addison’s disease and many others.

Preventing The Over Production of Yeast in Your Body

A Candida cleanse can help bring the body back into it’s natural balance restoring the ability to cleanse and detoxify itself but first, let’s take a look at the contributing factors that cause this over production of yeasts in the first place and the ways that you can help prevent this over production of yeast, restoring your body’s ability to perform it’s natural detox process.

There are a variety of causes of Candida, but the two leading contributors are a diet high in sugar and refined foods and the overuse of antibiotics.

First and foremost you want to refrain from taking antibiotics unless it is absolutely necessary. Try to find other healthy alternatives such as whole body cleansing to detoxify your body and clear infections first. Of course there may be times when it can’t be avoided and antibiotics are needed to clear infections.

If you must take an antibiotic for some reason, consider taking an acidophilus supplement during the course of the treatment. This will help keep healthy bacteria present in your body.

The second most important factor in reducing Candida symptoms is to follow a Candida diet. A diet high in sugar is optimal for the overproduction of yeast. It’s crucial to eliminate sugars and refined foods to reduce overgrowth.

Most people with Candida infections are also suffering from nutritional deficiencies. A crucial step in restoring your body’s natural ability to cleanse itself of the excessive yeast growth is correcting these nutritional deficiencies.

How to Choose a Candida Cleanse

A natural approach to a Candida cleanse is the most powerful way to relieve symptoms and improve your health.

Many people find a good colon cleanse to be helpful in eradicating or reducing their symptoms. Although good colon health is crucial for reducing yeast overgrowth, Candidas effects many parts of the body and all of the effected areas need to be addressed to assure an efficient Candida cleanse.

So in your search to restore your body’s optimal performance, look for a natural detox system, that performs a whole body cleansing and provides your body with the proper nutritional diet that will help cleanse your body now and prevent reoccurring infections in the future.

Natural Supplements for High blood pressure

admin — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 20:15:11 +0000

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is determined by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the resistance the blood encounters as it is pumped through the arteries. Blood pressure is represented as the systolic pressure (when the heart is contracting) over the diastolic pressure (the pause before the next beat).

High blood pressure is not actually a disease but is an indicator of increased risk of stroke, heart failure, heart attack and kidney failure. It is also associated with coronary heart disease, arteriosclerosis, kidney problems, obesity, diabetes, food allergies and endocrine gland problems which cause hormone imbalances.

There are some lifestyle and dietary changes you can make, starting immediately:

• Drink approximately eight glasses of water per day.

• Quit smoking and avoid caffeinated drinks.

• Consume a high fibre, low fat diet with plenty of vegetables.

• Avoid sugar, refined flour, fried foods and margarine.

• Reduce your intake of red meat.

• Stress management can also have a dramatic affect and is being used by a number of medical practitioners.

• Health Supplements for High Blood Pressure Alternative Treatment

• Natural health supplements for helping high blood pressure should include:

• Plant derived colloidal minerals – which contain a highly absorbable form of calcium and other minerals and

• Calcium and magnesium supplements can work well – make sure you buy something high quality because these two minerals are in fact very hard for the body to absorb

• Essential fatty acids as fish oil may reduce the ‘stickiness’ of the blood and help by reducing levels of ‘bad cholesterol’.

• A good multivitamin complex is useful as a high blood pressure alternative treatment and should contain Coenzyme Q-10, antioxidant vitamins A, C & E and the herb Hawthorne Berry. These provide nutritional support for the cardiovascular system

High blood pressure can be controlled with prescribed drugs, however due to side effects associated these drugs, a number of people have started opting for natural cures for high blood pressure.

The main causes of high blood pressure are diet, hardening of the arteries, high cholesterol, diabetes and other factors including genetics and the environment. Once you have it what can you do to help your heart to pump your blood more efficiently and to get your blood pressure down. What we want is to find a natural cure for high blood pressure.

Exercise is an important factor in high blood pressure reduction and prevention. Compared to 20 years ago the lives we lead now are much more sedentary and so the need to exercise in order to ensure weight is controlled and we have a healthy cardiovascular system is more important than it previously was.

There are several herbs and dietary supplements that can be effective in lowering your blood pressure. Garlic, fish oil, and Coenzyme Q10 are just a few. Do your homework. Study these supplements to find the most effective and best one for you. Make sure to look for any information on interactions that natural supplements may have with any other medicines you may be taking. Look for a holistic practitioner in your area and ask what they recommend for your blood pressure.

Can Peanuts Cause Acid Reflux Symptoms?

admin — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 14:54:16 +0000

Some with acid reflux related pain and problems can follow what they are told to do by their doctor only to find that they are not getting the relief they think they should be getting. In some cases, they may do everything to the letter and find that their pain is getting worse. When this happens, it pays to go back and figure out if something in their diet or lifestyle that is causing the problems to remain or get worse. It’s possible to have missed a simple trigger that is causing the flare up. What about peanuts? Can peanuts cause acid reflux problems? Well, they are a problem for some, and it can happen in two different ways.

Peanuts are a dry food as well as a high fat food, both of which can encourage acid reflux. There is also some suggestion that peanuts can relax the esophageal muscle that separates the stomach from the esophagus. When this muscle relaxes it means it’s unable to close fully and acid can leak out from the stomach and splash back up into the esophagus.

The other reason why peanuts might be a problem is far less obvious. This has a lot to do with food allergies. Though someone with a peanut allergy knows they can not have them in any way, those who have food sensitivities often have no idea what they sensitive to at first. They may be sensitive to peanuts but have no idea, and this could be leading to intense problems with acid reflux and the related symptoms. Peanuts are a common food that many are sensitive to, and this extends to other foods that are closely related to them.

The problem with being sensitive to peanuts is they are a common ingredient in many foods, and probably more common than most people think. If you ask someone who has a peanut allergy, they can give you a long list of things and even places that they must avoid to stay well. Being sensitive to peanuts and not being aware of it may result in GERD treatments not working, which can be very frustrating if you are following all the other recommendations from your doctor.

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Removing peanuts is an easy solution for this, but it can be hard to do for some people. Peanuts show up in the oddest places, and even in minute traces where foods are manufactured. However, now that peanut allergies are taken more seriously, most foods will have a warning if there is peanut in the product or if there is a chance there may be trace amounts from preparation.

Try keeping a food diary and reading labels on all food products that you have to see if your symptoms coincide with eating food containing peanuts or peanut traces.

If you show sensitivity to peanuts try to remove them from your diet. If these can be removed from the diet, someone asking can peanuts cause acid reflux may have just found their answer. If feeling better, it is best to avoid them and to speak to your doctor about possible sensitivities to peanuts and like foods.

How Do You Determine If You Have An Allergy?

admin — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 21:08:40 +0000

Generally, allergy is a word that describes as reaction of body tissues in certain individuals, which is uncommon in substance and has no noticeable or characteristic result on other people. Studies have shown that out of every one hundred Americans seventeen of them are indeed hypersensitive to some substances that are known to cause uncommon reactions, in other words they are allergic to common sources of allergens. These allergens may range widely from varies sources of irritants. For instance, some individuals show signs of allergies when introduced to certain annoyances such as dust and pet dander as well as insect venom, mold spores and pollens. Others may show signs of allergies when exposed to flowers and yet other individuals may show signs of being allergic to certain soaps.

Common Allergies:

1. Anaphylaxis – generated by food, insect stings or drugs

2. Contact Allergies – activated by skin-affecting allergens

3. Food Allergies – provoked by certain types of food

4. Insect Sting Allergies – produced by insect venom

5. Respiratory Allergies – prompted by airborne allergens

In view of the fact that all individuals may display reactions unique to their own bodily system, allergic reactions may vary widely as well as show signs to all or some of the reactions listed below. Always seek advice from your physician if any allergic reaction becomes severe or persistent. Here you will find symptoms, which are associated with common allergy types, these symptoms may range from mild to very severe.

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a potentially fatal allergic reaction that has sudden and severe affects on varies areas of the body. This allergic reaction is most commonly found resulting from food or drug allergies as well as from insect stings. Anaphylaxis requires urgent medical attention. Anaphylaxis is generally noticeable very soon after the exposure of the affecting allergens, and can very well bring on a life endangering shock. As well, other signs of Anaphylaxis are distress of the respiratory system, swelling in certain areas of the body or the total body and an extreme itching over the total body.

Anaphylactic symptoms include:

1. Abnormal heartbeat

2. Tightening sensation of the chest

3. Difficulty in swallowing and breathing

4. Swelling of the throat, mouth and tongue

5. Flushing of the skin

6. Tingling or itching throughout the body

7. Agitation, anxiety or distress

8. Confusion or disorientation

9. Dizziness or lightheadedness

10. Fainting or nausea

11. Stomach upsets such as abdominal cramps, vomiting or diarrhea

Since some severe cases of anaphylactic shock, can occur and can prove to be life threatening it is best to get proper medical treatment immediately. As a sudden drop in blood pressure, which results from the dilation of blood vessels may also cause the loss of consciousness and the swelling of the body’s bronchial tissues can cause choking before the loss of consciousness.

Contact Allergies

The symptoms of contact allergies normally occur within a few moments of exposure to the allergen; however, it is possible for reactions to the allergens to show up several hours after exposure. There are many common allergens such as poison oak and poison ivy as well as medications, latex, dyes, fragrances or perfumes and cosmetics, preservatives and nickel, rubber and hair dyes. Nickel is a frequently used metal in jewelry, hairpins, buttons and zippers as well as snaps and metal clips and is frequently associated with allergies. Some individuals may also display signs of being allergic to the exposure of the sun.

Mild Symptoms:

1. Eczema

2. Hives

3. Redness or swelling of the skin

4. Itchy or a bumpy rash

5. Skin bumps that are filled with fluid

Severe Symptoms:

1. Anaphylaxis

Food Allergies

Certain types of food, which normally occurs within a few minutes, generally bring on a food allergy symptom. As well as showing, up several hours after the food consumption. Although it is possible for food allergies to involve many areas of the body, it is usually seen around the areas of the mouth and lips as well as the digestive tract. Foods that are commonly known to cause allergic reactions are milk, nuts, eggs, wheat and soy as well as shellfish and fish products.

Mild Symptoms:

1. Tightness of the throat

2. Difficulty in swallowing or speaking

3. Itching, swelling or tingling in the areas of the mouth, throat, tongue and lips

4. Wheezing

5. Sneezing

6. Coughing or congestion

7. Rashes of the skin

8. Itchy, stuffy or runny nose

9. Nausea

10. Abdominal cramping and indigestion

11. Diarrhea and vomiting

Severe Symptoms:

1. Difficulty in breathing

2. Sudden increase of heart rate

3. Sudden hoarseness or inability to speak

4. Extreme facial swelling

5. Sudden outbreak of facial itching

6. Dizziness and fainting

7. Sudden and profuse sweating

8. Anaphylaxis

Insect Sting Allergies

Although it is possible to develop symptoms of allergies to insect stings can occur several hours after exposure, most symptoms of allergies from insect stings normally happen just a few moments after being stung. Allergic reactions from insect venom can come from such insects as bees, hornets and wasps as well as yellow jackets and fire ants.

Mild Symptoms:

1. Swelling of the tongue

2. Tightness of the chest

3. Difficulty in breathing

4. Fever

5. Nausea or fatigue

6. Hives

7. Swelling in other areas of the body, including the stung area

8. Itching in other areas of the body, including the stung area

9. Pain in other areas of the body, including the stung area

Severe Symptoms:

1. Anaphylaxis

Respiratory Allergies

Respiratory allergies symptoms generally occur after several hours of exposure, which is normally provoked by airborne allergens, such as dust mites, plant pollens, and pet dander and mold spores.

Mild Symptoms:

1. Itchy, watery, red swollen eyes

2. Impaired sense of smell

3. Postnasal drip

4. Runny or stuffy nose running with clear thin mucus

5. Sneezing

6. Wheezing

7. Coughing

8. Itchy nose or throat

9. Congestion

10. Hoarseness of the throat

11. Conjunctivitis

12. Fatigue

Severe Symptoms:

1. Pain and tightness in the chest

2. Difficult or shortness of breathing

It is vital to understand that many allergies have symptoms similar to other diseases or conditions. This is why it is of the utmost importance that you consult with your physician while assessing a condition and getting a proper diagnosis.

Food Allergy In Children – How To Manage Your Child’s Allergies

admin — Mon, 18 May 2009 22:29:41 +0000

Allergy is prevalent both in adults and babies these days. You would be alarmed to hear that out of the total population that suffers from allergies, 6% constitutes children, especially infants. You never know when an allergy will come. Okay…how does allergy occur? As soon as the immune system starts to react differently for the food items that you generally take, it means you are allergic to that type of food.

When I say babies are prone to food allergies, I’m sure many parents will wonder how and why? Am I not true in saying that for every parent, their children is their world? You give them with all the basic necessities like food, clothing, and shelter and above all, good care. It is essential that you be aware of the food items that your child is allergic to as sometimes, it may even cause death.

You get a lot of food items like pizza, burger, cheese, milk, pasta, fishes, etc. and your child may be allergic to one or more of these food items. It is the duty of each and every parent to take care of their child’s health and that too when allergies are more prevalent. Necessary steps have to be taken to ensure that the child is not experiencing any uneasiness due to allergies. You will have to be extra careful if you are introducing solid foods to your infant.

Let us see how an allergy occurs as this will help you understand how to prevent as well as manage food allergies. As soon as the child eats a food item that is allergic to him/her, IgE (antibodies) will be produced by the body. The next time when the same food is eaten by your child, IgE will inform the immune system for producing histamines. Histamines are produced to fight against the allergens. In general, allergens are harmless; however, it is the immune system that mistakes this to be harmful for the child and will start to attack it. Due to this, a child may get symptoms and signs of allergy. These symptoms may occur within few minutes or in two hours depending on the response from the immune system.

Allergic symptoms fall into two categories, namely, mild and severe. Mild symptoms include:

a) Swelling of skin, or parts of the body like ears, mouth, tongue, etc.

b) Rashes, which are itchy.

c) Discomfort in breathing

d) Vomiting

e) Diarrhea

In some cases, allergy is hereditary. Say for example, one of your family members is allergic towards milk, there are possibilities for your child to inherit this allergy. Some children do not show any signs of allergy when they start eating these food items; however, in the longer run may develop allergic signs and symptoms. Few food items that may cause allergy are:

a) Eggs

b) Milk

c) Fish

d) Peanuts

e) Treenuts

It is advisable to call the local emergency number immediately after your child shows allergic signs or symptoms. Why should you do this? It is because some allergies may even cause death. It is always good if you can detect the allergy at an earlier stage itself. If you get in touch with your pediatrician, he/she will be able to prepare and give you a plan of action to prevent allergy.

Don’t take allergy as a simple disease. Please pay proper attention to if your child is allergic towards a food item. This will save the lives of your precious and priceless gift, that is, your baby.