Sep 15, 2011

Allergy and Smoking

Smoking (cigaretts or mary jane) paralyzes the cilia (little hairs in our lungs that filter out what is not supposed to enter), so we develop asthma while we smoke and don't feel the filtering. As a result, when we stop smoking, they start to work again and now we FEEL the congestion in our lungs. Keep on truckin though! Life is so much better on the other side! Seeing what is coming out of my lungs after 10 years of smoking is so gross but smoking is even MORE GROSS. Time and avoiding smoke will help.

Sep 12, 2011

For the treatment of allergies - Zodak Review

My aunt boys / especially older / just tortured this spring colds and viral respiratory infections.
It seemed as chickenpox, but the cough continued to be bothered, sometimes for 2-3 hours in a row.
And the nose is constantly dripping. Cough and anti viral drugs did not help.
Complained to the doctor, she advised that the miracle medicine / say that the probability allergies - spring, because the lab tests were healthy kids /.
I thought that just'll throw money down the drain / 10 $ for a bottle / but very wrong!
Almost immediately after taking the rain stopped snot almost disappeared cough.
Our surprise, there was no limit - because the earlier gave more money from allergies - suprastin, diazolin ... but the effect was zero.
A drop is simply magical! Now they have to constantly look and use in allergic manifestations only them.
But still very useful - 20 drops / sentimental / in a glass of water - and on all day long enough! Recommend.

Sep 8, 2011

Research into the effectiveness of Zirtek in children younger than 3 years

The purpose of this study was to assess the Compliance Department and tolerance while taking cetirizine in children aged under 3 years of age suffering from atopic dermatitis and other allergic diseases. Under the on-compliance was 64 children. Mean age was 17 months (range 7-34 months).

The surveyed children suffered from allergic diseases following: atopic dermatitis, urticaria, rhinoconjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis associated with bronchial asthma, bronchial asthma, anaphylaxis to cow's milk.

(Zirtek) was administered in the form of a drop rate of 0.4 mg / kg for 2 months. Children with atopic dermatitis received a standard diet hypoallergenic. If necessary, erythromycin was administered.

In evaluating the clinical manifestations of disease after 2 months of treatment showed complete disappearance of the symptoms of urticaria and a significant reduction of clinical manifestations of atopic dermatitis (p <0,001). Any side effects while taking cetirizine wasn't observed.

Sep 7, 2011

Improvement of quality of life by treatment with cetirizine in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis as determined by a French version of the SF

Background and aim: Perennial allergic rhinitis impairs social life, but it is not known whether quality of life may be improved when patients are treated with an H1-blocker. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was carried out with cetirizine to assess the effect of this drug on quality of life.

Methods: Two hundred seventy-four patients with perennial allergic rhinitis were tested. Quality of life was measured by using the Medical Outcome Study Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire. After a 2-week run-in period, cetirizine, 10 mg once daily, (136 patients) or placebo (138 patients) was given for the next 6 weeks. The SF-36 questionnaire was administered after the run-in period (at the start of treatment) and after 1 and 6 weeks of treatment. Symptom-medication scores were measured daily during the study.

Results: After the run-in period (baseline), there were no significant differences between the cetirizine and placebo groups in terms of symptoms or quality-of-life scores. After 6 weeks of treatment, percentage of days without rhinitis or with only mild rhinitis symptoms was significantly greater in the cetirizine group in comparison with the placebo group (p < 0.0001, Mann-Whitney U test). All of the nine quality-of-life dimensions were significantly improved (from p = 0.01 to p < 0.0001, Mann-Whitney U test) after 1 and 6 weeks of cetirizine treatment compared with placebo. There was no improvement in the placebo group.

Conclusions: This study is the first to demonstrate that an H1-blocker, cetirizine, can improve quality of life for patients with perennial allergic rhinitis.

Efficacy and safety of cetirizine therapy in perennial allergic rhinitis

A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was undertaken to assess the safety and efficacy of once daily cetirizine in alleviating the symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis. Subjects were adults with perennial allergic rhinitis, characterized by nasal congestion, postnasal discharge, sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal itching, lacrimation, ocular itching, and itching of the roof of the mouth, and a total pretreatment symptom severity score of greater than or equal to 8.

Patients were randomized to treatment with 10 mg cetirizine, 20 mg cetirizine, or placebo for 4 weeks. Efficacy was assessed in 215 patients and safety in 216. Cetirizine in once daily dosages of 10 or 20 mg proved to be effective in relieving the overall symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis and particularly postnasal discharge and sneezing.

The 10-mg dose afforded optimal symptomatic relief, and the 20-mg dose provided little or no additional benefit. Cetirizine was well tolerated, and the frequency of somnolence was not significantly greater in patients receiving this drug than in those given placebo.

Sep 5, 2011

Urticaria



Acute urticaria which may last from several hours to several days, often has an allergic nature. In contrast, chronic urticaria, which exists in the weeks and months, very rarely is an allergic reaction. Urticaria often cause food allergens and additives, and drugs (often in the form of pseudoallergy).

Symptoms

Hives can take many forms, but it is always characterized by a rash of blisters, which may merge with each other. The rash can appear on any parts of the body and accompanied by severe itching.

Special forms of urticaria

Angioedema. Process involving a person and is accompanied by swelling of the lips, eyelids ("slit eyes"), mucous membranes and other body parts. Itching is absent, there is a painful burning.

Angioedema is a life-threatening if the process extends to the mucous membranes of the mouth and pharynx. Swollen tongue and back of the throat block the airway and can lead to suffocation.

The causes of urticaria are:

* Food allergens (egg, fish, nuts, fruits);
* Drugs (penicillins, hormonal, sulfonamides);
* Air allergens (pollen, hair, dust);
* Insect bites (bees, wasps);
* Infection (infectious mononucleosis, hepatitis B).

In contrast, allergic urticaria is one that is caused by physical factors: the sun, cold, atmospheric pressure.

Risk of Atopy

Young adults born prematurely with very low birth weight, have almost 60% lower risk of atopy than their peers born at term, in a cord of study conducted in Finland.

"Most studies of long-term consequences of premature birth has negative effects on health" - said Dr. Eero Kajantie (National Institute for Health and Welfare in Helsinki), coauthor of the study.

To study the effect of birthing time on the risk of atopy, the researchers examined 166 adults born before term and weighed 1500 grams or less, and 172 adults born in time from «Helsinki Study of Very Low Birth Weight Adults», ongoing study of preterm birth and adult health.

In the online edition of «Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology», the authors identified atopy as a positive reaction to tests for scarification any of six common allergens:
birch, timothy grass, mugwort, cat, dog and dust. Study participants underwent these tests, as well as measuring serum concentrations of IgE, at the age of 18 - 27 years.

The prevalence of atopy was 45.5% in the group of adults with very low weight premature births, compared with 57.9% in the control group. Adjusted odds ratio for atopy to a group of preterm birth was 0.43.

The more premature the birth was, the lower the likelihood of atopy or high levels of specific IgE. Adjusted odds ratio for atopy decreased by 0.82 for each additional week of premature birth.

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.