Our Guide To Bee Pollen Allergy Treatment

Bee pollen has many uses and bee pollen allergy treatment has been known to be one of the benefits to taking bee pollen. Until one really understands and appreciates what bee pollen is, it is difficult to understand how bee pollen allergy treatment works.

What is Bee Pollen and Bee Pollen Allergy Treatment

Bee pollen allergy treatment, as mentioned above, will be more discussed later on due to the nature of the order of descent. Much like the old clich?, what came first the chicken or the egg, the case of what came first the bee pollen or the bee pollen allergy treatment, it is easy to assume it was likely the bee pollen.

Bee pollen allergy treatment has been consistently handed down through the ages by medicine men and traditional medical professionals to treat allergy sufferers and their afflictions. Bee pollen allergy treatment is called desensitization and was first founded at the turn of the century in London, England. The treatment consists of introducing small amounts of the allergen into the individual to stimulate the immune system. This in turn causes antibodies that will help to stop the body from making histamine that is responsible for the allergic reaction. It is similar to a vaccination for small pox or measles.

It is based on the principle that the introduction of said allergen will help to cancel out the devastating effects the next time that same allergen is introduced in bee pollen allergy treatment.

The potential in these findings and experiments are absolutely limitless in what bee pollen can do for the human body. Hay fever and pollen induced asthma have shown remarkable improvement when put on a bee pollen allergy treatment. It has also been shown to aid in the treatment of bronchitis, ulcers, migraine headaches and urinary disorders.

Purchasing Bee Pollen Allergy Treatment

Finding a reliable source to buy your bee pollen allergy treatment from is the first step to take after discerning which is the suitable treatment for you. Please ensure that you research your supplier and find out how they handle, store and harvest their bee pollen. It is of the utmost importance that you obtain high-grade products as some of the cheaper products contain toxins and even traces of heavy metals.

Remember, just because it is on your local grocery/health food store shelf; do not just assume that it is safe for human consumption.

The product we personally use, located in the pristine source of New Zealand, is the most natural bee pollen source we have come across - http://www.bee-health-product.com

We have been using this supplement for over 3 years with excellent health results. We have achieved a general sense of well being and new improved energy levels.

We highly recommend you check out our bee pollen supplement of choice for further information.

John Gibb runs a series of health websites. Check out our Bee supplement guide, for more information on bee pollen.

Your Guide To Cat Allergy Symptoms

My sister recently lost her cat Topaz. She had been a long time member of our extended family. As much as my kids loved her they experienced cat allergy symptoms whenever they went to visit their aunt. Both my children have mild asthma which typically means they are going to be allergic to cats. My sister actually has asthma herself but she loved Topaz enough to manage through her cat allergy symptoms.

You don't necessarily need to see an allergist to determine whether you are allergic to cats. The allergic reaction is usually immediate upon entering a room with a cat or cats. So it doesn't take much to put the dots together. Can you get rid of your cat allergy symptoms without getting rid of your feline friend? First we need to identify your symptoms.

Common Cat Allergy Symptoms

*Uncontrollable Sneezing
*Watery Eyes
*Wheezing
*Hives
*Eczema

An allergy to cats is caused by contact with the dander and the saliva that are in the air. They may also be on surfaces where you sit or sleep or even in the carpets around your house. Cats lick their fur when they are cleaning themselves and when that happens they deposit a protein on their fur that is the actual allergen. Cat allergy symptoms can be experienced in areas where you might not expect. Due to the nature of the allergen it can stick to clothes and hands and can therefore appear in the office or other places where cats are not allowed.

You can attempt to treat your symptoms with medications but for cat allergies it is best to consult with a doctor. Antihistamine medications and allergy eye drops may help. If your cat allergy symptoms can not be managed it may be time to consider giving your cat away. This is a last option but may be your only resort particularly if anyone in the family suffers from asthma. Their symptoms, like wheezing, are more serious and therefore be the bigger priority.

If your cat allergy symptoms are mild or moderate and you can't imagine finding a new home for your feline family member here are some tips that may minimize your allergic reactions.

1. Get an air purifier with a HEPA filter
2. Keep your cat out of your bedroom where you spend the most time
3. Try to contain your cat to certain areas of the house
4. Vacuum your carpets with HEPA Vacuum Cleaner at least 2 times a week
5. Wash your hands after touching your cat

Cat allergy symptoms can come between you and your cat but if you really care about him you can do everything possible to manage your symptoms. Please keep in mind that new treatments are always being researched and keeping up to date on these may help you find the ultimate cure.

Marilyn Franklin writes for AllergyFiles.com where you can find more info on cat allergies.

Allergy Asthma, What Can You Do?

30% to 35% of all North Americans have allergy asthma. These numbers have increased significantly in the past 20 years. As a result both the sufferer and the sufferers? family have seen a reduction in both quality of life and productivity. The impact can be devastating and even life threatening.

The allergy asthma population is on the rise yet research is on the decline. That doesn?t make a lot of sense. If you suffer from allergy asthma depending on the level of severity you can try to make improvements on your own or you may have to seek medical assistance.

There are several natural medicines that have shown excellent results for allergy asthma that is considered mild to moderate. Anyone dealing with severe problems needs to consult their doctor. Sometimes changes in lifestyle such as what you are exposing yourself to can help. Other times boosting the immune system or reprogramming it will make all the difference in the world.

Allergy asthma is one of the fastest growing allergies and asthma is becoming the fastest growing hospital admission in children and it is killing hundreds every year.

Allergies in general are growing with 2-5% of children and 10% of adults developing food allergies with many able to resolve themselves with dietary changes and often the use of herbal supplements. A small percentage will be dealing with more life threatening factors that must be addressed immediately. And many dealing with allergy asthma will need to work with their doctors.

Hay fever now affects about 25% of the population and it often leads to sinusitis and although it is often trivialized it is like allergy asthma seriously impairing a person?s ability to function.

Many of you might not realize the eczema can be a result of an allergy. In fact 10% of all eczema is allergy related and like allergy asthma you may need the help of your doctor to find the best approach to reducing it. There are many excellent herbal and natural products that can work well to eliminate eczema and reduce symptoms.

Anaphylaxis is the most serious allergy asthma ? this is a reaction that can kill so suddenly those surrounding don?t realize what is occurring until it is too late. Anaphylaxis affects around 2% of the population and what happens is when the allergy strike the air ways are restricted and the person cannot breath thus suffocating.

Thankfully we are becoming much better at recognizing allergies in both children and adults. That means those suffering from allergies, and allergy asthma are getting better diagnosis and thus better treatment. In some cases with a little bit of diligence you can do a lot to help yourself using natural and herbal products. In more severe cases you will have to work with your doctor for the best outcome.

If you believe you have allergy asthma it is important to diagnose and find out exactly what is going on treating it before it gets more serious or even life threatening. There are some excellent asthma medications on the market that help you breathe and they have very few side effects.

So don?t delay if you think you have allergy asthma. You want to deal with it before it affects your quality of life.

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

Living With A Gluten Allergy

If suddenly you find yourself suffering from a gluten allergy you are not alone. It?s important to learn to live with a gluten allergy and the best way to do that is to understand the allergy.

With a gluten allergy your immune system will respond to the gluten which is found in a variety of foods that have the proteins found in cereal grains. The difference between a wheat allergy and a gluten allergy is Celiac a disease of the gastrointestinal tract.

Not everyone but a majority of people that suffer from a gluten allergy will develop Celiac which targets the gastrointestinal tract. In fact it wasn?t until recently when it was determined that Celiac was caused by a gluten allergy. Prior there had been no connection made.

A person suffering from a gluten allergy must ensure that they have a gluten free diet. When diagnosed with Celiac disease one must ensure that their diet is gluten free to ensure that the problems associated with Celiac are avoided.

When a gluten allergy turns into Celiac disease the biggest problem is that it does not just affect the gastrointestinal tract, it also affect the brain causing brain dysfunction, inflammation of the lungs, and arthritis.

The classic symptoms that accompanies a gluten allergy that has become Celiac is diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating, weight loss, iron deficiency, and malnutrition as a result of not absorbing the nutrient. And that?s just the beginning of what this dreadful disease can do.

For example a gluten allergy can actually affect the tissue causing eczema, skin rashes and itching, and it can even cause hives. It can also cause respiratory problems including asthma and it can cause

Arthritis will develop in about 45% of those suffering from a gluten allergy that do nothing about it and about 15% in those that change to a gluten free diet. Those with Celiac see an increased risk of esophagus, pharynx, and small intestinal cancer. Fibroid lung disease is also seen at a much higher rate than in those that do not have Celiac or a gluten allergy.

Recently studies have shown that a gluten allergy is often combined with a dairy allergy. If you know you have a gluten problem it?s a good idea to replace dairy products with soy products or some other alternative.

Be sure to include natural supplements in your diet when suffering from a gluten allergy. There are several things they can do for you. They can replace the nutrients you are missing because of a diet that is gluten free and they can help restore the body to health and build the immune system back up to a healthy state.

With a gluten allergy you want gluten free diet will have no wheat, barley, rye in any form. The best diets are made up of foods that are good for you and also foods that taste good. Try to make the changes so as not be depressed by a long list of what you can?t eat. You gluten free diet should be comprehensive.

A gluten allergy can be a tough diagnosis to hear but once you know what?s wrong it?s much easier to start making yourself feel better.

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

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.

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

Get The Facts On Allergy Medication

Allergy medications are everywhere ? oral antihistamines, nasal antihistamines, decongestants ? Maybe it?s time to get the facts on your allergy medication.

Allergy medication is available over the counter and it is prescribed widely by doctors all around the world. Pick up a magazine there?s ads, the television is full of ads ? these products are heavily marketed and choosing the one that?s going to work is an entirely different game.

There are four allergy medication categories ? nasal sprays, decongestants, nasal antihistamines, and oral antihistamines. Let?s have a look at all four categories.

Oral antihistamines are by far the most common allergy medication prescribed by doctors. The block the histamines which is the chemical that is responsible for most of your symptoms. They do not offer permanent relief but as an allergy medication they do provide relief for itching, sneezing, hives, and nasal drip. Antihistamines can cause drowsiness and make it difficult to concentrate. You can actually be given a DUI if you are driving and taking this medication. Some of the OTC antihistamines are Benadryl, Atarax, Dimetapp, Tavist, Chlor-Trimeton, and Claritin. In fact Benadryl should be in every medicine cabinet.

Nasal antihistamines are newer and available through prescription and are a good allergy medication for the right situations. They work for12 hours and are steroid free. It is believed because of inhalation the dosage absorbed is better. It cause drowsiness, headache, and post nasal drip.

Oral and nasal decongestants are another allergy medication choice that is commonly used for those that have runny noses, sinus issues, post nasal drip, fever, pollen, sneezing, and itching. They are available in both prescription and OTC and in pills, drops, sprays, and liquids. However the ingredient phenylpropanolamine which was found in older decongestants has been banned. Current decongestants include Sudafed, Triaminic, Entex, and Ornade. Decongestants can make you jittery, elevate your blood pressure, and make sleeping difficult. Sudafed should be in every medicine cabinet.

The last allergy medication we?ll look at is nasal sprays. The non-steroid formulas are considered very safe and work best if you started a few weeks before the allergy season. Steroid formulas are available through prescription and are more effective and include Flonase, Nasonex, and Beclovent. Side effects include cataracts, hypertension, headache, weight gain, and nasal ulcers.

But wait we?ve had a look at a variety of allergy medications but there are also several natural remedies and an allergy medication that contains no harsh chemicals is likely to make your body much happier.

Besides considering a natural allergy medication you might also consider giving your body?s immune system a boost with the right supplement. After all the cause of allergies is an immune system that is misfiring.

And that means that an allergy medication isn?t always the solution to the problem. Sure it will reduce the symptoms but it is doing nothing to actually get to the bottom of the problem.

Once you get the facts on allergy medication you are in a much better position to make educated choices that work for you, your type of allergy, and your person situation. Choose what?s right for you.

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

Dealing With A Cat Allergy

You are suspecting that you just might be allergic to your cat but there is no way that Fluffy is going to be moving out of your house. What to do? Dealing with a cat allergy can be accomplished with a little diligence.

Finding out you are allergic to your cat can be heart breaking. There are a variety of symptoms that can occur such as sneezing, itchy watery eyes, runny nose, sinus infection, headache, and a host of other mild to moderate symptoms that if you are determined enough you can likely find some relief from and still keep Fluffy. But there are also situations that are severe and even life threatening which means you will have to find your cat a new home. Lets assume your cat allergy is one you can live with. So what to do?

Let?s first have a look at some of the other symptoms that can be related to a cat allergy. The list is long ? besides the symptoms already mentions other symptoms include eye infections, redness, swelling, itching, post nasal drip, hives, rashes, itchy skin, plugged or poping ears, hoarseness, and coughing. There may also be shortness of breath, wheezing, reoccurring bronchitis which increases during tasks such as grooming or cleaning the litter box.

They may also increase when vacuuming or dusting which stirs up the dander. And often overlooked is that the allergy is actually not with the cat but with the perfumes used in cat products such as the litter. The cat allergy is caused buy allergens commonly the sebum produced by your cat. So it?s not the actual cat hair that causes the allergy but rather a protein that is in the dander and the tiny particles are easily moved around.

So how do you deal with a cat allergy? There are several things you can try. HEPA filters are a great place to start. HEPA filters situated in each room of your home as well as a vacuum with a HEPA filter will certainly help reduce the allergens.

Having your cat neutered or spayed can help your cat allergy because it reduces the sebum level that is produced. Replace carpets with flooring can make a big difference because carpet traps not only cat dander but dust mites, and a host of other allergy causing things.

Bathe your cat regularly and cover your pillows and mattress with tight casings that can help. We spend half of our life sleeping so it makes sense to also keep the cat out of the bedroom. And of course you can also have the allergy shots that are designed to desensitize you.

But wait! There are some natural remedies for dealing with a cat allergy and some are very effective. Seek out the help of a naturopath or do some research online. You can find several products that might be beneficial.

First of all it is a well known fact that allergies including your cat allergy are a result of an immune system that is misfiring, so building your immune system and doing natural things to help bring your body into balance can also be very helpful.

Don?t ignore the simple fixes when you are dealing with a cat allergy. Do it right and Fluffy will spend the rest of her days with you in a life of luxury!

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

The Difference between A Migraine And An Allergy Headache

Often people find it difficult to distinguish between an allergy headache and a migraine.There may be chances of Allergy headache if someone complains of headache after eating or drinking something. If the headache is accompanied with swelling, hives or breathing problems too then these symptoms confirm Allergy headache. These types allergies can be fatal if not handled properly a doctor should be consulted immediately. If a person suffers from headache pain, but have no other symptoms, then he can try to get relief by applying a cold pack on his forehead. When this is accompanied with proper rest he should feel much better after a short period of time. However, if he feels that the cold pack is of little use, then he should stop using it and allow the pain to settle down. A painkiller such as acetaminophen, naproxen sodium, ibuprofen or aspirin may prove to be helpful here.

Allergy Headaches Due To Weather Someone may also get an allergy headache from the changes in seasons as well.symptoms effectively make an allergy headache discernible from a migraine. The symptoms of migraine are an intense headache that is located in one particular area of your head. Usually it is accompanied by nausea and it may even cause you to vomit. Sometimes person having migraine may even become sensitive to touch on his arms and scalp. A migraine may last for several hours or days. If someone suffer from migraines, discussion with a doctor and proper medication may prove helpful. On the other hand, an allergy headache is usually triggered by person's allergies or a change in the air pressure. Therefore, if he notices that headache is seasonal or occurs due to weather change, then there might be a possibility of Allergy headache. Person having Allergy headache can simply treat this common type of headache by taking an over-the-counter allergy pain reliever medication. This helps the pressure inside your sinuses to equalize with the air around it. These medications prove very helpful in treating all seasonal allergy symptoms as well. If you want to know more about then please visit to headache cause

Richard Romando is an expert of giving information about Anxiety Attack Causes and Depression Pill

Allergy Relief Air Purifier Revealed

Many people suffer from some form of allergies. If you don't suffer, I'm sure you know of someone who does; whether it be a family member, neighbor or co-worker. Allergies can be very miserable and in some cases can turn into asthma which can be life threatening. For allergy sufferers, the air they breathe could be a vital cause to their problem. An allergy relief air purifier could be the solution to living a healthier life. With all the contaminants in the air today, is it even possible to breathe clean air anymore? This article will take a look at how and why an allergy relief air purifier could possibly change peoples lives.

Is My Home A Safe Place To Be

Many allergy sufferers think that the source of their problem is outdoors. They will often avoid the smell of freshly mowed lawns, flowers or perfumes. Did you know that most of the allergens people are exposed to, come from right in their own homes? Yes, their own homes. The place they think of as a safe haven. There are all kinds of particles being transported through the air in our homes. Dust and pollen are obvious if you look on a coffee table or end table. Often times you can see these results with the naked eye, but did you know that the bed in which you lay your head each and every night has all kinds of dust mites too? Just because we can't see these bugs, doesn't mean they aren't there. There are many times we confuse allergies with a cold. We often think that just because we are stuffed up and have a runny nose means we have a cold. It could be a sign that you have allergies. Our homes provide a more confined area in which dust and pollen thrive. Could owning an allergy relief air purifier help?

What Am I To Do

Many home owners today are investing in an allergy relief air purifier. These air purifiers, not only aid in relief for allergy sufferers, but can also provide asthma relief as well. They are designed to not only get rid of dust and pollen particles, but also eliminate germs and bacteria as well. Being in a more enclosed environment allows for germs to be passed on to one another much more easily. An air purifier can be installed in an individual room or it may be big enough to purify more than one room at a time. There are also larger models that can clean the air in your entire home.

With the wonderful technology of the internet, it is easy to find information on just about anything you want to know more about. Depending on your finances and needs, there is an allergy relief air purifier designed just for you. All you have to do is a little research, and you could be living in an environment of clean, fresh air, that could change your life.

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 information.

Holistic Approach to Dog Skin Allergy

The best way to deal with dog skin allergy is to approach the problem holistically. One dog allergy solution is to make sure your dog enjoys overall good health and has a strong immune system. This way, he'll less likely to react to allergies and develop uncomfortable symptoms.

The following are surefire ways to beat dog skin allergy:

1) Feed your dog some meat - gradually switch to a healthy diet made from high quality whole meats (not meat by-products). You can also try feeding him chicken, turkey, salmon, bison, rabbit, duck, or venison. Remember to rotate the meat.

2) Don't give your dog grains - and that means no corn, wheat and other grains. Try alternatives such as gluten-free brown rice, spelt, amaranth, quinoa, or kamut. These are available at health stores.

3) No preservatives - BHT, ethoxyquin, and potassium sorbate are common artificial additives that are toxic to your dog's health. Check your dog food's label if it consists of any of the above ingredients. If it does, buy other dog food. I use wellness for my dogs.

4) Give him supplements - Antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E as well as CoQ10 and selenium strengthens his immune system and helps prevent allergic reactions.

5) Use natural pest control - Adding garlic, Vitamin B1 or brewer's yeast to his diet helps repel fleas. Commercial flea and tick powders, shampoos, and collars are made with toxic chemicals that can irritate your dog's skin and overburden his immune system.

6) Keep his area clean - avoid using chemicals to clean his area and surroundings.

7) Avoid over-vaccinations - over-vaccination damages immunity and can lead to the development of allergies and other problems.

8) Use herbs - They can help the body rid itself of toxins, including those substances that cause allergic reactions such as burdock, alfalfa, red clover, dandelion , and spirulina.

9) Keep your dog clean - avoid cheap commercial shampoos and conditioners - they dry out your dog's hair and skin and even aggravate his allergies.

Dealing with dog skin allergy holistically takes time and commitment but it is the best dog allergy solution you can give to your dog.

Mary Rose Antonio is a physical therapist for 20 years now, a great believer in natural healing and a proud owner of two dogs. She is also the owner of http://www.ultimate-guide-to-dog-care.com. She invites you to learn more about taking care of your dog.

Pollen Allergy and Food Sensitivity: The Oral Allergy Syndrome and Food Intolerance

Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) is a well-recognized but little known condition. It is characterized by a burning sensation or mouth pain and swelling when you eat specific foods that cross react to pollens to which you are allergic. Interestingly, the specific foods causing this reaction are well established to cross react with certain trees, grass, or weed pollens, house dust mite or latex. There are common groups of foods that cluster with certain nasal allergies. For example, ragweed allergy commonly causes an oral or gut reaction after eating melons or bananas but usually not other foods. Birch tree pollen is commonly associated with reactions to numerous foods as is latex allergy. The explanation for these reactions include similarities in protein structures as well as some chemicals in the foods.

Though this reaction is well documented in the allergy literature it is not commonly recognized or diagnosed by most doctors including some allergy specialists and many stomach specialists. Various allergy web sites include lists of the common foods associated with certain pollens, dust mite or latex. However, a comprehensive list that is easy to read or interpret can be difficult to find. Also, the names of some pollens or the common links between a group of pollens and a group of foods can be confusing.

In its classic form OAS should be easy to recognize. After eating a food associated with a pollen to which you are allergic you experience near immediate burning sensation in your mouth or throat with or without swelling. However, it is commonly recognized that frequently in medicine, symptoms do not occur in the ?classic? or typical manner in a specific person. Worded another way doctors are taught "patients don't read the textbooks". Therefore, you may experience variations of the reaction such as throat swelling or tightening, burning when swallowing, a lump in the throat or a sense of swallowing difficulty but not make the connection to what you ate or what is happening to you.

You or your doctor may misinterpret your symptoms. Frequently people just assume it happened because they were having a choking spell on food that was poorly chewed, swallowed too fast, or eaten or drank while too hot or cold. Commonly, it is assumed that an esophageal (swallowing tube) disorder, especially acid reflux with a hiatal hernia is the cause. Acid reflux can cause an esophageal constriction called a stricture or ring that can result in a food sticking sensation, but this is usually associated with heartburn symptoms or food getting stuck which then prompts an upper endoscopy or scope exam. Other times, especially if occurring in an elderly person, a neurological condition like stroke or Parkinson?s disease is blamed. Sometimes doctors decide that your symptoms are due to a nervous reaction or neurosis that historically was called as globus hystericus. The hystericus portion of the term is usually dropped these days to the shorter term globus or globus sensation especially since it is not proven it is due to a psychiatric problem. However, globus may be the diagnosis arrived at if your complaint is that you feel a lump in your throat and an ?evaluation? appears to turn up nothing even if OAS was not considered or excluded.

An unusual condition that has been more recently recognized in the field of gastroenterology (diseases of the stomach and intestines) that may be related to or a variant of OAS is called eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) or allergic esophagitis. It was first described in the pediatric population but is now known to occur in adults. Classically described in teenage boys and young men who presented with food sticking episodes without heartburn or acid reflux symptoms, it is associated with a strange appearance of the esophagus on endoscopy (lighted scope exam of the upper gastrointestinal tract). What the doctor doing the scope sees is that the esophagus resembles a cat?s esophagus. That is it looks like it has rings (cats have cartilage rings in their esophagus, we do not) and this is referred to as "ringed esophagus" or felinization of the esophagus. On biopsy of such a ringed or felinized appearing esophagus (that is also often narrowed resulting in food sticking) microscopic signs of allergy are noted. The lining shows numerous eosinophils, a reddish pink appearing white blood cell, characteristic of allergic conditions. These eosinophils release chemicals like histamine that trigger swelling, pain, and damage to tissue.

Food allergies are commonly found to present in EE though sometimes the search for a food allergy by traditional skin tests or IgE blood tests is negative. Treatment is avoidance of known food allergens and swallowed nasal steroids sprays that are designed for use in the nose for nasal allergies. Though not specifically proven yet, eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) may be a variant of OAS.

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis and eosinophilic or allergic colitis also exist and can be diagnosed by biopsies of the stomach, small intestine and colon respectively. Allergic colitis is typically seen in infants who have a cow?s milk protein allergy. It presents as colic type abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss and bloody diarrhea in an infant on cow?s milk formula or sometimes in breast-fed infants whose mom is drinking a lot of cow?s milk.

Allergic gastroenteritis occurs in any age group presenting typically as abdominal pain, with or without intestinal blockage or perforation; diarrhea; anemia; weight loss; and microscopic bleeding in the intestinal tract also known as occult blood in the stool. Such bleeding is detectable only by special stool chemical tests known as fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) or stool guaiac testing.

At least some people with food intolerance that does not make sense on limited diet diary information, blood tests, biopsies, or allergy testing, may have a form of OAS. In other words, the presence of known pollen or latex allergies may be predisposing to reactions to foods known to cross react with allergies noted in OAS. However, instead of classic oral allergy syndrome symptoms other stomach and intestinal symptoms or even non-gastrointestinal symptoms may result.

Support of this concept can be found in detailed screening of individuals for food intolerance. Those with known pollen or latex allergies, any known food allergies or intolerance including gluten intolerance (celiac disease) and casein intolerance, are asked to complete a series of symptom assessments and severity rating scales followed by a strict elimination diet. This is followed up by re-assessment of response of symptoms while re-introducing foods one at a time while monitoring for recurrence.

This type of analysis is the basis for the Neopaleo Specific Diet. In the near future online symptom assessments and screening for food intolerance along with dietary recommendations specific to individuals will be available at www.thefooddoc.com. An online diet symptom diary will also be available. A simplified table illustrating the common foods that may cross-react with the broad categories of pollen allergens and latex allergy is available. Food intolerances are more commonly being recognized as a common cause of illness and symptoms. Individualized specific diet recommendations and elimination diet trials may be more helpful in discovering any possible links to what you are eating and how you feel.

Dr. Scot Lewey is a physician who is trained and board certified in the specialty of gastroenterology (diseases of the digestive tract) and has a growing practice focused in the area of food intolerances, especially gluten and cow's milk protein. He is a published researcher and author and founder of an educational website http://www.thefooddoc.com helping people with food intolerances.

What is Milk Allergy?

Milk allergy is the immune system's response to cow's milk. Cow's milk is one of the most frequent food allergens because of one or more of the proteins that it contains.

There are lots of proteins in cow's milk that cause allergic reactions. Whey and Casein are it's two components. The curd that forms when milk is left to sour is called Casein. The watery part that is left when the curd is removed is called whey.

Eighty percent of cow's milk is made up of Casein. It is also the most important allergen found in cheese. The harder the cheese the more casein it has.

The other 20% is made up of whey. It is composed of two main allergenic proteins, namely alpha lactalbumin and beta lactaglobulin.

Milk allergy usually starts in infancy. There are studies that show that two to three percent of infants have milk allergy but most outgrow it within the first few years. By the age of four, sixty percent of milk allergic infants out grow their milk allergy another eight percent outgrow it by the age of six, but there are those who never outgrow it.

Though a lot become milk allegry sufferes as infants, cow's milk allergy can be acquired later in life.

Symptoms

Milk allergy symptoms can be seen on the skin or felt in the digestive system or respiratory system.

Milk allergy causes skin reactions that can be an itchy red rash, hives, eczema, allergic "shiners" (black eyes), and swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, face or throat.

Digestive system reactions of milk allergy sufferers might be nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, bloating, or abdominal cramps.

Respiratory system reactions of those with milk allergy are runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, itchy eyes, nasal congestion, wheezing, shortness of breath, or coughing, or even anaphylactic shock.

Some people can have a reddish ear love or a hazy look in their eyes. Another symptom that can be had from milk allergy is bedwetting, inattentiveness, and lethargy.

Avoidance is the key with allergies. That means not drinking milk. Someone that has milk allergy has to be very careful in what products to buy. They have to read the product labels and see what milk proteins that are contained within. Milk maybe the hidden allergen in a lot of processed meats like hotdogs, pepperoni, salami, sausage and bologna. There are also some non-dairy products that contain casein.

There are some other milk products that can be substituted for cow's milk. milk allergy sufferes find this useful when baking and cooking food. The type of milk substitute depends on the food that it will be used for.

Rice milk is good for drinking and cereal. It can be used for baking or as a thickening agent and is perfect for those with milk allergy.

Some recipes you can have broth, juice or water as a substitute for cow?s milk.

In some cases a person with milk allegry can use goat's milk or soy milk. However, these types of milk are also allergenic and the person allergic to cow's milk will often be allergic to goat's milk as well.

Having milk allergy does not mean that you can bypass the calcium requirement in your nutrition. The recommended daily allowance of a person depends on the age. Good sources of calcium aside from milk are green vegetables, fish with soft edible bones, and seafood.

Calcium cannot be absorbed without vitamin D, which comes from eggs, liver and sunlight. That means to maintain a healthy lifestyle even with a milk allergy, one has to take vitamin supplements to complete their dietary balance.

For answers to All your frequently asked questions about milk allergy, please go to: Milk Allergy or go to: Allergy Answers or to: All About Allergies

Know more about food allergy

Food allergy is one of the most common allergy disease that found in a child more often than an adult, and found in the young children more often than the adolescent. In adult, this disease founded about 2 % but in a child found 6% and founded 8% in small children (age a little 3 more year ). The most common food defeated symptoms found in small children is allergic to cow's milk , because small children drinks cow's milk in everyday life. When they begin grow up then get more supplementary food such as eggs, then they may allergic to eggs also. For the adolescent and adults, the allergic to seafood are found in most cases

What is the symptoms of food allergy? Food allergy disease can effect to every system of the body , but the most common cases found with; - Alimentary canal symptoms ( vomit , stomachache , suffer from diarrhea) - Skin (urticaria) - Breath system , (sneeze , catarrh , cough, breath uncomfortably) in some cases, patient might get severe symptoms and die.

How do you know that what kind of food that you allergic to? Once you have noticed that there is the same symptoms happend repeatedly after meal, you should go to see a doctor and investigate, then have a check-up. The most important information for the doctor that you should remember kind of the food that you have taken, the quantity that eat, the symptoms that happens so the doctor can diagnose easily. But in the some people who are suspected that allergic various kinds foods or not sure that which kind of food that allergic to. Doctor may ask the patient taking notes of what they have eaten in detail as well as unusual symptoms that happen for better diagnose. Besides, there is a skin test to identify the kind of food that patient allergic to, which takes only 15 minute for take the skin testing. Another option is to take blood test for food allergic. However the most accurate diagnosing method is to let the patient has a meal that suspect to be the cause of allergy, if the symptoms appear from eat certain kind of food and that symptom disappears when stop eating ,as a result , that patient is allergic to such food. However,this testing step should be within close supervision of a doctor, especially in case of allergy symptoms is severe.

What is the most effective way to cure? The most effective way is to avoid or nevr eat the food that you allergic to. You must also avoid everykind food that participate or assemble of the nutrient that you allergic. Forexample, if you allergic to cow's milk, then avoid the food that have milk is the components , such as , icecream, biscuit and eat soybean milk instead. Medication treatment should be used only to cure specific symptom that appear from time to time such as use medicine to heal urticaria symptoms, medicine to decreases catarrh etc.

Can food allergy be permanently cured? In some case, if patients can avoid and haven't take the food that they allergic for about 1-2 year consecutively , as a result , the allergic symptom disappear and permanently cured. However, seafood allergy and peanut allergy can not generally be cured. For babies who allergic to cow's milk, about 50% of them this symptom is likely be disappear when they are 1 year old , 85% when they are 3 years old , and only 15% still got the allergy and 25 % of a child who are allergic to cow's milk , often have the symptoms that allergic to other food.

How to prevent from food allergy? For a family who have the first child got the disease allergy can reduce a chance for the next child to get the disease by breast-feed at least 4 month or more. Mother who breast-feed a child should also aviod the food that cause the disease such as , egg , cow's milk , seafood , and peanut nut during the breast-feeds period.

Srisaket Hospital, Thailand

http://www.knowfoodallergy.com

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