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.

May 18, 2011

Nasal allergy problems (rhinitis)

Rhinitis - means inflammation of the lining of the nose

Common causes of rhinitis are allergies which may be seasonal or occur all-year-round (examples - allergy to house dust mite, cats, dogs and moulds). Rhinitis is a risk factor for the development of asthma.

Allergic rhinitis is very common, affecting one in four in the world. As with other allergic disorders (asthma, atopic dermatitis) rhinitis is much more common in westernized societies; the prevalence of rhinitis continues to rise in many countries.

Allergic rhinitis is frequently ignored by family members, doctors and even sufferers themselves, probably because recurrent colds are common, particularly in small children. This is a big mistake since not only does rhinitis reduce quality of life, it can impair sleep and reduce school performance and attendance at work. Allergic children have been shown to have more infections and more problems with those infections.

Asthmatic children who get colds are 20 times more likely to be hospitalised due to their asthma if they are allergic and if they are exposed to high levels of their provoking allergens. Adequate treatment of underlying allergic disease helps to diminish these problems. Allergic rhinitis may itself be the first manifestation of allergic disease, e.g. as hay fever in teenagers or adults. Rhinitis may progress to persistent symptoms with resultant nasal congestion which impacts on adjacent structures such as the sinuses, throat, middle ear and bronchial tubes.

Diagnosis rests on taking an adequate detailed history and supplementing this by examination and, if necessary, specific allergy tests. The timing of symptoms in relation to possible allergen exposure is of primary relevance.

May 17, 2011

The treatment of common cold in children


Typically, the development of cold takes 7-10 days or more, depending on the type of which has produced there sickness. Serious illnesses such as certain types of acute respiratory viral infections, and chronic runny nose caused by specific infections (syphilis, tuberculosis, gonorrhoea) are treated simultaneously with the main disease in specialised medical centres.

How to treat cold in children?

А.First aid

Raise the head of the bed on which lay a child. For it put a pillow under the child's shoulders, in such way that the head and upper torso of the child are located relative to the torso at an angle of 40-45 (Make sure that your child is lie comfortably in this position).

Thanks to it, phlegm or mucus in the nose will be easier to stand out and maybe you will not need to use medicines.


B. Do not let dry phlegm!

The easiest way is to spoil a child's nose with salt solution: In the case of colds in newborns or infants, as well as the common cold in older children, it is important to prevent the drying of mucus in the nasal passages - it may finally disturb the nasal breathing. In order to prevent dry out the phlegm in the nasal passages recommended moisturise the nasal passages with saline.

You can use the normal saline, or solution of salt in water. Saline is instilled with 3-4 drops in each nostril. It is necessary that in this time the child was lying with his head thrown back ago. The first penetration of liquids into the nose could be very unpleasant and may create coughing, sneezing, or even the urge to vomit. However, after several treatments of dripping, the sensitivity of the nasal mucosa and pharynx disappears. Procedure can be repeated every 30 - 60 minutes. It is important to ensure that the mucus in the nose does not dry. The Saline promotes diluation of phlegm and easiest discharges from the nose of the child.

Instead of saline solution, some experts recommend the use oily liquids such as oil solution of vitamin A or vitamin E, which can be purchased in the pharmacy. Such fluids are not only prevent the drying out of mucus, and moisturise the nasal mucosa, take off irritation and have a regenerative effect.

If we talk about drugs used to fight the common cold in children, it is usually local or systemic decongestants, which have are used to facilitate nasal breathing in children. Such drugs include drop Nazol Baby, Naphazoline, Nazivin, Naftizin and some others. All drugs of this group contribute to vasoconstriction of the nasal mucosa of the child. Vessels narrow, which reduces the swelling of mucus from the nose. As a result, the child becomes much easier to breathe. In addition to all these drugs open the channels between the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. This reduces the possibility of developing any complications of the common cold.

Dear Parents, it is very important that you remember that any medication that is prescribed to your child, should be properly used. Always follow doctor's orders with respect to its dosing regimen and duration of treatment.

Mar 7, 2011

Mega-doses of vitamin D help prevent breast cancer and other diseases, study finds


Current government recommendations of 400 or 600 international units (IU) of vitamin D a day are insufficient to prevent serious diseases like breast cancer, a new study published in the journal Anticancer Research has found. Researchers from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine and Creighton University (CU) School of Medicine discovered that when much higher doses of vitamin D are taken daily, the risks associated with developing several major diseases are reduced by about half.

"We found that daily intakes of vitamin D by adults in the range of 4000-8000 IU are needed to maintain blood levels of vitamin D metabolites in the range needed to reduce by about half the risk of several diseases -- breast cancer, colon cancer, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes," said Cedric Garland, DrPH, professor of family and preventive medicine at the UCSD Moores Cancer Center.

"I was surprised to find that the intakes required to maintain vitamin D status for disease prevention were so high -- much higher than the minimal intake of vitamin D of 400 IU/day that was needed to defeat rickets in the 20th century."

A review of several thousand volunteers taking between 1,000 and 10,000 IU/day of vitamin D revealed that much higher daily intakes of vitamin D are required to achieve blood serum levels of vitamin D in the healthy range of 40 to 60 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL), or higher. And those who daily take such mega-doses of vitamin D in order to maintain these levels are much less likely to develop serious disease.

"Now that the results of this study are in, it will become common for almost every adult to take 4,000 IU/day," said Garland. "This is comfortably under the 10,000 IU/day that the Institute of Medicine (IOM) Committee Report considers as the lower limit of risk, and the benefits are substantial. Now is the time for virtually everyone to take more vitamin D to help prevent some major types of cancer, several other serious illnesses, and fractures."

Food Allergies

TRUE FOR ALL AGES

Although allergic reactions are reproducible -- the same specific food will cause an allergic reaction each time it is eaten -- the specific symptoms can be unpredictable. Many things can make reactions "worse than usual." Some of these factors have to do with the way the person with food allergy encounters the problem food, including the route (contact or ingestion), the amount he or she encounters and the type of preparation.
Some contributing factors are things we may not associate with food allergy such as exercise, colds and other infections, alcohol, NSAIDS (non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, aspirin or naproxen), hormonal variation, as well as physical and emotional stress.

Importantly, the overall health of the person, including other allergic issues such as asthma, eczema or chronic sinus congestion, can also affect severity of reactions. New medications started for heart problems, anxiety or glaucoma can also affect the specifics of your food allergy reactions and response to epinephrine.

That's why it is important to follow these three rules at all times: 1) always carry your epinephrine auto-injector with you; 2) tell people around you about your allergies and what they can do in the event of an emergency before problems happen; and 3) seek help as soon as you experience any symptoms of food allergy.

Finally, remember to call 911 after you use your epinephrine auto-injector, even if you feel much better. Some people require repeated doses of epinephrine. As many as 1-in-4 people with severe food-allergy reactions have a late re occurrence of symptoms one or more hours after the first reaction.

TEENAGERS & YOUNG ADULTS
Most people who get into trouble with severe allergic reactions to foods are teenagers. This is probably because adolescence is a time for many risk-taking behaviours, as well as a time in which people "want to be like everyone else." If you are thinking about trying a food you are allergic to, or not taking your epinephrine auto-injector with you, talk to your allergist and family about your feelings. Testing, including a carefully supervised food challenge, can be performed to find out if your allergies are still active.

CHILDREN IN SCHOOL & DAY CARE
Policies to reduce the accidental ingestions of an avoided food and to educate the staff and the students about the signs and treatment of anaphylaxis significantly improve the safety of children with food allergy. With these policies and individualised healthcare plans, children at risk for anaphylaxis can enjoy a safe and healthy learning environment. You can and should meet with the principal of the school and the school nurse, or head of the day-care at the beginning of the school year to review both the school policy and your child's specific needs.

INFANTS and TODDLERS
Diagnosing and managing a food allergy in an infant or toddler can be challenging. It is difficult to know exactly what symptoms the child is experiencing, and tests are not as reliable for children less than 2 years of age. Also, once a food allergy has been identified, it can be anxiety provoking to introduce new foods. Nursing mothers of children with food allergies and eczema often follow strict elimination diets, and these can raise concerns regarding whether the nutritional needs of both the mother and child are being met.

For infants in families with food allergy, timing the introduction of foods may be a difficult decision. Prior recommendations suggested delaying the introduction of high-risk foods like peanut until 3 years of age. However, this suggestion has changed because we are no longer sure that avoidance is the best approach. In fact, the LEAP study is a large, on-going study in the United Kingdom to determine which approach is associated with less peanut allergy: extended avoidance or the early introduction of peanut in high doses. Current guidelines from U.S.-based paediatric allergists recommend delaying solids until about 4-to-6 months. Beyond this age, there are no further recommendations to delay the introduction of "at-risk foods." If several members of your family have food allergies, environmental allergies and/or asthma, you may want to talk to an allergist about the changes in these recommendations.

ADULTS
woman holding pill bottles The field of food allergy is changing quickly, and there will be more options for therapy besides avoidance and epinephrine in the near future. Many of these new therapies will be available earlier for individuals who are interested in participating in clinical research studies.

OLDER ADULTS
Treatment with epinephrine is a specific concern for older adults with food allergy and anaphylaxis for two main reasons. People in this age group are more likely to experience serious cardiac side effects from epinephrine. Additionally, many people in this age group require systemic therapy with "beta blockers" for cardiac disease and/or topical therapy for glaucoma. Beta blockers, even when applied topically to the eye, can reduce the benefit of epinephrine for acute anaphylaxis.

May 21, 2010

Understanding Asthma

Asthma is a chronic (long-term) lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. Asthma causes recurring periods of wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe), chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing. The coughing often occurs at night or early in the morning.

Jul 13, 2009

Medicamental Allergies


Drug and medical allergies - this is the second high specific immune response to the drugs or their components, accompanied by general or local clinical manifestations.

Drug allergy may occur as a complication in the treatment of a disease or an occupational disease due to prolonged contact with the drugs and medicines (with doctors, health workers, pharmacists). According to statistics, among the urban population of drug allergy occurs more often in women aged 31-40 years.

The main reasons for the development of allergies to medication:
  • hereditary, caused by genetically predisposed;
  • the availability of other types of allergies (bacteria, pollen, food, etc.);
  • long-term use of the sick (healthy - contact) drugs, especially repeated courses;
  • the use of depot preparations (for example, Bicillin);
  • joint appointment of a large number of drugs from different groups ( polychromatophilia), products of metabolism which may increase the effect of other allergens;
  • physico-chemical structure, the high sensitizing activity of the drug.

Allergic reactions to medications can occur, and overdose of drugs.
Almost all drugs can trigger allergic reactions. In most cases, cause allergic reactions are antibiotics, local anesthetics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, etc. Once appeared, drug allergy will occur again and again with the re-admission medications.


It must be remembered that the possibility of an allergic reaction is required the period of sensebilization, which differs for different allergens, depending on the reactivity of the organism. On average it takes between 7-10 days. Just allergies to medicines developed from a few seconds to several hours and can provoke severe reactions such as anaphylactic shock, bronchial asthma attack, hives, swelling Kvinke, as well as conjunctivitis and allergic rhinitis, etc. One of the most severe manifestations of drug allergy - anaphylactic shock resulting sharp decline in blood pressure - is a life-threatening condition and requires immediate assistance.

Clinical form (on the location and involvement of organs and systems) Generalized:
  • anaphylactic shock;
  • serum sickness (cutaneous form of Abdominal drug allergies);
  • fever;
  • generalized vasculitis in combination with other lesions.

Localized (organ or system):
  • skin lesions;
  • toksikodermii defeat internal organs (Layella syndrome, Stevens-Johnson);
  • hematologic lesions;
  • vaskulity;
  • visceral (internal organs);
  • mucous membranes and respiratory system;
  • nervous system.
To identify the causes of drug allergy should be a survey. In order to determine patient tolerance of certain drugs, used various diagnostic tests, after which the doctor-patient allergist gives recommendations on the possible admission of certain drugs.


In order to prevent drug allergies should observe the following rules:

  • Remember, even better - write the name of the drug, causing allergic manifestations;
  • to prevent health care workers about the reactions to those or other drugs;
  • before taking unfamiliar medication, consult with your doctor

Home dust protects the child from allergies?

Endotoxin, is a substance that is included in the composition of the membrane gram-negative bacteria, reduces the incidence of allergic diseases in children under 3 years. Gram-negative bacteria often cause disease. Endotoxin is released when the bacterium is killed, it often occurs within the normal house dust.

According to a new study, the less endotoxin in the home or apartment where the child lives, the more likely it is that he is sick with asthma or atopic dermatitis for 3 years. The more endotoxin in the home, the less chance of allergic diseases of 3 years.
«We are trying to understand why the endotoxin reduces the incidence in young children», - said the author of the study Melisa Celaya (Arizona Center for respiratory diseases, United States).

The study found that higher concentrations of endotoxin in homes built more than 30 years ago, in homes that do not meet the standard requirements in the premises, carpets with the smell of mold, traces of leaks on the walls.

In 484 children under 5 years old were taken blood samples. «We want to find a relationship between the concentration of endotoxin in the home and the level of cytokines in the blood. This will help to understand why children are less affected by endotoxin, increasingly sick with allergies », - said Melisa Celaya. Scientists also plan to investigate the genetic predisposition to a response to factors of external environment.

By "American Thoracic Society 2007 International Conference".

Jun 23, 2009

Allergic reaction

Description
Allergic reaction (hypersensitivity reaction) represent the reaction of the immune system, accompanied by damage to the body's own healthy tissues. The mechanisms by which the immune system protects the body from the «strange», and the mechanisms of hypersensitivity reactions, in which damaged «their» tissue are similar. Thus, antibodies, lymphocytes and other cells, which are components of normal immune system, in addition to combat infections are involved in the development of allergic reactions, as well as in reactions to blood transfusion in autoimmune diseases and rejection of transplanted organs.

Generally, the term allergic reaction indicate processes that are involved in antibody class immunoglobulin E (IgE).
These antibodies combine with the specialized cells, such as basophilic in the blood and mast cells in tissues. When meeting with the antigen (in this case it is called the allergen) cells associated with IgE, are beginning to provide substance, damaging the surrounding tissue. Theoretically allergen can be anything that acts as an antigen, causing the immune response: dust, plant pollen, medicine or food.

Sometimes, to describe a group of diseases, which is involved in the development of IgE, for example allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma (often hereditary), use the term a topic disease. Such diseases are characterized by the development of IgE in response to various substances in the air, like pollen, mold, animal fur, as well as the mites present in the dust. Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is also related to a topic diseases, although the role of IgE in the development of the disease less clear. A person with a topic disease, however, not increased risk of IgE in the ingestion of allergens in the skin (ex, drugs or insect venom).

Allergic reactions are mild and severe.
Typically, they are limited and itching eye irritation, lacrimation, and sneezing, but may become a threat to life if suddenly impeded respiration, heart function is disrupted and drastically reduces arterial blood pressure (eg, is a shock). This condition is called anaphylaxis and may occur in sensitive people in a variety of situations, for example, shortly after the consumption of certain products of certain medications or bee sting.