Penicillin Allergy

Penicillin is a common antibiotic used to treat many illnesses. When it was discovered it was considered a breakthrough in the treatment of illness and infection. It is derived from the penicillin mold, the blue-green mold found on moldy oranges. Before penicillin, common infections and diseases that are only a nuisance to us today were quite often fatal. For years penicillin was the only effective antibiotic treatment available for doctors to use. It is relatively cheap and easy to manufacture, making it the most often used antibiotic world wide.

Allergic reactions to penicillin can often be a serious and life threatening matter. They can range from annoying rashes to life threatening breathing difficulties. You might recall answering the question " are you allergic to penicillin" on a medical question form at your doctors office or upon admittance to a hospital for treatment. This is because doctors must know if you are do to the potential for catastrophic results should you be given penicillin and you are allergic to it. Knowing if they are allergic to penicillin is something every person should know. Penicillin is the most common drug allergy.

It is unclear why some people have an allergic reaction to penicillin while others don't. It is also unknown what predisposes one person with an allergy to penicillin to minor symptoms while another person allergic to it will experience life threatening symptoms. For those who are allergic to penicillin, the only treatment is not to use it. Fortunately there are other powerful antibiotics available to replace penicillin. Prior to their discovery, penicillin allergy could sometimes have grave consequences. It could leave doctors with their hands tied in treating the infection or disease.

Common symptoms of penicillin allergy are as follows. A rash or hives that can range from a minor rash to a dark red rash that covers large portions of the body. Swollen lips tongue and face, ranging from minor swelling to extreme swelling. Itchy, irritated eyes that can be bloodshot and watery. The most serious reaction happens in people that are highly allergic to penicillin. An anaphylactic reaction is a reaction that manifests itself as a swelling of the bronchial airway, making it difficult to breath. This can also be accompanied by a sudden drop in blood pressure, resulting in lightheadedness. This reaction can be deadly, so it's important to be aware of this fact.

If you are given penicillin and experience any of these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. It's much better to be safe than sorry. The most serious reaction, the anaphylactic reaction, appears almost immediately. The other less minor reactions can take hours to appear. Treatments for the symptoms are readily available but as of yet there is no cure for the allergy itself. If your child has never been given penicillin it is imperative that you let your doctor know this. He or she can make a determination as to whether or not your child is allergic to it prior to administering a large dose of penicillin.

Article by Sven Ullmann, who runs Deserved Health - information on health for you and your family.

Cat Allergy - What Can I Do, I Love Cats

According to a recent report, between six and ten million people (that’s approximately two percent of the population!) in the United States are allergic to cats or exhibit symptoms of cat allergy. However, people often misunderstand these symptoms. Majority believe that cat allergy are caused by allergens from the fur or cat dander (scales of the skin), when, in fact, most of the potent allergens come mainly from saliva and sweat.

A cat’s saliva or sweat contains a protein with a carbohydrate structure called “Fel d 1.” It is an allergen that causes symptoms of cat allergy. “Fel d 1” is much smaller than pollen or mold spores, which are already very potent allergens because of their diminutive size, but because of its much smaller size, “Fel d 1” has even greater potential to cause an allergic reaction. “Fel d 1” can easily bypass nasal passages and lodges deep in the lungs, where it can cause allergic episodes and asthma.

Like pollen and mold spores, “Fel d 1” are airborne allergens. They are often microscopic and float in the air easily. After a cat licks itself while grooming, “Fel d 1” allergen is deposited on its fur and once that happens, the dried specks of saliva can float off and drift around your home. The protein allergen can be found anywhere as aside from being airborne, it attaches itself to walls, windows, and furniture. What is even more amazing is that this allergen can remain in your home for years after a cat leaves your home. So if you want to remove the allergen from your home to protect yourself from cat allergy, everything would have to be totally cleaned.

Symptoms

Like most allergies, cat allergy can affect your eyes, nose, ears, throat, lungs, and skin. The symptoms, especially respiratory reactions, usually occur between fifteen and forty minutes after one is exposed. However, note that pet-related allergies like cat allergy can take days from initial exposure for its onset.

The most common symptoms associated with cat allergy are:

* Red, itchy, or swollen eyes
* Reddened areas on the skin
* Runny nose * Nasal congestion
* Sneezing
* Ears that become stuffed up or itchy
* Post nasal drip
* Itching and hoarseness in the throat
* Frequent bronchitis
* Coughing and wheezing

How to Control Cat Allergy

Always the best way to control allergic reactions is avoidance method. However, majority of people with cat allergy often ignore medical advice and continue to keep at least one cat at home even after diagnosis of their condition. We all love our cats and we want to protect them, but you should think about yourself once in a while. Below are some tips to help you control your cat allergy even while keeping a cat home:

* Use reputable allergy relief and avoidance products at home

* Since “Fel d 1” allergens float in the air, having a source of fresh air will reduce the allergen. Improve ventilation in your house by using an air conditioner even during humid months.

* Use a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter to reduce particles of cat allergen in your home. If symptoms persist even after following the tips provided above, then perhaps it’s time for you to consult a doctor for his advice on proper medication or immunotherapy.

Hans-Ole Wandt is a very known environmental inventor. He has started a site called http://www.health-information.info.

Allergies - Quality Of Life

Having allergies isn't simply a matter of sneezing once in a while during the day. If it was then nobody would make too big a deal about them. But the truth is, allergies can greatly affect our quality of life depending on what type of allergy we have and how severe the symptoms.

Let's start with the most common allergy, hay fever. Millions of people suffer from hay fever but few really understand how terrible this allergy can be. Going outside and breathing in pollen that starts us sneezing and wheezing is only part of the problem. In itself, that's bad enough. But what about the person who doesn't have a nice comfortable job inside an air conditioned office? This is the poor guy who's maybe a landscaper or gardener. These people work outdoors for a living. What are they supposed to do? If their symptoms are severe enough where medication brings little or no relief they have two options. Continue to suffer and possibly miss many days of work or find a new line of work. If this sounds drastic, it isn't. Sadly, many people lose their jobs because of medical problems, allergies being among the more common.

For the person who works indoors, they are not always so lucky either. Many people have allergies to indoor mold which is very common in old buildings, especially old schools. There was a recent documented case in Irvington, NJ where the mold situation in the high school was so bad that one teacher became ill enough that she had to leave her job until the situation was rectified.

This is even worse for people with allergies to mold who live in old homes. Many times when the problem gets out of control the person has to sell his home or move out of his apartment. Mold is not an easy thing to get rid of if it has spread far enough and if it does get out of control many times people are forced from their homes. This isn't just a minor quality of life change.

It isn't just people with indoor and outdoor allergies who have their quality of life affected. People with food allergies or sensitivities have their lives sometimes drastically altered. Many people suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome because of allergies to certain foods and because of this either miss time from work or spend a good part of the day at work in the bathroom. In either case these people are forced to give up their jobs because they can't do them dependably.

But it isn't just work that gets the worst of it with allergies. Many fathers with young sons are unable to go outside and play ball with their kid because of hay fever. Others can't go on that vacation with the rest of the family because they have to be close to a bathroom at all times because of food allergies.

The sad fact is, people with allergies suffer greatly. And it's not just a little sneezing during the day.

By: Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Allergies

Prescription-drug Allergies
Some people affected by allergies to certain medications. People affected by such allergies should make sure their doctors are aware of these medications. It is very common to treat many infections with medicines like penicillin. Penicillin is a form of mold that helps to reduce swelling or other symptoms of allergic reactions. If a person is allergic to molds, they would be unable to take a medication such as pencillin. There are people who are simply unable to take certain medications.There are other medications that can also trigger an allergy attack; some are everyday drugs and others are prescription medications. If you begin to feel sick or develop a rash soon after you begin taking a new medicine, you should discontinue its usage under the supervision of your doctor. Never take yourself off any prescription medication. It is best to go to your doctor immediately and report how the medicine makes you feel and show them any rashes that you may have developed as a result of it. It is not uncommon for people to suffer allergic reactions or extreme side effects from prescription medication.
When visiting the doctor for a possible medication reaction, you should bring a list of anything out of the ordinary that you may have been using or eating, as well as a list of new medications that you have been prescribed. This will aid the doctor in identifying any triggers that could have caused your reaction. Normally, there are several brands of medications or types of medications that can help you with the same health conditions. It may be necessary for you to switch brands or medications for your treatment. You should discuss your options with your doctor and get his or her opinion on the matter.By bringing your side effects to the attention of your doctor, he or she can help you feel better. Do not feel hesitant to approach your doctor, this is a matter of your health. It is important that you make sure that you are not being prescribed a generic type or brand of medication to which you know you are allergic. When you see a doctor and they subsequently prescribe something for you, it is important to verbally note your allergies to them. Sometimes they may miss a mention of a medical allergy that is noted in your medical file. This will be beneficial to both you and your doctor.
By: Susan Wilson -
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Susan Wilson is a writer for several popular online magazines, on health and wellness and allergies and health themes.

Seasonal Grass Allergy - What to Know

Spring and summer are peak times to develop a seasonal grass allergy. A grass or tree allergy is a common and prevalent allergy that affects people throughout the spring season and during the onset or ending of the summer season. Grass allergy is often directly linked to hay fever, because their symptoms and causes are somehow similar to each other. Seasonal allergies are fairly common in children age 5 and up: According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, about 10 to 15 percent of school-age children have seasonal allergies.


Symptoms of Season Grass Allergy


The common symptoms of grass allergy are sneezing, a runny nose, watering and itchy eyes. If these symptoms sound familiar, and they occur at the same time each year and last longer than a cold would, then you could be experiencing seasonal allergies. Monitor your health. If you tend to have few allergy symptoms on days that are rainy, cloudy, or windless, that may tell you something. Grass pollens don't move around much on those days. To be sure, schedule allergy testing by a physician. If the symptoms are severe or you experience or long-lasting allergy symptoms, medical testing is vital.


The decision about which individual allergens to test for is dictated firstly by the patients history, and taking into consideration his geographical location (particularly with respect to aero-allergens). Symptomatic medications for treating the eye and nose symptoms of allergy are generally available to grass allergy sufferers. Not everyone who has seasonal allergies needs allergy shots, but if your life is being impaired by seasonal allergies, you should discuss this with an allergist.


With a few preventative measures, and knowledge of how to handle allergic symptoms, you can make your life significantly easier. Histamine inflames the nose and airways, and the chemicals cause the well-known symptoms of hay fever: runny nose, watery eyes, and frequent sneezing to flush the allergen from the body.


Sources of Grass Allergens


Typical allergic symptoms caused by airborne allergens include sneezing, runny nose and nasal congestion (allergic rhinitis or hay fever). Grass pollen allergens cross-react with food allergy proteins in tomato,lettuce, onion, celery, corn and sometimes carrots. There is a Chrysanthemum allergy that originates from flower pollen. The cousins of birch pollen allergens (apples, grapes, peaches, celery, apricots), produce severe itching in the throat and ears. The cypress pollen allergy can require identifying allergens and cross reactivity between divergent species, such as olive, ash, privet, and Russian olive tree pollen allergens.


Another form of seasonal grass allergy, is the combination of airborne particles of pollen mixed with mold. This tends to occur around rural areas and farms where the soil is plowed and molds become airborne with the dust of the land.


Conclusion


Antihistamines are usually prescribed to curtail grass allergy development among patients. The most effective treatment for tree or grass allergy is preventing the occurrence in the first place by avoiding exposure to outdoors or wearing a mask to prevent inhaling grass pollens.


By Dave Pipitone



For more information about seasonal allergies, visit http://www.overcomeallergies.com.

Learning About Food Allergies

Food allergies affect approximately 4 million Americans with symptoms that can include difficulty breathing, an outbreak of hives, asthma, vomiting, and even death. Oftentimes food allergies are confused with an inability to tolerate certain foods. Food intolerance usually brings about an entirely different set of symptoms including a bloated feeling, gas, or other similar type of discomfort.

Food Allergies or Food Intolerance

An easy way to distinguish food allergies from food intolerances is to understand that an allergic reaction actually originates in a person's immune system. A severe allergic reaction can result in suffocation when the throat or the tongue swells so much that a person cannot breathe. Given the fact that approximately 150 people in the United States die each year from food allergies, this condition is no laughing matter.

Individuals with known food allergies usually inherit this condition from another member of the family. When food allergy patients are studied, it is common to see that conditions such as eczema, hay fever, and asthma affect other family members. http://www.withallergies.com/helpwithallergies/

Foods That Cause Allergies

A few different kinds of foods seem to trigger the most allergic reactions. And it seems that adults and children each have a different set of foods that cause problems. The majority of food allergy cases in children involve peanuts, milk, eggs, soy and wheat. In adults, the foods most involved with allergies include shellfish (such as shrimp, crab and lobster), peanuts, walnuts, eggs, other fish and nuts that grow in trees.

Food allergies are so serious in some people that even smelling the food can trigger an allergic reaction. However, food allergies mostly become an issue after a person has eaten a food to which he or she is allergic. Symptoms can begin right at the point of entry with lips that begin to tingle or a tongue that begins to itch. Gastrointestinal trouble follows with cramping, or the need to vomit, or the development of diarrhea. As the troublesome food breaks down and enters the bloodstream, it travels towards the lungs and at that point conditions such as asthma, eczema, shortness of breath, or low blood pressure can all develop.

Dealing with Food Allergies

To protect themselves, people with known allergies to food simply have to avoid coming into contact with these foods. That sounds easy enough, however the reality is that it is not always possible to avoid the foods that cause problems. Processed foods can contain so many ingredients that sometimes the food culprit is buried deep in the fine print. Legislation aimed at improving food labeling as it pertains to food allergies has recently been enacted and hopefully these new labeling requirements will better protect those with food allergies.

Keeping children away from food allergens is difficult unless a parent is vigilant about what goes into the child's mouth. Parents of children with food allergies must inform everyone from school officials to neighbors about the child's food allergies and even then, accidents happen. Fortunately for children with food allergies, most will outgrow this condition.

About the Author

Gray Rollins is a featured writer for WithAllergies.com. To learn more about food allergies and treating allergies, visit our site.

Allergies - The Peanut Butter Controversy

In this article we're doing to discuss one of the most dangerous allergies, especially to children who really enjoy their peanut butter and jelly and the arguments for giving or not giving peanut butter to young children in potentially high risk allergic groups.

Let's face it, if you're a kid, or even a kid at heart, you love peanut butter and jelly. Who doesn't? Unfortunately, peanut butter doesn't love everybody as many are allergic to it and this is one allergy that can be downright deadly. Recently a girl died just because she had kissed somebody who had eaten peanut butter. That is a very scary thought.

One of the biggest controversies these days is when to actually allow your child to start having peanut butter. Years ago the only warning was not to give your child big chunks of peanut butter but to spread it thin. This could be started at any age. But today, with the alarming number of kids turning out to be allergic to peanut butter, it is recommended that a child not be given peanut butter until 2 or 3 years of age. Even though allergies to peanut butter are not the most common, they are the most deadly and because of this it is believed extra care is needed. Also, these allergies are the least likely to be outgrown.

There are several determining factors in avoiding giving your child peanut butter. The irst factor is if they have shown allergies or intolerances to other foods or even their baby formula. Then there is whether or not they have other allergic type disorders such as eczema, allergic rhinitis, or asthma or if they have members in the family that have these conditions as allergies can be inherited. Also, if they have other family members with food allergies, especially if another family member is allergic to peanut butter.

It is actually recommended that for high risk children they not only avoid peanut butter until they are older but also cow's milk, citrus fruits and juices and wheat until they are at least 1 year old. They should avoid eggs until age 2 and finally peanuts and shellfish until they are over 2 years of age.

This is where the controversy heats up. Some experts say that children who are not considered to be in a high risk group do not have to do these things. Others say that because food allergies, especially peanuts, are so deadly that it just doesn't make sense not to err on the side of caution. They say that even children not in a high risk group can still have allergies to peanuts and therefore the only way to avoid a reaction is to never allow them to eat peanut butter. Some say that's extreme, others say that one reaction can be the last one.

Ultimately, it comes down to the parent. You have to weigh the risks of giving your child peanut butter against the benefits. Yes, peanuts are high in protein and peanut butter and jelly is a very convenient and easy lunch to make, especially for bringing to school. But if your child is severely allergic it only takes one bite of one sandwich.

Michael RussellYour Independent guide to Allergies

Your Allergy Testing Map

It is helpful to know about your allergy testing options before you go to the doctor. The type of allergy testing depends on what you suspect you are allergic to and the severity of your reaction. Some tests work better than others depending on your case. Your allergy testing map ends at 3 different destinations.

The 3 type of tests are:

Scratch Tests

Elimination Diets

Blood Tests

Scratch tests are the most common form of allergy testing conducted today. The results can be seen as quickly as twenty minutes. The actual test is conducted by placing a small amount of the suspected allergen onto the surface of the skin, usually along the spine or on the upper arm. The patient is then scratched or pricked on the same area allowing some of the substance to penetrate the skin. The area is then observed to see whether the patient has an allergic reaction such as swelling, redness or itching. This method of allergy testing is quick and can cover quite a range of possible allergens. That is why it is particularly good when you don't know what your allergies are. The test works well for insect bites, airborne allergens like pollen and food allergies as well.

Specific food allergies can be tested by using a different form of allergy testing that puts a patient on an elimination diet. For a period of several weeks the range of foods suspected of causing the allergy are eliminated from the patients diet. Then each food is then reintroduced individually to see whether the allergy symptoms come back. Of course, this method of allergy testing is better for mild food allergies. If you get severe allergic reactions bordering on anaphylactic shock then you should skip this test and the scratch tests and immediately go to your next option.

The last form of allergy testing on our list is a RAST(radioallergosorbent test) which most people just classify as a blood test. Blood is drawn from the patient and is then sent to a lab for testing. The blood is examined for the presence of immunoglobulin (IgE) antibodies. The presence of these antibodies indicates whether the body's immune system is causing the body to have an allergic reaction. Elevated levels of these IgE's can tell your doctor whether you are allergic to certain types of allergens. This type of allergy testing has been known to not be as precise or accurate as other methods.

The last type of test that is provocation or challenge tests. This is where a doctor exposes you directly to what you think you are allergic to so that your reaction can be monitored. This can be very dangerous so definitely don't try this at home. Your reaction may be more severe than you think. This type of allergy testing is of course not that common.

In conclusion you should be prepared when you go in for your testing. The doctor will ask you for a thorough medical history and depending on the testing involved may ask you to stop taking any sort of medicine you have been taking to treat the symptoms of your allergies. This will make the allergy testing more effective.

Marilyn Franklin is a writer for AllergyFiles.com where you can also find information on allergy medicine

What Is A Gluten Allergy?

In wheat, barley, rye, and low level oats, there is a rubbery like protein called gluten. This substance is what helps the dough bind, which you would see with baked breads and other baked foods. Although these grains contain gluten, which can cause a gluten allergy in sensitive people, they also contain a number of other proteins that can also cause allergy symptoms.

The four primary proteins found in wheat, rye, and barley includes albumin, globulin, gliadin, and glutenin, better known as gluten. While the symptoms and severity of the symptoms of gluten allergy vary from one person to another, generally a person would experience hives, swelling, abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting, or asthma. If the person is highly sensitive to gluten allergy, the symptoms could be life-threatening.

The good news about gluten allergy is that if the person has a reaction after eating wheat or wheat product, making an early diagnosis is easy. The challenge is that so many of the foods we eat are made with wheat, making it difficult to tell where the real problem lies. Most often, a trained doctor or allergist would conduct a skin prick test or take blood to confirm that gluten allergy is the problem.

If the reaction to gluten is severe, the solution might be to eliminate wheat and wheat by-products from the diet. However, if the gluten allergy is minor, then reducing the amount of wheat consumed and/or allergy medication or shots might do the trick. If the person with gluten allergy is a young child, chances are he or she will outgrow the allergy.

Gluten Intolerance, also known as Coeliac Disease, is a hereditary disorder that affects the immune system. In this case, when gluten is consumed, the mucosa, which is the lining of the small intestine, is damaged. When this happens, important vitamins and nutrients are not absorbed properly. When a person has this type of gluten allergy, the symptoms would be different in children than they would be in adults.

For children, the gluten allergy would be seen as abdominal distension, impaired growth, abnormal stools, irritability, poor muscle tone, malabsorption, poor appetite, and wasting of muscle. If an adult has this type of gluten allergy, then diarrhea, significant weight loss, abdominal cramping and bloating, constipation, and offensive stools are common.

In both cases of gluten allergy, a doctor would need to perform blood tests to make a confirmed diagnosis. Once done, the only treatment is to have gluten completely eliminated from the diet. Because of this, it is essential that nutrient and vitamin deficiencies be addressed with things such as niacin, iron, thiamin, riboflavin, chromium, magnesium, selenium, folacin, molybdenum, and phosphorus. With proper care and diet, a person with gluten allergy can enjoy a hearty choice of foods without the irritating symptoms.

Grant Segall RPh is a pharmacist and webmaster for the allergy related website http://www.allergy-allergy.com.

Dealing With A Cat Allergy

Anyone who suffers from allergies can undoubtedly tell you of the irritation and discomfort associated with its consequences. In order to minimize symptoms, allergy sufferers do well to identify their personal allergy triggers so that they can successfully avoid them. For cat lovers especially, a cat allergy can mean a host of problems when it comes to choosing – or keeping – a pet.

A cat allergy generally stems from a person’s particular sensitivity to cat dander – the skin cells that shed through the cat’s fur. This sensitivity to cat dander can range from minimal – resulting in coughing, watery eyes, sneezing, and itching – to severe – resulting in everything from swelling to shortness of breath.

Clearly, those who have a cat allergy do best to not bring any cats into their home or to enter the homes of those who have cats in residence. But there are some who do not even discover that they have a cat allergy until they’ve brought their new pet into the home.

First and foremost, a severe cat allergy may require you to find an alternative living arrangement for your cat. Work with your doctor to ascertain the severity of your cat allergy. In the likely case of a minimal to moderate cat allergy, however, there are ways to combat the cat allergy so that you and your furry friend can live together harmoniously.

When it comes to your home, be sure that you are providing adequate ventilation with the use of an effective quality air filter. Be sure to vacuum frequently to rid your house of as much dander as possible. Have your animal groomed at the veterinarian or another location outside the home so as not to expose yourself to cat hair shed during the grooming process.

If you are aware of your cat allergy before you purchase a cat, look into the shorter-haired cats. These cats require minimal grooming and shed far less than their long-haired counterparts. In fact, you may find that you are less allergic to the shorter-haired breeds.

As a final and ongoing solution you may want to work with your doctor in terms of allergy shots or medications. This can save you a significant amount of aggravation and discomfort going forward – keeping you comfortable in your own home as well as the homes of other cat owners.

Ultimately, determining if your cat allergy is something that should hinder you from cat ownership is up to you and your doctor to decide. Most importantly, you should not put your health at risk. But if you are able to manage both your allergy care and the care for your pet, then you and your cat can happily co-exist.

by: Michelle Bery

For easy to understand, in depth information about cat allergies visit our ezGuide 2 Cats.

Coping With A Dog Allergy

Recent studies show that 15% to 20% of the population is allergies to either their dog or cat. But for 25% of those people they choose to continue to keep pets and suffer through the allergies. In fact studies show even when told by their doctor to give up their dog only one out of five choose to do so while the rest live with their dog allergy.

When surveyed many of those suffering from a dog allergy felt that their companionship their pet provided far outweighed the allergy itself. For those that choose this route learning to manage their allergy is very important.

The biggest mistake made is to blame the fur when actually the allergy is caused by the protein that is secreted by the oil glands and then shed with their dander which is microscopic particles of skin, hair, and fur. Since animals continuously shed this dander is always present and a person can develop a dog allergy when the immune system mistakes this allergen as the enemy.

These allergens can be transmitted through the air or they can be transmitted through touch. When the allergens land on your nose, eyes, or are inhaled into the lungs the allergy symptoms begin. Contact with your skin can cause hives. For most a dog allergy is an annoyance but for some it can life threatening causing severe asthma attacks that block the air ways. The severity will vary from one person to another.

Just as severity can vary from person to person so can how long it takes for the symptoms to occur. They can develop instantly upon exposure or they can take hours to develop.

Another big misconception is that there is such a thing as a non-allergenic dog breed. For example many believe that dogs with fur that is tightly woven such as poodles have no shedding so therefore there is no allergen dander but this is not true. You can still have a dog allergy.

What is true when it comes to a dog allergy there are some dog breeds that seem to both some people less. Size often has a lot to do with because the smaller the dog the less dander that is likely to be released. For example a large breed such as a Shepherd would have a lot more dander than a toy breed like the poodle.

Sensitive people are actually more likely to have a cat allergy than a dog allergy. When a person is allergic to animals they can even suffer when the animal is not present because the allergens or dander still reside in the house. And it does take more than a vacuum to clear a house of the dander.

For pet lovers who discover suddenly they have developed a dog allergy it can be devastating and giving up a beloved pet is simply not an option.

One method of reducing allergens and then perhaps the dog allergy is to groom your pets often. It’s bet if you can do this outside or in a room that has no carpeting, and a hepa air purifier. Wear a dust mask while your grooming. You need to wash your hands after handling

Placing hepa air purifiers throughout your house can reduce the amount of dander. Bathing your pet once a week will reduce allergens by more than 80% and if you suffer from a dog allergy this can be the difference between suffering and not suffering. That said some breeds don’t do well with bathing that often so watch for symptoms of dry skin and reduce bathing accordingly.

A dog allergy doesn’t have to be the end of the road for you and your dog. It may take you a while to determine the best way to manage your allergy but when you do both you and your best friend will be very happy.

By: Ramone Stevenson -

Get all the latest information about Allergies from the only true source at www.1allergyinformation.com Be sure to check out our Dog Allergy pages.

The Rise Of Allergies And Asthma

It is estimated that over half of Americans between the ages of 6 and 59 would test positive to one or more allergens. About one quarter of these people would be allergic to dust mites, ragweed or cockroaches. Surveys suggest that about ten million Americans are allergic to cats. Two million are allergic to insect stings. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology believes allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic (i.e. long-term) disease.

The problem is not confined to the U.S. It is estimated that between forty and fifty per cent of children in North America, Western Europe and Australia have some form of allergy. Why is this a problem if you have asthma? The WHO believes 90 per cent of asthma attacks are triggered by allergic reactions.

An allergy starts with the body's increased sensitivity to something it perceives as a threat. The immune system overreacts to an allergen that for others is an innocent, unthreatening substance. We don't know why some people become sensitized to an allergen and others do not, but it is believed that people inherit a tendency for allergies, although not to a specific substance.

Some experts believe the sensitivity is related to a child's environment and lifestyle. Increasing sales of antibacterial sprays and other cleaning agents means today's homes are generally cleaner. Children spend more time in the home and less time playing outside in the dirt. Consequently they are less exposed to potential allergens and denied the chance to develop immunity. This is believed to lead to allergic sensitization.

Studies have shown that children in large families or who attend a daycare center are less likely to develop allergies. It has also been found that children who share their home with dogs and cats have less allergic reactions than those raised in a pet free household.

Pollen is a common allergy and asthma trigger. When these tiny particles enter the airways of someone sensitive to their presence proteins on the surface of the pollen and an enzyme also carried by the pollen cause an overreaction. The protein triggers the immune system and the enzyme interacts with the cells of the airways. This inflames the respiratory passages and leads to breathing difficulties.

Understanding this process may lead to new, more effective medications, but what can you do in the meantime? Firstly know the pollen count for your area. However be aware that the pollen count is usually taken the day before it is broadcast. It can be reduced by rain or cool weather, and increased by hot weather or short thunderstorms.

There are some easy preventative actions you can take for each type of allergy. If you have an allergic reaction during yard work and in damp places dispose of anything that smells moldy; if pets start a reaction regularly wash them and their bedding; many allergies will improve if you do not smoke.

Vigilance is the best prescription for a food allergy . Today you can encounter food substances in the most unexpected places. There was a classic school experiment that involved burning a peanut and measuring how much energy it gave out. Now pupils burn an alternative. Some pupils discovered they were allergic to peanuts the hard way as the oils in the nut gave off fumes.

Now there is another food to treat with caution. Sesame seed allergy is one of the fastest growing allergies in the world. And don't think you'll only find the seed resting atop a bun. They are used in salad dressings, ethnic foods, baked goods and even soap.

So what can you do if you suspect you are allergic or asthmatic? First, educate yourself about the condition. Experts agree that knowledge is the best prescription.

Do some research. Consult your doctor. They may recommend tests to determine any allergies you have. If an allergy or asthma is identified there are medications, precautions and complementary therapies you can use to control your condition.

Above all do not believe that a diagnosis of allergy or asthma means you have to live a less active, enjoyable life. Our understanding of these conditions is incomplete, but we know enough to allow sufferers to take control.

By: David Kane

David Kane is the author of ‘Stop Asthma Now’ and is giving away copies of his ‘Guide to Allergy and Asthma Relief’. To get your copy visit the Stop Asthma Now - Asthma Relief eBook site while the offer lasts.

Baby Food Allergies – All You Need To Know

In recent year we have seen an increase in the susceptibility of allergies. Baby food allergies are of particular concern as the source may be difficult to detect. Baby food allergies are as common as adult food allergies.

If your baby appears distressed for no apparent reason or has unexplained areas of itchiness to the skin, then perhaps he or she has a baby food allergy.

What is an Allergy?

An allergy can be defined as an intolerance to a particular substance when touched, inhaled, injected or ingested.

When our body is exposed to a substance that causes an allergic reaction the response may be nasal or respiratory congestion, itchy or runny nose, watery eyes, diarrhea, or itchy rashes anywhere on the body.

Baby Food Allergies – Can My Allergies be Passed on to my Baby?

If you tend to have an allergic reaction then your baby may have a tendency to be allergic also.

However you and your baby may not share the same food allergies or be allergic to the same substances.

You may have asthma, while your child may develop hay fever.

Baby Food Allergies – How to detect them

It can sometimes be difficult detecting the cause of baby food allergies. If you think your infant has a baby food allergy, eliminating the following products from their diet may help.

• Milk and dairy products
• Eggs
• Nuts
• Shellfish
• Citrus Fruits

Once you have eliminated each of these food groups from your baby’s diet, you can begin to reintroduce them gradually one by one.

Wait a few days before the introduction of an additional food group and do not mix food groups.If your baby has a baby food allergy you be able to detect it by monitoring his or her reaction to the introduction of these individual food groups.

Baby Food Allergies – Can they be prevented?

Breastfeeding your baby for the first six months of his or her life helps to reduce the incidence of allergies earlier on in life.

Try to avoid giving your baby pre-prepared foods that contain additives, or tinned or packaged foods.

Baby Food Allergies – When are they Most Likely to Occur?

Baby food allergies can occur at any time. Many babies are allergic to, or have an intolerance to cows milk and your baby may develop an allergy to other milk or wheat products, shellfish, nuts or citrus fruits.

If your baby has an allergic reaction after eating a particular food, you should see the signs within an hour.

Baby Food Allergy – Signs to Look For

The symptoms of a baby food allergy could include swelling or itchiness of the lips or tongue, wheezing or a skin rash.

Some babies may develop an intolerance to particular food groups.

If your baby has a food intolerance, symptoms might include diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, colic or wind.

Treating Baby Food Allergies

As long as you can find the cause, then the best way to treat a baby food allergy is to refrain from giving your baby that particular food.

If your baby is experiencing related symptoms then the allergy could be pollen related rather than a baby food allergy. Non food substances that could also cause an allergic reaction include pet hairs, tobacco smoke, feather pillows, perfume or dust mites.

Baby Food Allergies – Healthy Alternatives

If your results indicated that your infant is experiencing baby food allergies, here are some non allergic foods that you can try introducing into their diet.

• Mangoes, apples, grapes
• Barley, oats, rye
• Cauliflower, carrots, sweet potatoes
• Chicken, salmon

If in any doubt you should seek professional help to determine whether it is a baby food allergy or something more serious.

Baby food allergies are quote common and with a little work are fairly easy to detect. Once you have detected the source of your baby’s food allergy, the simplest way to eliminate the symptoms is to remove the cause.

By: Sacha Tarkovsky

MORE FREE INFO On all aspects of health and more on babies visit our website for a huge resource of articles, features and downloads and at www.net-planet.org/index.html

Cat Allergy Symptoms

Cat allergy symptoms afflict many people. Sufferers are in real trouble if they happen to own a cat. This might not make sense to the ordinary person but to a cat lover it does. The symptoms may developed long after they have acquired their furry companion so getting rid of the rascal my simply not be an option. So for many cat lovers and owners living with cat allergies is a real problem that they have to live with.

Allergies in general are still not completely understood by the medical community. Inroads have been made but the fact remains that not enough knowledge has been gained on allergies to completely eliminate them. Some of the best experts on allergies in the medical community are themselves allergy sufferers. This in itself has allowed them to make the observations necessary to gain a better understanding of allergy symptoms.

Cat allergy symptoms can manifest themselves in many forms. They can appear singularly or in combination. They can come and go for no apparent reason. So you may have been mistaking your symptoms for a lingering cold and or a sore throat that comes and goes. A rash that sometimes responds to topical treatment and sometimes doesn't. Sneezing fits that you blame on dust or pollen allergies.

Some of the symptoms are clogged and ringing ears. Sneezing fits. Red and watering eyes. Burning eyes. Skin rashes. Cold-like symptoms. Sore throat. Sound familiar? If you are a cat owner and you have these symptoms on a regular basis that you may be suffering from cat allergies. You can however take steps to reduce your suffering and still keep your beloved friend.

Until recently the actual cause of the allergy symptoms was a mystery. People thought they knew but in the end no one really knew for sure what in fact was on the cat that was causing the suffering. Hair?small skin flakes? The cat box? It turns out it is the cats saliva that is the culprit. By licking its hair, which is a cats favorite past time, your cat is spreading the stuff that is the root of your suffering.

The best method of determining if you are suffering from cat allergies is to remove your cat from the house for about two weeks and vacuum and clean anything your cat is in contact with and see if the symptoms disappear or are lessened. Not doing a thorough cleaning defeats the purpose of this test. This is a common test for most allergy sufferers. Remove the suspect material and see if it goes away.

Assuming that you have made a determination that you are in fact suffering from cat allergies then the next question is what to do about it. The easiest and most complete solution short of finding your cat a new home is to make it an outside cat. This might seem like a great sacrifice to yourself but your cat may love it once it has adjusted. A cat door can be installed on a side room or garage so it can still come in from the weather.

Other solutions can be had but they are not as completely as effective as putting your cat outside. Vacuuming and cleaning your house more often helps. It's a lot more work for yourself but the allergen can be removed. Receiving medical treatment for your allergies can be effective if you respond positively to the treatment. Limiting your cats access to your whole house particularly your bedroom is a must.

By: Sven Ullmann

Article by Sven Ullmann, who runs Deserved Health - information on health for you and your family. Read more about cat allergy symptoms. Interested in our healthy newsletter?

Milk Allergy Symptoms

Milk allergies are a reality for millions of people. One major problem is that milk products and derivatives of milk are in so many of the food products we consume. It is very difficult to completely avoid milk products and byproducts as we go about or day to day life as food consumers. It is a very real problem for parents of children. Once they are out their sight treats like a caramel apple or milk chocolate can bring on an allergic reaction.

Symptoms can manifest themselves in a variety of maladies. Vomiting, diarrhea, hives are three of the most common. Bloating, gas, watery eyes, skin rashes that can also include acne are among others. An asthmatic who also suffers from milk allergy can have complications with their asthma condition as a result or his or her allergy to milk. Another reaction is ear infections and hyperactivity, particularly in children. Minor milk allergy symptoms can go undiagnosed for years.

As a result of ongoing research more information is being made available for those who suffer from milk allergies. Also more and better alternatives to milk are being made available. Milk allergy sufferers are denied this valuable source of calcium in their diet and more palatable alternatives are important in replacing milk and milk productes for the allergy sufferers.

Soy products that were once ghastly are now quite delicious and soy milk itself is now do to improvements quite delicious and resemble milk quite well. Tofu is a great alternative to cheese. With products like these, milk allergy symptoms can easily be avoided. Take a short trip to your supermarket and you'll find plenty of alternative dairy products. No longer will you have to avoid the common foods that you like the most, easy alternatives can be used.

One ingredient in milk is lactose, or milk sugar. Lactose intolerance is a type of milk allergy where the person experiencing the allergy is intolerant to the lactose in the milk itself An enzyme called lactase is responsible for breaking down lactose in the digestive process. It is estimated that up to seventy percent of the worlds population is lacking in this enzyme and some have none at all. This has caused problems in the past when international care packages of food relief were taken to countries on the African continent to fend off starvation and the milk products in the food was consumed by lactose intolerant people there.

Avoidance is the most common treatment for milk allergies. But as I stated previously that can be difficult. Anything containing the word casein should be avoided. Careful screening of preprocessed food labels is a must. Beyond that there has been some buzz about energy based allergy treatments. Many people have claimed to have been completely cured of all symptoms of milk allergy after undergoing an energy based allergy treatment. Energy based allergy treatments are quick and are not long and ongoing. They are an entire topic in themselves so I can only brief you on the topic here.

By: Sven Ullmann

Article by Sven Ullmann, who runs Deserved Health - information on health for you and your family. Read more about milk allergy symptoms. Get our health newsletter.

Food Allergies And The Ways They Affect Our Skin

Our diet plays a big part in the condition of our skin. If we do not eat properly we risk having dull, tired looking skin, and in some cases more serious problems can arise.

Food allergies can cause dramatic changes in the skin and the scary thing is, sometimes we do not even know that we have an allergy to a certain food before we try it, so an allergy could occur at any time.

How Food Allergies Affect the Skin When we have food allergies the body is basically thinking that the food which we are allergic to is harming our body. So, the immune system kicks in and creates antibodies to fight off the food allergen. After the body has identified a food as a cause of allergies, it will from then on release chemicals to protect itself.

The chemicals are what trigger allergic reactions and as well as affecting the respiratory system, the cardiovascular system and the gastrointestinal tract, it also affects the skin. Usually food allergies are more common in children but they do affect adults too.

Some of the most common signs of food allergies include itching and the body could come out in a rash. Some common skin conditions which could appear due to food allergies include:

Hives

Hives is one of the most common allergic skin reactions, and it is also known as Urticaria. Usually hives form on any part of the body but they rarely affect the palms and the soles of the feet. The problem can either be mild or severe, depending upon the circumstances. You will know if you have hives if they are extremely itchy, if you have red, circular lesions which change throughout time. They can basically be any size, though they do tend to only be a few millimeters in length. Usually to control hives, antihistamines are taken but failing that, oral steroids can also be used. Again, it depends upon the severity of the break out and they should calm down naturally after the cause of the allergy has gone.

Eczema

Eczema is an extremely annoying condition and it constantly itches and makes the skin red, dry and flaky. It can be caused by a number of things and food allergies are one of them. There are various different types of Eczema and the type that is caused by allergies is allergic contact dermatitis. The reaction usually occurs a couple of hours after contact with whatever it were that the person is allergic to. If you do not come into contact with the substance again, the reaction usually tends to calm down after a few days.

Both conditions can be really irritating and can leave the skin looking really dull and unhealthy. Also, another symptom of a food allergy could be sneezing and a runny nose. If you have a runny nose you are constantly blowing it and if your nose is also itchy you will be rubbing it to make the itching stop. This will also damage the sensitive skin around the nose and it could potentially become extremely sore and flaky. The only thing that will really cure this is by keeping the area moisturized as much as possible.

Overall, nothing can cure food allergies but it is important to stay away from some foods if you know you are allergic to them. Food allergies usually occur with foods such as nuts, milk, eggs and fish. It is possible to be allergic to any foods however so just be careful and know that as well as affecting the rest of your body, allergies also affect the skin.

By: Louise Forrest

Keep YOURSELF looking and feeling great with these great FREE Beauty Tips from www.NaturalElements.co.uk In just seconds you can access over 36 beauty topics that will keep you looking younger and more radiant. You can now get the very latest information on Natural Beauty Products by subscribing with RSS

Allergy Symptoms - Confusing No More

Nowadays allergy symptoms plague a majority of Americans. I for one have continually struggled with understanding the signs that indicate an allergic reaction. Every day we are exposed to foods that could cause us food intolerance like lactose intolerance to drugs that can give us side effects that are due to our body reacting negatively to it. Even the simple pleasure of spending time in the backyard expose you to other possible allergens like grass and flowers.

Understanding your allergy symptoms and treating the underlying causes are two very important parts of finding an effective solution to improving your health and wellness. There are many ways that people treat allergy symptoms. The band-aid approach of treating the allergic reaction quickly is pretty popular, yet often these treatments are short-lived. With patience and research, one can learn to manage these otherwise debilitating allergies.

Common allergy symptoms are seen throughout the world by both Allergists and Family Practitioners. Doctors tend to categorize the symptoms as mild, moderate or severe. The most common fall into the mild and moderate category and include:

Chronic Sinusitis
Watery Eyes that can become Red and Itchy
Rash
Congestion
Itchiness
Difficulty breathing

Chronic sinusitis is possibly the most frequent sign of an allergy. This usually causes sinus headaches as the nasal passages are continually clogged and sometimes draining as well. Watery eyes are another very common allergy symptom which can cause painful irritation. This causes scratching which can make matters worse particularly in children who usually show no restraint. In order to treat these symptoms, there are a variety of medications available to help stop this reaction and inflammation process. Both prescription and over-the counter medicines are available. Eye drops like Visine are often used as well to take out redness and irritation from the eyes.

Natural approaches popular for treating so many things nowadays are also an option when it comes to treating allergy symptoms as well. An example of this is the herb milk thistle which cleanses the liver and helps it to function properly which helps those with food intolerance.

Severe reaction otherwise known as anaphylaxis is more rare but is life-threatening. It may begin with a common symptom like itching of the eyes or face but will suddenly progress to include:

Swelling that effects breathing and swallowing
Abdominal pain
Cramps
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Dizziness(possible mental confusion)

If you think you are experiencing anaphylaxis seek emergency help immediately. Other allergy symptoms may cause more reactions that can occur even weeks after an exposure. This type of allergy is probably the most difficult to diagnose. Sufferers continue to experience problems for years. Some are continually misdiagnosed particularly for those with allergy symptoms that include gastro-intestinal issues such as irritable bowel syndrome, constipation or diarrhea. Finding the food that causes these reactions and eliminating them is the only way to find relief. Depression and attention deficit have also surprisingly been linked as an allergy symptom to certain chemicals or food additives. Out of the box treatments such as acupuncture may help to find the root causes of these allergy symptoms.

Many times we like to brush off our allergy symptoms as minor nuisance. We would rather think we have a cold than address the process of trying to identify your allergies and treat them appropriately. We continue to eat some things that we know don't agree with us and just chalk it up to the latest stomach flu. Do yourself a favor and bring these symptoms up to your doctor. It doesn't hurt to ask and the answers could help drastically improve the quality of your life.

By: Marilyn Franklin

Marilyn Franklin is a writer for AllergyFiles.com where you can find more information about allergy symptoms.

Mold Allergy And What To Do

25 million Americans suffer from allergic reactions to molds, most of them don't even realize they have a mold allergy; that when they are sneezing and sniffling the cause is molds.
Mold spore allergy is common as mold can be found almost everywhere, and all molds reproduce by spores, and send the spore airborne, which causes allergic reactions in many individuals.

Airborne mold spores can cause you to be ill and eventually destroy your health. Many people are unaware that they are breathing mold spores until they are very sick.
As stated, molds produce airborne toxins - these can cause serious breathing difficulties, memory and hearing loss, dizziness, flu-like symptoms, and bleeding in the lungs. Yes, it can be that bad.

So it is important to find out where you might have mold in your home and at work by doing a mold test. Molds can be found wherever there is moisture, oxygen, warmth and something to feed on. Warmth and high humidity stimulate mold growth, so mold allergy tends to be most prevalent during the hot, humid summer months.

One of the easiest ways to find out if you have mold in your home is to order a mold test kit online. Look around a little for tests that will test for many molds, or ones that will test for black mold specifically.

A mold test kit is also a great way to test for mold at work. If you find a high count, then go to your supervisor or boss with the information and ask them to do something about it as you have a mold allergy, and others are probably being affected as well.

Get to the bottom of your mold allergy. Now you want to look around for mold in your home. Start with a visual inspection for both mold and moisture around windows, sinks, and water lines.

If you kit shows that you have mold in your home, you may need to get to the bottom of your mold allergy by having a mold inspector come to your home. An inspector will give you a much more thorough inspection that you would not be able to do for yourself.
The inspector will look at such things as:

Humidity of the indoor air, using a properly calibrated meter
Heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems
Moisture barriers for proper installation and condensation
All water-damaged areas, and locate the point of water intrusion

Mold allergy can make you seriously ill, so take steps soon to locate mold in your home and clear it.

Article By Jeannie Crabtree C.Ac. Learn more tips about Allergy and Allergy Relief by visiting her site and getting the Health Tips Newsletter and other Health and Nutrition tips.

Natural Allergy Relief

Whether it's the long-awaited change of winter into spring, or the quiet fading of summer into fall, for many people the changing of seasons means the start of seasonal allergies. Sneezing and wheezing, runny nose and itchy, watery, red eyes are just some of the symptoms that more than 35 million Americans face each year as the pollen from trees, grass, flowers, and plants makes it way into the air. Drugstore counters offer a wide array of traditional medications available to help. However, for an increasing number of allergy sufferers, relief can be a natural allergy relief product provided by Mother Nature. A variety of all-natural treatments that studies show can help -- often without many of the troubling side effects ascribed to traditional care.

"Using natural allergy relief products can be a very useful way to handle mild allergies and even some more significant allergies. There are many types of natural allergy relief products and treatments you can safely try.

Among those generating the loudest buzz right now is the European herb butterbur. In one study, published recently in the British Medical Journal, a group of Swiss researchers showed how just one tablet of butterbur four times daily was a very effective natural allergy relief product as a popular antihistamine in controlling symptoms of hay fever.

Other natural allergy relief products include the herbal supplements, freeze-dried nettles and a tonic made from the herb goldenseal, which can be used by adding it to still one more natural allergy relief treatment -- a saline (salt water) nasal spray. Saline works to wash out pollen and reduce or thin mucous while the goldenseal has astringent and local antibacterial properties. Other natural allergy relief products are grape seed extract and a flavonoid compound known as quercetin. Although both occur naturally in many foods -- and are especially abundant in red wine -- when used in supplement form they can be extremely helpful in reducing allergy symptoms, particularly in conjunction with vitamin C, says James Dillard, MD. Another good source of natural allergy relief products can be found in your kitchen. You might want to try cooking up some allergy relief in the form of hot, spicy foods. Experts say the spicier the dish, the more likely it is to thin mucous secretions, which in turn can clear nasal passages.

Among the most frequently recommended spices for this purpose include cayenne pepper, hot ginger, and fenugreek, as well as the traditional onion and garlic, all of which are natural allergy relief products. http://www.infosource.com

by Ocha Nix

Ocha has been in sales and sales management for over 24 years. He has worked with major world wide OEM companies to provide them with information necessary for their growth. He now owns and maintains several web sites and says this is more fun than any job. http://www.journeytosuccess.blogspot.com

Latex Allergy

An increasing number of Americans are becoming allergic to latex, a natural substance derived from the milky sap of the rubber tree. Found in Africa, latex is used to make a variety of products, including rubber gloves, balloons, tires, condoms and diaphragms, and elastic bands. They may also be found in healthcare products, such as catheters, intravenous tubing, dressings, stethoscopes, syringes, and bandages. Many of these products cannot be avoided by both the consumer and the healthcare worker, so how can you control latex allergy reaction?

First, you need to know that there are actually two sources of latex allergy, producing two distinct allergic reactions. The first type of latex allergy affects the immune system, resulting in minor skin rash. This type is often blamed on the chemical additives used in making the gloves.

The second latex allergy is a full-fledged allergic reaction to the latex itself. It results in more serious reactions, causing the person to develop itchy, red hives, rhinitis/hay fever, a runny nose, and asthma. In extreme cases, latex allergy may also cause anaphylaxis, a restriction of the air due to airway swelling, which, if not treated promptly, can cause sudden death.

The increase in prevalence of latex allergy is largely due to the increase of latex use. In the medical industry, doctors have been using latex to protect themselves from infectious diseases when touching a patient's blood, urine, feces, or other organism that may pass on an infection. In addition, more and more medical professionals these days are using latex gloves for simple procedures that never required gloves in the past, such as checking the pus in a patient's hand.

As a result of this increased exposure to latex, the occurrence of latex allergy also increased. Also, airborne latex particles have also been inhaled, triggering allergic reactions to people predisposed to develop latex allergy. A study confirmed that cornstarch used to coat the latex for easier use in putting gloves on and off absorbs the proteins and shed them into the air. This results in more people inhaling the particles, prompting latex allergy response.

Another way for you to avoid latex allergy reaction is to get yourself skin or blood-tested to determine if you have a positive response to latex. Knowing whether you have the allergy or not is always the first step in preventing the condition from occurring in the first place. So once you know, you can now take proper steps to avoid what causes your latex allergy.

For skin tests, a small solution of latex components is injected into the skin. The one conducting the test will know if you are allergic if swelling in the area occurs. Another method is blood testing. To test for latex allergy, a sample of your blood is taken and checked for certain types of allergy-producing antibodies, called IgE (immunoglobulin E).

For a person with latex allergy, exposure to latex could result in a number of symptoms, some of them even life-threatening. The signs may include nasal congestion, a runny nose, and asthma-like symptoms, including shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and wheezing. Other symptoms include skin rashes, pus, and itchy skin.

by Ralph Henderson

Make sure you visit Ralph and Liz's allergy information site.

Skin Allergies

A skin allergy, or what is correctly called contact dermatitis, occurs when your skin comes in contact with something it is allergic to. There are many things that can cause contact dermatitis such as latex, hair dye, perfumes, make ups, bath powders and some household cleaning products. Latex skin allergies are becoming more common as latex is used in many products such as condoms, rubber bands, bathing suits and some toys. It is extremely important if you are allergic to latex that you advise your physician, dentist or any other healthcare worker so they do not use any latex based products on you. The most common skin allergens are poison ivy and poison oak. We all know someone who has come in contact with these in the garden at some point who have developed the painful and itching weeping blisters that accompany it.
Eczema is also considered a skin allergy. Eczema is generally an inherited trait and it usually starts in childhood. A eczema sufferer will have skin that is dry and itchy. There is sometimes also flaking and scaling of the skin and weeping blisters. Children who suffer from eczema are usually found to suffer from hay fever and asthma too.

Hives are another form of contact dermatitis that can be brought on from an internal allergen, such as an allergy to food or medicine, or from an external allergen such as contact with an animal, some plants (poison ivy or poison oak) or soap products. For some foods like chocolate, nuts, tomatoes, and berries can cause hives. Most hives appear quickly but are gone within 24 to 48 hours.

As with other types of allergies such as seasonal pollen, animal allergy or food allergy there is no cure for skin allergies. Most outbreaks of contact dermatitis can be treated with over the counter antihistamines. The best way to avoid an outbreak is to avoid what is causing the outbreak. You can look for non allergenic and fragrance free make up and beauty products. Those who suffer from eczema should avoid extremes of heat and cold and use heavy moisturizers on their skin to help protect and heal it.

by John Sanderson

This article courtesy of http://www.allergies-treatments.com/

Herbal Allergy Treatment

Many medicines common to us today were originally discovered in their natural state and then synthesized in the laboratory. Penicillin is one that we have all heard of and there are so many others. Pharmaceutical research scientists to this day explore places like the Amazon Jungle, still looking for more beneficial substances to take back to the laboratory for study. Their goal is to make discoveries, learn to synthesize and then patent to protect their profits.

Their is and always has been medicinal substances in their natural state available for those who choose to use them. Commonly known as herbal medicines.The Food an Drug Administration has consistently worked with drug companies to enact laws and regulations that make it difficult and sometimes illegal for allergy sufferers to obtain alternatives to the drugs distributed by the corporate drug cartels. It is up to you to educate yourself about herbal allergy relief products.

Allergy sufferers have to rely on each other in this area of research and discovery. There are many traditional pharmaceutical products out there on the market that work well. The problem for us is that pharmaceutical companies have share holders who have profits in mind. They don't want us to theirs and only their products.Herbal allergy relief products have always been here and have always been used. They are nothing new. Long before modern medicine pushed herbal medicines aside, people everywhere relied on herbal medicines. They are in fact are being rediscovered in a way and are now available for anyone who wishes to obtain the benefits they can give.

Your allergies are, with the exception of chemical intolerance, caused by natural substances, with a few exceptions. Mold, pollen, dust, and the list goes on and on, are all natural substances. It only stands to reason that if a natural substance is causing the problem then natural herbal allergy relief products can provide relief. It is not recommended that you start experimenting on yourself. Herbal medicines can and many times do have a high level of potency. Just because something doesn't come in a pill does not mean it cant contain powerful substances. Always consult an expert before you begin using herbal allergy relief products or any other herbal medicine for that matter. What works for someone els may not necessarily work for you. So picking up and trying something that someone has told you has worked for them could only increase your suffering. So do your own research, consult an expert on homeopathy and find out what is best for you before you begin using herbal allergy relief products.

So in the end the choice is your own. You are the one doing the suffering. If you are not entirely satisfied with your treatments in the past. Or if you would just like to see more improvement in your allergy relief. Then look into the option of herbal allergy relief products.

It is not recommended that you throw down your prescription medicine and stop using them. Most work very well and are a necessity for many allergy sufferers. But used in conjunction with your other allergy medicines, herbal allergy relief products can provide that extra relief you have been hoping for. Many people have found complete relief with herbal allergy relief products and have been able to say good-bye to chemically synthesized drugs for good.

Article by Sven Ullmann, who runs Deserved Health - information on health for you and your family. Read more about herbal allergy treatment. Get our health newsletter.

Winning The Battle Against Allergy

Whether it's dust, pollens, or different kinds of food, many Americans today are susceptible to having an allergy. An allergy is a reaction of the immune system to certain types of substances, which are called allergens.

When the person with an allergy, for example animal dander, comes in contact with the allergen, his body will experience different types of reaction. Depending on the type of allergy, the person can experience rashes, difficulty in breathing, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes or involuntary bowel movement. In the most extreme cases of allergy attacks, the person can suffer an anaphylactic shock and can cause death.

What are the symptoms of an allergy?

Allergy attacks vary in symptom and degree.

· Mild allergy symptoms can usually be seen on a specific area and do not spread on different parts of the body. This is indicated by a rash, itchiness, watery eyes, uncontrollable sneezing, or swelling in the affected area.

· Moderate symptoms include allergic reactions that spread to the entire body. This is manifested by itchiness, numbness, involuntary bowel movement or difficulty in breathing.
· A severe allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis. It is a dangerous emergency state where the body's reaction to the allergen is fast, sudden and does not hit only one area of the body. This allergic symptom can begin with a persistent itching followed by abdominal pains, vomiting and hives. Dizziness or confusion may also be a symptom because anaphylaxis causes a sudden drop in the person's blood pressure.

These allergy symptoms can appear in different parts of the body:

· Eyes - redness, itchiness and watery eyes.
· Nose - swelling of the mucous membrane resulting in a runny nose and sneezing.
· Lungs - constriction, wheezing and difficulty in breathing, which is sometimes signs of asthma.
· Ears - swelling, a slight pain and even temporary impairment or hearing loss.
· Skin - itchiness, reddening and swelling of affected area.

Treatment

There are treatments for a person's allergy, depending on the type of allergen he or she may be susceptible to. For an airborne allergen like pollen, animal dander, mold, dust mite feces and fur from cats or dogs, medicines like a nasal spray, decongestants or antihistamines can be sufficient to give immediate relief from the symptoms. Eye drops can also be used if the redness and itchiness becomes too much.

For an ingested allergen like an allergy to certain types of food, the best treatment is to avoid the food altogether. Food allergy can cause wheezing, hives, runny nose, swelling of the mouth area and sometimes, difficulty in breathing. For the rashes, a skin cream can applied to make it feel better. Antihistamines also reduce the other symptoms.

There are people with allergies to certain types of drugs and insect bites. Usually, they get their treatments through an injection of epinephrine (adrenaline) administered by a doctor. This will immediately reverse the allergy symptoms and save the person.

Most of the allergy medicines can be bought over-the-counter at the local drugstore. But before you get one, make sure that a doctor properly diagnosed the person with the allergy. A wrong treatment can kill a person.

Prevention

Can an allergy be prevented? Sadly no. One cannot prevent an allergy attack but they can treat it by getting the right medicines. The person with an allergic reaction must also look at their environment and make the proper changes to reduce the symptoms in their body.
One can only win the battle against allergies but making a positive action. Do not fall victim to these allergens.

Charlene J. Nuble 2006.
For answers to All your frequently asked questions about allergy, please go to: http://allergyanswers.net/

Dealing With A Wheat Allergy

Foods that contain wheat are everywhere - after all they are a staple in the American diet. But both the protein and the gluten in the wheat are a common allergen. Dealing with a wheat allergy can be frustrating.

If you have a wheat allergy of course the most logical thing is to avoid wheat products to prevent the allergic reaction. This includes cereals, baked goods, chocolate, pancake mixes, waffle mixes, pies, cookies, processed meats, breaded meats, some casseroles, pastas, some salad dressings, soups, alcoholic beverages, and the list could go on and on. Let's face it wheat really is everywhere.

Symptoms of wheat allergy include nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin disorders, eczema, dermatitis, respiratory infections including asthma, hypertension, headache, and even anaphylactic shock. Great you know what the problem is and you are doing your best to avoid wheat but it's in the most unexpected places and you do occasionally mess up.
Besides avoiding wheat there are other things you should do to treat your wheat allergy. There are medications that can help depending on what your symptoms are. Stomach related issues can be dealt with either with OTC or prescription drugs. Immunotherapy can inject small amounts of wheat into your body with the theory that over several years your body will learn to tolerate wheat and the allergy will disappear.

Has anyone noticed that allergies are on the rise? Stats are certainly indicating this. Think back 10 years ago - do you recall the press that wheat allergies were getting. I'm betting you don't and yet today it seems like just about every other person has some type of allergy with wheat and wheat products being right on top. Why is that?

Modern life is hard on our bodies. We are exposed to high levels of toxins and stress which take their toll on our body, on our immune system, and on our adrenal system. Allergies are our body's immune system misfiring and that's exactly what happens with a wheat allergy. So what needs to happen is we need to bring our body back to optimum health.

We can remove wheat from our diet if we have a wheat allergy but the problem is when the body is out of sync the allergy list just keeps growing and growing so a smart choice would be to nourish the body with vitamins, herbs, and supplements.

For example in the case of a wheat allergy adrenal support and immune support are both very important and herbs such as goldenseal, licorice, marshmallow, and Echinacea can help boost the adrenals and the immune system. You should also be sure that your vitamin supplements are giving you the most benefit. For example Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine and will improve adrenal function. Take up to 5000mg daily. Increase in 500mg increments and stop when the bowel is no longer tolerating it. COQ10 is powerful boosting the immune system, reducing histamines, and improving heart health. Take 100mg two times a day. Vitamin B5 helps deal with stress and improve adrenal function. Take up to 1000 mg a day and split into two doses. Dealing with a wheat allergy needs you to go beyond treating symptoms and get to the root of the problem. Only then will you be healthy and feel alive.

by Steve Johnson

Get all the latest information about Allergies from the only true source at http://www.1allergyinformation.com Be sure to check out our Wheat Allergy pages.

New Treatment for Allergy Sufferers Offers Relief Without Shots Allergy Drops Bring Flexibility and Comfort to Long-term Treatment Plans

Allergy relief without shots. New allergy drops are as effective and can be given to patients in their home.

(PRWEB) August 17, 2005 -- The feeling is all but disheartening. Anticipating the sting, the bruising and twenty minute wait afterwards to check for possible reactions. Dreading the moment when you will be called from the waiting room and into the doctor’s office where a waiting nurse pulls out a syringe, raises her eyebrows and smiles knowingly. It’s time for your weekly allergy shot.

This treatment is not unusual for many Americans suffering from allergies today. However, many patients are unknowingly wrong in thinking that these series of painful, ongoing allergy shots are their only option in the treatment and control of their allergy symptoms.

According to a study by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID), more than 50 million Americans are afflicted with allergies including the most common case, chronic sinusitis. Affecting 16.3 percent of the US population, this allergy has long been thought to be treatable only by shots. However, after suffering for years from both allergies and the shots which provide their treatments, patients young and old are now discovering a method of relief unlike any other.

Physicians are now offering a method for providing relief from allergies without the inconveniences of shots and the hassle of making a trip to their physician’s office. An unknown treatment to many, allergy drops, also known as Sublingual Immunotherapy, are being used to treat allergies using standard serums common to allergy shots. Physicians are now able to provide their patients with a safe, painless means of allergy control from the convenience of the patient’s own home.

“This treatment really opens up new doors because it allows physicians to treat a patient’s allergies on the patient’s time schedule,” said Richard F. Herrscher, M.D. of AIRCare. “Patient costs may also be reduced because co-pays are not required for each visit, since the drops are given in a home environment.” Allergy drops work just like allergy shots by giving the patient series of treatments to build up the body’s immune system over time. Allergy drops provide a safe alternative for a wide range of allergy suffers, as well as asthmatics.

“Sublingual drops are not new nor are they unusual,” said Herrscher who points to evidence of the drops use for many years throughout Europe. “Sublingual Immunotherapy is a long-awaited breath of fresh air in a world full of pollen and mold.

In Britain, allergy shots are virtually out of use, with Sublingual Immunotherapy replacing them as the prime treatment for allergies. Likewise, throughout Europe, studies show that a 42 percent reduction of allergy symptoms has been seen with a 43 percent reduction in use of medication while using this treatment.

Contact:
Britney Chambers
972-770-5085

Good News For Peanut Allergy Sufferers

An allergy to peanuts can cause hives, swelling of the face and throat, and ultimately block breathing. And this food allergy has been affecting a rising number of the population in recent decades, with 1 to 1.5% of the populations severely allergic to even the smallest traces of peanut.
So with the knowledge that some people have a very low peanut allergy threshold, (often times with their reaction to peanuts being wildly different from one peanut sufferer to the other), it is most worrisome that even right now, with all the advances in food manufacturing techniques, food manufacturers are often unsure if their food contains peanut trace.

At the moment that unsure approach to how much peanut may be contained in processed food is usually handled by simply placing a warning on the food label of the product, suggesting that the food may contain traces of peanut. However, in the United Kingdom, the Great British Food Standards Agency (FSA) have produced a test, that manufacturers can use to test for, and find, even the most minute traces of peanut in a processed products.

Dr Andrew Wadge, Director of Food Safety Policy for the FSA since 2003, said: "The Food Standards Agency has a wide program of research that aims to increase knowledge and understanding of food allergy and intolerance so that we can better protect the interests of consumers... Further research is needed to explore whether the test can be adapted to detect other common food allergens. However it is hoped that the work could lead to the development of a process that food businesses will be able to use in their production methods."

The food test works simply by detecting any peanut DNA in a food item or product, and was developed by scientist at the Central Science Laboratory. Calling the unique food test PCR, they tested it out on a number of food items found on everyday shelves of stores around the country, such as cakes and biscuits (which are often among some of the most risky items for peanut allergy sufferers to purchase).

Although further testing development and research is planed, before the PCR test will be used commercially, (allowing manufacturers and shoppers to know with relative surety whether or not their food products contain nut trace), this will all obviously prove as good news for all of us Peanut Allergy sufferers around the world.


Allen Matthews is the main editor for http://www.peanutallergyfacts.com/, and is one of many peanut allergic people in the world today.

If you would like more information about this food allergy, visit http://www.peanutallergyfacts.com/ for free articles and all of the latest news about Peanut Allergies.

Allergies Can Affect Performance in School and Work

Allergies often lead to bothersome nasal, eye, and breathing symptoms. What few realize is that allergies can result in chronic fatigue, poor concentration, irritability, and eventually affect one’s performance in school or work.

(PRWEB) January 18, 2006 -- We’ve all experienced or been around someone with a runny nose, congestion, and sneezing. But imagine suffering from these symptoms on a daily basis. Unfortunately people with allergic rhinitis, or “hay fever” as it is commonly referred, have these symptoms frequently.

A task force lead by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology found that up to 40% of children have allergic rhinitis and miss millions of days of school each year because of the affliction. Adults fare no better as millions of dollars are lost each year due to deceased productivity from allergy sufferers.

Joseph R. Perez, M.D., an allergy/immunology specialist at Allergy & Asthma Care in Sugar Land, Texas http://www.aachou.com/ , says “we see so many children and adults who are miserable from their allergies and are doing poorly in school or work because of it.” Dr. Perez notes that this may be due to interrupted sleep at night, the use of over-sedating and cognitive-impairing medication, or frequent interruption of concentration due to allergy symptoms.
“The unfortunate thing is that allergies often go unrecognized, undiagnosed, or under treated which results in problems in school or work,” says Dr. Perez. “The good news is that with proper identification of offending allergens and appropriate recommendations with avoidance measures and treatment, allergy sufferers can do very well.”

If you suspect that your or your child’s performance is being negatively impacted by allergies, consider seeking help from your physician. She may refer you to an allergy/immunology specialist who can expedite resolution of the problem by correctly identifying the offending allergen and implementing appropriate treatment. To learn more about how allergies can affect your life visit http://www.aachou.com.

Living With A Food Allergy

Living with a food allergy can be a daunting experience. Many people have a food allergy which ranges from mild to severe. There are people who experience a light red rash after eating something they are allergic to while others can face death if they even touch the food that causes their allergy.

A very common type of food allergy is to eggs. Many children develop this food allergy when they are infants. The parents have to be conscious of each and everything the child consumes. This means reading all the labels of the foods that you serve the child and informing the child care provider and school of the allergy. Egg substitute can be used when baking cakes or breads so the child doesn't feel left out.

A food allergy to eggs is usually outgrown. The child may experience the symptoms for several years and once they have matured the parent in consultation with a physician can reintroduce egg products into the child's diet.

Another food allergy that is common in infants is an allergy to wheat. This again, is an allergy that children tend to outgrow but until that time every product they consume has to be checked to see if it contains wheat. The obvious offenders are things like bread and muffin but there can be wheat in other products including breakfast cereals and even some types of candy.

A food allergy that can be very severe is an allergy to peanuts. When a child or an adult has a peanut allergy there is a chance that they can go into food anaphylaxis and die. Although peanut allergies are one of the most common types of food allergy there are still people dying each year from unintended exposure to peanuts.

It's vitally important for parents to warn their child about the dangers of peanuts if they do have this particular type of food allergy. The child might not be old enough to fully grasp the consequences but as they mature it's very important to constantly remind them that they can become very ill if they eat anything that has peanuts in it.

Many schools now have a no peanut policy. They have enforced this because of the children that suffer from a peanut food allergy. Children are not permitted to bring certain food items to school including peanut butter sandwiches or chocolate bars that contain peanuts. Although some parents complain about this restriction it should be viewed as more of a life saving measure.

When a person grows up with a food allergy they quickly become aware of what foods they can and cannot eat. Part of this stems from the repeated reminders of the parents but it also comes from the child and later adult's desire to remain healthy.

If someone in your home does suffer from a food allergy it's wise to keep that food out of the home completely. One of the reasons is obvious and that's the person with the allergy will be safer without the offending item in their presence. Another good reason to refrain from purchasing the product is that the person with the allergy won't feel left out if no one in their family is consuming the thing they cannot have. Think of it as a wonderful way to support them.

by Joe Goertz

Allergy Resources and Information around it

What is Allergy Induced Asthma?

One of the more common forms of asthma is allergy induced asthma. When someone is exposed to an allergen - a substance to which their body is sensitive - they may produce 'histamines', which cause inflammation and irritation as they work to rid the body of the allergen. In the case of allergy induced asthma, the histamines go to work on the bronchial passages and lungs, making it difficult for the allergic person to breathe.

The incidence of allergy induced asthma has grown almost geometrically in recent years, and scientists aren't quite sure why. They suspect that part of the reason may be the increased exposure of children to some common allergens. This seems to be borne out by population based studies - African-American and Hispanic children living in the inner city are far more likely to develop allergy induced asthma than Caucasian children in the same cities, and even those children are more likely to develop allergy induced asthma than suburban and rural children of the same socioeconomic level.

A number of reasons have been advanced for the disparity, but the most likely is simply that Black and Hispanic children are far more likely to live in the most crowded old neighborhoods of the city. Crowding is the biggest risk factor for the presence of common household pests like cockroaches and rodents, and cockroach parts and rodent droppings are two of the most common allergens in children with allergy induced asthma.

Diagnosing Allergy Induced Asthma

Doctors will diagnose asthma differently depending on the age of the patient. Children under five, for instance, may find it difficult to follow instructions for breathing capacity tests. Doctors will often use history, both the child's and the family medical history, to help determine the possibility of asthma. Often, if asthma is suspected, the doctor will prescribe a bronchodilator. If it helps, the diagnosis is confirmed.

In older children and adults, doctors may perform a series of breathing capacity tests with a peak flow meter and a spirometer to help determine the extent of an asthma problem.
Generally, doctors don't use allergy tests to diagnose asthma, but if there's a reason to believe that a specific allergen is a problem, allergic dermatitis tests may be used to confirm or rule out possible allergens. Knowing that a specific substance or food is a problem can help you avoid it and reduce your risk of asthma attacks.

Treating Allergy Induced Asthma

The good news is that interventions to reduce exposure to allergens seems to be as effective a treatment for allergy induced asthma as corticosteroid inhalers. If your child has been diagnosed with allergy induced asthma, there are ways that you can help control your child's symptoms. Besides using inhalers and nebulizers as directed by your doctor, you can also keep your home - and especially your child's bedroom - as close to allergen free as possible. Mattress covers, pillow cases, air filters and pest control measures can reduce your child's exposure to allergens that cause allergy induced asthma to worsen into acute stages.

by Isabelle Boulay

Visit Medopedia.com for more information on living with asthma and treatments for asthma

Grass Allergy

Grass allergy is one of the most common and prevalent form of allergy that affects people with histories of it during certain seasons.

Grass allergy normally occurs all throughout the spring season and during the onset or ending of the summer season. Grass allergy is somehow directly linked to hay fever, because their symptoms and causes are somehow similar to each other.
Grass allergy can also take the form of an inhalant kind of allergy similar to asthma. It is noted that in the United States alone, about 30% of overall yearly allergy reported or recorded is in the form of grass allergy.

Grass allergy is caused by an allergen that invokes discomforting reaction upon body contact.

Cause of grass allergy

The most usual allergen or substance that cause or triggers grass allergy is pollen. Pollens are very tiny and small particles of ovulation structures owned by plants.

During your primary education and even in your previous Biology classes, you have encountered the word pollen on subjects related to the proliferation or reproduction of plants' flowers.

Take note that pollens are so tiny and light that they can stick to the tiny feet of butterflies. Pollens are most of the time flying or are carried out in the air especially during summer and spring when trees, flowers, and mostly, grass pollinate.

Because pollens are so light weight and they are carried over through the air, people can inhale them. Inhaling pollen can cause or trigger adverse reactions to the person.

Symptoms of grass allergy

Manifestations that indicate the onset of grass allergy are usually identified with breathing disorders.

The most common symptom of grass allergy is severe or constant dry cough. Usually these cough will occur with sore throat. It can never be mistaken for a common viral colds or cough.
The person with grass allergy also experiences difficulty in breathing. It s because the air passages are narrowed or constricted as a result of the body's defense mechanism against grass pollen.

It can be noted that since the air passage constriction is a body defense mechanism, it is not dangerous. The danger occurs when the person experiencing it panics and feel a thriving discomfort.

Itchiness which can appear in several areas of the body can also occur at the onset of a grass allergy attack.

In rare occasions, fever can also be detected. However, in such occurrences, immediate help from doctors and medical practitioners should be sought to detect the presence of complications.
Fevers indicate the presence of viral and bacterial attacks in the body and should therefore be immediately attended at to avoid further complications.

Treatment and prevention of grass allergy

The most effective treatment for grass allergy is also its most potent prevention. That is, to avoid the grass allergy causing allergens, which are usually grass pollen.

To avoid exposure to grass pollen or the possibility of grass pollen inhalation, people with histories are advised to stay indoors especially during summer and spring when grass pollens are carried out in the open air.

Doctors also advise such people to install a working air conditioner in their home and room to make sure the ventilation is good and the probability of air contamination with grass pollen is reduced.

Otherwise, medications are available both through prescription and over the counter. Allergy shots can immediately relieve and soothe the symptoms. Antihistamines are also usually prescribed to curtail grass allergy development among patients.

by Charlene J. Nuble

For answers to All your frequently asked questions about grass allergy, please go to: Grass Allergy or go to: allergyanswers.net Blog