Tuesday, August 19, 2008

The Sweet Smell of a Perfume Allergy

The Sweet Smell of a Perfume Allergy
By Grant Segall

Ah.the sweet, smell of perfume! Todays market is flooded with hundreds and hundreds of different fragrances ranging from floral to woodsy. Most women love the smell of perfume, wearing it even when going to the grocery store. The problem is that perfume allergy for some women, is anything but nice.

Keep in mind that a perfume allergy is not limited to the woman who wears it. For some people, men and women, just being around someone wearing perfume can have a devastating effect. Even regular household cleansers, air fresheners, fabric softener, scented candles, potpourri, hair spray, and shampoo can produce the same reaction. Although the smell of perfume might trigger a headache or rash, the more severe problem is a full-blown asthma attack.

Having a perfume allergy is not something new. Unfortunately, many people are affected by the smell of perfume, especially when in a confined space. For instance, individuals working in an office environment might not have a choice but to be around someone wearing perfume. In this case, the only real solution is to request those individuals to stop wearing perfume to work (some may) or to ask if your desk can be seated in a different area. The problem is that not all companies are accommodating, meaning a new job must be found.

The good news is that because a perfume allergy can produce such a serious reaction as asthma or an anaphylactic shock, you will find a number of products now on the market that are fragrance free. Many of these items are found in organic stores although traditional grocery stores are now trying to cater to all customers. Because you cannot control who does and does not wear perfume, you have to take steps to protect yourself if you have a perfume allergy. This might include letting a job interview know, wearing a mask, or perhaps taking medication.

If you notice that you have symptoms of itchy eyes, runny nose, wheezing, or coughing when wearing perfume or being around other people that do then chances are you are having a reaction. Interestingly, many people have a perfume allergy but blame it on other things, never even considering that fragrance could be the problem. Sometimes, even doctors miss a perfume allergy simply because they are more accustomed to treating seasonal allergies, pet allergies, and other forms of allergy.

In addition, remember that while you might be allergic to some perfumes, it is possible that not all fragrances will create a reaction. The reason is that performs are made up of varying chemicals so while one chemical may trigger a reaction, other chemicals might not. Therefore, it is important that you pay attention to your surroundings, taking note if you can pinpoint these symptoms specific to fragrance.

By Grant Segall RPh - You can find this article here - http://www.allergy-allergy.com/allergy-types/

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Monday, August 18, 2008

Three Surefire Ways To Avoid This Spring's Allergy Attack

Three Surefire Ways To Avoid This Spring's Allergy Attack
By Jeanina Bartling

Daffodils and Robins are out and about, celebrating the coming of Spring.

Will you celebrate with them?

Or run for cover!

I can tell you this ~ more than 50 million Americans dread Spring.

And no wonder. In the U.S., allergies rank as the 6th leading cause for chronic diseases.

Sneezing and wheezing, runny noses, stuffed up sinuses, burning, itchy eyes ~thousands of people know these miseries well.

But they needn't. Nor need you!

Here's 3 simple things you can do to make this year memorably allergy-free.

The First Way: Protect Your Cilia

You simply must take care of your cilia.

What's that? You're not sure what cilia are, let alone whether or not you have any!

Oh yes, my friend, you have many cilia, and they serve you well as some of your most effective health guardians.

Cilia are tiny hairs found in the nose designed to catch and get rid of any intruders. Spring pollens, viruses, bacteria, all of these are trapped by the hairs and the sticky mucus which act in concert to deny an entrance to the body.

Unfortunately, today's harmful pollutants - cigarette smoke (either personal or passive), diesel fumes, emissions by vehicles and power plants and many otherpollutants - put our cilia at great risk.

Cilia moves to a beat. Usually about 8-15 beats a second. This transports the irritant toward the back of the nose where it's automatically swallowed and disposed of in the stomach.

Pollutants can slow or stop the beat. Cilia's partner, mucus, can be dried by too-dry air or not enough water in the body. These conditions allow the bacteria to attach themselves to a cell.

And that's when the problems begin.

Bacteria can't invade our bodies unless they're successful in getting a finger or toe hold onto one of our cells. The part of the cell that they latch onto is a specific sugar or sugar complex.

Which brings me to the 2nd way you can avoid this Spring's allergy attack:

The Second Way: Wash your nose with xylitol nose wash

Meet the new kid on the block ~ Xylitol, spelled with an x but pronounced with a z.

Actually not so new. In the late 1800's, Emil Fischer, a German chemist, discovered and manufactured this healthy 5-carbon sugar. Re-discovered by the Finnish Sugar Co. Ltd. in Finland during the sugar scarcity due to World War II, xylitol now continues to receive more and more attention.

What xylitol nose wash does is:

1. Keep your cilia healthy

2. Bathe your cells in a healthy,

alkaline sugar that bacteria don't like.

Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, xylitol is also being actively promoted by many dental associations.

It's become one of the most popular items in health food stores simply because of its many health benefits.

Eliminates allergy-causing irritants

in the nose

Prevents the growth of bacteria

Prevents tooth decay

Creates alkaline environment

Possesses a glycemic index of 7

Improves bone density

and more...

Our bodies manufacture a certain amount of xylitol. It's also found in fibrous vegies and fruits and trees. Most of the commercial xylitol comes from either the bark of birch trees or corn cobs.

A completely natural product with no side effects, xylitol is being championed for its health-giving properties.

Your health food store most likely carries xylitol nose spray. Or you can order some from the comfort of your home by going to EmeraldForestXylitol.com You'll find the folks there dependable and ethical with more fascinating information on this health-promoting product.

The Third Way: Drink Your Water

Water. It should top the list of The World's Most Wonderful Wonders.

It cleans. It satisfies. It gives life.

Serving time as a political prisoner in an Iranian prison, Dr. Fereydoon Batmanghelidjwas assigned the task of treating other prisoners who suffered from a variety of ills.

He had nothing with which to treat them. Except water.

You can read about some of his miraculous successes using only water in his book, Your Body's Many Cries For Water.

Our cilia needs water in order to do the job it's been earmarked to do. Most folks walk around in a semi-dehydrated state which leaves them vulnerable to many physical and mental disorders.

One good guideline: Drink enough water to make your urine colorless.

Well, there you have it. Three simple ways to help your body say NO! to any energy-sappers.

I hope you'll decide to step into this Spring with a new spring in your step.

Who wants a body and a mind you can be pleased with? How about stable emotions? Discover how easily you can enjoy even unexpected change. At http://www.thefeelgoodsite.comyou'll find a FREE mini-course on 10 Ways To Enjoy Change. You'll be delightfully surprised with these simple, yet innovative techniques. Jeanina Bartling is a published author of stories and articles for children who has now turned to the internet to share her passion for good health. http://www.thefeelgoodsite.com

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Sunday, August 17, 2008

A Natural Approach to Allergy Therapy

A Natural Approach to Allergy Therapy
By Bryan Brodeur

Allergies are essentially a situation in which your immune system responds too strongly to a stimulus. While this sounds like a good situation, it is a toxic and potentially deadly situation for your body. Your immune system is powerful enough to destroy any invader if co-ordinated properly. Co-ordinated improperly, your immune system will destroy your own vital components; it will cause you sinusitis, skin conditions, asthmatic reactions, stomach and intestinal diseases, and more.

Medicine has no cure for allergies, only drugs for their symptoms. These drugs are, ironically, designed to weaken your immune response. The 'anti-histamines' often prescribed to combat asthma daily can be deadly. They are associated with heart problems, and in a Canadian Study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute anti-histamines can increase the rate of growth of cancerous tumours in lab rodents.

What you need to learn are the approaches to allergy therapy that will make good health sense, working in a productive manner to keep you healthy for the long term.

The primary control system of your allergic response is your nervous system. Your nervous system is likely to be irritated physically on several levels if you do have allergies, and it is important to reduce these sources. The systems that you can use to reduce these factors vary, and it is important to understand the method you choose thoroughly. Secondary to controlling your immune system, you must discover the types of foods that will empower your body to function properly through a healthy diet.

It is equally important that emotional stress in your life be reduced. Many people are walking emotional wrecks and are ignoring the damage this is doing to their health. The secrets to overcoming emotional problems are simple and straightforward honesty and courage in dealing with each situation that provides you with emotional instability or stress. Focusing on the health of the mind and body are essential steps for reducing the emotional barriers that your personal history has burdened you with. These steps can be empowering, and they are healing.

With allergies, as with any chronic condition, proper styles of living will reduce your symptoms and may even eliminate them. The important aspect to this process of self-learning and self-healing is to take on new ideas and new concepts while reducing the blurring effects of old concepts slowly. Examine issues over and over again with a new perspective and you will slowly learn the underlying steps to a stronger level of health, both mentally and physically.

About the Author:

Dr. Bryan Brodeur is the owner of VitalityHouse, and the author of Vitalism. Download a free introduction for this health and fitness e-book.

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Saturday, August 16, 2008

15 Helpful Dog Allergy Prevention Tips and Dog Allergy Friendly Breeds

15 Helpful Dog Allergy Prevention Tips and Dog Allergy Friendly Breeds
By John Hinkley

Unfortunately, there are no cures for dog allergies. However, there are several things you can do to make life with your dog more comfortable:

1. Wash your hands frequently.

Wash your hands with soap and hot water immediately after handling your dog. If you are unable to wash your hands right away, avoid touching your hands with your face especially your eyes, nose, and mouth. If you have severe allergies and are in close contact with your dog, you may need to take frequent showers and change your clothes throughout the day.

2. Feed your dog a well-balanced diet.

Your dog's diet should include some natural fat. This fat helps to make your dog's skin less dry, resulting in less shedding. Talk to your vet about his recommendations on how to safely add fat to his diet.

3. Don't allow your dog in the bedroom.

This tip takes a lot of discipline, but it does make a big impact on your reaction to allergies. Keeping your bedroom door closed is ideal because it keeps airborne particles away. Sleep on mattresses and pillows with hypoallergenic polyester fillings. Also, as an extra precaution, cover your pillows, mattresses, and box springs with plastic, zippered, allergy-proof covers.

4. Brush your dog often.

It is ideal to brush your dog daily. However, if you suffer from allergies, you'll need to give another family member the responsibility of brushing the dog. If possible, the dog should be brushed outdoors. If you live alone with your dog, consider taking him to a professional groomer. You could wear a dust mask and gloves for brushing him in between grooming visits.

5. Bathe your dog often.

Check your dog's current shampoo. It should be ahypoallergenic or oatmeal based shampoo. If it's not, try switching brands. If your allergies can't handle the bathing, have another family member be responsible for giving baths. Or, have your dog visit a groomer.

6. Wash your dog's belongings.

Get into the habit of washing your dog's bed, blankets, and toys on a weekly basis either by hand with a safe soap or in the washing machine.

7. Check your vacuum.

Make sure your vacuum cleaner has a HEPA (High Efficiency Particle Air) filtration system. This type of system will help pull up and trap more of your dog's dander from the floor.

Note: vacuuming is recommended over sweeping because sweeping can stir the dander into the air, rather than trapping and removing it.

8. Have carpets cleaned regularly.

Even though you use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filtration system, it is important to still have your carpets steam-cleaned throughout the year. Try to have this done at least quarterly.

9. Dust often.

Use a damp cloth to wipe down surfaces such as tables, shelves, window sills, wall hangings, lamps, and other furniture and accessories. If necessary, wear a dust mask as you clean. Reccomended cleansing solutions:Oti-Clens Cleansing Solution

10. Keep the air fresh.

Use an air purifier one that contains a HEPA. This type of system will help eliminate dander from the air.

The less a dog sheds the less dander it produces. The following breeds typically produce less dander:

Airedale

Basenji

Bedlington terrier

Bichon frise

Chinese crested

Irish water spaniel

Italian greyhound

Kerry blue terrier

Maltese

Poodle

Portuguese water dog

Schnauzers

Shih tzu

Soft-coated Wheaten terrier

Tibetan terrier

Wire-haired fox terrier

Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican hairless)

To read the Entire Article and the remaining allergy prevention tips go to: http://largedogbreedz.com/your-large-dogs-health/large-dog-grooming-techniques/dog-allergy-prevention-tips.html

For more Dog Breed Health Tips, Large Dog Breed Profiles, and details on specific Dog Training Exercises, visit us at http://largedogbreedz.com

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Friday, August 15, 2008

Up Your Energy with Allergy Techniques!

Up Your Energy with Allergy Techniques!
By Heather Dominick

What we do is just as powerful as what we eat to keep ourselves operating at our highest energy. This especially applies during allergy season. Instead of just popping a pill and trekking ahead as usual, try taking care instead.

Know Your Season: If you know exactly what allergy triggers you are susceptible to (get tested by your doctor or carefully chart your reactions this year), you can take extra care by following this seasonal guide:

Alder: Feb, Mar, Apr, May

Hazelnut: Feb, Mar, Apr, May

Elm: Feb, Mar, Apr, May

Birch: Mar, April, May, June

Maple: Mar, April, May, June

Oak: Mar, April, May, June

Sorrel: April, May, June, July, Aug, Sept

Stinging Nettle: April, May, June, July, Aug, Sept

Beech: April, May, June

Spruce: April, May, June

Buttercup: May, June, July

Mugwort: July, Aug, Sept

Horseradish: This condiment has an extreme ability to thin abundant mucus so it can drain from the nasal passages. Eat as much as you can tolerate (yummy on crackers!) or make a tea by combining horseradish, lemon juice and honey. Drink throughout the day.

Keep Windows Closed: It may seem simple and you may feel like you are missing the fresh air of spring, but it could save you money and sneeze power. Secure windows of your home and car during your tough season.

Reduce Dairy Intake: Especially for allergy sufferers, dairy products can inhibit breathing and increase mucus. Reduce dairy; increase breathing.

Showers and Baths: Take a shower at night to remove any pollen that may have collected in your hair or nails during the day. Take a HOT bath to raise your body temperature to help the body purge toxins. Add the essential oils (a11 natura1, no artificial fragrances) of camphor, menthol and eucalyptus to help with decongestion (You can also mix these oils with sweet almond oil and apply under the nose and on the neck during the day for easier breathing).

Vitamins C and E: These two power vitamins help support healthy immune function as well as prevent allergic response. Your best bet for intake increase: (Vitamin C ) citrus fruits, bell peppers, chili peppers, amaranth, berries, cabbage, parsley, potatoes, sprouts, tomatoes (Vitamin E) nuts, seeds, whole grains, dark green leaves of cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, dandelion greens, sprouts, asparagus, cucumbers and spinach.

Heather Dominick, The Energy Expert is an energy and nutritionspecialist with over 10 years of teaching and coaching experience. Heathers primary focus is in helping others identify sources for increasing physical energy and making permanent lifestyle changes. To sign up to receive your free chapter of the famed e-Book Get EnergyRICH, for her freebie how-to articles and no-charge teleclasses on creating your most energized life, visit http://www.Individual-Health.net

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Thursday, August 14, 2008

Getting Allergy Relief Inside

Getting Allergy Relief Inside
By Kerry Rodden

If it is allergy season, you know it. You dont need someone on the news telling you the levels of pollen in the air. You dont need to be told that there is a cat lurking in the home. You dont need this because you feel it. If allergies are what cause you so many untold problems each day, you should always be on the look out for products that can help you to find some relief. The good news is that besides the allergy medications you need to take, there are other ways that you can improve your condition.

For one, consider an air purifying system in your home. Since most of the allergens that effect those that live in your home are lurking in the air, adding a tool to help clean out the air will help you to find some benefits. If you have ever been in a home that uses an ionic air cleaner, for example, you may have felt a lesser allergy attack there. Thats because these units help to trap the allergens inside filters, or will react with them right in the air and neutralize them. That means that you dont have to breathe them in.

Air cleaning products are widely available. If you decide to purchase one, make sure to find one that provides for allergen removal, specifically the type of allergy that you have. Finding a product that removes pollen, dust, dander, bacteria and other elements that are lurking in the air will be important to your overall well being. You can even purchase smaller units for your car or to wear around your neck to help reduce the allergens that you come in contact with while being out and about.

Using an air purifier, you can find many benefits in overall health and well being. You can lessen the effect that your allergy has on you.

Kerry Rodden is an expert on air purifiers, and has written many articles on air purifiers, fans, vacuum cleaners, air fresheners and a lot more.

You can read more of Kerrys articles about air purifiers at http://www.lowplaces.net

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Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Family Health: Coping With Hay Fever Allergy & Asthma

Family Health: Coping With Hay Fever, Allergy & Asthma
By I-key Benney

If you suffer from hay fever, allergies or asthma, you know how annoying and frustrating they can be.

Hay fever is a chronic condition characterized by sneezing, nasal congestion, runny and itching nose, palate, ears and eyes.

If you recognize any of these symptoms chances are, you or some member of your family has experienced hay fever at one time or another.

Here are some family health insights to help you cope.

Doctors call it allergic rhinitis. Most people know it as hay fever and if you've got it - - as 22 million Americans do - - you're likely to be plagued during the spring and fall seasons by such annoying symptoms as sneezing, congestion, runny nose, itchy throat and red, watery eyes.

Allergy has different names.

Allergy reactions occurring in the nose and sinus are called sinus or hay fever or allergic rhinitis.

And when allergy reactions occur in the chest we call it asthma. Allergy reactions in the skin are named hives or angioedema.

So you see, allergy has different names depending upon where in your body it occurs.

One out of every six Americans suffers from an allergic condition. Allergy may be an inherited trait, a genetic susceptibility towards the production of certain allergy anti-bodies.

Hay fever is basically an allergic reaction to pollens from trees, weed and grasses.

Unlike garden flower pollen, which is carried by insects, the dry lightweight pollens which cause allergic rhinitis are generally spread by wind currents which make them difficult to avoid.

In fact, samples of ragweed pollen have been found 400 miles at sea! While most people suffer mild discomfort with hay fever, it is estimated that more than 40 percent of the 5.8 million children who have respiratory allergies miss some school, stay in bed or feel upset by the condition.

Additionally, complications from allergic rhinitis can be serious. The same allergens that cause hay fever can reach the lungs causing asthma and other complications.

Sinusitis (inflammation of the sinus cavities) and nasal polyps (small outgrowths of the mucous membrane of the nose) may develop. Secondary infections of the ear, larynx and bronchial tubes may occur.

Also, prolonged year-round nasal stuffiness and mouth breathing may lead to facial bone growth changes in children.

Surprisingly, many parents realize that their children have asthma before their physicians do.

An accurate diagnosis, however, is most important in helping to determine an appropriate individualized treatment program.

Physicians specializing in allergy/immunology have special skills in the area of asthma management.

The allergy and asthma specialist will detect and determine those environmental elements (pollens, molds, dust mites, animal danders, workplace chemicals) which may be the cause of a patient's asthmatic condition.

A careful medical history, physical examination, selective allergy skill testing and lung function studies are typically performed. Occasionally, blood tests, home and workplace evaluations, and x-rays of the sinuses and lungs are required.

Unlike hay fever, asthma is a more complex disease involving a reversible constriction of the muscles lining the human airways.

It is more often associated with allergy immune cells and can get progressively worse reaching life-threatening stages if not properly controlled. It can be treated more effectively when it is diagnosed early.

The best therapy of all, however, is avoidance of those things which produce asthma symptoms. This includes allergens, such as house dust mites, pets and irritants, such as tobacco smoke and chemical fumes.

May these family health insights help you to live a longer, healthy and happy life.

Warmly,

I-key Benney, CEO

I-key, a Millionaire CEO from New York City is the creator of Mscsrrr: Millionaire Secret Cash System, (forex market) program which has helped thousands of ordinary people from all over the world to attain financial security and shining success during the past 2 yrs.

Mscsrrr Millionaire Secret Cash System helps you to generate $1,500+/Week for life, from home or office, part time or full time. No large investment or hassles. Win $1000-$2000 free cash

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Vacuum Cleaners Can Help Keep Your Home Cleaner And Provide Relief For Allergy And Asthma Sufferers

Vacuum Cleaners Can Help Keep Your Home Cleaner And Provide Relief For Allergy And Asthma Sufferers
By Abbie Frank

We're always looking for the best buy and lowest cost on anything we need to get. Although it's not good to pay to much, many times getting the cheapest product is no bargain. Our thought is that if we get a good quality product at the best price possible, it also tends to be a better vacuum that has the ability to better capture the dust and dirt. By controlling the dirt in the air, we limit the possibility of aggravating you or your families allergies. But you don't need to have allergies to need a good quality vacuum.

The idea is that with a better vacuum cleaner, your home is cleaner and with less dust so there's less opportunity to cause breathing problems. But even if you or a member of your family don't suffer from allergies, isn't it good to know that your vacuum is collecting all the dust possible instead of just redepositing it back in the air to land somewhere else? (of course it is!)

Vacuum cleaners have been around since the early 1900's. Although the technology has evolved from simple suction to the newer industrial look bagless cyclonic action uprights. The choices continue to rise as high technology computer based vacuum cleaners also continue to gain in popularity. These robotic wonders are taking the idea of easy cleaning to a new level. But no matter what type of vacuum is of interest, none of us want to pay to much for one. Value is getting the highest quality and the lowest possible cost.

Still, it's important to remember that the basic function of vacuums are to remove dirt and debris from your carpets and floors. Dust is usually human skin cells or dirt that has entered your home through the windows and doors. There is simply no way to keep a house clean all the time if it has any openings like doors and windows to the outside. This means that we're in a never ending cycle of controlling the dirt in our homes. This is where the vacuum cleaner can really shine.

There are many types and styles of cleaners from the old and trusted Hoover canister or upright vacuums to the latest technology bag and bagless wonders. If you're shopping for a new vacuum cleaner, it's important to shop for features and not just on price. The basis for your selection should be on the important features, the service life then the price of the unit that you really need.

The service life is the usable lifetime of the vacuum cleaner itself. Higher quality units typically have better warranties and last longer. The warranty period is a good indication of the reliability and useful life expectancy. A company wouldn't offer a 3 or 5 year warranty if they didn't have a lot of confidence that the unit would stand up to that much use would they? But remember. it's only an indication of the quality of the machine based on average use. If you're like my neighbors family that includes 8 kids, you will no doubt be using your vacuum a lot more than the twenty somethings or empty nesters where they both work and no ones home during the day.

If considering a major upgrade in the vacuum cleaner category you would definitely want to consider central vacuum cleaners. Now these are whole house centralized units and although they cost more, are some of the most convenient and versatile vacuums available today. The central vacuum system could be considered a floor dirt collecting monster that can also easily clean draperies, linens, ceiling fans and many other home furnishings.

Still, if you're looking for a good portable quality unit, you really need to consider some of the more affordably priced units from many of the popular manufactuerers. These units have good service warranties and do have a definite place in the market.

Abigail Franks writes on a variety of subjects which include family, health, and education. For More information on Vacuum Cleaners and Allergy or Asthma information visit the sites at http://www.best-vacuumcleaner.com and http://www.asthma-treatment-resources.com/asthma-allergy-solutions.html

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Tuesday, August 12, 2008

What Is An Allergy And What Can I Do?

What Is An Allergy And What Can I Do?
By Ron King

Normally your immune system's lymphocytes (white blood cells) travel to all parts of the body scanning the outside of proteins for chemical signatures. If it finds an invading protein, then the white blood cell returns to a lymph node where it becomes a plasma cell and generates antibodies to destroy that specific protein.

An allergy sufferer has a genetic defect that causes the white blood cells to misidentify protein and overreact to a foreign substance. If a person with a seafood allergy eats seafood, the white blood cells mistakenly think that the body is being invaded and produces many times more antibodies than are needed to fight the invaders.

Since there isn't a real threat (and therefore nothing to attach to), over the next 7 to 10 days, the antibodies attach themselves to mast cells that store histamine. This is known as sensitizing to an allergen.

The next time your body is exposed to that allergen, a cascading allergic reaction occurs. During a cascading reaction all the antibodies are triggered and destroy all the mast cells they are attached to, thus releasing an abnormally large about of histamine causing runny nose, itchy skin and other symptoms.

What Happens During An Allergic Reaction?

The reaction is caused by excess amounts of histamine being released rapidly. Here are typical effects:Histamine tries to protect the body by isolating the area with the allergen. Blood vessels shrink to reduce blood flow. This can cause drowsiness, unclear thinking and even organ failure.

As the cells and blood vessels shrink, the gaps they leave fill with fluid causing puffiness and soreness. This swelling can become severe enough to prevent sight, hearing, and breathing and make movement uncomfortable or impossible.

Skin contact with an allergen usually causes hives, itchiness and localized swelling.

Airborne allergen contact often makes breathing difficult as the throat and lungs contract. The lack of oxygen may cause drowsiness, make walking impossible, and can result in death.

The introduction of an allergen by way of blood often is the most severe. This can happen by a sting or food being digested. Blood can circulate throughout the body within 6 minutes, allowing the allergen to come in contact with all organs.

What Can You Do To Avoid A Reaction?

There are three things to help prevent an allergic reaction:

1. Avoidance. The first and most important step is avoidance of the allergen. The more exposure you have, the more likely you are to be sensitized and then have a more severe reaction. While it may be easy to avoid seafood, it isn't for things like pollen. The following environmental things may help.

a. Air filtering. A good air filter will reduce the amount of airborne allergens.

b. If it is an airborne problem, wear a surgical mask while it is at its peak. The mask will filter out the majority of the pollen that would have been breathed in, thus reducing the effects of the allergen.

c. Remove carpets, keep furniture slightly away from walls and increase airflow. Carpets catch all sorts of allergens that can get stirred up each time you walk around. Moving furniture away from the walls allows air to move through the home. If air does not move freely, pockets of pollutants can build up in unused areas.

d. Make sure your vacuum and furnace have good filters. Vacuums pull up a lot of pollutants from the carpet, so be sure that they are all captured. The furnace is the primary defense against airborne allergens, since it is responsible for circulating air throughout the home.

2. Medication can greatly reduce the risk of allergic reaction as well as containing them. Antihistamines, decongestants, cromolyn sodium, corticosteroids and epinephrine are examples of things that may help. Many people find taking an antihistamine once a day during pollen season is enough to relieve their symptoms, if avoidance doesn't work.

3. Immunotherapy is the clinical introduction of the allergen on a regular basis and in increasing larger doses. Immunotherapy is the closet thing there is to a cure for allergies. It must be done regularly, is possibly risky and expensive, but it might work.

Visit Allergy Help to learn more. Ron King is a full-time writer and web developer, visit his website Articles for authors

Copyright 2006 Ron King.

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