If Effective Drugfree Asthma and Allergy Treatments Really Exist Why Doesn't Your Doctor Know?

If Effective, Drug-free Asthma and Allergy Treatments Really Exist, Why Doesn't Your Doctor Know?
By Susan Millar

This is an excellent and important question that many people ask about natural asthma and allergy treatments. There are several reasons why doctors may not know or even if they do know, why they won't tell you.

One reason your doctor may be unaware of an effective, natural drug-free asthma and allergy treatment is that they generally are very busy and simply don't have the time to do the research about it. Keeping up with all the current medical publications can easily be a full time job in itself. Sadly, the main reason is that many traditional doctors don't believe in natural treatments and think that drugs are the only acceptable routes to take. The reality is drug companies often fund medical schools. These huge multi-national drug companies spend billions of dollars a year to develop and promote drugs that they want doctors to prescribe and you to keep using. They spend multi-millions on advertising and funding medical schools to convince doctors and the public that drugs are the best and only solution to asthma and allergies.

The bottom line is money: they would like you to continue to buy their expensive drugs and doctors want you to continue visiting them or they would both be out of business. The sad part is these drugs are expensive, usually don't work very well since they only mask the asthma or allergy symptoms. Even worse, many of them also have dangerous side effects. If you currently take asthma drugs, knowing what the side effects are is important.

For a listing and description of asthma drug side effects caused by the drugs you may be taking please see http://www.dramatic-asthma-relief.com/drugs.htm

Taking responsibility for your own health is the first major step and the fact that you are reading this indicates that you may be interested in investigating natural solutions for your asthma and allergy symptoms. If you are interested in learning more information about safe, effective drug-free solutions to your asthma and allergies please visit: www.dramatic-asthma-relief.com

Susan Millar is a former asthma and allergy sufferer. She is a researcher and the author of The Dramatic Asthma Relief Report, based on extensive research from internationally respected medical publications about a genuinely effective drug-free treatment for asthma & allergies, which helped her to eliminate her asthma and allergies. This book has helped many other sufferers worldwide to do the same.

Please visit her website for more information about asthma, allergies and the Dramatic Asthma Relief Report: http://www.dramatic-asthma-relief.com/

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SKIN ALLERGY vs. Cleaning

SKIN ALLERGY vs. Cleaning
By Amie Porter

Lots of people think that skin allergies are caused by pollution and dirty environments. This is true but the good news is that there are positive things you can do to reduce allergic reactions and symptoms, such as asthma.

Dust mites are too small to be seen with the naked eye. You can find all sorts of information about dust mites on the Internet. However here we will talk about how to control dust mites effectively and reduce symptoms from them.

* Change bed sheets, pillowcases and blankets at least once a week. To kill dust mites, you have to wash bedding in a washing machine at a temperature of at least 130 F. So we recommend you to choose light coloured bedding so that their colour will not noticeably fade.

* Protect your mattress, box springs and pillows with allergy-proof covers. This keeps dust mites away from the flakes of dead human skin cells which are a primary food source for them.

* Keep stuffed toys away from your bed. You might be amazed to learn that stuffed toys can attract dust mites.

* Reduce humidity. It helps if you can lower the relative humidity in your house, normally lower than 50% is sufficent. When dust mites can't absorb moisture from the air they will shrink and die. You can use air conditioners and dehumidifiers to achieve this benefit.

* Use stone, hardwood or laminate flooring instead of carpet if possible This eliminates an ideal dust mite territory. If you cannot choose your flooring, make sure that you use asteam cleaner on your carpets at least once a year.

* Dust and vacuum your home at least once a week. You need to clean your house regularly. Find a cleaner if you cannot afford the time. Regular dusting and vacuuming will help to control dust and therefore dust mites in your house. Use a damp mop or damp cloths on hard floors and furnishings as dry cloths stir up dust mite remains. Vacuum carpets, sofas, curtains and window blinds regularly with a powerful vacuum cleaner, preferably with a special filter.

* Keep away furry and feathered animals from your bedroom. Your pets' dead skin cells are another food source for dust mites. So it's best to have your pets sleep as far away from your bedroom as possible. You can treat your pets' sleeping areas the same as yours, i.e. regular cleaning and use allergy-proof covers.

Every little helps. For more information, use our special cleaning team, if you are based in London or the South East.

Amie Porter recommends London Rate Cleaning Services to minimize your allergy to dust and dust mites. Visit us at http://www.londonrate.com for Cleaning Services London, Cleaners London, Builders London, etc.

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Allergy In Dogs What Do I Do?

Allergy In Dogs, What Do I Do?
By Candice Lee

Oh no...allergy in dog...what do I do? Today there seems to be so many dogs with allergies. Pet owners are frantically trying to find answers to help their faithful companions. So what does cause allergies in dogs? One place to start looking for answers is right in front of your dog's nose...his dog bowl! So, what ARE you feeding your dog?

Dog food today is filled with all kinds of grains that are often difficult to digest (corn, wheat, gluten and soy), and which are often used as a protein source instead of meat. Allergies in dogs are sometimes related to these grains in their food.

In an effort to feed our dogs a healthy diet, we are led to believe that these grains are good for them. But don't let that fool you......... it's not because it's healthy for our dogs. It's because the grain is cheap and dog food manufacturers make a much bigger profit using grains. So, just what is the best food for our faithful companions?

Often the answers to our questions can be found in nature. We need to remember that dogs are canines and their ancestry dates back to wild dogs and wolves. These animals hunted in packs. If you examine their teeth, you will find that they were designed to rip and tear flesh, muscle and bone.They were created to eat meat and by nature, they are carnivores. The Native Americans of North America raised dogs and their diets consisted mostly of protein.

Many of the maladies, diseases, and allergies that our dogs are experiencing today are, unfortunately, directly related to the food they eat.

Three years ago our dog Elly became very ill and had to have her spleen removed. After the surgery, we started researching about dog foods and what we found was very shocking. We decided to give her a dog food that was much more balanced and included more protein and antioxidants.

Gradually her health improved, her coat became full and soft, and today she is an active 11 year old dog and doing quite well.

We have a responsibility to take care of our faithful friends and giving them a good, balanced nutritional food, without added grains like corn and wheat, will help ensure a long and healthy life. And hopefully, allergy in dog, be gone!

Candice is a wife, mom, author and proud owner of her faithful companion Elly. If you'd like to know what we feed our dog Elly:-) visit: http://www.EllysFood.info

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The Flea Allergy in Dogs and Cats

The Flea Allergy in Dogs and Cats
By Grace Palce

Fleas multiply fast and do not voluntarily leave the body of the pet, the flea allergy will last for a long time.

There are symptoms that will tell the pet owner that the dog or cat is being troubled by a flea allergy. Some symptoms displayed by dogs are slightly different to those found in cats. But in general, the symptoms of a flea allergy are continuous itching, loss of hair, occurrence of sores, and unexplained depression.

Among dogs, the specific symptoms are:

Massive loss of hair
Presence of red and swollen sores
Irritation and scratching in certain areas, such as:

Along the tail

On the rump area

All over the hind legs

The region of the groin, which is the sensitive area between the hind legs

Among cats, the symptoms of flea allergy are:

Constant scratching in various parts of the body
The formation of painful scabs in sensitive areas, such as:

The neck

The face

The groin

The main body

A diagnosis of flea allergy no longer involves skin tests and blood tests. The mere presence of fleas indicates that flea allergy has befallen on the pet. The owner can even conduct his own examination by looking for fleas in the coat of the dog or cat. Fleas are parasitic insects that feed on the blood of their host. They are tiny but can cause powerful irritations. They are usually black in color, which makes them more difficult to detect especially if the coat of the pet is also dark-colored.

Fleas also move fast. This makes it impossible to individually catch the fleas. They scatter their dirt all over the pets body and this adds to the skin irritation. The flea dirt looked like regular black dust when dry. But when wet, the flea dirt shows a reddish old copper-like color.

Fortunately, there are proven ways to remove the fleas and allow the pets body to heal itself from the allergy.Using flea combs These devices can be purchased from any pet supply store or from the veterinarian. Flea combs are designed so that they can sweep out the fleas along with the flea dirt from the coat of the pet.

Bathing or immersing the pet in a recommended solution The solution is usually a mixture of water and a detergent which is recommended by the vet. The detergent can immediately kill the fleas and loosen their hold on the skin.

The pet owner will find the dead fleas floating in the bath solution. This solution may also turn reddish due to the presence of so much flea dirt.

Cleaning the environment A good general cleaning will get rid off the source of fleas. Cleaning the pet will not prevent the recurrence of flea allergy. The environment must be cleaned too.

Applying anti-itch medications These medicines can be administered orally or by direct application on the affected area. They will reduce the painful itching and prevent further infection.

Grace Palce is writing articles for pet meds 101, a comprehensive dog medicine site.

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How Food Allergy Can Kill Or Save You

How Food Allergy Can Kill Or Save You
By Robert Thatcher

Allergies may seem quite a nuisance but few know that it is actually an attempt by our body to save our life! Allergies are our immune systems response to food allergens that can harm the body. People can be allergic to a whole lot of things, a wide range of things in fact, from pollens to cheese, to dust. Reactions are also wide range. Some only exhibit skin reactions such as rashes and itchiness while others report on physiological reactions such as nausea and breathing difficulties.

Allergic reactions are actually caused by our bodies attempt to neutralize the foreign substance through antibodies. This process releases a substance called histamine, which in turn causes the allergic reactions.

One of the most common types of allergy is food allergy. There are, in fact, millions of people who suffer from this ailment. In addition to being largely inconvenient, food allergy can be life-threatening. Unfortunately, finding out what food you are allergic to can only be done through the process of hits and misses. There is no clear cut procedure or diagnostic test that can tell you outright to what food you are allergic to. And like the diagnostic process, there is also no clear-cut procedure on how to treat food allergens. Although there are medicines that will help ease the symptoms and physiological reactions brought on by the allergens, there are no drugs that can completely get rid of the allergy.

Often, food allergens only cause mild symptoms such as itchiness, appearance of rashes that spread all over the body, itchy eyes and runny nose, bouts of sneezing and coughing, vomiting, diarrhea and earaches. While these symptoms can cause you a days work at the office, they are not exactly dangerous to your health. There are allergic reactions though that are so severe that it will impede your breathing. This occurs when the mouth, throat and the bronchial tubes swell so much that your breathing area gets blocked. This condition can be accompanied by rashes in the body and a really swollen face.

What is really difficult about dealing with food allergy is that you do not know just how much can you take and how your body will react when it ingests a certain amount. In addition to taking care not to ingest the type of food that you are allergic with, it is also good to determine early on if too much of the food allergen can cause your death.

Here are some of the common food allergens. Take a look and see if the food you are allergic on threatens your life

Peanuts is perhaps the most dangerous of the lot, not because of the bodily reactions that it can cause but because peanuts are often used as hidden ingredients in a lot of food mixtures. Because of this, people who are allergic to it are often caught unaware.

Another food used as hidden ingredients in so many food mixtures is soy. People should be really careful in eating foods that they are not familiar with especially if they know that their reactions to these foods are severe.

Fish and shellfish can cause severe reactions in some people including difficulty in breathing and nausea.

Milk allergies are also quite common. It involves an allergic reaction to casein, lactalbumin and lactoglobulins, which are all proteins found in milk. Allergic reactions to milk can range from something as mild as rashes to severe cases such as wheezing, asthma, rhinitis, pneumonia and anaphylaxis.

Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides allergy resources on http://www.your-allergy-resources.info

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How to Arrange Food Allergy Testing

How to Arrange Food Allergy Testing
By Elizabeth Harfleet

If you have a food allergy it is essential that you identify it as soon as possible so that you can avoid problem foods.

Food allergy testing is the only way to identify a food allergy. Once you are aware of your food allergies, you can ensure that you do not eat the foods which are harmful to your body.

If you are allergic to certain foods your immune system releases large doses of chemicals when they are eaten to protect your body from them. The problem is that these chemicals produce a variety of symptoms that can be severe and sometimes, life threatening.

Food allergies can be identified by carrying out food allergy testing. However, there are only 90 NHS allergy clinics in the UK. This means that if you want food allergy testing on the NHS , you might have to wait a long time. Therefore, you might want to arrange food allergy testing privately. If so, you have two main options:

Food Allergy Skin Prick Test

The Itchy Dog: is it an Allergy?

The Itchy Dog: is it an Allergy?
By David Brooks

Scratching is a very common symptom in dogs, and you as an owner should aim to nip it in the bud early before self trauma causes secondary injuries to your dog. However, before wondering whether your dog could have an allergy, you must rule out the common parasitic (fleas and mites), bacterial (hot spots) and fungal (ringworm and yeast) infections. See my article Is your Dog Scratching to explore these in greater detail.

Just as allergies have become more common in children these days compared to several generations ago, veterinarians are seeing far more allergies in pets too. It is difficult to explain this phenomenon, theories range from alterations in the content of pet foods to the use of modern day household cleaning products or simply genetic evolution. One thing is certain, whatever the cause, allergic dogs benefit hugely from avoiding the offending allergen or, if that is impossible, appropriate treatment to minimize the itchiness.

Lets start with the presenting signs of an allergy in dogs. Itchiness can manifest itself not only as obvious scratching at the neck and flanks, but also as face rubbing, foot licking or chewing and over grooming. Foot licking, for example, is often perceived by owners as normal, when in fact the dog is responding to itchy feet in the only way it can, by licking them. The skin between the toes may turn red and sore due to the compulsive licking, and in white dogs such as West Highland White Terriers and Bichon Frises, the fur is stained brown by saliva.

Ear infections are another common sign of an underlying allergy. Though general waxiness, hair in the ear canals, lack of ventilation, bacteria and yeast may trigger the infection, an underlying allergy is often the root cause of the itchiness. If your dog gets recurrent ear infections, by eliminating an underlying allergy you may prevent your dog from going over the itchiness threshold and developing full blown ear infections.

So, what are the common allergies in dogs?

For convenience they are best separated into 4 categories.

1) Flea bite hypersensitivity
2) Adverse food reaction
3) Atopic dermatitis
4) Contact dermatitis

Flea bite hypersensitivity is relatively straight forward to cure. It is a simple case of eliminating every single flea on the dog and, crucially, in his/her environment. The itchiness is caused by an allergic reaction to the flea saliva, and so even a solitary flea can trigger a scratching frenzy. To rule out flea bite hypersensitivity, all animals in the house (dogs and cats) should be treated with a reputable veterinary spot on medication monthly without fail, and the house should be thoroughly sprayed with an insecticidal spray.

Adverse food reactions are more difficult to treat as it can be difficult to isolate the precise ingredient responsible for causing itchiness in your dog. Not only that, treating adverse food reactions requires owners to be exceptionally disciplined and motivated in preventing their pet having even a single treat unless the exact ingredients are known to be safe.

There are two ways of diagnosing an adverse food reaction (also known as a food allergy). For those readers for whom cost is not an issue, a blood test can be done to measure for ingredient specific antibodies in the bloodstream. The blood test is quite costly, and if combined with a blood test for environmental allergens is usually upwards of $400 (?200). The company performing the blood test then provides a list of ingredients (chicken, beef, pork, rice, wheat etc) and a score next to them, suggesting which ingredients are best avoided. The owner then picks a commercial diet which does not include any of these ingredients, or indeed a special home cooked diet. The second way to diagnose an adverse food reaction is to conduct a dietary trial. This involves picking a very bland hypoallergenic diet and feeding your dog exclusively that for at least a month, preferably 6 weeks. The author usually suggests turkey and rice, as less dogs are allergic to turkey than chicken. Of course if your dog happened to be allergic to rice or turkey, which is rare but nevertheless possible, you would be none the wiser as the itchiness would continue and you would assume you had ruled out a food allergy having done the turkey and rice dietary trial. Remember if you are doing one of these trials, then your dog must not be given any treats, especially not pigs ears, chews, boneos, dental sticks or any rawhide products. Literally nothing must be swallowed other than turkey and rice (and water!) for the entire trial period.

If you have ruled out flea bite hypersensitivity and ruled out an adverse food reaction, the next step is to consider an environmental allergy, also known as atopic dermatitis. Symptoms of atopic dermatitis usually begin between 1 and 3 years of age, though any age is possible. The itchiness is often seasonal, which is consistent with a pollen allergy, though some dogs are itchy all year round. There are certain breeds which are predisposed to this condition: Boxers, Bull Terriers, Dalmations, English Bulldogs, German Shepherd Dogs, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Shar Peis, Shih Tzus and West Highland White Terriers being the most commonly affected. Diagnosis is usually made based on the history and ruling out all the other causes of itchiness, and many vets will treat the condition on these presumptions. However, definitive diagnosis can be achieved via a panel of injections into a patch of skin, or blood tests. Neither of these are particularly effective and generally not performed unless the owner is prepared to attempt a desensitization programme. This involves a long term course of injections given by your vet on, say, a monthly basis to desensitize your dog to the offending allergen, and so make the allergic reaction much smaller when he/she does come into contact with it.

Contact dermatitis is a skin reaction caused by your dog coming into contact with a chemical that is an irritant. It therefore only tends to affect the stomach, groin and feet of the dog, and is characterized by reddening and drying of the skin in these areas. It can also be seen when owners shampoo their dogs with a product that is not intended for use in dogs. Contact dermatitis is rare, but easily ruled out by careful use of cleaning products around the household. Just think, did the itchiness coincide with the introduction of a new carpet cleaner, washing powder or fabric softener?

By far the best treatment for any allergy is avoidance of the cause. By careful investigation and following the steps above this is often possible, especially for flea bite hypersensitivity, adverse food reactions and contact dermatitis. If avoidance is impossible though, as is the case for many cases of atopic dermatitis, then seasonal or lifelong treatment may be indicated. Steroids are very effective at stopping itchiness caused by allergies, but long term use can lead to undesirable side effects, such as adrenal gland disease. Long term steroid use should only be used as a last resort, when other medications have been tried and failed. These other medications include antihistamines, essential fatty acids and medicated shampoos.

Dr David Brooks is part of the online veterinary team at WhyDoesMyPet.com. Veterinarians, Vet Technicians, Nurses, Trainers, Behaviorists, Breeders and Pet Enthusiasts are here to answer your pet questions and concerns...Our dedicated community of caring experts are waiting to offer you advice, second opinions and support.

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Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds Dogs For Allergy Sufferers

Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds - Dogs For Allergy Sufferers
By Jessica Grace

Loose skin flakes, known as dander, is what causes the allergic reaction to dogs for some people. Most people think it is the loose hair which they are reacting to, but it is actually the dander. There is a solution - a hypoallergenic dog. A dog with minimal dander which won't cause an allergic reaction in people who usually have allergies to dogs.

There's no such thing as 100% hypoallergenic dog, because all dogs release some dander. However, the following breeds listed shed very lightly and also release much less dander from their skin than other breeds:

Bedlington Terrier

Bichon Frise

Chinese Crested

Maltese

Irish Water Spaniel

Portuguese Water Dog

Kerry Blue Terrier

Poodle (toy, miniature and standard)

Schnauzer (miniature, standard and giant)

Xoloitzcuintli

These breeds will probably not trigger an allergic reaction. The Chinese Crested hairless variety and the Xoloitzcuintli both have no hair. As well as being the most hypoallergenic of all dog breeds, these dogs make very efficient hot water bottles.

Once you decide which of these dogs suits you, spend some time around the breed you've chosen to see whether you react. Spend a few hours in the home of the breeder, handling the dog and being in it's environment to see if you still have an allergic reaction. Chances are you won't.

Keep in mind that some people react to dog saliva when they are licked by a dog. Unfortunately, if you're allergic to dog saliva these breeds may not help you, because although they don't shed much dander, they will still lick.

For more information on hypoallergenic http://www.justdogbreeds.com

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Allergy Immunology

Allergy Immunology
By Harry Rai

Allergy Treatment with Antihistamines and Decongestants

Allergy treatment with antihistamines and decongestants are common ways to control the symptoms of this problem. At best, allergies can be annoying and reduce the quality of life of the person suffering the allergic reaction. At worst, allergies can be life-threatening. For common, seasonal allergies, many people use antihistamines and decongestants to get through the allergy season but they may not know very much about the medication they are consuming.

Of course, the best way to control allergy symptoms is to avoid contact with the offending allergen. This may not always be possible especially if your seasonal allergy symptoms are triggered by blooming plants. It is difficult to avoid going outdoor entirely during allergy season which can span the spring, summer and well into fall, depending on what allergens trigger your symptoms.

Antihistamines are effective treatment for allergy symptoms. They can be obtained over the counter or as prescription medication. Unfortunately, almost all over the counter antihistamines have a sedating effect but many of the prescription antihistamines do not have a sedating side effect. These medications work by countering the reaction by blocking histamine in the body. They work best if taken before the encounter with the offending allergen. For example, if you are allergic to blooming flowers and must attend a wedding, you should take an antihistamine before attending the event rather than after. This can prevent many of the symptoms from appearing.

Allergy symptoms can cause the lining of the nose, sinuses, lungs and even the ears to swell and become stuffy. This can be quite a miserable feeling for the allergy sufferer and the nasal drainage can be even more annoying. The use of decongestants can relieve some of this stuffiness and make it easier for the person with allergies to breathe freely. Decongestants can be taken only when symptoms are present and can be taken with antihistamines. Some decongestants tend to have a stimulating effect and can raise blood pressure. People who have high blood pressure already must be careful when taking these medications.

Allergy treatment with antihistamines and decongestants can be quite effective, however, these medication have the potential to interact with other medications taken for other medical problems. If you take other prescription medication, you should always consult your doctor before taking any over the counter antihistamine or decongestant medications. If you have other health problems, you should also talk to your doctor to be sure what allergy medications are safe for you. We keep updating allergy immunology blog, please come back to allergy immunology

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How to Ease Your Allergies: Quick Relief for Allergy and Asthma Sufferers!

How to Ease Your Allergies: Quick Relief for Allergy and Asthma Sufferers!
By Adam Asar

You may be one of the masses who dont even realize that you have allergies! According to studies, there are about 17 out of every 100 Americans that are allergic, or hypersensitive, to some substances which are known to cause unusual reactions.

What are allergies? According to Wikipedia, an allergy is a condition of hypersensitivity to a substance (an allergen) considered harmless to most people. Hmmm, most people? In fact, 50 million Americans are estimated to have allergies.

There is no clear apparent medical reason why people contract allergies, but one thing remains clear: the condition is indiscriminate in its coverage and may affect us regardless of age, gender, or race. Commonly, however, the allergy manifests in our infancy or childhood, although some symptoms may appear at any age or may reappear after any period of apparent inactivity.

Most allergies are largely insignificant and may be dealt with by simple lifestyle choices; however, there is a possibility of them either adversely affecting our daily life, or perhaps life-threatening conditions.

As of this writing, if you run a Google search on the word allergy you will receive over 32 million results. Sure, some of those are duplicates but thats a pretty substantial number. And that doesnt include other simple search terms.

The bottom line here is that those 50 million Americans already know they have an allergy. That doesnt include all the people who are under the misconception that their suffering is not just a simple cold!

How would you know if you have an allergy?

Below are the most common types of allergies.

- Food Allergies - ignited by certain food types

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

- Respiratory Allergies - triggered by allergens which are airborn

- Contact Allergies - triggered by skin-affecting allergens

- Insect Sting Allergies - triggered by insect venom

Mild Symptoms:

- Tingling, itching, or swelling of your mouth, tongue, lips, or throat

- Tightness feeling in your throat

- Difficulty speaking or swallowing

- Nausea

- Indigestion and abdominal cramps

- Vomiting and diarrhea

- Skin rashes

- Coughing, congestion, wheezing, or sneezing

- Runny, stuffy, or itchy nose

Severe Symptoms:

- Breathing difficulties

- Sweating, dizziness, and faintness

- Rapid or sudden heart rate increase

- Sudden inability or hoarseness to speak

- Extreme and sudden facial itching and swelling

- Anaphylaxis

What Causes Allergies?

The immune system of a person with an allergy tries to combat allergens. It looks upon the small driftwood of everyday life house dust, pollen, animal dander, and mold as outsiders that are sure to do some dreadful damage.

In order to recognize and capture these strangers, it is important that people know who the culprits are. They should try to educate themselves on how allergies work and what causes them because these are the only means to find the solution to the problem.

Basically, allergies are agitated reactions of the immune system to certain foreign substances to the human body. These stuffs are known as allergens.

Allergens are then classified into four categories based on where they have come from. By knowing these four classifications of allergens, an individual could identify where he is allergic.

Normally, if a person is having persistent allergic symptoms, but he cannot isolate the allergen, it is a good idea to see an allergist, get tested, and find out what the allergens are. In this way, people can easily find out what causes their allergy and resolve the problem.

Who is at risk for allergies?

Among all known diseases, allergies are placed among the most universally manifesting diseases among humans. It does not discriminate among the individuals to be infected. People of all ages, gender, culture, nationality and skin color have equal chances of developing them.

Through the study of allergies and allergic attacks, it is apparent that some individuals have a higher probability of acquiring an allergic condition compared to other individuals exposed to the same particle.

Each age level is particularly prone to a certain allergen. This fact should provide you with an idea on how you can at least minimize, if not perfectly avoid, the attack of allergy. Research shows that 7 to 8 out of 10 newly born infants have a large predisposition in acquiring hypersensitivity to anything in their surroundings. Moreover, 1 out of 7 American adults suffer from at least one type of allergic condition.

Some even develop allergic reactions among substances used in clothing such as color dyes and bleaching chemical agent (contact dermatitis) and other forms of medications such as penicillin and other antibiotics (drug hypersensitivity).

Some young adults who have experienced lesser attacks or were not put into any allergic state earlier in their life are apt to develop such condition should adequate trigger attacks (allergen particles) are present.

What are seasonal allergies?

Seasonal allergies are one type of allergic rhinitis. If you recall our chapter on allergic rhinitis you know that it is a type of allergy where breathing in an allergen becomes the source of an inflammatory reaction in the membranes of the nose. With this seasonal allergy, inflammation happens only during a particular period. This is most likely caused by molds, pollens, or other substances that are in the air during specific seasons.

What treatments are available for different types of allergies?Allergies affect almost everyone since almost anything can trigger an allergic reaction. These reactions are caused by the immune system over-reacting to an allergen or the substance that causes the allergy. These reactions range from violent sneezing to itchy hives or in a more serious form, breathing difficulties.

To address these reactions, the first line of defense is avoiding allergens that cause these allergic symptoms. Minimizing your exposure to allergens will translate less episodes of sneezing, coughing and itching.

But since avoidance isnt possible at all times, your doctor can prescribe allergy medications and treatments, the correct kind and combination of which depends on the kind of symptoms you exhibit. Allergy medications come in pill, liquid, spray, eye drop and topical forms. Some can be bought over-the-counter while others require prescriptions.

Always remember though that in taking medications whether OTC (over-the-counter) doctor-prescribed, consult with your doctor and inform him/her of your medical history before starting any allergy treatments.

Antihistamines

Histamines are chemicals released by the immune system as part of the reaction to an allergen. This substance is responsible for the inflammation or swelling of nasal passage, the skin or any other part affected by an allergy. As the name suggests, antihistamines prevent histamines to cause such reactions reducing redness, swelling, hives and watery eyes. They are prescribed in the form of liquids, sprays, pills and drops.Corticosteroids

With the exception of some OTC creams, corticosteroids require a doctors prescription. Forms of corticosteroids include:

- Eye drops relieve symptomatic itching and redness of the eyes due to hay fever. Contra-indications include eye infections, glaucoma, and pregnancy. So if any of these apply to you, avoid using corticosteroid eye drops. Contact lens users are also more susceptible to eye infections when using these eye drops.

-Nasal sprays

Since it is administered directly to the affected area, nasal sprays are the preferred treatment for hay fever or allergic rhinitis to relieve stuffiness, runny nose and sneezing. However, relief may take time to set in and in some cases, only after regular use. Some of the side effects are an unpleasant taste, irritation that may cause nose bleeding especially during the winter months.

- Creams that come in varying strengths of dosages are good for itching and scaling skin. However, be cautious of continued use as they can sometimes cause skin irritation.

- Oral corticosteroids are prescribed for short periods to address more acute forms of allergic symptoms. But the long-term use of such has been known to cause side effects like cataracts and osteoporosis so prescription is regulated. Leukotriene modifiers

These medicines work similarly to antihistamines in that they block the substances released by your immune system to aggravate allergic reactions. Leukotriene modifiers have been proven to treating allergic asthma and rhinitis.

Injectible epinephrine

Anaphylactic shock is a violent allergic reaction that affects key body functions such as the respiratory and cardiovascular system. This kind of reaction is similar to throwing a monkey wrench into a machine that puts the system in jeopardy. The danger of that kind of reaction is therefore very high.

Immunotherapy

If your condition doesnt see improvement in spite of medications or if taking them will incur adverse side effects, your doctor may recommend immunotherapy, which is the process of training your immune system not to react to substances that used to cause allergies for you. This can take as long as three to five years to finish. It is done by introducing extracts of the allergen into your body through a series of regulated injections. The goal is to make your body desensitized to the substance, which will eliminating or decrease your need to take medicines.

This method is especially effective for people allergic to substances that are found everywhere and cannot be avoided (such as dust and pollen). The procedure is also helpful in arresting the development of asthma in children.

Natural Remedies

A lot of people nowadays turn to a holistic health lifestyle and rally for natural remedies like homeopathy or herbs to recover from certain illnesses. Natural remedies or alternative medicine encompasses a number of non-traditional ways for a healthier lifestyle.

Some of these natural remedies are:

1. Apitherapy

Apitherapy is one of the natural remedies which makes use of bee products to help someone recover from a certain illness or condition. There are about 500 diseases that Apitherapy can heal.

2. Applied Kinesiology

Applied kinesiology can pinpoint body dysfunctions by identifying weak muscles.

3. Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the science of using essential plant oils for the betterment of one's well-being.

The most common carrier oils are: sweet almond, olive, avocado, borage, apricot kernel, cocoa butter, sunflower, evening primrose, peanut, grape seed, hazelnut, sesame, jojoba, kukui, macadamia nut, pecan, rose hip, and shea butter.

4. Ayurveda

Considered the oldest health care system in the world that originated from India, Ayurveda stems from three biological principles: Vata which is the regulation of movement, Pitta for regulation of metabolism and Kapha for structure.

5. Biofeedback

Biofeedback is one of the natural remedies that use the body's signals for the improvement of health.

6. Bodywork

Bodywork employs deep tissue massage, balance of energy and movement awareness to improve one's health. It does not necessarily involve body touch but it takes care of the body's healing response.

7. Buteyko

One of the natural remedies to watch out for is buteyko which involves breathing exercises to help asthmatic people.

8. Chinese Medicine

Chinese medicine has always been known as one of the most popular natural remedies. Chinese Medicine is rooted from the Taoist belief the law of Yin and Yang. The person will experience less illness if the Yin and Yang is well-balanced. Chinese medicine is famous for its herbs like the Ren Shen, Dang Gui, Dan Shen, Mu Li, Du Huo and Fang Feng.One cannot talk about Chinese medicine without mentioning acupuncture. Acupuncture is able to diagnose the illness by the flow of Qi (energy).

9. Color Therapy

Color Therapy uses the spectrum to enhance the energy center or Chakra of the body and also improve the body's healing process.

10. Flower Essences

Dr. Edward Bach discovered in 1930 that flowers contain energy that can put human discord to an equilibrium.

11. Gemstone Therapy

There is such a thing as a healing gemstone that can alleviate ill body conditions. A gemologist must be consulted as synthetic gems are useless.

12. Herbology

Natural remedies are immediately associated with herbs. Herbs are classified into aromatic, astringent, bitter, mucilaginous and nutritive. Proven to improve health, herbs are great sources of vitamins and minerals. Vitamin A can be found in alfalfa, saw palmetto and dock, whereas bee pollen, juniper berry and peppermint are rich in Vitamin C. For one's calcium fix, there's aloe vera and fennel seed.

13. Homeopathy

Homeopathy involves the use of active ingredients in small doses together with natural substances for a healthier balance.

15. Iridology

Iridology is diagnosing through the irises, as they are human parts that show signs of physical and mental illnesses.

16. Macrobiotics

Macrobiotics is achieving over-all wellness by changing one's lifestyle, diet and attitude. It comes from the words macro which means great, and bios which means life.

17. Meditation

What can be more natural than just looking for a quiet spot and muse deeply on series of subjects that will eventually lead to enlightenment? Stress is dramatically reduced and the body is recharged by deeply meditating.

18. Music Therapy

Music is language of the soul, so it is not surprising that there is such a thing as music therapy. So far, music therapy has incurred differences and benefits to people who practiced it. This is a fortified healthcare profession that is designed to do the following: promote well-being, express emotions, manage and combat stress, improve memory and alleviate aches and pains.

19. Naturopathy

Naturopathic medicine's principles are based on the belief that natural balances make up for a well-balanced internal chemistry.With those effective natural remedies, it is no wonder a lot of people have started employing each one of them in times of sickness. Most go for natural remedies just to maintain their healthy bodies.

Avoiding Allergic Reactions

Most allergens attack and trigger allergic reaction if they find themselves on the skin or inside the eye. Allergic reactions can happen through inhalation, ingestion or injectionand, as discussed previously, allergies can be seasonal as with the case of the hay fever or it can be drug or dust-induced and food-related.

The production of an antibody called immunoglobulin happens upon the first exposure to an allergen. This immunoglobulin or (IgE) attaches itself to basophiles, a type of white blood cell and mast cells. The initial exposure may have a person extrasensitive to allergen but the symptoms may not be there. Subsequent exposures can eventually lead to more reactions and tissue irritations. Reactions can be mild or severe.Avoiding an allergy simply translates to one commonsense fact: avoid the allergen. This means the person has to discontinue using a drug, have the dust removed, put the pet outdoors, install effective air filters and simply avoid eating a particular food. If the allergy is severe, the person may consider moving out and finding a place that does not contain the allergen.

Here are more ways to prevent an allergic reaction:

1. Ask the doctor for an allergy kit.

An allergy kit is used for severe allergic reactions, also called anaphylaxis. The kit must have the following: how-tos on using the kit, sterilized cotton swabs for cleansing the skin before and after the injection, Epinephrine which comes in a syringe and some Antihistamine tablets.

Remember that the medications inside an allergy kit may lose their efficacy if exposed to direct sunlight or high temperature. The patient must watch out for the color of Epinephrine. It must be clear. Once it turns pinkish brown, it must be thrown away.

2. You must wear a medical ID tag if you are susceptible to serious reaction so other people are alerted your allergy.

3. There must be a thorough discussion on allergy shots or immunotherapy with the doctor.

Allergy shots can reduce or totally ward off one's sensitivity to an allergen. These shots are for the following allergies:

1. Pollen (trees, grasses and even ragweed)

2. Dust motes and cockroaches.

3. Dander from dogs and cats

4. Fungus

5. Insect venom (from bees, hornets, wasps, yellow jackets and fire ants)

6. Medications

As children are more susceptible to allergic reactions, the parent must exert extra effort to keep any allergic reaction at bay. Schools are often considered breeding ground for allergens so the parent and school administrators must work hand in hand. The home must also be allergen-proof so the children can go about freely.

Allergic reactions are dangerous and fatal, if left untreated or if the person is more susceptible than usual. It is mandatory that preventive measures must be carried out to avoid the severe symptoms. For more information on allergic reactions, one must ask the family doctor.

Properly diagnosed and treated, allergies need not affect your life in any significant manner.

Adam Asar manages http://www.quranichealing.com for spiritual healing driven from the Holy book of Quran. He speaks three languages. Adam's sincere desire is to share the peace and love embodied in the (Holy) Quran teachings.

Adam is also the founder of http://www.howto101.info

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Allergy Free Dogs They're Nothing to Sneeze At!

Allergy Free Dogs - They're Nothing to Sneeze At!
By Richard Livitski

Allergy free dogs are a great solution for would be dog owners that have allergies. Many dog lovers that thought they would never be able to own a dog because of the uncontrollable symptoms to pet dander, may not have considered a hypoallergenic dog. A small number of dog breeds are considered hypoallergenic, meaning they do not cause allergic reactions, either because they shed only small amounts of hair or because their dog dander is not allergy producing.

Keep in mind that there is no such thing as a non-allergenic dog or a non-shedding dog, a common misconception by some owners with allergy problems that purchase dogs believing they will be cured of dog dander issues.

Although the amount of allergy producing dander will be reduced with a hypoallergenic dog, owners still need to go through a regular routine to ensure that pet dander from pet hair is removed from their environment. It is important to recognize that it isnt the pet hair itself causing the allergic reaction, but the dander that comes off when the dog shedding occurs. Dogs that make little to no dander are the dogs that are considered hypoallergenic dogs and will be best suited for a home with someone who is allergy sensitive.

What Causes Dog Allergies...

As previously noted, it is not the actual dog or even the hair of the dog, but the dander that flakes off the skin and causes allergies. Unfortunately, this dander can easily be carried throughout the house when it attaches to the hair of the dog, falls onto the floor, couches or beds of a home, causing potential allergens to be spread throughout the home.

Keep in mind that many humans with allergies will make the mistake of buying a hairless dog or a short-haired dog thinking they will produce less allergens than a long-haired breed. This is not always the case. In fact, some medium to long-haired dogs produce little to no dander, while other short haired dogs produce a lot of dander. Remember that all dogs produce dander, it is just that some produce a great deal less than others.

Tips for Reducing Pet Allergens...

1. Purchase a high suction vacuum that can quickly and effectively remove almost all pet dander from the home. Use this on a daily to weekly basis as needed.

2. Find a large air purifier that can be used in the main areas of the house. Keep the air purifier running at all times in order to effectively reduce dander. Remember to clean the purifier on a regular basis as well.

3. Brush your pet 2-3 times a day. Give dogs a bath at least once a week to remove excess dander. Do this outside so that dander will not collect in part of the home.

4. Limit dog access to your sleeping and sitting areas. Regularly wash sheets, curtains, pillow covers, table clothes and any other removable upholstery covers.

A List of Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds...

Afghan Hound

American Hairless Terrier

Basenji

Bedlington Terrier

Bichon Frise

Border Terrier

Chinese Crested Dog

German Shorthaired Pointer

Greyhound

Italian Greyhound

Irish Water Spaniel

King Blue Terrier

Lhasa Apso

Maltese

Mexican Hairless

Peruvian Ina

Poodles (all)

Portuguese Water Dog

Schnauzers (all)

Shih Tzu

Yorkshire Terrier

Wheaten Terrier

Whippet

Also, if you have allergies and are considering the purchase of a allergy free dog, it might be wise to spend as much time as possible around the dog beforehand to see how you will react. By doing so, it might save you, and the dog, from the emotional turmoil of having to give up your new friend if you find your allergenic reactions too strong.

When Richard Livitski isn't busy running around after his own dogs, he's working on his dog names website http://www.dog-names-and-more.com where dog names as well as grooming, training, and dog care tips can be found.

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Bee Pollen Dog Allergy

Bee Pollen Dog Allergy
By John Gibb

When speaking of bee pollen dog allergy it sort of makes you wonder why a dog would be taking bee pollen in the first place right? Dogs have been shown to highly benefit from the health advantages to adding bee pollen to the diet. Our canine friends are no exception to the rules.

However a bee pollen dog allergy can be a very serious thing. Dogs can suffer allergies much the same as a human being would. Bee pollen dog allergy can range from very severe to extremely mild and generally goes unnoticed. Although it is rare, some canines have been known to suffer anaphylactic shock and it can be life threatening.

Anaphylactic shock occurs when the body produces too much histamine to the point of swelling the throat and breathing passage closed. If your dog has ever suffered from this type of reaction from a bee sting or any type of bee pollen product, your dog likely has a serious bee pollen dog allergy and should not be fed any type of pollen products at all.

Aside from bee pollen dog allergy there is the little known fact that this miracle substance made by another creature of the animal kingdom can be beneficial in the treatment and overall health of the dog. As it does in human, bee pollen adds essential nutrients to the diet that cannot normally be made in the system such as vitamin C, and therefore helps with overall maintenance of general health. Bee pollen dog allergy is not something that is commonly found in fish or small houseflies.

It is essential that in order to treat bee pollen dog allergy that you recognize the signs of bee pollen dog allergy. Some of the signs can include noticing the dog having difficulty breathing and could be even throwing up.

It is often difficult to tell if dogs experience skin rash or hives but if you can identify those, you should immediately cease giving the dog any kind of bee pollen treatment. Excessive itchiness noticeable on the dog or swollen skin, which again can be hard to identify can be a sign that your dog is suffering from bee pollen dog allergy.

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.

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Coping With Peanut Allergy

Coping With Peanut Allergy
By Nadine OReilly

When your child develops a peanut allergy, the world instantly becomes a more dangerous place. One of the most difficult aspects of raising a child with a potentially lethal allergy is helping them develop a sense of joy and confidence. Growing up with a peanut allergy means knowing food can kill you, which in turn means growing up under constant stress. Studies have shown that children with peanut allergies live with high levels of fear and anxiety. Its important to find ways for your child to enjoy the world anyway.

How do you help your child live a normal life when there is so much they have to avoid or be vigilant about? Social situations for children with peanut allergy are difficult because events almost always include food. Peanut allergies can destroy the carefree joy of childhood because of the required constant monitoring for potential dangers. As a parent, you understand well just how harmful the world is for your child, yet its so important to help them enjoy life and learn to function in the world and in society as well.

One thing a child with a peanut allergy often faces is exclusion. As a parent, I have learned that children can be cruel. As a school psychologist, I have witnessed and intervened when children have called a student with a peanut allergy the peanut kid, or said such hurtful things like, get out of my way or Ill throw a peanut at you and youll die. Yes, these are true instances and they aimed to hurt the child just because he had a peanut allergy.

Other children may find a food allergy strange, but they will generally accept it and continue on with their friendship. You may find it helpful to donate books to your childs classroom that talk about food allergies and the dangers, such as Peter Cant Eat Peanuts.

While other children may handle your childs peanut allergy well, their parents may not. Adults have a tendency to shy away from children with such severe allergies, and this can pose problems and pain for your child in the form of being left out of activities, not invited to parties, not chosen to work on projects.

On one hand, its not hard to see why people dont want to deal with the liability. How would it feel to know you were responsible for killing, or almost killing, a child because you offered them the wrong treat? If this were not your child, but a friends child who suffered from a peanut allergy, can you honestly say you would volunteer for the responsibility of caring for them? (Yes, we say, because its hard to be objective in our positions but really, really try to think about it.) Yet understanding a persons inherent reluctance to be involved with a child with a peanut allergy doesnt salve the wounded feelings of a child when they are the only one in the class not invited to a birthday party.

As the parent of a child with a potentially fatal peanut allergy, you may find that you have to be more involved and more willing to go the extra mile than other parents. Talk to the parents of your childs friends one on one, or arrange at the beginning of the school year to meet the parents of your childs classmates, through the teacher. Explain your childs allergy, then volunteer your services for things like bringing treats to class or helping with birthday parties.

You should be gentle and make sure the other parents know that you understand their potential worries about including your child in activities. Explain that you are concerned about your child being hurt by being excluded, and your main concern is that he or she gets to enjoy being as normal as possible. Show a positive attitude, and it will come through loud and clear that youre willing to work with everyone involved. Take the pressure off other parents in order for your son or daughter to have a more normal life, and make peanut-free snacks to give to your childs teacher so that birthday parties at school can be enjoyable for your child.

When you do find people who want to help your child with a peanut allergy to be included, they might not be sure what to do, what they can do, or how they should react to an emergency. Informed people who know how to handle a situation in the event of an allergic reaction are typically more relaxed and confident about being around a person with special needs (yes, peanut allergy is a special need. Dont let teachers/administrators tell you otherwise.) Teach everyone with whom your child has contact how to use an Epi-pen, and make up laminated emergency cards with instructions and contacts to distribute to people who will be around your child regularly.

Some parents still wont get it, or will be too uncomfortable to be involved. Thats certainly their right, and its good to explain such situations frankly to your child. They have to understand that people arent always going to change to accommodate their peanut allergies. They have to learn to maneuver through the world and still get joy out of it. Its kind of like learning to lose gracefully.

An important thing to remember is that your child is going to have to learn to have these discussions about their peanut allergies with other people themselves. Youre not always going to be able to manage his or her social situations, especially as he or she grows. If you have a toddler or a youngster, give your day care provider a labeled photo of your child and make sure it is prominently displayed for all to see.

Does your child know how to respond to people who offer treats and may cajole or pressure them into accepting? Even when a child knows their safety is at stake, its hard to get past that desire to be liked and approved of. Your child needs to know how to talk to other people, even grownups, about their situation and explain how the other person can help them. Prepare your child by role playing and acting out situations they may face and attitudes they may have to deal with. Peter Cant Eat Peanuts is an excellent tool for toddlers who are just beginning to cope with the differences in their lives caused by their peanut allergy.

In some ways, coping socially when you suffer from a peanut allergy is getting easier. Peanut allergy has gotten a lot of media attention lately, from dramatic stories such as the girl who died after kissing her boyfriend because hed eaten a peanut-butter sandwich. Medical studies are providing other news stories, showing the dramatic rise of peanut allergies appearing in children. The publicity is helping alert the general population to the seriousness of this allergy, and perhaps instructing well-meaning people on how even tiny bits of peanut in the cookies they baked will hurt your child.

One final note: Dont get so caught up in the social aspect of coping with peanut allergies that you miss the simple things that can bring your child joy. Its especially important that we emphasize that food is not the enemy, so adventures in food are a perfect bonding opportunity one that allows for quiet time, during which you can actually reach your child in these hectic times. There are a great many restaurants your child will never be able to eat at because of his or her peanut allergies. So, become a great cook. Take classes if reading a cookbook isnt enough to help you master the kitchen. This way you can safely introduce your child to cuisine that might be deadly in a restaurant, such as Chinese food which is so often cooked in peanut oil.

While youre at it, teach your child to cook as well. Not only will you be providing a source of fun and adventure, youll be arming him or her to be able to keep their world as peanut-free as possible.

Nadine O'Reilly, M.A. is a doctoral-level school psychologist and Coordinator of Special Services in northern New Jersey. She creates 100's of accommodation plans for disabled children each year. Nadine is the author of Peter Can't Eat Peanuts and the Empowered Toddler series of books. Nadine's son, Brendan, has a potentially fatal peanut allergy, and is asthmatic.

Contact Nadine at nadine@access4allergickids.com
http://www.access4allergickids.co

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Some Hints To Help You Live With An Allergy To Peanuts

Some Hints To Help You Live With An Allergy To Peanuts
By Gregg Hall

8% of children and 2% of adults in the United States are estimated to be affected by some form of allergy to food. Of that percentage, the most common food to elicit some form of allergic reaction is peanuts, which affects about three million Americans.

When the immune system overreacts to a usually safe food, it is called an allergic reaction. The most severe reaction is called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis (a sudden drop in blood pressure) can sometimes, but rarely be fatal (killing about 1 of 2.5 million). Otherwise, common symptoms of food allergy are things such as hives, eczema, asthma and gastrointestinal symptoms (i.e. vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping).

Why do some people get food allergies? Could it be a result from genetics? Because previous twin studies have shown that there does seem to be a high rate of heritability of allergic diseases, a British study was conducted to compare the incidence of peanut allergy among siblings with general population incidence. The study involved 58 sets of twins, 14 of which were identical, and 44 of which were fraternal. These twins were recruited for having at least one member of the pair having a peanut allergy. 70 of the 115 had a history of peanut allergy.

64% of the identical twins both had allergic reactions to peanuts, which was followed by a mere 7% between the fraternal twins. The conclusion was that based on the data and a model considering environmental and genetic factors, researchers calculated a heritability rate of 82%-87% for peanut allergy. The problem with this conclusion? Though the British study showed a genetic component in peanut allergies, environmental factors may have biased the results.

When they did not consider genetic factors, the rate dropped to just under 19%.

A group of researchers in the July 2000 Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, the peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) agree that Genetics play a significant role in peanut allergies.

Lead researcher Scott Sicherer, M.D. along with some of his colleagues from Virginia and Belgium performed a twin study. Their intent was to see if genetic factors influenced peanut allergy. They were checking this by comparing the incidence of peanut allergy between the identical twins and the fraternal twins. Twin studies are used frequently to provide information on how environmental and genetic factors should be compared and treated.

Because there has yet to be solid evidence that there is a direct link between hereditary and allergies, many agree there needs to be more research and more studies dedicated to examine the role between genetics and allergies, so that we may reach a conclusion to this question.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as Peanuts, Almonds, Nut at http://www.favoritesnacknuts.com

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Peanut Allergy Prevention is the Cure?

Peanut Allergy - Prevention is the Cure?
By Allen Matthews

It seems only a careful inspection of every meal and every purchased food item (and some non-food items) is the cure for a food allergy.

Careful avoidance of any trace of nut in your foods is paramount. With 50-100 American deaths caused by a peanut allergic reaction every year, an allergy to peanuts is not something anyone can afford to take lightly.

However, there may still be hope for those who suffer severe reactions to peanuts.

U.S. researchers may have created a drug that could help prevent severe allergic reactions to peanuts. A study, presented at the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology conference in 2003, claims to have created a drug that stops severe reactions to peanuts by trapping the molecule that causes the bodies allergic reaction to nuts.

However, such research, even now, is still very much in its developmental stage.

So if you are new to peanut allergies, or you have a family member or a close friend suffering from an allergy to peanuts, here is a general list of items that are likely to have peanuts or traces of peanut in them:

Strict Avoidance Items include -

Peanuts, peanut by-products (such as peanut butter, peanut brittle and so on), chocolate bars (possible cross contamination), health/energy bars, cakes and cookies

Double Check The Label Items include -

Pastries (if you can't confirm what they have been made with), sauces (praline sauce, pesto sauce, worcestershire sauce), marzipan, gravy and cereals

Keep An Eye Out Items include -

Shampoos, soaps and hand creams

Its been said before, but it always pays to be reminded again, that you must always read the label but don't rely on it. Even be prepared to go as far as calling the food manufacturer of the product, simply to make sure.

Having a peanut allergy can at times prove to be frustrating. But it need not stop you from doing what you want to do. It simply requires you to be a bit more careful about your food choices. So remember, until the cure arrives, prevention IS the cure...

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

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

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Allergy Air Purifier: Get Rid Of Allergy Attacks All Together

Allergy Air Purifier: Get Rid Of Allergy Attacks All Together
By Nathalie Lafleur

For some people, merely breathing in the air in their homes can cause an allergy attack. Thats because the air we breathe can be filled with all sorts of impurities and substances that, if the person is allergic to them, can cause an attack thats so severe that its scary not only to the sufferer but to those who have to witness it. If you find yourself constantly having an allergy attack, even in the comfort of your own home, its best to think about buying an allergy air purifier. An allergy air purifier will eradicate those substances in the air that are causing those attacks, allowing you to breathe easier and allowing you to stay attack free.

See An Allergist To Determine What Youre Allergic To

The first thing you should do if you are having allergy attacks is to see an allergist. An allergist will give you an allergy test to see exactly what you are allergic to. Of course, in the mean time, you should get an allergy air purifier, just in case it is something in the air thats causing your attacks. However, if youre not sure what youre allergic to, your allergist will let you know. It could be that youre allergic to something youre eating or touching. More than likely, however, its because of the air you breathe.

The air we breathe is filled with all sorts of impurities, such as pollen, grass, dirt, dust, pet dander, and more. All of these things can bring on a severe attack if someone is allergic to them. Thats where the allergy air purifier comes in. The allergy air purifier will take whatever it is that youre allergic to out of the air so that you never have another attack.

This is especially useful as you sleep. If you have an attack when you are sleeping, you could stop breathing and not even realize it. This is very dangerous and shouldnt be chanced. Buy an allergy air filter and stick it in the corner of your bedroom. You can even put one in every room of your house just to make sure that you are cleaning the air in your home efficiently.

If youre having allergy attacks and you think its caused by the air youre breathing, stop suffering even one minute longer. Go out to your local department store or search online for an allergy air purifier. Just because youre allergic to certain things doesnt mean you must be forced into breathing them in. Get those things out of the air you breathe and go allergy free for once in your life.

Get your free downloadable 43-page report: Air Purifiers Exposed at our brand new website on Air Purifiers. Discover more about some of the most popular Air Purifiers brands, like Oreck, Austin, Alpine, etc.

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Mold Allergy How To Get The Help You Need

Mold Allergy How To Get The Help You Need
By Peter Crump

A mold allergy can be misdiagnosed as being an allergy to a scent or a food. The most common allergy to mold manifests itself as asthma, but people who do have an allergy to mold or mildew can also have watery eyes, sneezing, stuffy nose, a cough or a skin rash. If a person already has asthma, mild exposure to mold can bring on an attack, where as a person without asthma may not even be bothered by it. Small amounts of mold, such as that on a shower curtain, are not serious and will not cause a mold allergy.

If you are exposed to large amounts of mold or mildew, you should take steps to get rid of the source of mold. Some kinds of mold produce mycotoxins and the symptoms of this is much more severe than a mold allergy. Black mold, for example, results from heavy water damage, such as in a flood. You can usually smell the mildew in a home when you first enter it, but for those living there they are so used to it that they dont recognize it as the cause of their mildew allergy.

Moisture and warmth are the two conditions under which mold spores grow at a rapid pace. Even though you may take extra care with cleaning, if some of the water seeps into cracks and crevices, mold can grow in very tiny places and this could be the cause of your mold allergies. Just because you cant see the mold or mildew doesnt mean that it isnt there. Sometimes, you can smell it before you see it and it is them you realize that what you thought was sinus problems could be a mold allergy instead.

To keep your mold allergy to a minimum, you can make sure that you control the level of humidity in your home. The normal level should be below 40% and by using air-conditioners and dehumidifiers you can help prevent mold and mildew from developing. Under ideal circumstances, you should remove carpeting from the bedrooms of your home, or at least from the room of anyone that has a mold or mildew allergy. Foam rubber pillows and mattresses are also breeding grounds for mold and because they are dark, closets are also likely places where you can find mold.

When someone in your home has a mold allergy, it does mean you have to make sure you dry everything before you put it away. Boots and shoes should be thoroughly dried before you put them in the closet and you should use bathroom cleaning products designed to kill mold. An exhaust fan in the kitchen will help moisture from cooking to build up and you should empty the garbage container before it starts to smell. All of these tasks are normal things you can do on a daily basis to help prevent another outbreak of a mold allergy.

To find out more about Mold removal visit Peter's Website The Mold Removal Guide and find out about Mold Removal Products and more, including Mold allergies and toxic Mold.

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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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Food That May Cause Allergy to Children

Food That May Cause Allergy to Children
By Susan Carey

Children are prone to food allergic (especially toddler). Re-introduction of offending foods can be attempted, but should be done under medical supervision. When eating out, ask about the ingredients and preparation of menu items before you order. If unsure, play safe by ordering plain.

Be cautious of cross-communication. Remember to wash hands and clean work surfaces/ utensils if you have handled any of forbidden foods before handling your child's food.

If you take the safety precautions outlined below, you will be able to reduce the exposure of your child to potential allergens. Ensure that you know what to do in the event of food-allergy related reaction.Family history of allergies - for infants with a family history of allergies, the following foods should not be introduced before one year of age:

eggs
wheat and other gluten-containing cereals (oats, barley, rye)
fish
shellfish
citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruit, lemon)
nuts and seeds

Food that may cause allergic reactions in kids - There are some foods commonly associated with food allergies in children. Most of them contain protein. Here are some foods you should be wary of:

milk
soy
eggs
wheat
peanuts
shellfish (shrimps, crabs, lobsters)
fish
tree nuts (such as walnuts, cashew nuts, pecans)
legumes (beans and peas)

Children are more likely to outgrow allergies to milk or soy than allergies to peanuts, fish or shrimps. Re-introduction of offending foods can be attempted, but should be done under medical supervision. In addition, foods which cause life-threatening reactions (for example, difficulty in breathing) should never be re-introduced.

If you suspect your child has a food allergy, the first step is to keep a diet and symptom diary - write down everything that your child eats and drinks, and note down any symptom, as well as the quantity and time it took for the symptoms to occur. Speak to a physician to evaluate the suspected food allergy. This may require certain tests to be done to investigate and diagnose the allergy.

The author is a big fan of cooking recipes. Visit the following website for more info about health and cooking recipes.

http://www.101vegetarianrecipes.comhttp://www.herbs-spices-recipes.comhttp://www.101cookingrecipes.com

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The Must Know Info on Allergy

The Must Know Info on Allergy
By Ashely Farrar

Peanuts could lead you breathless, a bowl of pulses may cause swelling of the tongue and throat, or a fish preparation may lead to redness of skin and an incessant rash. The list is endless, and these are just a handful of the common allergies that people suffer from. While their occurrence may be common, what really makes the task difficult is that there is no cure for an allergy, and the only way out is by preventing the intake of food that causes allergy.

Simply defined, an allergy is intolerance of the immune system to specific foods. You are allergic to food when your body reacts adversely to it, thereby producing excess histamine, which triggers a cascade of allergic symptoms that can affect the respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, skin or cardiovascular system.

Although an individual could be allergic to any food, such as fruits, vegetables and meat, its protein-rich food that more than 80 per cent of the people are allergic to.

You could either be allergic to specific food items, or preservatives. In case of food, allergies are generally caused by protein rich food stuffs like peanuts, fish, egg, soy, wheat and pulses.

While an allergy may develop at any age, there is no specific cure, which can be prescribed. Doctors prescribe anti-histamine drugs and may even have to inject steroids in severe cases, but these only subdue the effects after an allergy has occurred. There is no long-term cure or means to get rid of any allergy and the only way out is to prevent the intake of food that causes the allergy.

The symptoms vary from urticaria - red patches, indicating excess of blood supply to that region of the body, to general body rash and itching. In severe cases it may lead to breathlessness and angioneurotic oedema, where the wind pipe is blocked.

Patch test to find out the specific food that causes allergy exist. These are restrictive in nature and can only test allergy to 50 to 100 food stuffs. The method of exclusion serves best. Doctors recommend maintaining a diary. Once you know that you are allergic to something, start recording everything that you eat in a diary. It will be easier to detect the particular food whenever you develop symptoms next.

Once you determine what you are allergic to, it is important to learn to read food labels and thereby avoid eating food that you are allergic to. The dictum, prevention is better than cure, works best in case of allergy.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction

Symptoms typically appear within minutes to two hours after a person has eaten the food to which he/she is allergic.

1. Tingling sensation in the mouth

2. Swelling of the tongue and throat

3. Difficulty in breathing

4. Vomiting

5. Abdominal cramps

6. Diarrhea

7. Drop in blood pressure

8. Loss of consciousness

Symptoms may be mild or very sever, depending on how much of the food you have consumed and extent that you are allergic to it.

Ashely Farrar also writes on Kidney Stone. More info: Kidney Stones

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Soy Allergy

Soy Allergy
By Joe Marafioti

Soy allergy is an immune system response to soy. At least 16 potential soy protein allergens have been identified but their relative clinical significance is unknown.

About 0.5% of the population has soy allergy, that it is more common in infants: the average age at which the allergy manifests is 3 months but the majority of infants outgrow it by the age of two. Adults with soy allergy are rare.

The reported symptoms of soy allergy include: acne, angioedema, rhinitis, anaphylaxis, asthma, atopic dermatitis, bronchospasm, colitis, conjunctivitis, diarrhoea, dyspnea, eczema, enterocolitis, fever, hypotension, itching, laryngeal oedema, lethargy, urticaria, vomiting and wheezing.If soy allergy is suspected, soy should be completely removed from the diet for several days. Soy products can then be cautiously returned to the diet to see if symptoms return. Intolerence reactions can occur as long as 48 hours after ingestion of an offending substance.

The way soy is processed can affect allergenicity and many people allergic to soy are may also cross react to other foods, especially other legumes such as peas, peanuts, lentils and garbanzo beans.

Soy has a long history of use in managing cow's milk allergies in infants. However, up to 50% of children with cow milk allergy are also allergic to soy protein. In addition, both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the UKs Chief Medical Officer do not recommend soy products for use in infants due to concerns of phytoestrogens, in addition to their lack of hypoallergenic.

More information on Act Against Allergy

by AAA Editorial Board

Date of publication: 01/02/2006

Source: Soy Allergy site

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Allergy Relief Air Purifier Can be a Friend for Life

Allergy Relief Air Purifier Can be a Friend for Life
By Nathalie Lafleur

Anyone who suffers from allergies will know how terrible life is when you are attacked by their symptoms. The doctor is always ready to offer some medication or another when this happens, and with a little effort the allergy abates. However, many people remembering the advice of the doctor to avoid any and all allergens, install an allergy relief air purifier in their house. This is one very efficient way to remove all possible allergens from the air, and keep healthy.

How to Choose the Best Allergy Relief Air Purifier for Your Home

Once you have decided to buy an allergy relief air purifier, go right ahead and do it. There are times when acting on an impulse is quite fruitful this is one of those times. When you are shopping for your allergy relief air purifier, you will need to know however, about certain aspects such as requirements for the size of your house or room, the process by which it effects the purification, the recurring cost, the total cost, and lastly its efficiency in maintaining the house's air.

You will need to measure your room and find out which size allergy relief air purifier would work best. In order to get the best advice, you will need to have the measurements accurately recorded so the shop sales person you visit can calculate and tell you what capacity allergy relief air purifier you will need to use.

Present allergy relief air purifiers use diverse methods of filtering the air one type works with replaceable filters where the filters have to be cleaned periodically to ensure the air circulation. The other type uses filters that need to be replaced directly instead of cleaned, ensuring exceptional purification properties.

The recurring cost for the cleaning of the filters, or exchanging the filters should be known before purchasing as this aspect will be often overlooked. You will need to find out in detail, how the allergy relief air purifier is maintained. The store may underplay instead of tell you accurately about the costs involved, so research well.

The total cost of the allergy relief air purifier would depend upon your budget. There are models available for each and every budget, so you should always ensure that you buy something qualitative, impressive looking, but also within the budget. .

The capacity of the purifier is meant for a certain cubic area, so you will need to know the exact dimensions of the house or room it will be in. Only then can the store be able to indicate the right one for your room capacity.

Download our free 43-page report entitled Air Purifiers Exposed. No name or email required. Simply click and download. To get your report, visit our brand new website on Air Purifiers.

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Dog Allergies Including Dog Food Allergy Reduce Happiness

Dog Allergies Including Dog Food Allergy Reduce Happiness
By Barbara Kremers

How allergy signs can affect your life. This is the story of an otherwise very happy Labrador Retriever with concurrent allergies. It is based on an interview held with Nell Kremers.

Scratching for Relief

Demi is a friendly Labby, shes always happy and playful or at least she used to be up until one summer at 15 months of age. She then just started biting and scratching. As if the itching drove her mad she was literally rubbing and licking her skin away. The once beautiful chocolate-brown Labrador lost her shine.

She showed bald spots in her arm-pits and below her tail plus self-inflicted wounds in her face. Scratching for relief of allergy symptoms does cost a lot of energy.

At first it just seemed as if she had developed a bad habit and the owners at first tried to correct her for overdoing the scratching thing as perhaps she was just seeking attention being in the puberty age. Demi, the docile dog she is, obeyed and stopped the scratching as long as one of her human family members was around. But as soon as they left the room, she would make up for lost scratching time and hit it like crazy. Also when she got aroused and her blood started flowing more quickly through her veins, it appeared the itching increased.

Change to Hypo-Allergen Dog Food

And so it happened she was taken to the vet (well, not for the first time of course). She showed self-inflicted wounds and around her eyes virtually no hair had survived the intense scratching. The vet checked her for parasites and teeth problems (as she was scratching around her jaws as well) but found no problems in that area. He then advised to change her dog food from high energy Eukanuba to Lamb & Rice, to rule out a dog food allergy. Lamb & Rice is a combination that is often prescribed as a low-allergen dog food and the rationale behind it is that dogs wont have eaten this before. However, nowadays Lamb & Rice is not such an exotic dog food anymore and in this case this choice was not so fortunate for Demi.

Demi has a very loving owner who would sleep on the couch, during the heavy episodes, just to be in time to calm her down. No more scolding or shouting to try to stop her hurting herself, but instead remaining calm and trying to transfer tranquillity to her (as if giving Reiki to a dog). The owner would gently let her hands go over the itching spots, which gave Demi some relief. This was to avoid Demi mutilating herself as the self-inflicted wounds can progress and get infected (so called hot spots).

However, the symptoms did not disappear and she was taken to the veterinarian again. She received a medicine to relief the itching and, thank god, this worked so she could have some sleep again. Poor Demi had not enjoyed a good night of rest for quite some time and this was taking his toll as well, changing her behaviour and making her more nervous. She also got antibiotics and a skin sample was taken for further research. No parasites or scabies was detected.

Allergy Blood Test

Standard treatment in itching is to change dog food for about 3 to 4 months and to only give your dog that dog food, no treats, no snacks, no table scraps, nothing whatsoever. When symptoms remain, then a blood test is indicated. And Demi obviously qualified for this next step. Finally it all became clear. Just have a look at the results below.Demis allergy test revealed the following allergies:

*Food allergies: Rice, wheat, lamb, soy, carrots and nuts with highest score for rice and wheat.
*Contact allergies: Various mites and also flea bite allergy
*Inhalant allergies: Wheat (again), barley, corn, oats, stinging nettle and ribwort plantain.

Demi was suffering from multiple allergies such as grass allergy which explained the increase in allergy symptoms during summers (like the first episode) but also a very high score to rice and to a lesser extent to lamb as well, the main ingredients in her so-called hypoallergenic dog food. What an unfortunate choice this had been! With this new knowledge, she was immediately taken of Lamb & Rice and transferred to Duck & Potato Diet (Tovets DPD).

Desensitization via Allergen Injections

To deal with the inhalant and contact allergies for grain and grasses, immunotherapy was indicated. Its pretty easy to cure dog food allergies (the cure is to just eliminate the ingredients from the menu) compared to curing environmental allergies. It is often impractical to keep a dog away from offending allergens, so another solution than elimination is required. Based on the results of the allergy test a special mix was created in the laboratory to desensitize Demi to the identified culprits.

Since this involves weekly injections the owner had to learn how to inject Demi subcutaneously with these liquids. This kind of therapy thus requires a dedicated dog owner and it can be quite difficult to inject your own pet (well, thats my personal experience). The owner was given three kinds of fluids (red, green and blue caps) and the amount was set for a period of 6 months of therapy. There is a small risk of anaphylaxis, but still its the safest long-term treatment available. About 70% of treated dogs respond well to immunotherapy and the others at least show some alleviation of the clinical symptoms.

Learning to Live With Dog Allergies

Demi is now four years old and most of the time she is a happy dog. She will receive desensitization injections (maintenance dosage) probably for the rest of her life. To relief any itching that remains here's a tip from Nell that works for Demi: dilute some tea-tree oil in water and spray this on the inflicted areas. It reliefs the itching, desinfects the skin and helps the healing process of hot spots.

Knowing what allergies she has, she can enjoy an occasional treat again (though never dog biscuits or any other kind of treat that contains wheat such as most dental sticks). Luckily Demi just adores fruit and cheese which is safe to eat for her! You can make Demi really happy by offering her pineapple, mango, strawberries, cucumber, apples and pears. But she also loves a piece of bread, though shes allergic to the ingredients.

People passing by on the street sometimes want to offer a dog biscuit to this happy furry lady, but of course this is strictly prohibited. And since everyone would get tired of explaining the ins and outs of this decision, some people dont understand why this Labrador isnt allowed to enjoy a tasteful treat. Also bread left on the grass for the ducks to eat is a risk for Demi. Especially when walking in the dark its not always easy for the owner to intervene on time.

Should the allergy episodes worsen again, then there is one official remedy left: Prednisone injections. Antihistamines, though beneficial in allergic humans, give inconsistent results in dogs. So that leaves us with steroid treatment. Counter effects of prednisone are that it can damage the organs and as such may decrease life span. Though when all else fails its like Demis owner stated: Better be happy for a few years, than a very long life of discomfort and unhappiness.

However, before turning to Prednisone as final resort it appears good results are booked with a holistic approach in similar cases. This is a non-traditional approach in veterinary medicine exploring alternative and complimentary areas of health care. Let's hope new therapies and treatments are discovered to prevent and cure diseases in our beloved pets.

So what can we learn from this story about allergy:

*Prescribing Lamb & Rice dog food to rule out dog food induced allergies is not a good choice in all cases.

*Dog food induced allergies, inhalant allergies and contact allergies can occur at the same time making a clear diagnosis very difficult.

*When your dog is suddenly scratching a lot, examine his coat for fleas or other parasites and take him to the vet if your investigation was negative.

*When your dog suffers an attack of heavy itching and is relentlessly scratching for relief, try to transfer calmness to your pooch. Diluted tea-tree oil can give some relief.

*When you meet a person who is walking a dog that looks like he has some kind of contagious disease, dont immediately assume it is scabies and treat them like pariahs. You can just ask. When the other dog is suffering from allergic symptoms you need not worry. Let dogs be dogs if they want to play together. There is nothing contagious about allergies.

*Allergies cause great discomfort to both dog and owner and it is pertinent to try and identify the allergens that are causing this as quickly as possible.

*Holistic veterinary medicine may shine new light on this subject when traditional therapies fail.

For more information about dog allergies visit http://www.Best-Dog-Food-Guide.com Here you will find much more dog food related information. Subscribe to the e-zine to receive the free e-book 'A bit of Tender, Love and Care for Dogs'.To stay tuned to dog food news and trends please pay a visit to http://www.dog-food-blog.comAll the best, Barbara.

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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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