Aug 23, 2011

Living With Allergy

Millions of people in the U.S. suffer from allergy symptoms such as hay fever and sinus problems. If you have allergies, your body has too much immunity. Almost anything we touch, swallow or inhale may cause an allergic response.
Substances that produce allergies are called allergens and there are literally hundreds of them. If you have hay fever, it affects your nose and sinuses; and if you have food allergies, you have allergies in your stomach, intestines or digestive tract.
Here are some common symptoms and allergies to look for.
Most common allergens:
Grasses (including mowing your lawn).
Pollen from trees (Birch and oak trees produce potent pollens).
Weeds
House dust
Mold spores
Certain foods and drugs. If you have an allergy, stay away from peanuts. They can cause a bad reaction leading into anaphylaxis. This is a condition where your throat swells up and breathing is constricted and can even lead to death. If you have a reaction from peanuts, be careful to watch out for hidden peanuts in ice creams, cakes or other foods; and do not cook in peanut oil.
Animal hairs from you pet such as cat, dog, bird, etc.
Certain dyes and cosmetics; household chemicals.
Symptoms:
Attacks of sneezing and nasal stuffiness.
Shortness of breath with wheezing.
Hives and itching of skin.
Allergies may also be the cause of vomiting and diarrhea, bad headaches, abdominal cramps, and the breakout of swollen areas and severe rashes.
If left untreated, allergy or hay fever may develop into a more serious condition such as asthma and sinusitis. Asthma (allergy in your lungs) when not treated can cause lingering disability and can even develop into a more serious respiratory condition.
Most common allergies:
Hay fever — (allergic rhinitis) is caused by ragweed. Each ragweed cluster releases an immense amount of pollen in the air, which can travel for hundreds of miles.
Bronchial asthma.
Eczema.
Hives.
Contact dermatitis such as poison ivy.
Migraine headaches.
In infants and small children — certain foods they eat or milk they drink and substances used to care for their bodies such as lotions, powders, soaps, shampoos, etc.
People with allergies tend to keep them for life. They do not go away, but most people seem to have more of a problem when the plants are waking up from their winter sleep and many people can’t go near a fresh mowed lawn.
If you think you have an allergy, it is always best to let your physician check it out. He will prescribe the proper prescription drugs or recommend that you see a specialist in the field. Also, today we have a bit of an advantage by listening to the pollen forecasting on our local news channel. By seeing the doctor, taking the proper prescriptions and knowing what to avoid, we can live a healthy lifestyle, even if we do have allergies.

Aug 17, 2011

Inhalation and dust mites

Do not act on any advice you have read, either in this article or anywhere else, without the full approval of your doctor. This article is only for advice, and should not be used as a substitute for the medical guidance of your doctor, or other medically qualified practitioner. Some preparations are obtainable over the counter, but it is always wise to seek advice from your doctor, what is recommeded for your own allergy. An allergy happens, when a person is sensitized to a particular substance, that starts an allergic reaction. When immunotherapy is considered an appropriate treatment, it could either reduce the intensity of an allergy or cure it completely. Various drugs are available to counter the symptoms of allergy which include, antihistamines, cortisone, hydrocortisone, theophlene, epinephrine, and dexamethosone. The antibodies bind with the allergens, and as they circulate throughout the body, they interact with other cells. Absorption – through the skin, as with some plants or chemicals.

There are naturally occurring allergens, like pollens, environmental substances, like chemicals, and the foods that we eat, mostly proteins, and numerous others. They include fast acting epinephrine tablets, low allergy foods, and advances in dealing with wasp stings. Add the development of the emerging nations, and you have a recipe for industrial soup. It seems that the time could soon arrive, when the good citizens of China will have their own, home grown sort of hay fever! In the United States at leastnine years is needed to qualify as an allergist immunologist. The author does not accept any liability whatsoever, for any consequences arising from or thought to be arising from using this article. You should know that what suits one allergy sufferer might be inappropriate for another.

More recently, there has been a lot of publicity about industrial pollution in Beijing, and other cities. As an example, offices have become airtight, with windows that opened giving way to air conditioning. There have been good results in dealing with hay fever and asthma. Physicians, who are specialists in dealing with allergic disorders, undertake intensive training. It is not known exactly why some people suffer from allergies, when others do not. It does seem clear that the incidence of allergies is growing, and that it may have something to do with contemporary living. Then substances, including histamine, create inflammation, that is a common allergy symptom. Injection – some people are allergic to drugs, such as penicillin. On a global basis, rain forests are being cut down, whilst pollution emitting vehicles are everywhere. Could the new found success be accompanied by allergic respiratory disorders – if it does, it must prove something! Studies suggest that there is a hereditary reason for some allergies.

Allergies vary in different people, and the symptoms range from something as mild as a runny nose, to anaphylaxis, which can be fatal. Eating – as with certain foods. However, the quality of the outside air, particularly in urban conurbations, is questionable. When it is appropriate, skin testing is preferable to blood testing, as it is more specific, easier to do, and more economic. When an allergic individual experiences an allergen, for the first time, the allergic reactions do not occur, but the defense mechanism is sensitized.

Natural Allergy Remedies

Natural Allergy Remedies Certain conditions trigger allergies like pollen and seasonal changes. Allergy sufferers find themselves sneezing, watery eyes, coughing, and wheezing. Those who suffer from allergies usually turn to over-the-counter medication but medication can have side-effects. Natural allergy remedies provide a much better alternative to the harmful chemicals in medicine. Here are some natural allergy remedies you can try before trying over-the-counter medication.

Two of the most recommended natural allergy remedies are apple cider vinegar and lime juice. Apple cider vinegar is used to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and aids weight loss. Apple cider vinegar contains- Vitamin A and Vitamin E, and flushes harmful toxins from the body. The biggest complaint about apple cider vinegar is the taste. Mix two tablespoons of vinegar with water or juice to improve the flavor. Squeeze a tablespoon of lime juice into a glass of lukewarm water. Sweeten with honey if desired.

Natural herbs like eucalyptus oil and red clover make excellent natural allergy remedies. Red clover offers many options as a natural allergy remedy. Resin is the main chemical in red clover. Allergy sufferers recommend red clover over tea. It can be taken as a wine or herbal supplement. Eucalyptus is an ingredient found in cough syrups and vapor rubs. The aroma from the eucalyptus oil releases mucous and helps ease breathing.

A simple change in diet is one of the most effective natural allergy remedies. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Garlic has anti-histamines that help unclog nasal passages. Add a clove of garlic to your soup or casseroles.