Allergy Tests Effectiveness

Many people suffer from allergies. The problem that most allergy sufferers face is that it is difficult to pinpoint just what it is that they are allergic to. This is where allergy tests come in. But how effective are they in discovering exactly what it is you're allergic to? Are they accurate? Are there many ways to even perform the tests? We're going to try to answer some of these questions as well as explain how allergy tests work. Hopefully, by the time you're done reading this, you'll have a pretty good understanding of allergy tests are.

The basic premise behind giving allergy tests is very simple. Your allergist will inject you with small portions of each allergen to determine exactly what it is that you are allergic to. However, in reality, it isn't quite that simple. There are several methods to giving these tests and unfortunately all allergists give them differently.

The one method, which takes the longest, is to start with the smallest dose of allergen for each allergy. Since there are about 8 or 9 outdoor and 8 or 9 indoor allergies, this comes out to about 16 to 18 shots for each allergen at each dosage level. There are approximately 6 or 7 dosage levels for giving these tests. So by the time you are done testing, you could effectively have gotten as many 126 shots. While this may sound on the verge of insanity, it actually goes by very fast. Each dosage level is administered simultaneously in these standard kits. So you're getting about 8 shots at a time.

The way the test works is simple. After each dose is given, a period of about 10 minutes is allowed to pass. The allergist then checks to see if there are any signs of a reaction. If not, then they move up to the next dosage. Now, each allergen can react at a different dosage. So each reaction point has to be noted. Obviously, very detailed record keeping is involved here.

Other allergists simply go the direct route and administer the highest test dosage to start with and work their way down. This is not as accurate because an allergen that reacts at dose 6 may not react at dose 3 but will react at dose 4. Why does this matter? Because the ultimate serum created will actually be a little stronger than it needs to be. Granted, the difference is slight but many allergists feel that difference is significant enough.

But how accurate are these tests, even if you go the long route? Truthfully, they aren't as accurate as people want to think. The reason, as explained to me by my allergist, is because the skin, which is where the tests are given, reacts differently to allergens than the actual sinus passages. To get a more accurate result, you would have to inject each sinus passage, one shot at a time, and then what for a reaction. The amount of time it would take to administer these tests under those conditions would make testing virtually impossible. So skin testing is the best we can hope for.

So because the tests themselves are not that accurate, the actual allergy shot created for them is only going to be so accurate. This is why many people who take allergy shots get very little relief from them, if any.

Therefor, the alternative to allergy testing and allergy shots is simply to treat your allergies with natural foods and herbs. You can find such treatments by visiting our website.

To YOUR Health,

Steve Wagner

Steve Wagner used to suffer from allergies terribly, but with proper diet he is now allergy free. Come visit our website at http://www.natures-healing-remedies.com/products.html asthma where you can learn how to be allergy free. Also, pick up your FREE report on how the drug companies are killing us as well as get a FREE 52 week series featuring treatments for a different ailment each week.

Peanut Allergy Symptoms

A peanut allergy is an illness that is caused by the body's reaction to particular substances. Everytime the body comes into contact with a substance it considers as harmful, it reacts by releasing histamines to fight off these allergens. As the body fights these allergens, the person exhibits the classic symptoms of an allergic reaction. There are many substances that can cause allergy like insect bites, pollen, dust and food. Aside from shellfish, fish and eggs, allergy to peanuts is the most common.

Considered to be one of the deadliest types of food allergy, peanut allergy affects about 3 million Americans. Since this particular allergy can cause death, it is important that you know the facts surrounding this reaction especially if you or someone in your family is allergic to peanuts.

Peanut allergy can be triggered by even the smallest of doses. The allergy is characterized by severe symptoms including anaphylactic shock. The particular symptom causes severe swelling, heart failure, breathing difficulties, circulatory collapse and eventually death. Aside from these, the person also suffers from gastrointestinal discomfort.

Since there is no available treatment for allergies, the same is also true for peanut allergy. Available medications for allergies are only designed to treat the symptoms of the allergic reaction. To prevent any episode of allergic reaction, persons with peanut allergy should avoid peanuts or peanut-ingredients at all cost. In case of an allergic reaction, the individual must be injected by epinephrine or adrenalin. This could prevent or reverse the anaphylactic shock. Adrenalin can increase heart rate, constrict blood vessel, reduce swelling and relax muscles. As soon as the symptom subsides the person must still be taken to the nearest hospital to be checked thoroughly.

Today, people with peanut allergy are given extra consideration. Because of the possible severity of the illness, you should also do your part in making sure that you do not endanger yourself. People with peanut allergies have found themselves having problems when traveling by air.

Peanuts are considered to be a staple in most airlines and if you are not careful, having an allergic reaction while on air will be just a difficult situation. To avoid such situation, you should first check with the airline to find if they do serve peanuts or peanut-ingredient in your flight. For more convenience, you should ask your doctor to give you a document stating your allergy to peanuts.

Before your trip, discuss with your doctor the need for carrying with you extra adrenalin. You should also plan on what food to bring so you are assured of peanut-free food. If you are traveling with your child who has contact sensitivity to peanuts, make sure you wipe the seat, tray table, arm rest and window area. In case an allergic reaction still occur during the flight, you should stay calm and follow all your doctor's instructions in cases like this. Immediately alert the airline crew of the emergency situation so they could contact and request professional medical assistance that would be on standby as soon as you landed.

As you can see, the peanut allergy can be very dangerous. If you have it, it's a good idea to just be aware of it, so you can react in the proper ways to diffuse the allergic reaction. Be alert to especially any peanut allergy symptoms that might arise.

Article by Sven Ullmann, who runs Deserved Health - a site dedicated to different health related articles. Read more about Peanut Allergy Symptoms.

Food Allergy - A Common Health Problem

The leading cause of anaphylaxis in the USA is food allergy. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction, rapid in onset and sometimes lethal. Food allergies account for at least 30,000 emergency room visits each year. It is responsible for close to 200 deaths annually in this country. Some four percent of Americans, or almost 12 million of us, suffer from food allergies. Of these, close to 6.5 million adults are allergic to seafood and over three million are allergic to peanuts and tree nuts. The prevalence of food allergy in USA appears to be rising.

Food allergies develops when the body thinks a food ingredient, usually a protein, is harmful. It responds by generating specific disease-fighting antibodies (called immunoglobulin E or IgE). When the food is eaten again, the body releases large amounts of IgE antibodies and other chemicals, including histamine, in an effort to expel this protein "invader". These powerful chemicals unfortunately also affect the respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, skin or cardiovascular system, resulting in the symptoms of anaphylaxis.

Food allergies are most common to peanuts, fish, shellfish, soy, wheat, eggs, cows milk, and tree nuts such as pistachios, walnuts and cashews. Most severe allergic reactions occur to peanuts. Peanuts are often the main ingredient in quick energy foods. Peanut or peanut butter is often present in candies, cookies, pastries and gravies. Chinese restaurants may use peanut butter to hold together edges of egg rolls. The same wok is often used to cook a variety of meals, and peanut allergens can get into unrelated food.

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction, rapid in onset and sometimes lethal. Besides food, anaphylaxis reactions often occur to hymenoptera stings (e.g. bee, wasp, "jumper ants") and medications. Uncommon triggers include latex, exercise, tick bites, transfusions, dialysis membranes and airborne allergens like domestic animals and pollen. Most allergies to household pets and ragweed or birch pollens are limited to itching, sneezing and watery eyes. These are rarely serious. Anaphylactic reactions can include hives, swelling of the lips, tongue and throat, nausea, difficulty breathing, wheezing, dizziness, diarrhea, confusion, drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness and death. These reactions can happen within minutes of a person coming into contact with his or her specific allergic trigger. According to the AAAI, when a person develops an anaphylactic reaction, epinephrine should be injected, and 911 or emergency medical services should be called. Immediate action is needed, because it is difficult to predict whether the anaphylaxis episode will be mild, life-threatening, or fatal. They also recommend a close follow-up, because anaphylaxis can occur repeatedly. Risk-assessment should be performed, and the trigger has to be confirmed. Your physician will then implement a risk reduction strategy.

Severe food allergy differs from food intolerance. A food intolerance is defined as an adverse reaction to a particular food due to the body’s inability to properly break it down and digest it. It may manifest with headache, nausea, abdominal cramping, diarrhea or bloating. An allergy is however an immune system response. About 30 % of Americans have food intolerance and avoid certain foods. Lactose intolerance is the most common and affects about 10% of the Americans. The intolerance may be due to some chemical ingredients added to food to provide color, enhance taste, or to protect against the growth of bacteria. These ingredients include various dyes and monosodium glutamate (MSG), a flavor enhancer. Other culprits are sulfites, occurring naturally in red wine or salicylates, which are often present in many fruits, vegetables, nuts, coffee, juices, beer, and wine.

Food allergies affect children and adults of all races and ethnicity, and can develop at any age. Food allergies often run in families, suggesting that the condition can be inherited.

Dr. Shashi K. Agarwal is a Board Certified Internist and Cardiologist with a private practice in New York City and New Jersey. He is also a diplomat of the American Board of Holistic Medicine and the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine.

 

Attack Against Allergy Mold

Certain individuals who suffer from allergies, especially certain seasonal allergies, may gain relief at different points in the year. But unfortunately, for people who suffer from an allergy mold, the suffering can continue unabated year round.

Mold spores are released into the environment in cold, dry weather, as well as in humid conditions. Reactions to an allergy mold usually occur during the summer months, but because mold has the ability to grow in various locations, reactions could surface at any time throughout the year.

Although there are many different types of molds, only a small few will cause an allergy mold. Outdoor mold will thrive on damp leaves, rotting bark, or grass. Indoor molds may develop in damp areas of the home such as laundry rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, basements, or attics.

People who suffer from an allergy mold will exhibit the same symptoms as normal allergy sufferers, such as skin irritation, chronic sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, and chest and nasal congestion. A doctor will perform a skin test to receive a specific allergy mold diagnosis. Once diagnosed, a treatment plan to attack the ongoing symptoms and prevent future reactions will be developed.

The first step in attacking an allergy mold is to eliminate possible substances within the home that contain mold or could produce mold in the future. A HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter attachment should be contained in the central air conditioning unit in order to catch mold spores before they circulate throughout the home. The home should have proper ventilation and contain exhaust fans inside of the bathrooms. Carpet should be removed from any areas that could possibly become wet or damp. Sinks, tubs, and kitchens should be scrubbed and cleaned frequently due to the speed of mold growth.

Humidity levels within the home can be decreased by the installation of a dehumidifier or by increasing the temperature in order to minimize dampness. Any possible leaks within the home should be repaired as soon as possible to eliminate the possibility of mold growth in certain areas. Any water should drain away from the foundation of the home to eliminate wet plants, grasses, or leaves from allowing mold growth. Assuring that damp areas are dry can prevent spores from filtering into the air and producing an allergy mold reaction.

If all of the above measures have been taken to reduce the presence of mold, there are other allergy mold treatments available. Certain medications can eliminate allergy mold reactions. Some over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines, nasal sprays, or decongestants, can reduce symptoms. For severe allergy mold, a doctor may need to recommend a prescription strength allergy treatment.

Attacking the allergy mold by staying away from possible growth of spores, taking precautionary cleaning measures, making speedy repairs within the home, protecting yourself with medications, and even using a face mask when you are within contact of mold spores can lead to successful allergy mold relief. But, if symptoms still arise, a doctor may need to recommend another form of treatment or medication. Talking to your doctor about the allergy mold and the specific symptoms associated with it can mean success in the battle against mold.

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 mold allergy

Finding the Right Allergy Relief

For allergy sufferers, finding the right allergy relief can be downright frustrating and, at times, feel quite hopeless. When medication after medication proves unsuccessful, relief can seem like a far-off dream. However, being persistent, monitoring triggers, and keeping open lines of communication with a doctor may prove to be the best possible ways to get one step closer to finding a solution.

Depending on the type of allergy, many options are available for relief. Obviously, the most important treatment is to avoid the irritant as much as possible or to try and completely eliminate any type of contact with the allergen. In order to find the specific irritant, testing may take place to see what specific allergen is causing the allergy symptoms. Once the specific trigger is defined, a plan can be discussed with a doctor or allergist.

For individuals who suffer from pet dander, mold, dust, and mildew allergies, keeping the home as clean as possible can help to achieve some allergy relief. Choosing not to have an animal in the home if there is a pet allergy would eliminate this problem completely. But if the animal must remain in the home, frequent washing of the animal to eliminate excess pet dander can prove to be helpful in minimizing symptoms.

Frequent dusting, vacuuming, and cleaning of bathrooms and kitchens with a bleach and water solution can help keep dust mites and molds at bay. Protecting mattresses and pillows with covers and pads minimizes the possibility of dust mites. And weekly washing of all bedding, including blankets, will also provide allergy relief by reducing allergens within the air. Also, obtaining an air humidifier and an air filtration system can reduce mold spore production within the air.

Certain over-the-counter medications also prove helpful for sufferers of seasonal allergies - those that are induced by the release of pollens into the air - as well as any other type of mild allergy. Nasal decongestants or certain antihistamines such as psuedoephedrine, phenyleprhrine, or oxymetorlzaone can be used alone or in conjunction with each other to achieve relief through the elimination of such symptoms as itchy and watery eyes, stuff and runny nose, and chronic sneezing.

For sufferers of more severe allergies, prescription allergy relief may be found in long term antihistamine use or in nasal corticosteroids. Corticosteroids, taken at low dosages, have proven very successful in eliminating ongoing chest congestion. Immunotherapy is also utilized in severe allergy cases and involves injections of the specific allergen over time in order to build the body's immunity and create tolerance to that allergen in the future.

If all of the treatments have proven unsuccessful, individuals should remain persistent and discuss other alternatives with their doctor to find the relief they need. Monitoring the triggers and tracking any changes will help the doctor understand the individual's specific allergy. New treatments are being discovered on a daily basis and keeping up-to-date with the newest developments could lead to finding the right allergy relief for you.

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 allergy relief.