Friday, February 20, 2009

What To Do With A Food Allergy?

For many, food centers on celebrations - holidays, school events, special occasions, and family reunions. Food is not only a source of energy and sustenance, but for some, food is a highlight at these events. Food is what we look forward to as we sit down at the big table to celebrate. But unfortunately, for an individual that is managing a food allergy, these joyous events can be uncomfortable and anxiety-inducing.

A food allergy is usually diagnosed during early childhood, but some individuals can develop an allergy to a certain food in the later stages of life. In order to make a proper diagnosis, an allergist, a doctor who specializes in allergies, will begin testing. Testing may include a scratch test to expose the skin to possible irritants. If the skin reacts by exhibiting redness or swelling, the individual may have sensitivity to the corresponding type of food.

Ninety-percent of allergic reactions stem from fish and shellfish, milk, nuts, such as peanuts, walnuts and cashews, and eggs. Even though these foods account for a majority of the food allergy cases, some individuals may be allergic to any type of food such as fruits, vegetables, and certain types of meats.

When an individual has a food allergy, they may experience itching, hives, swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, watery eyes, stuffy or itchy nose, and excessive sneezing during exposure to a certain food.

Occasionally a food allergy can lead to anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis causes the body to react to the allergy within minutes or hours after being exposed to the food. At times, anaphylaxis can develop extremely quickly. During this type of reaction, an individual may experience difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness, tingling sensations throughout the body, and tightness in the throat. Anaphylaxis can progress quickly and may become life threatening if treatment is not received immediately.

Dealing with a food allergy is sometimes difficult. Watching what you eat and being aware of the ingredients contained in food is very important. In order to be in control of a food allergy, individuals need to eliminate the food item from their diet. Medications are not available for food allergies, so the best course of action is to stay clear of the foods that are known to cause distress; this includes both the eating and touching of foods.

In addition to preparedness, communication is the key to successfully managing a food allergy. This includes asking the ingredients contained in menu items when eating out. Also, be sure to discuss a food allergy with a host of a party you are attending. Explaining a food allergy to the people serving the food will give you the important information you need to prevent becoming ill.

Being aware of the menu before an event and choosing the best available options can help minimize anxiety about having a reaction to a food allergy. Knowing what is available and reading the ingredient labels can assist individuals who suffer from a food allergy in making educated decisions; which can help return a passion for food and enjoyment to return to those joyous celebrations.

For more information on allergies try visiting http://www.theallergyeffect.com - a website that specializes in providing allergy related tips, advice and resources to including information on food allergy.

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The Truth About An Allergy Relief Air Purifier

Many people suffer from allergies. Allergies can be a very miserable experience. You may have watery puffy eyes and you may sneeze a lot. You may have a runny or stuffed up nose where breathing can become difficult. An allergy relief air purifier could possibly be the solution to your problem. Allergies can hit you at any time of the year, but it is very common in the springtime when the flowers begin blooming and there is a lot of pollen floating in the air. It may depend on the area you live in too. Some areas are more contaminated with these impurities than others. This article will talk about an allergy relief air purifier and whether it can help you or not.

You don't have to be outside for allergies to hit you. An allergy relief air purifier can be of use in the home and it's a known fact that you will experience more contaminants in your home than anywhere else. Our home is like a self contained space in which we continue to breathe the same air over and over. Things like dust and dust mites are commonly found in the home and they can set off an allergy attack very quickly. An allergy relief air purifier will filter the air you are breathing in and remove the unwanted particles that are causing you the problems.

You can get an allergy relief air purifier for any room in your home. Most of the units are portable, which means they can be moved around easily and most units simply plug in to an outlet. An allergy relief air purifier can not only remove dust and dust mites, but it can eliminate odors that can set off an attack like perfume or air fresheners. It can trap smoke or smoke smells that can also trigger an allergy attack. You don't have to be a smoker to be exposed to smoke smell. If you are around someone who smokes, they will carry the smell on their hands, in their hair and on their clothes so all you have to do is be near someone who smokes to set off an attack. The allergy relief air purifier will draw the smoke or smoke smell in to its filtering system and trap it there releasing only good clean oxygen for you to breathe in.

You can find an allergy relief air purifier in most home improvement stores, variety stores that carry clothes, groceries and home improvement supplies. There are many different types of units available. Some are made for home use. They can be used in a room or throughout the house. You can find an allergy relief air purifier for your car or truck and even units that you can wear around your neck like a necklace that will filter the air where ever you go. I have even seen an allergy relief air purifier built in to your cat box to remove odors. How cool is that.

For more information on Air Cleaners and Purifiers for your home or business try visiting http://air-cleaners-and-purifiers.com, a website that specializes in providing helpful tips, advice and Air Cleaners and Purifiers resources to include Allergy Relief Air Purifier and more.

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Monday, February 16, 2009

What Is A Skin Allergy?

What is a skin allergy? A skin allergy is a reaction caused by a substance that comes in contact with the skin, thus a skin allergy. Some types of contact skin allergies are dermatitis, eczema and hives.

Contact dermatitis develops when the skin comes in contact with something that a person is allergic to. A reaction to skin allergies may cause a redness or even swelling, stinging, burning or blisters and yes, itching.

Some products that can cause skin allergies are: metals, such as nickel which you may find in jewelry. The fragrances in perfumes can also cause skin allergies. Hair dyes and permanent solutions, latex, bath powders and tape are even more products that often cause the problem of skin allergies. Let?s not forget, poisonous plants such as poison ivy which can cause vary irritating skin allergies too.

One substance which is becoming more common to causing skin allergies is latex. Latex is in many products such as balloons, bathing suits, underwear, elastic bands and rubber toys. Reactions to latex can result in contact dermatitis, and asthma or anaphylactic shock. These skin allergies can be serious and if you are allergic to latex, be sure to tell your doctor and dentist before they provide you with patient care.

Dermatitis or inflammation of the skin is often referred to as eczema as a general term. This type of skin allergies causes the skin to feel dry and itchy. It may flake, scale or even look irritated and red. Skin allergies such as eczema often begin in childhood. Many times it will be worse in the winter months when the air is dry.

There is no permanent cure for skin allergies and their reactions. The best thing you can do to avoid having skin allergies is to avoid the causes. For dermatitis and eczema, a good moisturizing lotion is the best prevention. If these skin allergies and contact dermatitis, eczema or hives occur, they can often be treated with common over the counter antihistamines such as Benadryl or cortisone.

If you suffer from skin allergies, try to avoid scratching in order to prevent infection.

http://www.infoesource.com/skinallergies.html

Ocha has been in sales and sales management for over 24 years. He is currently in marketing and support in the distribution industry. http://www.infoworthsharing.com

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Life With A Gluten Allergy

Gluten is a protein that is found in barley, rye, and wheat and is included in everyday foods such as cakes, breads, cereals, pastas and biscuits. Some condiments such as mustard, mayonnaise, malt vinegar, as well as alcoholic beverages such as beer and whiskey, also contain gluten. Gluten may also be found in certain restaurant food or snack foods such as chips, cooking oils, soups or sauces. Living with a gluten allergy can be a difficult journey and requires discipline and knowledge about the ingredients contained in popular food products.

Individuals are usually diagnosed with a gluten allergy during early childhood. On occasion, cases of a gluten allergy can be diagnosed during adulthood or even during the late stages of life. When an individual is diagnosed with a gluten allergy, it is referred to as Coeliac disease; it has been reported that one in 200 to 250 people are diagnosed with Coeliac disease. When gluten is introduced into the body, the small intestine begins to break down, which can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss.

In severe cases of gluten allergy, individuals may develop issues with the reproductive system, nervous system and blood. Coeliac disease may also lead to diabetes, liver disease, osteoporosis, or bowel cancer. The best treatment to avoid ongoing symptoms is to eliminate any food products containing gluten from the diet. Once gluten is removed from the diet, the small intestine and the bowel are able to heal, which eliminates symptoms of the gluten allergy.

Ongoing monitoring from a doctor or dietician may also prove to be successful in managing a gluten allergy; these professionals can help recommend substitutions for the foods containing gluten. Also, the doctor may be able to prescribe certain gluten-free food products, or even a steroid prescription to help manage the allergy symptoms if eliminating gluten from the diet is not successful in alleviating them altogether.

Because many fibrous foods are eliminated from the diet of an individual experiencing a gluten allergy, laxatives or fiber supplements may need to be added to the diet in order to avoid constipation. Also, vitamin and mineral supplements may also need to be added to the diet due to the decrease in iron and calcium consumption.

A diet rich in healthy fruits and vegetables and an assortment of gluten-free products can help the individual lead a normal lifestyle, but these products can also be expensive. Those who suffer from a gluten allergy may be able to obtain a doctor's prescription for certain gluten-free products and take a tax deduction at the end of the year.

Although there is no cure for a gluten allergy, a gluten-free diet can help eliminate severe reactions within the body. Shopping at health food stores or grocery stores that offer gluten-free products can help to alleviate the feelings of deprivation associated with missing some favorite foods. Armed with knowledge about food labels and ingredients, sufferers can take control over their gluten allergy and live a healthy life.

For more information on allergies try visiting http://www.theallergyeffect.com - a website that specializes in providing allergy related tips, advice and resources to including information on gluten allergy

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Thursday, February 12, 2009

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.

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?

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Thursday, February 5, 2009

How To Determine If You Have Allergies - Allergy Symptoms

Allergy is a term broadly used in describing a reaction of body tissues that is unusual to a substance that has no distinctive or noticeable effect on other humans. According to studies, about 17 out of every 100 Americans are allergic, or hypersensitive, to some substances which are known to cause unusual reactions.

These substances, more known as allergens, range from various irritants, such as pollens, mold spores, insect venoms, animal dander, and house dust. There are some who are allergic to substances in soap. Some react differently to the smell of a flower.

Below are the most common types of allergies.

- Food Allergies - ignited by certain food types

- Anaphylaxis - triggered by drugs, food, or insect stings

- Respiratory Allergies - triggered by allergens which are airborn

- Contact Allergies - triggered by skin-affecting allergens

- Insect Sting Allergies - triggered by insect venom

Here are mild as well as severe symptoms that are associated with these common types of allergy.

Since each person may have unique reactions from these allergies, your symptoms might vary or may have some or all of the listed reactions. Consult your doctor if the symptoms have become persistent or severe.

Food Allergies

Symptoms of an allergy caused by certain food types usually happen within some minutes after you ingested food allergens, although there are some that would only occur after several hours. The symptoms may only happen to areas around the lips, mouth, and digestive tract, or could also involve other body areas. Foods that commonly result to allergic reactions are eggs, nuts, milk, fish, soy, shellfish, and wheat.

Mild Symptoms:

- Tingling, itching, or swelling of your mouth, tongue, lips, or throat
- Tightness feeling in your throat
- Difficulty speaking or swallowing
- Nausea
- Indigestion and abdominal cramps
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Skin rashes
- Coughing, congestion, wheezing, or sneezing
- Runny, stuffy, or itchy nose

Severe Symptoms:

- Breathing difficulties
- Sweating, dizziness, and faintness
- Rapid or sudden heart rate increase
- Sudden inability or hoarseness to speak
- Extreme and sudden facial itching and swelling - Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe, sudden, and potentially fatal reaction that has symptoms affecting various body areas. Symptoms commonly manifest very quickly after some exposure to allergens and may include extreme itching all over your body, total swelling of the body, respiratory distress, swelling, and may cause shock that is life endangering. Anaphylaxis requires urgent medical attention. The reaction is most commonly a result of drug, insect sting, or food allergies.

Symptoms include:

- Skin flushing
- Itching or tingling around your body
- Mouth swelling as well as in the throat area
- Difficulty breathing and swallowing
- Tightening of your chest
- Agitation, confusion, or lightheadedness
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, or diarrhea
- Irregular heartbeat

In some severe cases shock might occur. The swelling of your body's bronchial tissues might cause you to choke before losing consciousness. An abrupt drop in your blood pressure as a result of dilated blood vessels might also cause you to lose consciousness.

In cases that cause anaphylactic shock, it is necessary that you get treatment immediately. Without prompt medical attention, anaphylactic shock might prove fatal.

Respiratory Allergies

Symptoms of respiratory allergies frequently occur after a few hours of exposure and usually trigged by allergens that are airborne like animal dander, plant pollens, mold spores, and dust mites.

Mild Symptoms:

- Wheezing or coughing
- Sneezing
- Itchy throat or nose
- Postnasal drip
- Smell sense is impaired
- Hoarseness in the throat
- Congestion
- Red, itchy, swollen, or watery eyes
- Clogged or runny nose with thin and clear mucus
- Conjunctivitis
- Fatigue

Severe Symptoms:

- Shortness and difficulty in breathing
- Chest tightness and pain

Contact Allergies
Symptoms that occur as a result of contact allergies usually happen within a few minutes after your allergen exposure, although there are symptoms that may occur after several hours. Common allergens are poison ivy and poison oak, rubber, nickel, latex, preservatives, dyes, fragrances, medications, and cosmetics like perfume and hair dye. Nickel, a metal frequently used in buttons, jewelry, hairpins, zippers, metal clips and snaps, is the frequent source of the allergy. Sun exposure might also give you reactions.

Mild Symptoms:

- A bumpy or itchy rash
- Fluid-filled bumps on your skin
- Swelling or redness of your skin
- Hives
- Eczema

Severe Symptoms:

- Anaphylaxis

Insect Sting Allergies

Symptoms caused by insect sting allergies usually happen after a few minutes after you got stung, although there may be symptoms happening after some hours. Insect venoms cause these allergic reactions, like those from wasps, bees, hornets, fire ants, and yellow jackets.

Gaetane Ross is a Certified Natural Health Consultant who has spent over 4 years focusing on Nutrition and Health. She also specializes in Alternative Medicine, Spiritual Healing and Healthy Lifestyle. Gaetane's mission is to positively transform the lives of everyone she meets by providing advice on Healthy Living.

Please visit Gaetane's website for Professional Health Advice or Nutritional information at:

http://Live-O-Natural.com

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Monday, February 2, 2009

How You Can Eliminate Wheat Allergy Symptoms from Your Life

Wheat allergy is the body's abnormal and adverse immunoglobulin antibody reactions to wheat and wheat-related particles and proteins that contain the likes of gluten, albumin, globulin and gliadin. Albumin and globulin are what cause majority of wheat allergy occurrences, while gluten and gliadin are in the same level, though less common.

In order to prevent wheat allergy, it is best for you to steer clear of foods that have wheat in their roster of ingredients. To be on the reactive and safe side, make sure to read food labels first all the time. Aside from food intake of wheat products, you can also get wheat allergy by being exposed to or inhaling products like flour, which can eventually lead to what is called baker's asthma.

It is not known how common or rare wheat allergy is. In fact, a lot of people will predictably be surprised to know that this type of allergy exists. It can, however, be a common culprit in other types of allergies, like occupational asthma, which afflicts around 30 per cent of individuals working in the baking sector.

Symptoms of wheat allergy

Allergic reactions to wheat happen shortly (a few minutes to a number of hours) after exposure or intake of wheat and wheat-related goods. Wheat allergy is most commonly manifested via the skin (such as in angioderma, urticaria and eczema), the respiratory system (via allergic rhinitis or asthma attacks), or the gastrointestinal system (such as in vomiting and nausea, oral allergic reactions and cramps in the abdomen). Other wheat components also help aggravate adverse allergic reactions to other particles.

To determine if you have wheat allergies, you dermatologist will perform the routinely skin testing on your forearm to see which particular products you are averse to. You will also be able to find out if you have wheat allergy by taking note of your family's medical history, because it can also be passed on. Laboratory tests will confirm if you, indeed, have wheat allergy.

To combat wheat allergies, you have to, of course, steer clear of foods that contain wheat and wheat-related products, like rye or barley. However, since wheat is usually found in majority of the foods we eat everyday, this can be quite a challenge. If your allergy to wheat is of gargantuan proportions, then you will have to undergo a very strict diet and lifestyle change.

The good news, though, is that wheat allergy can be treated. Over the counter drugs and alternative medications are readily available. Just consult your medical practitioner first.

Foods that contain the following will likely trigger wheat allergy: couscous, bread crumbs, semolina wheat, cracker meal, bran, vital gluten, whole wheat flour, wheat bran, wheat gluten, wheat malt, enriched flour, cereal extract and wheat germ. Food ingredients that may contain wheat allergens include starch, gelatinized starch, natural flavoring, soy sauce, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, and modified starch and food starch, so you might want to steer clear of these products, too.

Again, wheat allergy is something preventable and curable. The only thing you need to do is identify what makes your allergies tick and determine what medications and treatments are needed to address every problem.

Discover how you can naturally and safely free yourself from the annoying symptoms of allergies. Sign-up to get this FREE natural allergy remedy info-kit today. http://AllergyandAsthmaTreatment.com

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