Allergy Blog

Eating Out Can Be Dangerous For Those With A Food Allergy.

Sun, 24 Jun 2007 20:57:54 GMT

Food allergies can be deadly to the unsuspecting person who suddenly develops an allergy to a specific food or food group. Food allergies are probably the most difficult type of allergy to identify and are almost impossible to treat to treat with allergen immunotherapy.

For those who suffer any type of food allergy eating at a restaurant, or even eating at someone else’s home can be can be like taking their lives into their own hands. Symptoms of food allergies can range from mild rashes to life threatening anaphylactic reactions. Ingesting even a small bit of the food that causes an allergic reaction can be deadly for the allergy sufferer.

It is difficult to determine why relatively healthy active people suddenly develop a food allergy. You may spend the majority of your life cruising along without a worry, eating anything and everything you want. You might be thinking it's strange when you are at a party and someone says ‘no’ to a specific food item being passed around, "I’m allergic to xxx" is all they can say.

Foods that most commonly trigger an allergic reaction include shellfish, fish, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, milk and eggs. Since such a small amount of these substances are required to start a serious allergic reaction those who live with food allergies have to be very careful where they eat and what they eat.

There are various ways the ingredients that cause allergic reactions can sneak into the food we eat every day even if we try to avoid them.

What is so bad about a food allergy? Just eat the item and take an over-the-counter antihistamine and you will be fine. Well, no—that is not how it works. When you have food allergies, you must be on constant guard to ensure that you do not eat the offending item. This might sound easy, but it is a very difficult area to maneuver.

The following are some things you should take into consideration if you suffer a food allergy.

If you have an allergy to milk, be sure the person who cuts your meat at the deli hasn’t previously used to machine to cut cheese as this cheese residue may find its way into your meat. Also, check your food labels carefully for the ingredient in case this is a milk derivative.

Testing for food allergies is difficult because bloods tests can be inconclusive and skin tests are not very reliable. If you have an idea what you are eating that your body is allergic to, the simple solution is to stop eating the item and all of its derivatives. If you do not know what food allergy you have, it is a process of hit and miss. People with severe food allergies may be placed on an extremely restrictive diet. Once the physician determines that you are not having any food allergies with your current diet, one new food item at a time can be added to determine whether or not there is a reaction. This process is long and tedious, but very effective.

Finally, some restaurants use butter in their marinade for steaks. If you suffer with a milk allergy, be sure to request they skip the butter when cooking your food.

For those who suffer peanut allergies, you already know how hard it can be to avoid peanuts or peanut oils. There are many times when peanuts are reflavored and passed off as a different type of nut. Be sure you always read product labels carefully.

Also, sunflower seeds may also be processed on the same equipment as peanuts meaning the seeds may contain some peanut oil residue.

If we use the example of corn as the food that you are allergic to, you would immediately think, okay, no corn. A food allergy is not that simple. You cannot have corn, popcorn, corn starch, corn syrup, corn meal, and the list goes on. Then, depending upon how severe your food allergy is, you may also have to watch for corn derivatives in nonfood items such as soaps and gels—anything that comes into contact with your body may cause an allergic reaction.

When eating out, be aware that any type of ethnic food may contain or be contaminated with peanut oils. It is always better to pass on a particular food than suffer a life threatening reaction.

Allergies to fish and shell fish are also common. If you suffer these types of allergies, it is best to stay away from steak sauce as well as some Caesar dressings as they may contain anchovies, a type of fish.

Think you are out of the woods with your food allergy just because it has been identified? Well, you probably are not. If a food item (such as corn) is used as part of the ingredients or packaging of a product, it may be exempt from the legal requirement to be listed on the package. Therefore, the item is hidden from the consumer. One such example would be breads, rolls or bagels that might have a light dusting of cornmeal baked into their crusts.

Again, read food labels carefully before eating anything suspicious. When dining in a restaurant that serves fish, inform the waitperson of your allergies so that special precautions can be taken to keep you from getting sick.

Since soybeans and soy-based products have become so popular in American foods, it is difficult to remove this food from your diet entirely. If you suffer from an allergy to soy products, be sure you know the foods you are eating are soy-free.

A food allergy can appear at any time during your life. If the reaction is severe, get immediate medical attention and then always avoid that particular food in the future.

Since such a variety of foods contain this ingredient, however, you may find it difficult to eat a healthy diet and avoid soy. You may want to consult a dietician for advice on how to handle your allergy and still eat a healthy diet.

In order to keep from suffering a dangerous allergic reaction, it is important to keep in mind that your allergen may be hiding in the least expected places. Be aware of these hidden sources of allergy-causing foods. If you suffer a food allergy being vigilant can save your life.

Autor: Samantha Davis.
Source: www.theallergyeffect.com

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Mold Allergy - Hidden Cause of Many Symptoms.

Sat, 23 Jun 2007 12:00:44 GMT

Mold allergies can be a constant source of discomfort. Unlike seasonal allergies that get seasonal time off; or food and pet allergies, which can be physically avoided, mold allergies bother sufferers 24/7. This is because mold is around us all the time, every day, indoors and out, rain or shine.

Having unexplained allergy symptoms can be extremely frustrating. You don't know what is wrong, but you know that you are getting sick. Hidden mold within the home has been brought to the public's attention since Hurricane Katrina flooded homes in the southern states. The growth of mold in the damaged homes has caused many people to develop mold allergies.

People with mold allergies tend to have their most severe symptoms in the summertime. But mold spores, the allergen in question, are released into the air in warm or cold weather; in humid or dry conditions. In addition, mold can settle and grow almost anywhere, making nowhere safe for the mold allergy sufferer.

There is a specific mold that grows in homes that can cause allergies in people. Black mold can grow in dry wall, carpet, wallpaper, fiber-board, ceiling tiles and insulation. This mold usually begins with the materials in your home getting wet. While flooding is a major culprit, a small leak can be just as hazardous if you have a mold allergy.

There are thousands of different types of mold, but only a few of them cause allergic reactions in people.

On the bright side - there are thousands of types of molds and only a small few will cause allergies. These generally are the types that live in moisture, such as outdoor mold on damp leaves and grass cuttings or in rotting vegetation and trees. Indoor moisture molds of allergenic nature can grow in the laundry room, bathroom, kitchen, basement, or attic; anywhere moisture gathers.

Mold is everywhere in our environment and it and usually found in the soil and it also floats harmlessly through the air. When the mold spores begin to multiply in a confined area, they can cause an allergic reaction in people who already have a mold allergy.

Mold allergy symptoms include sneezing, runny nose or eyes, nasal congestion, persistent coughing, headaches, and asthma attacks.

Symptoms of mold allergies are similar to those of all other allergies – skin irritations, chronic sneezing, nasal congestion and itchy, watery eyes. A doctor can give you a simple skin test to determine if you are allergic to mold. Once diagnosed, a plan for treating the current symptoms and preventing further occurrences can be developed.

For anyone who has a mold allergy, it is important to them to locate and eliminate the source of the mold. The process of finding and eliminating the mold can help reduce or alleviate the symptoms the mold allergy sufferer is enduring.

The mold within your home will grow steadily because of the warm moist environment and it will cause the person with the mold allergy to have worsening symptoms.

Symptoms can be treated by over-the-counter medicines like antihistamines, nasal sprays and decongestants. For a severe reaction, see your doctor. He can get you some prescription strength medications that will do the trick.

As the mold continues to grow, it sends spoors out into the air that are circulated through the home heating system. The spoors spread and attach themselves to everything in the home. In extremely severe cases, people have had to leave their homes and all of their possessions because everything is contaminated with the mold.

Assure the house is properly ventilated and have working exhaust fans in each bathroom.

To move the items within the house would spread the mold spoors to their new home.

A person with a mold allergy may find that taking over-the-counter antihistamines helps to reduce or eliminate their symptoms.

Use central air conditioning, if possible. Install a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in the central air conditioning unit. This prevents mold spores from being circulated throughout the home.

In more severe instances, the treatment for individuals with mold allergies may include allergen immunotherapy. The patient is given injections of a special formula of medication which contains the allergens that directly bother them. The allergy shots desensitize the patient’s response when they come into contact with the item in the future.

If you have carpeting in any room that could become damp, like the kitchen, bathroom or basement, remove it. Carpeting plays host to mold and you’re better off without it if it could easily get wet.

Using injections as an allergy treatment may take several weeks, if not months, to help the patient build up a sufficient resistance to the allergen.

It is important to find out if your mold allergy is being caused by the everyday mold that is in the air or if it is a more serious problem in your home.

Because mold can accumulate very quickly, bathrooms and kitchens need to be scrubbed frequently... [read more]

Remember that having a mold allergy can be detrimental to your long-term health and finding and treating your mold allergy is important.

Source: www.theallergyeffect.com

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Spring Allergy Symptoms in Children and What to Do About It.

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 12:36:54 GMT

Do you have allergies? Believe it or not most Americans are allergic to something. Whether it is a bout of hay fever in the spring, sneezing and running nose when cutting the grass in the summer, persistent colds and bronchitis in the winter and fall, or a sudden rash or difficulty breathing because you ate something your body did not like. You are experiencing an allergy attack, which can mean a trip to the emergency room for an allergy treatment.

Spring has sprung and so has the pollen. Seasonal allergies affect millions of children each year. Find out the symptoms and what you can do to relieve them.

The substances that cause allergies are called allergens. Allergens can be anything from pollen to molds and fungi to dust. These allergens are carried through the air until they land on your child. Pollen is the reproductive spores of plants. Allergy symptoms can occur from the pollen of weeds, grasses, trees, and mold.

Once you determine that you need more than a quick over-the-counter allergy medication to get relief from your symptoms, you make an appointment with a physician who specializes in treating allergies. You meeting the physician and undergo what seems to be a never ending list of questions about everything from the contents of your home, to the types of clothing you wear, to what you eat, to the types of animals you come into contact with. This is the first step to determining what type of allergy treatment would benefit you.

Sensitivity to these allergies is what brings on the histamine response. This is the body’s reaction to the allergens being present in the child’s system. Allergens enter the body through the mouth, the eyes, and the nasal passages. Your child may experience: sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, nasal congestion, chest congestion, coughing, and/or sore throat. A child suffering from allergies may display one or more of these symptoms at a time.

Allergies are often confused with colds and therefore misdiagnosed.

A battery of tests is given and you are finally diagnosed with allergies. Now what? You have several options on what allergy treatments are available. Many types of allergies in the hay fever category are controlled using over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines. These products can reduce or eliminate many of the symptoms related to the allergy especially if the allergy is a short-term seasonal one. The physician may also prescribe an inhaler and nasal spray as another type of allergy treatment. The inhaler and nasal spray would be used to help you get through some of the more difficult days when your allergies are at their worst.

Cold symptoms usually include fatigue, fever, and body aches. If any of these symptoms are also present, then your child is probably not suffering from seasonal allergies.

Pediatricians can run tests to find out the exact type of allergen your child is allergic to. Blood work can be done to ferret out the offending allergen. More commonly a skin-prick test is performed.

The spin-prick test is not painful to the child. It involves lightly scratching the skin with different types of allergens. This test is usually done on the back.

Allergy treatment for individuals with severe allergies may include allergen immunotherapy. The patient is given injections of a special formula of medication which contains the allergens that directly affect them. The allergy shots desensitize the patient’s response when they come into contact with the item they are allergic.

If the skin becomes red and swollen in certain areas, the doctor can determine what allergen is attacking your child.

Once the allergen is identified, the doctor will come up with a course of treatment. Prescribing medication such as Singulair, Allegra, and Advair, will block the reactions in the body that cause allergy symptoms.

Using injections as an allergy treatment may take several weeks if not months to help the patient build up a sufficient resistance to the offending item. Injections begin with a very small dose of the medication and the amount given during each allergy treatment injection slowly increases over time. The gradual introduction and increase of the medication is given because each allergy treatment has the potential of an adverse reaction. You must remember that the allergy treatment is introducing directly into your body, the very thing you are allergic to.

It will take a week or two for the medications to fully circulate throughout the body.

There are practical things that you can do at home to safeguard against allergies. Keep windows closed. A good breeze will fill your home with pollen from the outside. Use the air conditioning in the spring and summer if it gets warm inside.

Take a bath at night during allergy season. The water will wash off any pollen spores and other allergens accumulated during the day.

One effective allergy treatment is to stop coming into contact with the item you are allergic. If you are allergic to dust or dust mites, you can remove all carpeting from your home, put special covers over your mattress and pillows and have your home vacuumed and dusted weekly. This would greatly reduce the amount of offending item and reduce your symptoms... [read more]

Also make sure to use allergen proof covers on mattresses and pillows.

Allergies are a nuisance, but they don’t have to ruin your life. Follow a few guidelines to keep your home safe from offending allergens. Take your child to the doctor to properly diagnose his/her allergy condition and receive treatment options.

Autor: Mila Sidman Alice Seba.
Source: www.momstalknetwork.com

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Variety Of Medications Offer Allergy Relief.

Thu, 21 Jun 2007 12:08:22 GMT

Promethazine is a generic name for a class of antihistamine drugs used to prevent motion sickness, nausea, or vomiting; and for sedation, and the treatment of itching related to allergies. It is in the latter that we're interested in here, treating allergy symptoms and reactions with Promethazine, such as: nasal congestion, itching nose, clear runny nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, hives, and itchy skin rashes. Brand names of promethazine include Phenadoz, Phenergan, and Promethegan. The FDA has approved Promethazine in 1951.

There are currently a variety of allergy treatment medications available to help alleviate the misery allergies can bring. The coughing, sneezing, runny eyes and itchy nose associated with allergies can make life hard to deal with.

Allergy relief can come in the form of allergy shots, prescription medications or over-the-counter treatments. Your doctor can suggest the treatment that will be best for your individual condition.

Promethazine is a prescription drug in the USA, but is available OTC in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and in many other countries. For the treatment of allergy induced symptoms and itches, tablets may be taken with or without food, once every 4 to 8 hours. Though be very careful about giving it to children, especially those below 2 years of age - Promethazine can cause severe breathing problems or even death. Doctor's instructions must be followed carefully when given to a child of any age. Always keep this medicine out of children's reach.

One form of allergy relief comes in the form of a series of allergy shots. In order to receive allergy shots, your doctor will take tests to determine which allergens you are allergic to. An allergen is basically a substance, such as pollen, ragweed or cat dander, that produces an allergic reaction. The shots you will be given will contain a small amount of this allergen.

The idea is that if the body is exposed to a small bit of this allergen over an extended period of time, the body will begin to produce an antibody for the allergen.

As an anti-allergic medication, Promethazine can also be used to treat hay fever, or better known as allergic rhinitis. To treat allergic reactions, it can be given either alone or in combination with an oral decongestant. All patients are recommended to have their blood pressure measured frequently. Moreover, during long-term therapy, blood cell counts, liver function studies, EKG, and EEG should be undertaken. These studies and examinations are to be taken at intervals according to risk profile of the patient.

After a period of six months, you should start to see some relief from your allergies.

Before you start allergy shots, however, talk to your doctor about your entire medical history. Certain health conditions you have or medicines you take may prevent you from being a candidate for allergy shots.

Allergy relief is also available in the form of both over-the-counter and prescription allergy medications.

Promethazine can produce side effects that impair your thinking or reactions. It's required that when under medication you should not be driving or do any hazardous work which takes a great deal of concentration and alertness. Also, do not take alcohol, which serves to enhance the side effects of Prometazine.

Most allergy medicines will contain one of two different classes of ingredients. One of these ingredients is a class of drugs called antihistamines.

Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, help to stop the chemical reaction in your body that result in an allergic reaction. Decongestants, such as pseudoephidrine, on the other hand, will help to relieve nasal and sinus congestion caused by allergies.

Typical side effects of Promethazine include blurred vision, confusion, fatigue, dizziness, drowsiness, and dry mouth. Serious side effects, in which the patient should contact their physician immediately include seizures, respiratory depression (most common in children under two years of age or people with compromised function of pulmonal region), and malignant neuroleptic syndrome.

Allergy medicines may also contain ingredients to help thin mucus, lower fever or ease aches and pains if you experience these symptoms also.

If you choose to see your doctor for you allergies, he might order a prescription allergy medicine for you. Prescription allergy medications are available in tablets, capsules, liquids and even eye drops. Non-sedating antihistamines are available only by prescription.

Before taking Promethazine, make sure you convey to your physician if you have or have ever experienced urination problems, digestive obstruction, stomach ulcers, glaucoma, sleep apnea, bone marrow disorder, or seizure disorder. You should also notify your physician, before taking the drug, if you have any history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or liver disease.

Generally prescription allergy medications are longer acting than those you can get without a prescription. These treatments also don’t impair learning abilities. This is especially important for children who suffer with allergies.

There are also a variety of allergy treatments available over-the-counter if you want to treat your allergies on your own.

If you have any of the above conditions, you may not be able to take Promethazine unless your doctor requires you to take adjusted dosage, or undergo special laboratory tests during treatment. In addition, this medication is harmful to an unborn baby, so if you are pregnant or plan to get pregnant, avoid this treatment, or consult further with your doctor.

You can purchase these medicines without a doctor's prescription; however, you might want to consult with your pharmacist about your particular symptoms to be sure you are choosing the best one for you.

Many forms of allergy relief that once required a doctor's order, such as Claritin and Nasalcrom, are now available without a prescription.

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a promethazine overdose may include severe drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, large pupils, flushing, nausea, vomiting, shallow breathing, and fainting.

While these two medicines generally don’t cause drowsiness, most other over-the-counter antihistamines, such as Benadryl, will possibly make you sleepy. If you do decide to take these medicines, pay attention to the effect they have on you. You might not want to drive if you notice yourself becoming very sleepy.

Disclaimer: This article should not be substituted for medical advice. Please talk to a qualified professional for more information about Promethazine... [read more]

Whatever extent your allergies bring misery there is allergy relief available. See your doctor to find out if your case could be helped with allergy shots or if your best bet is prescription or even over-the-counter treatments.

Autor: Samantha Kay.
Source: www.theallergyeffect.com

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Allergies - Homecare Help For Puffy Eyes & Itchy Skin.

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 12:48:14 GMT

It seems more and more people are suffering from allergies these days. Hay fever is on the rise and doctors are saying more allergy sufferers are seeking medical help because their allergies have increased in intensity over the last few years.

Eyes puffy, red and sore. Feel like your sinuses a closing up without the benefit of a headcold to go with it? Look like you've gone ten rounds in the ring with the World Heavyweight Boxing Champion?

If you've been experiencing the above symptoms on and off over the last few months, or years, and you've written off colds as being the culprit, then it could be an allergic reaction to your soaps and cosmetics.

Allergies can develop slowly over time. Just because you had no allergies as a kid doesn’t mean you’ll never have them. In fact, it’s rare that children are allergic to fish, for example, but many adults are. Likewise, allergies can also slowly disappear. Sometimes people grow out of their allergies, or experience a lessening of symptoms. This is what everyone hopes for! But, don’t count on it. Get help!

Allergies can come in all shapes and sizes, and with symptoms around the face you shouldn't rule out airborne or plant-based allergens either. Here's a few quick suggestions to help you figure out what might be going on.

Are you itchy anywhere else? Common spots to be effected are your armpits, arms and legs, but you could be itchy anywhere. A rash isn't necessarily present, but if you're presenting with one, get yourself to a doctor or naturopath as soon as you can to have it checked.

Many endure the endless sneezing, watery eyes and general tiredness without too much complaint. They simply stuff more facial tissue in their pockets and sniffle on. But that’s not at all necessary. It used to be that over-the-counter allergy medicines made you too sleepy to drive or work. But there are many effective non-drowsy formulas today, like Alavert or Claritin. They are referred to as “second-generation” allergy medications.

Is your scalp itchy for no apparent reason ie, you've ruled out skin condition, dry scalp and lice.

These are all prime indications of intolerance to the chemicals and/or fragrances used in cosmetics or soap.

It's easy to check. Switch to chemical-free, fragrance-free products and see what happens. If the symptoms decrease, and barring any other symptoms, then it's likely you've found the source of the problem.

If you just don’t like to take drugs, there are even some good natural allergy relief formulas available. Take a look at AllergiClear or SOS HistaDrops.

Lucky you, it wasn't too bad. If the symptoms persist you may need to be a bit stricter with your product. Look for soaps that are naturally made from olive oil or castille oils and have absolutely no chemicals or fragrances.

But there may come a time when you have to take the next step – talk to your doctor and get a prescription-strength allergy solution. And the criteria for making this decision, surprisingly, does not always include assessing the severity of your allergies. Instead, just ask yourself if your allergies are negatively affecting your life. Studies show that when you have allergies you’re 20 times more likely to miss school or work than a non-sufferer. You spend many days too tired to be productive. Your concentration is reduced. You stand a far greater chance of being involved in an accident, or getting some other injury. You’re simply not performing at your full capacity.

Read the labels carefully! These products will probably come in bars or rounds of soap-like substance. They are much softer than soap and need to be kept dry in between uses. The products come in a range suitable for body and hair, and though more expensive than common commercial cosmetics, you do not need extra add-ons like conditioner. The companies that manufacture such natural products usually produce a skin-care range as well and provide helpful tips on their products and the benefits of avoiding chemicals.

If your skin is not sensitive or fragile, then a loofah brush can be a great help as well. It removes dead skin cells, improves circulation, assists with muscle strength & pain through massaging, aids with conditions like tinea, and feels wonderful!

If this is true for you, NOW is the time to go to the doctor. You’ll probably want your regular doctor to recommend an allergy specialist. The two of you can go over all the things you can do to reduce the affects of your allergies and live a normal life. Don’t wait for your respiratory symptoms to turn to sinusitis, a common path for allergies to take. When that happens, it will have an even more severe affect on your life.

When using a loofah brush, be gentle around the decolletage and neck area, and avoid the face completely. If you'd like to try a similar technique on your face, purchase a facial brush.

So, you're doing all you can and the allergic symptoms are still persisting?

1. If at any time your symptoms go beyond the inconvenient and annoying, go to your health professional.

Hopefully your allergies are controllable with over-the-counter medication. Sometimes you need to try different kinds before you find the drug that works for you. Don’t give up! Many times, the vital ingredients don’t work well on everyone. But find a different prime ingredient and you may find your solution. And don’t forget, if your symptoms are starting to rule your daily activity, or they’ve become chronic, it’s important to see a doctor... [read more]

2. Look at other possible allergens your body comes into contact with, such as detergents, air fresheners, cleaning chemicals, plants, air pollution. Make the switch to safer, gentler products wherever you can.

3. If you are fed up with the symptoms or if they are increasing in severity, please, it's time to go to your health professional. You may need to undergo more detailed allergy testing or the symptoms may be indicators of something else.

Do not play around with your health and your life, if in doubt, seek professional help. Easing of even niggling symptoms may save you from worse later on.

Autor: Trish Anderson.
Source: beginningsmiddlesends.blogspot.com

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