Zyban Allergy Reaction

Dealing With a Zyban Allergy Reaction

Zyban is one of the most commonly prescribed medications to help people to stop smoking and although it usually does work very effectively there is the issue of a possible Zyban allergy reaction that must be understood.

About Zyban

Zyban is a prescription strength medicine that was originally used to treat depression but which is now most commonly used as a smoking cessation treatment method. The Zyban tablets contain the active ingredient bupropion hydrochloride which is a medicine that is used to help people who are dependent on nicotine to give up their smoking habit.

Zyban Allergy Reaction

The possibility of a Zyban allergy reaction is actually quite high, but it can be reduced by doing a few things. For one, any patient that is considering starting on this medication needs to make sure that they tell their doctor if they have a seizure disorder, an eating disorder, take other medications, have had serious head injury, use cover the counter diet aids, or have diabetes which is treated with insulin or other medications.

There are also a few other precautions that should be taken in order to avoid a Zyban allergy reaction including avoiding drinking any alcohol. This is important because it is best to avoid all alcohol while taking this medication. It is important that anyone even just considering this drug discuss their use of alcohol with their doctor before starting on it.

It is important persons taking this drug understand that it is specially designed to release the drug gradually into the body. People need to make sure that they only take the recommended dose prescribed by their doctor even if the medication itself has different suggestions.

There are certain side effects that are typically related to a Zyban allergy reaction, and this includes a skin rash or difficulty in breathing. If this happens the person needs to discontinue taking the medication immediately and seek medical help. Rash with a fever or joint pain may also be signs of an allergic reaction and if left untreated can even be potentially life threatening.

Although very rare, there have been cases of hallucinations that have been reported with use of this medication and this is a very serious side effect. Any troublesome side effects experienced by persons taking this medication should be discussed with their doctor immediately, who will be able to determine whether or not the person should continue taking the drug. Also patients should keep in mind that they will most likely need feel any positive effects within the first week or so of taking the drug, and possibly not even until more than a month later.

Wheat Allergy

What Is Wheat Allergy?

Wheat allergy is a reaction that some people have to food containing wheat. This food allergy can happen to anyone hypersensitive to wheat and its elements. Some reactions that are triggered by wheat allergy can be as mild as rashes and as severe as anaphylactic shock. The reasons why we need to be aware of our allergies is to avoid severe allergic reactions that may be lethal to us.

Wheat is a cereal crop that has been domesticated and is virtually found all over the world. It is commonly used for pasta, bread and other pastries as well as some beverages. There are several species of wheat and they are mostly edible. This cereal is grown commercially in many parts of the world and is one of the commonly used staples in our diets.

What Causes Wheat Allergy?

The most common causes of wheat allergy are the proteins found in wheat. These come in four groups of protein, namely globulin, albumin, prolamin and glutelin. The first two are the more common causes of wheat allergy. Ingestion or inhalation of wheat products can trigger allergic outbreaks in individuals sensitive to the cereal. Wheat flour can be inhaled and it can cause allergic reactions.

Some wheat products are easily recognizable due to the distinct texture, smell and coloring of wheat but this is not entirely reliable because some wheat products are minute. A small amount of wheat substances can trigger an allergic reaction in individuals sensitive to it.

Symptoms Of Wheat Allergy

There are numerous symptoms of wheat allergy and these include the more common, hives, asthma, eczema, swelling, cramps and hay fever. These symptoms of wheat allergy can also occur in many other different kinds of allergies.

There are other more serious symptoms of wheat allergy that one needs to be aware of to know what to expect if you are sensitive to this substance. More serious symptoms are irritable bowel syndrome, arthritis, anaphylactic shock, chest pains, palpitations and others.

Wheat allergy is not actually a very life threatening disease and there are only rare cases of dying from this allergy. It is best to be aware if you suffer from wheat allergy to be better able to deal with an allergic reaction or to avoid foods with wheat in them altogether. If you suspect that you have a form of allergy you can have some tests done. Skin testing can help you determine what substances you are allergic to.

What Causes Allergies

What Causes Allergies to Occur

While looking at what causes allergies to occur, the immune system in your body acts to prevent foreign particles from causing health problems such as infections. The foreign particles are also known as antigens. Allergens are types of antigens that produce allergic reactions in people. When the body has been invaded by allergens your immune system tries to destroy them by producing antibodies which are basically protective proteins. The body produces antibodies that are designed to attack a specific type of allergen that have entered the body.

Food Allergies

What causes food allergies to occur is basically reactions that are produced by your immune system to certain types of foods. It has been reported that about two percent of adults have a food allergy while about six percent of children have a food allergy. A lot of people have intolerance to food items however; they are different form actual food allergies due to the foods intolerance not having anything to do with the immune system. A food allergy can produce serious health problems in people and in some cases it can cause death.

Immune System

What causes food allergies to occur is basically your immune system makes a mistake and treats a certain type of food as a harmful item and in order to defend your body from this food substance the immune system stimulates specific body cells to create immunoglobulin E (lgE) antibodies to attack the food substance.

The next time you happen to consume this particular food item your immune system releases histamine as well as other chemicals which flow into the blood stream. The chemicals that have been produced create allergic symptoms. Experts believe that histamine is part of the cause of allergic reactions including itchy eyes, rashes and hives, dry throat, dripping nose, nausea problems, diarrhea problems and difficulty in breathing as well as anaphylactic shock.

The vast majority of food allergies are caused by certain types of proteins that are contained in peanuts, eggs, fish, nuts from trees including walnuts and pecans, certain types of shellfish including shrimp, crab and lobster. Regarding what causes food allergies in children experts claim they are typically caused by proteins in milk from cows, wheat as well as soybeans. Symptoms of food allergies typically occur a few minutes or up to about an hour after consuming the food allergy item. If you think you might have a food allergy you should consult with your doctor. You doctor can provide treatments as well as provide information about what causes your allergies to occur.

Weaning Children With Allergies

A Detailed Guide: Weaning Children With Allergies

Allergies are basically the immune system’s incorrect response to a foreign substance. Sometimes the body believes that a certain substance is dangerous and is going to do harm to the body and in response to this the body begins producing an antibody known as histamine which is what causes the typical symptoms of allergies.

This includes itchy watery eyes, a runny nose, dry mouth and cough. There are many other symptoms that one may experience as a result of allergies as well, and it really all depends on their particular condition.

Allergies can be experienced both by children and by adults, although they tend to be more serious in children because they are less capable of handling the condition and symptoms and also because there is less available to help them to find relief of these symptoms.

Weaning Children With Allergies

The process of weaning children with allergies can definitely be difficult. One of the most important things to be concerned with when it comes to weaning children with allergies is to try to maintain breastfeeding for one full year even longer if possible. This is important because very few children are allergic to anything in breast milk, whereas formula and cow’s milk can both often pose problems.

Another great tip for weaning children with allergies has to do with introducing mixed foods. The introduction of solids to the baby should begin when they are around six months old and definitely not before four months old. This is for a variety of different reasons but mainly because they will not be able to properly digest these foods.

The best idea is to continue to add foods, one at a time, this way the parent will be able to tell if there are any foods that the children are allergic to and consequently avoid giving these foods to them again. Weaning children with allergies can definitely be a long process but one that is absolutely essential in order to ensure the most optimum health for the child.

Speaking to the family doctor for more answers and advice on this is very important and will be a great help, especially to first time parents. When children have allergies, particularly food allergies, it can be incredibly dangerous and even potentially life threatening, if they have a serious enough reaction. As long as the parent is cautious however and understands what is involved here, there should be no problems.

Soy Allergy

Symptoms And Treatment Of Soy Allergy

Soy allergy is somewhat different from other forms of allergies because the initial exposure to the substance does not manifest allergic reactions at all. The initial exposure of the individual to soy makes our immune system determine whether we are allergic to it or not. Once our immune system mistakenly determines it as a threat, the next ingestion of soy will definitely cause soy allergy symptoms and reactions.

Soy Allergy Physical Reactions

The soy allergy reactions may differ from each individual and with each form of soy that individuals are exposed to. Not all forms of soy are harmful and the degree of the allergic reaction is tempered by what kind of soy one is exposed to.

Some soy allergy symptoms are acne, swelling, cankers, colitis, vomiting, difficulty in breathing and many others. Other forms of skin allergy may also manifest themselves due to soy allergy. These are atopic dermatitis, eczema, itching and urticaria. The symptoms may not come out for at least 24 hours or up to 48 hours after the ingestion of soy and other foods with soy additives.

Foods With Soy

There are several foods that are made with soy of some form and will most likely cause soy allergy for those who are sensitive to soy. These are several natural forms of soy (soy milk, soy albumin, soy fiber, soy sprouts, soy flour and soy nuts), soya, soybean, soy sauce, soybutter, tofu, miso, tempeh, edamame and many more.

The following foods additives may contain some form of soy and you should read the ingredients well before using on food. Canned chicken broth, flavoring, bouillon cubes, vegetable broth and hydrolyzed vegetable protein. These may cause mild soy allergy reactions in some individuals.

Some studies have also shown that vegetables and fruits from the same plant group as soy may cause the same allergic reactions in people who have soy allergy. The intensity and severity of the allergic reaction varies per person and also with the amount of soy ingested. The following fruits and vegetables belong to the same plant group as soy, strawberry, mangos, banana, chestnut, avocado, kiwi fruits and latex.

Treating Soy Allergy

Soy allergy can be controlled by taking medication with antihistamine, for mild cases of allergic reaction. For more severe occurrences of soy allergy, epinephrine is the way to go. This drug affects the body immediately upon administration and it has helped save lives. You might like to avoid soy and all other forms of food and food additives that contain soy for reduced risk of a severe soy allergy reaction. .

Skin Allergies

Different Kinds Of Skin Allergies

Skin allergies are triggered by exposure to allergens, the same way that other kinds of allergies are triggered. The skin reacts by swelling or developing a rash that can be scaly, red or painful. In many cases, itching occurs and this causes broken skin and other complications.

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis or eczema are among the skin allergies that often affect young children but can also start in young adults well into the older years. The rash that develops when am individual scratches an itchy part of his skin is called eczema. The rash is the manifestation of the skin allergy being scratched. One thing that needs to be noted in people who suffer from atopic dermatitis is that, if there is no scratching, there is no eczema.

There are many skin allergies that come hand in hand with other forms of allergies. Atopic dermatitis sufferers may also suffer from asthma or allergic rhinitis. The location of the rash that develops when atopic dermatitis is scratched is usually in the face (for infants and younger children) and for older children around the inner elbows and the back of the knees (may even involve other creases in the skin).

Swelling and Hives

Urticaria (hives) and agioedema (swelling) are some forms of skin allergies that often occur upon exposure to allergens. Most often, these two symptoms of skin allergies go together but there are also instances when only one may occur to an individual suffering from skin allergies. Hives are bumps that can be any size and mildly itchy. Despite the itch, there is less possibility of breaking the skin when itching compared to atopic dermatitis.

Swelling or angioedema can be dangerous especially if it occurs internally. It can block the airways and obstruct breathing to an extent that sufferers suffocate. These kinds of skin allergies can also occur near the mouth, lips, eyes and extremities. Those who suffer from skin allergies that cause swelling may experience some burning or stinging sensation in the swollen parts of their skin.

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is another form of skin allergies that occur when the skin comes into contact with an allergen. These allergens may be substances found in make up, dyes, metals and some medication. Skin allergies that are the result of contact dermatitis usually occur in the waistband, the wrists, the neck and other specific parts of the body.

Skin allergies may be disheartening for many people because it causes discomfort and is unappealing to look at when it occurs. There are actually many different kinds of medication and herbal remedies that can be applied to the skin when these allergies occur.

Seasonal Allergies

Common Causes For Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies usually occur during spring, fall and summer. Winter is not a common time for allergies because there are not as many plants in bloom during this time due to the cold weather. When plants bloom and flourish, so do seasonal allergies but this does not mean that this allergy is caused mainly by plants. The weather can also play a big role in triggering seasonal allergies.

Seasonal Allergies Due To Pollen And Dust

Pollen is one of the main causes of seasonal allergies as well as dust and mold spores. These are common occurrences during spring and summer as well as during fall. The pollen from plants can cause serious hay fever in some individuals who are highly sensitive to the allergens they contain. Pollen tends to become airborne when the right season comes and these cause allergic reactions in individuals.

There is actually little that you can do about being allergic to pollen, dust and mold spores. Seasonal allergies are usually controlled and not eliminated with the use of antihistamines. Although, not all areas of the city may have pollen, mold spores or dust, chances are, whenever you go around the city, you will encounter airborne mold spores, pollen and dust separately. If you are sensitive to any of these allergens, then you are highly likely to have an allergic reaction.

What To Expect From Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies usually manifest themselves as sneezing, runny noses, itchy eyes and other allergic rhinitis symptoms. You might initially think that you have a cold but actually there is a great deal of difference between the two. Seasonal allergies are usually not accompanied by fever whereas a cold is and a cold usually lasts for around 10 days compared to seasonal allergies that last for as long as you are exposed to the allergens.

Seasonal allergies also react well to antihistamines whereas colds to decongestants. Allergies that rely on seasons also occur during summer, spring and fall compared to a cold that usually occur during winter. Allergies are also dependent on the individual's reaction to allergens while colds can be transmitted from one person to another.

As stated earlier, these kinds of allergies react well to antihistamines. Some may need stronger medication to control but the key is to lessen your exposure to the allergens. Allergens updates are also posted by the government to help out those who are sensitive to hay fever and other allergens.

Peanut Allergy

Symptoms Of Peanut Allergy

A peanut allergy is a form of food allergy that is specifically caused by peanuts or any other substances derived from peanuts. Peanut allergy can be caused by the nuts themselves or by peanut oil or other derivatives based on peanuts. This kind of food allergy needs the patient to be vigilant regarding what he eats because some reactions can be fatal. This kind of allergy is worst than hay fever or seasonal allergies.

Manifestations Of A Peanut Allergy

Some symptoms of peanut allergy are swelling of the face or some parts of it, upset stomach along with abdominal cramps, vomiting, asthma and hives. Anaphylactic shock can also occur due to constricting of the airways resulting to a fatality. Antihistamines do not work so well with this kind of food allergy because the allergic reactions may be varied and may take some time in being noticed. Epinephrine is usually given to individuals suffering from a peanut allergy.

The first signs of a peanut allergy are sneezing coupled with a tingling sensation that usually occurs at the mouth and throat. The person might also experience a light pallor as well as a feeling of lightheadedness and some heat. Anaphylactic shock most often occurs after an hour or several hours of ingesting peanuts or other peanut based food and substances. Those individuals with asthma and peanut allergies run a greater risk of dying due to the constriction of the airways.

Treating Peanut Allergy

Immediate treatment of a peanut allergy can be done by administering epinephrine to the patient. Once you suspect a severe allergic reaction, the patient needs to be brought immediately to a medical center for the administration of the medication. Another way of treating a peanut allergy is to avoid the food and its derivatives altogether. Avoidance of the food or any substance of the peanut can help you prevent any severe allergic reaction.

Ways of avoiding peanut allergy is based loosely on reading the labels of the foods that you are about to ingest. If you are in doubt regarding a certain food or ingredient, do not eat it.

There are many rumors and talks regarding how you can die from kissing a person who ha just eaten peanut or derivatives from it or even stepping barefoot on a peanut shell. Studies have shown a low probability of the allergic reaction due to kissing and the stepping on a peanut shell a myth in causing peanut allergy reactions.

Natural Allergy Remedies

The Best All Natural Allergy Remedies

Anyone who experiences itchy eyes, runny nose, and sneezing is most likely suffering from allergies. Millions of people around the world have allergies of some sort, and many others do as well but just have not realized it yet. Allergies can be incredibly frustrating and can make even the simplest day to day tasks a great deal more difficult.

There are effective treatment methods for allergies however, and besides avoidance and medications there are also some fantastic natural allergy remedies available.

The Selection

Many people are fond of the natural allergy remedies that are available because they are as effective as the more conventional treatment methods only do not contain any chemicals or unfavorable ingredients, making them much gentler and safer on the body.

One of the most popular natural allergy remedies is quercetin. This is a natural plant derived compound that helps to stabilize mast cells in the body and which is also a natural antioxidant that helps clean up molecules that are known as free radicals. It is best for allergy sufferers to begin taking quercetin about six weeks before allergy season starts, so that they will be prepared a bit ahead of time and not have to deal with the undesirable symptoms of allergies at all.

Another of the most effective natural allergy remedies is butterbur. This is a well known herb, one that is considered as being an alternative to antihistamines. It is a large leafed shrub like plant from which the extracts from the roots, leaves and stem are used. It has anti-inflammatory effects that help to decrease histamine and leukotrienes.

One of the natural allergy remedies that certainly cannot go unmentioned here is stinging nettle. Another well known herb, stinging nettle actually inhibits the body’s ability to produce histamine and therefore is one of the best treatment methods for allergies of all.

Stick to it

The most important thing that any allergy sufferer can do is first be sure of exactly what the cause of their allergies is. A doctor will be able to determine this by performing a few standard tests. Once the actual cause has been determined then treatment will be easier and of course much more successful as well.

It is also important that the person stick to the treatment method that they are recommended, and even if their allergies do not seem to be easing off any, they should still continue on because some treatment methods will take a bit of time before they show any results.

Natural Allergy Cures

Various Natural Allergy Cures For Hay Fever

Allergies can be very troublesome when they hit. The thing with allergies is that they can occur anytime the individual is exposed to allergens they are sensitive to. Allergens are what triggers allergic reactions in people and they can be anything that the person is highly sensitive to. Hay fever is allergy that occurs during specific seasons, usually summer, spring and fall.

Natural allergy cures are desired by people who do not like taking dangerous drugs that can eventually bring harm or develop ailments in them. Natural allergy cures are usually alternative medicines that are not recommended by most medical practitioners. Many natural allergy cures affect the symptoms of an allergic reaction and effectively control these.

Examples Of Natural Allergy Cures

Stinging Nettles has long been used to treat and correct the way that the body produces histamine. It inhibits this reaction and effectively stoops the symptoms of hay fever and seasonal allergies. This is one of the natural allergy cures that are best ingested in processed or dried form because contact with the fresh leaves of this plant can cause mild to severe inflammation of the skin.

Quercetin is one of the natural allergy cures that can effectively act as an antihistamine. It is a bioflavonoid that naturally stabilizes certain cells and prevents them from producing histamine. Histamine causes the common seasonal allergies symptoms that plague highly sensitive people. Other than as a natural allergy cure, Quercetin is also an antioxidant that can help our body in many aspects. This can effectively clear free radicals from or bodies and help reduce the risk of cancer.

Drinking a glass of fresh fruit juice each day when it is allergy season is one of the more controversial natural allergy cures. It is controversial because you actually cleanse your body by drinking fresh fruit juice, water and eating loads of fresh vegetables and fruits for as long as five days. The question of how efficient this drastic diet is has been raised and many people swear by this method. You can maintain the positive effects of the natural allergy cure by drinking juice daily.

Natural allergic cures are usually sought by people who do not wish to add the burden of ingesting chemical based drugs into their system. Many people have already realized that getting natural allergy cures is more beneficial for them compared to medications that are made and produced synthetically. These cures are widely available in alternative medicine stores.

Nasal Allergies

Nasal Allergies Symptoms Are Very Like Those Of Common Colds

The reason behind why a person will suffer from nasal allergies is dust, pollen and also dander that is present in the air and which is inhaled by an affected person and which will lead to coughing as well as sneezing and watery eyes as well as a runny nose all of which will make you feel very miserable. In fact, the symptoms are much like what you experience if you had a common cold and thus it is not all that easy to distinguish nasal allergies’ symptoms from those of common colds.

Immune System Must Combat The Allergy

Mostly, the body’s immune system is what responds to the presence of allergens and it is this same immune system that produces antibodies which will combat the nasal allergies. Also, it is not so bad to suffer from nasal allergies if you happen to not be allergic to the allergens though if you are allergic then the condition can become very severe and make you feel very poorly indeed.

Also, nasal allergies may occur more frequently during certain times of the year such as during the months of February through till July when there is high presence of tree pollen while during the months April through July grass pollen are very high and finally, between August and October there is higher presence of ragweed.

In addition, the particular region of your country that you live in can also affect whether you fall prey to nasal allergies or not, and as mentioned the possibility of becoming allergic is worst during certain seasons of the year and if you happen to be allergic to some allergens, you need to have yourself checked by a physician who will test you to see whether you have nasal allergies or not.

Probably, the worst allergen as far as nasal allergies go is ragweed pollen that spreads very easily through the air because winds can carry them to great distances and so you will still be at risk even if you take preventive measures such as not growing plants in your home. Another culprit as far as nasal allergies go is mold which is an irritant of which there are many thousands of different types that may be present both indoors as well as outdoors, and so you will be at greater risk of being affected because it is present almost everywhere you go.

To prevent being affected by nasal allergies, you would need to consult your doctor and seek advice as to what things you should avoid and to also find some treatment method with which to relieve the symptoms of nasal allergies, should you become affected.

Milk Allergy

How to Live a Normal Life With a Milk Allergy

When you have a milk allergy you may need to make a few major adjustments to your diet in order to avoid milk. We all know that milk is good for you. Milk is known to make teeth and bones stronger due to the calcium that milk contains. When you don't get enough milk in your diet you soon become weak and your bones will become brittle making you more subject to bone breakage. As you get older you may also develop such conditions as Osteoporosis which is due to the lack of calcium over a long period of time. There are many symptoms of a milk allergy and they may not be noticeable to you at first. But eventually you must come to terms with the fact that you have a milk allergy.

Any type of allergy can be dangerous. An allergy is your body's way of responding to something that is not right. If you are allergic to bees you will have an allergic reaction when you get stung. For some people, a bee sting can be life threatening in almost minutes after the sting. There are all types of allergies that can cause a reaction of some type in your body. Once you initially have an allergic reaction you may be rushed to the hospital where you will be given medication that will counter act against the allergy in your body.

How to live with it

Once you find out about a milk allergy your doctor will go through a list of foods that you will need to avoid in order to reduce your chance of having an allergic reaction again. You would be amazed at how many food products out there that do contain some type of milk products. Some examples of foods that you will need to avoid include mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, scrambled eggs, and some of your major dishes that are deliciously prepared using milk or milk products. When you have a milk allergy you will need to avoid all these foods and more because you don't want to take the chance of having another milk allergy.

When you go to your next doctor’s appointment you need to ask him or her for a list of foods to avoid. Most of the time, these lists are gathered from another source and submitted to doctors all around the world so they can pass the information on to their patients that come in with a milk allergy. You must remember that a milk allergy is something that will go away in fact it will stay with you from now on so you will need to learn to live life with your milk allergy. You also need to remember when you go out to eat that you cannot have milk products. You do not want to go through another milk allergy because you forgot. It's best to tell someone that you are with that you have a milk allergy so they can watch for signs of a milk allergy if necessary.

Latex Allergy

Could you Have a Latex Allergy?

When you work in the health care profession you may have discovered a rash on your hands when you wear latex gloves. This is not just dry skin it is usually a latex allergy that caused it. A latex allergy is very uncomfortable, especially if you wear gloves often throughout your day. If you do have a latex allergy you may find that anywhere you touch on your body after taking off gloves that contain latex will break out, leaving you feeling very uncomfortable. After a few days without contact with the latex gloves you will soon start to heal and your rash will disappear. There are more severe cases where the symptoms are much more severe so it basically depends on how much you are allergic to latex to see the symptoms as mild to severe.

If you do not work in the health profession, you may realize that you have a latex allergy when you go to visit the doctor. If he or she uses latex gloves and you begin to break out or have other allergy symptoms shortly after your doctor’s visit you may want to contact your doctor to let him or her know. Depending on the severity of you latex allergy he or she may recommend that you come right back in to see them or you may be recommended to take Benedryl or another antihistamine blocker until the latex allergy reaction is over. From now on you will need to tell a doctor about your latex allergy before your examination to avoid another latex allergy reaction. You can not only come in contact with latex but did you know you can also inhale latex?

So you don't necessarily need to be in the medical profession in order to have a latex allergy. There are other products that contain latex and you may very well find that you have a latex allergy to them as well. Ask your doctor for a list of products that you should avoid to prevent a latex allergy. He or she may have a list that has been made so you can avoid another latex allergy. Some of the symptoms you may notice include sneezing, watery eyes, coughing, breaking out in hives, having trouble breathing. These are just general symptoms and not always the symptoms specifically for a latex allergy.

What you need to avoid

Some of the most common products that contain latex are in your home. You may have had a latex allergy for a while now and the symptoms have been mild enough that you passed them off as seasonal allergies. Some of the products you may need to avoid include: carpet, waistbands on clothes, all purpose dishwashing gloves, disposable diapers and sanitary pads. At work you may use rubber bands and erasers which also contain latex. Other items include condoms; handle bar handgrips from bikes and motorcycles, racket handles, goggles for swimming, condoms, and Diaphragms. These are only a few of the products you may find to have latex in them which will cause latex allergy.

Information About Allergies

Information About Allergies Can Help You Get Timely Treatment

There are numerous types of allergies that can affect you, and thus there are also numerous allergy treatments available and since allergies affect people regardless of their age, it is therefore very necessary to be able to identify whether you have an allergy or not so that you can then get the best allergy treatment possible, and to enable you to do this, you need to be able to get pertinent information about allergies that will help you to understand your condition as well as how best to treat it.

Learn About What Food Allergy Is All About

Thus, whether you have a food allergy or some other type of allergy, it is only through information about allergies that you can understand that a food allergy is some sort of reaction from within your immune system that rejects certain types of foods that you have eaten. Furthermore, you will also learn that about two percent of adults are known to suffer from food allergies while the percentage in case of children is six percent. What’s more, from available information about allergies you can learn that foods such as milk, nuts, eggs, soybeans, and shellfish as too peanuts can cause people to become allergic to these foods.

Some people also suffer from dog allergies and thus they would benefit from reading up about information about allergies related to dogs, which will help shed more light on this form of allergy which is very frustrating to the affected person and which also affects their health. The problem is further compounded in case you have dog allergy but are passionate about dogs and love owning them. In fact, information about allergies will reveal to you that dog allergies are reactions to dander that comes from dogs and that anyone can become allergic to dogs.

You may also want to learn more about allergy asthma and here again you would benefit from information about allergies that shows that such form of asthma is a combination of being allergic as well as having asthma. In case, you do suffer from allergy asthma, you will certainly feel miserable though it is also not so well known that allergies themselves can cause a person to suffer from asthma, and in reality, about sixty percent of those who have suffered from asthma also already had allergies related to asthma.

There no doubts the fact that having an allergy is sure to be very uncomfortable and it will affect your daily routine and it can even play havoc with your sleeping habits. Thus, having information about allergies available will prove to be very useful and helpful as it will help identify your symptoms in good time and thus make timely treatment a reality sooner rather than later.

Herbs for Allergies

Are Herbs for Allergies Safe to Use?

When you turn your television on today, the only thing that commercials seem to be about any more is taking medication for whatever you need. There is medicine for itchy watery eyes, one for gas and bloating, one for treating almost everything, including allergies. A long time ago, there was once a time when people needed to use their natural resources in order to heal those that was sick. That time is long gone and today it is easier for people to run to the drugstore and select exactly what they seen on television. Since allergies seem to be what a lot of the commercials are about there must be several alternatives to treating allergies. That makes someone wonder how safe herbs for allergies are.

What Herbs are right to use

Herbs for allergies have a lot of healing affects toward some conditions, including. If you suffer from allergies, the long term affect of taking a prescription medication can mean irreversible damage to something in your body. When using herbs for allergies, you know that because it is natural there are no long term affects to it. The only bad problem with using herbs is the fact that you can overdose your self and that can cause bad consequences. In order to decide which herbs for allergies to take, here is a short example of what some herbs for allergies will do.

Mint can relieve sore or itchy throats
Mullberry Root Bark can relieve a cough
Chrysanthemum can help to relieve red eyes
Cassia Seed can get rid of itchy eyes
Angelica Dahurica can help with nasal congestion

Each herbs for allergies heal in a different way and therefore you can use several herbs to treat your symptoms. Some herbs cannot be used the same time as other herbs are used. They will need to work alone. With the help and assistance of the person owning the store and your doctor you should be able to find the right herbs for allergies fast.

If you have allergies due to something you come in contact with, such as milk, latex or pets, you may need to avoid these things all together in order to prevent an allergic reaction. Using herbs for allergies is not always right for everyone but you won’t know until you try. It is much easier to run to the store to purchase anything but herbs for allergies but in the long run, the man made medicines that are available over the counter can make it difficult for the body to fight infections and conditions, including other allergies.

Gluten Allergy Symptoms

Common Gluten Allergy Symptoms

Gluten allergy symptoms include some of the basic symptoms that occur when there is an allergic reaction. There are also some uncommon allergic reactions that might need the attention of a medical practitioner as well as medication. Before we delve further into gluten allergy symptoms, let us first find out what gluten is.

What Is Gluten?

Gluten is a form of protein that is common in wheat, barley and rye. It is actually a good form of protein that can help in achieving the daily protein RDA of many people. It just so happens that some people who do need gluten are allergic to it. This form of protein can be extracted from the mass by exposing the flour to cold water. The flour tends to dissolve in water while the gluten does not. This process will leave a gummy mass of almost 90% gluten.

Manifestations Of Gluten Allergy Symptoms

There are actually many different gluten allergy symptoms and some are even similar to some diseases or disorders, such as celiac disease. If you have doubts about having gluten allergy symptoms or celiac disease symptoms, it is best to have a test performed to diagnose what you are suffering from.

Some of the more common gluten allergy symptoms are some skin allergy symptoms, fatigue, anemia due to iron deficiency, diarrhea, weight loss, constipation, irritability and more. As you can see, the gluten allergy symptoms are varied and not as common as most allergic reactions. A skin test can help determine if you are experiencing gluten allergy symptoms or another disorder. Other doctors might need a blood sample for testing to be better able to diagnose your condition.

In mild cases of gluten allergy symptoms, the elimination of gluten from the diet is not entirely necessary. You just might have to reduce the exposure of gluten to the individual suffering from gluten allergy symptoms but for those who have experienced severe reactions to gluten, elimination of this form of protein from the diet may be necessary.

When you are confirmed to have gluten allergy symptoms, the doctor might recommend elimination of gluten from your diet. In cases like this, you will need to address the problem of having a source of essential vitamins and minerals eliminated from your diet as well. Supplementation is needed for those who do not ingest gluten so they will still be able to meet the recommended daily allowance of certain minerals and vitamin such as iron, thiamine, riboflavin to name a few.

Food Allergies

A Guide to Food Allergies

There are many different types of allergies that a person can suffer from, but food allergies are one of the most common of all. Food allergies, also known as food intolerance refers to when a person cannot eat a certain type of food without experiencing undesirable side effects or even serious repercussions.

Most Common Causes

Although a person could really be allergic to any food, there are a few in particular that are especially common for causing problems here. This includes milk, eggs, peanuts, soy, wheat, fish, and tree nuts, to name a few. Most people are diagnosed with food allergies when they are a young child because this is when it is usually first noticed, but many people do not realize that they have food allergies until they are a grown adult.

Why it Happens

Many people wonder how and why allergies actually occur, especially when the condition relates to food. Basically food allergies happen when a person’s immune system mistakenly believes that something the person ate is harmful to the body. As a result it begins to produce certain IgE antibodies to that food, one of these chemicals being histamine. This is the antibody that has the most effect on the body, including causing the eyes and nose to water and itch and the throat to get dry and parched.

Treatment

Of course the most effective method of treatment for food allergies is to avoid the offending food. This can be difficult however and so there are other treatment methods that can be implemented here, including medication. Medication is not able to cure the underlying food allergy which will most likely be with the person for the rest of their life, but it can help to provide relief of the symptoms experienced as a result of it.

There are some people who are only allergic to one type of food and others who are allergic to numerous different foods. It can take a lifetime to determine all the foods that a person is allergic to, especially since chances are that there are certain foods that they have not yet tried.

Working together with a doctor is very important here, especially for those people who are dealing with serious food allergies. The doctor will want to keep an eye on their condition and make sure that allergies is the only thing the person is suffering with and that there is nothing more serious at play here.

FDA Definition Of Food Allergies

Is There A FDA Definition Of Food Allergies

The FDA or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the regulatory body which looks after the safety of food and drugs sold in USA – just as the name indicates. Usually the FDA plays a very important role in the monitoring of the drugs and alternative medicines that are launched in the market. They also give approval for all foods products according to their purity and safety for human consumption.

What About FDA Definition Of Food Allergies?

If you are looking for a FDA definition of food allergies, there is none yet. However, you have the order of the FDA dated January 1, 2006 stating that all the food products that contain any type of allergenic elements should be clearly mentioned on the label. This order is reinforcing an older Act, i.e. Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act which was passed in the year 2004 which dictates that names of such foods or elements that could create allergic reactions – such as soy beans, crab, shrimp, any type shell fish, dairy products, eggs, peanuts, and so on be mentioned under a separate head, "contains".

There might not be an FDA definition of food allergies but the existing laws are quite effective in alerting people who suffer from any type of food allergies to understand the risk of consuming what they are planning to buy. The labels of these food products do not only mention the contents but also the source of the allergen. In this way, even if the person does not recognize the food or element in isolation, they would recognize it from the source.

For example, let us say you are allergic to whey or casein and these ingredients are mentioned on the label but pass your scrutiny. However, when the label would say 'contains dairy' as warranted by the law, you would definitely take notice of it and avoid this product and the time you would have had to fight the allergy.

The danger of developing food allergy is about 2% in adults and about 6% in children in USA and the numbers are increasing, not decreasing. Therefore, the new rule of FDA is helping a lot in preventing more casualties from allergies caused by food. Even if a FDA definition of food allergies is not there, this institution is doing a great job in blocking all the possibilities for this to happen.

The application and enactment of the recent laws by FDA work better than if there was a simple FDA definition of food allergies. In this case it is more important to have laws that protect than spread awareness regarding the dangers of allergies triggered by food.

Eye Allergies

Dealing With Eye Allergies

Allergies in general can be incredibly frustrating and bothersome, but eye allergies in particular can cause serious problems. Eye allergies are typically associated with other allergic conditions such as hay fever and atopic eczema. The causes of these allergies are most similar to those of allergic asthma, and can get to be quite serious.

Allergic Eye Conditions

There are actually a few different conditions of eye allergies. One of the most common conditions here is known as allergic conjunctivitis which is usually seasonal and associated with hay fever. There are certain things that a person can do in order to avoid getting this particular condition of eye allergies, and in particular it is important to try to identify and avoid the allergens that are causing the symptoms.

In terms of treatment there are a few effective options here. For one there are several different types of eye drops that are available and which are usually very successful at treating the symptoms associated with allergic conjunctivitis. It is also often helpful if the person puts a cold washcloth over their eyes for relief or to use lubricating eye drops.

Conjunctivitis with atopic dermatitis is another of the most common eye allergies conditions, and this condition is a well known cause of severe eye changes and particularly so in young adults. This is an inflammation of the transparent membrane that lines the eyelid, and can be incredibly painful never mind frustrating.

The inflammation here results in causing small blood vessels in the conjunctiva to become more prominent which gives it the pink look. There are certain things that a person can do in order to find relief from this eye allergies condition including using antibiotic eye drops. The viral forms of conjunctivitis cannot be treated with eye drops or ointments, but rather the sufferer will have to use an over the counter remedy of some sort in order to relieve the symptoms.

The best way for a person to avoid all allergic reactions, of the eyes and other, is to stay as clean as possible and more than anything this means washing the hands on a regular basis. Not touching the eyes with the hands, washing hands frequently, changing pillowcases often, discarding eye cosmetics after a few months, and not using anyone else’s cosmetics or personal eye care items – all of these are great tips to preventing allergies. Also keep in mind that newborns are particularly susceptible to allergic reactions and so the parent needs to keep an eye out for these at all times.

Autism and Sulfa Allergy

Autism and Sulfa Allergy – Some Assessments

Sulfa allergy is basically a negative reaction to an antibiotic known as sulfamethoxazole which is an ingredient found in antibiotics which contain sulfonamide including Septra and Bactrim. People who have been diagnosed with a sulfa allergy should not use these types of medications and they should also not take an antibiotic known as Pediazole.

Autism

There is insufficient information that makes a connection of autism and sulfa allergy. There is a lack of data that suggests that people with autism are more likely to have sulfa allergies or would have more serious sulfa allergy reactions when compared to the rest of the population. There is also a lack of evidence regarding a connection between parents who have sulfa allergies and the increased chances of having a child with autism. Regarding autism and sulfa allergy, caregivers of autistic people should follow the advice given by the physician regarding which medications to avoid and how to treat the symptoms. Autism and sulfa allergy has not been extensively researched.

Sulfur, sulfates as well as sulfites are typically not strongly related to sulfamethoxazole and usually will not cause negative reactions in patients who have been diagnosed with sulfa allergy. Numerous medications are slightly related to sulfamethoxazole including some types of diuretics, oral diabetes medicines as well as some types of anti-inflammatory medications which might not cause an adverse reaction to people with a sulfa allergy however it’s a good idea to check with your physician before you take these types of medications.

There are other types of medications that have names that don’t sound like they are related to sulfamethoxazole, so if you are a caregiver for an autistic person and you are concerned about autism and sulfa allergy, check with your doctor regarding the various medications that are related to sulfamethoxazole. Some people with sulfa allergies only avoid medicines that contain the prefix sul or the prefix sulfa but this is a wrong approach to determining which types of drugs to avoid.

Sulfa Allergy

The condition known as sulfa allergy is sometimes incorrectly used to categorize all negative reactions people have to medicines that contain sulfonamide. Sulfa allergic reactions are basically due to hypersensitivity mechanisms. Only about three percent of people who take sulfonamide antibiotics have actual hypersensitivity type of reactions. Regarding autism and sulfa allergy there is no information about the percentage of autistic people who have a sulfa allergy.


Maculopapular rashes as well as urticarial rashes are the most prevalent symptoms for people with sulfa allergies. They typically happen during the first week of drug therapy and are usually eliminated seven to fourteen days after you have stopped using the medications. Some people have more severe dermatologic allergic reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome a swell as toxic epidermal necrolysis; however they are not very common. Some patients have experienced adverse reactions such as drug fever, vasculitis, serum sickness, hepatitis, hemolytic anemia as well as nehpritis. Regarding autism and sulfa allergy, ask for some advice from your physician if you are a caregiver for a person who is autistic.

Allergy Test

Allergy Test – the Procedures

An allergy test is performed in order to determine what types of substances or allergens cause you to have an allergic reaction. Skin tests are usually preferred since they typically can be performed quickly and experts believe they provide reliable information and typically cost less than taking a blood allergy test.

Skin Test

During a skin test a small portion of the allergen that your doctor believes might be causing your allergic reactions is put on your skin and sometimes it’s placed under your skin in order to find out if you have an allergic reaction to the allergen. Three types of skin tests are available.

The skin prick test is performed by putting a drop of a solution which includes the allergen that might be causing you problems on your skin and then numerous scratches of the skin are made in order to allow the solution to penetrate your skin. If you notice a red area that is raised up and itchy you probably have an allergy to the allergen that is being tested. This is known as having a positive reaction to the allergen.

Regarding the Intradermal test a small portion of the solution which contains the allergen is injected into your skin. This allergy test is typically done when the skin prick test did not create a positive reaction to the allergen you are testing but your doctor still believes the allergen might be the problem.

The procedure for the skin patch allergy test involves putting the allergen solution on a pad which is attached to the skin with tape and left there for twenty-four to seventy-two hours. The skin patch test is primarily used to determine if a person has a skin allergy known as contact dermatitis.

Blood Test

A blood allergy test is used to search for substances in your blood known as antibodies. Experts claim that blood tests are less sensitive than skin tests but are utilized for patients who cannot have skin tests performed on them. The enzyme connected immunosorbent assay is the most often used blood allergy test. The test is utilized to measure the amount of an antibody known as immunoglobulin E or IgE that is in the blood which your body might produce while responding to certain types of allergies.

The IgE levels are typically higher with patients who are dealing with allergies or asthma. In some cases other tests may be utilized in order to acquire additional information. If you think you might have an allergy it’s a good idea to consult with your doctor who will probably recommend that you take an allergy test.

Allergy Solutions

The Best Allergy Solutions

Allergies are basically inflammations caused by unusual sensitivity to foreign substances. Allergies can be incredibly frustrating to deal with and it often seems as though nothing is going to help. There are some very effective allergy solutions available out there however, both conventional and all natural remedies.

Dealing With Allergies

Of course one of the best things that a person can do to find relief from their allergies is stay away from the factors that are causing the allergies to act up. Complete avoidance of a substance is often much easier said than done however, especially when it comes to airborne allergens.

One of the most effective allergy solutions is medication. There are a few different medicines and medications that can be used here, such as antihistamines which work by blocking the histamine that the body’s immune system produces as a reaction to allergens. A few of the most popular antihistamines include Clarniex, Allegra, Zyrtec, and Claritin.

One prescription medication in particular that is often recommended and considered to be one of the most effective allergy solutions out available today is Singulair. This medicine has been approved to help control allergies and asthma both in children and in adults, and should only be taken once a day as prescribed by a doctor.

All people suffering from allergies need to realize that if they use any of the prescription medication allergy solutions there is most likely going to be certain side effects that accompany them. This is important to know because the side effects of some drugs can often be just as bad as the actual condition itself.

Besides antihistamines other medicines that are commonly used as allergy solutions include leukotriene blockers, decongestants, combination drugs, nasal sprays and immunotherapy. Most people have to try several different options before they find one that works for them and medication may not be the best choice of treatment at all or it may have to be used in conjunction with another form of treatment.

Remember

The most important thing to remember here is that allergies can be dealt with and although they typically cannot be eliminated completely, there are products out there that can definitely provide relief to one’s symptoms. Allergies do not have to control a person’s life and the person can get back to feeling like their regular old self once again. It is just important that they keep up with whichever method of treatment they choose to go with so that the problems will not return.

Allergy Resistant

Allergy Resistant Products Can Prove Effective In Preventing Allergies

According to recent studies, it has been found that more than half of all Americans that fall in the age group between six and fifty nine years have been found to be allergic to a minimum one to ten allergens, which is worrying because it represents a fivefold jump as compared to what it was during the period 1976 through to 1980. Furthermore, childhood asthma has also been blamed on allergies to a greater extent (more than sixty percent, in fact) as compared to the previous last decade’s figures, and thus there is a growing concern about how to prevent people from suffering from allergies.

Indoor Air Pollutants Are Huge Threat

Also, indoor air pollutants are a bigger concern than outdoor air pollutants and thus it has led to greater numbers of people turning their homes into allergy resistant homes in a bid to ward off allergy attacks. Towards this end, they have begun to use certain products that are termed allergy resistant and it would be a good idea to learn more about such products so as to know how best to combat allergies in the future.

Thus, you could try using allergy resistant sheets, mattress covers as well as pillowcases which can ward off things such as dust mites, shedding skin as well as human air that are very real factors in causing allergies. Because many people need such allergy resistant items, there are numerous department stores selling them and they are available at a cost of between forty to fifty dollars which is quite affordable and which will also prove very effective in combating allergy attacks.

There are also allergy resistant air purifiers that clean the air of dust, pollen, skin cells, mold as well as mildew and thus will considerably bring down the threat of allergies. The foremost technologies used in such products are HEPA as well as UV and these products will cost between two hundred and fifty dollars up to three hundred and fifty dollars.

In addition, you may want to try out other allergy resistant products such as VOC free paints and chemicals that will prove to be very effective to those who are very sensitive to paints and chemicals and the cost of such allergy resistant products is in a range between three hundred fifty dollars to six hundred plus dollars.

Finally, you could also consider using allergy resistant fabrics such as bedcovers, drapes and carpeting that do not have VOC or Volatile organic Compounds which will cost between four hundred and twelve hundred dollars and which will benefit your immune system as well as your liver and thus are worth trying out.

Allergy Relief

How to Find Allergy Relief

Allergies can be incredibly frustrating and hard to live with. A few of the most typical symptoms caused by allergies include a runny nose, sneezing, and coughing. There are various different allergic conditions that one can deal with, and the signs and symptoms of each will vary.

Generally the parts of the body that prove to be most prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, and skin. Allergic rhinitis is the most common of the allergic diseases, and this is more commonly referred to as hay fever. Symptoms of this condition result from the inflammation of the tissues that line the inside of the nose.

Asthma is another commonly experienced allergic disease, one that is often much more serious. Common symptoms of this condition include shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing and chest tightness.

Allergy Relief

Allergy relief is possible, although many people may not believe so because they have tried different treatment methods to no avail. The most important thing that allergy sufferers need to realize is that no one is alike and so no one’s allergy condition is exactly alike either. There are many different causes and degrees of allergic diseases and conditions and so there is never going to be a single treatment method that works for everyone.

To find allergy relief, the first step is to determine the actual cause of the allergies. A doctor can do this by performing a few standard tests. After this the next step to allergy relief is to find the right method of treatment and there are a few to choose from.

Avoidance is of course the best way to find allergy relief because if the person is not around what is making them allergic then obviously they are not going to have any problems. These people should stay indoors in the morning when the pollen count is at its highest, use an air conditioner both in the home and in the car, rid the home of any indoor plants and other sources of mildew, wash sheets and pillowcases at least once every week, and use air filters in the home to keep it as clean and dust free as possible.

There are medications available for allergy relief and also many natural remedies that are just as effective but which do not come with any of the undesirable side effects. As long as a person is aware of the cause of their allergies and sticks to the treatment plan designed by their doctor, they should come out of this with some great results and find the relief that they are looking for.

Allergy Products

Allergy Products for You

If you have allergies you know the difficulties they can make in your life and you have probably tried all sorts of products in order to reduce the negative effects that allergies can create for you. There are all types of allergy products available in the market and let’s take a look at a variety of products.

Encasing Kits

Encasing kits are great for those who have allergic reactions caused by dust mites. The kit includes helpful items that were designed to cover your mattress, pillow, box spring as well as your comforter. The Allergy Control Pristine Kit was designed to prevent you from having allergic reactions to even extremely fine particles. The products are produced out of an allergen barrier fabric which they claim no other company offers. They claim their allergy products are made from advanced material and are the best products available for protecting you from dust mite as well as pet allergens and are provided with a lifetime guarantee.

If you are shopping for allergy products you might want to check out the Whirlpool Dehumidifier. The product has the ability to remove about fifty pints of water in twenty four hours. The model was designed to automatically select the operating speed of the dehumidifier which is determined by the moisture level in the air. You can utilize a drain hose with the dehumidifier in order to allow the unit to work continuously. It has the ability to operate to 50 degrees F without having problems with ice and the model is provided with a one year warranty.

If you have allergic reactions to hair care items there are hair care allergy products available that have been specifically made for people who have sensitive skin and have adverse reactions to chemicals as well as fragrances. There are numerous brands available and the products from Free& Clear have received favorable reviews. Their hair care products do not contain alcohol, fragrances, lanolin, dyes, formaldehyde or other types of preservatives. Their line of products includes Free &Clear shampoo, Free & Clear conditioner and Free & Clear hair styling gel.

Mold Zapper

The Mold Zapper is another allergy product that you might want to check out. They claim you can eliminate mildew, mold as well as moisture with their product. The Mold Zapper utilizes convection to eliminate mold and mildew spores in places in your home where moisture seems to accumulate. They can be very useful in your basement, your family room, the kitchen and any room that has a high level of humidity. Mold and mildew can ruin the attractiveness of your home and they also produce unwanted odors and they cause allergic reactions for some people as well as health problems. There are numerous allergy products in the market that you might find useful.

Allergy Medicine

Choose the Right Allergy Medicine for You

There are several different types of allergy medicine available today. This type of medicine can be purchased over-the-counter or by a prescription from your doctor. There are several different ways that you can treat allergies and your doctor has probably gone through them with you. Allergies are nothing to take lightly because they can become serious and even life threatening so it is always best to take your allergy seriously. Choosing the right allergy medicine may be as easy as asking your doctor for advice. Most of the time you can see results if you take something over the counter but for those that have more severe allergies you may need a stronger allergy medicine.

An allergy medicine should always be kept out of reach of children. An allergy medicine if consumed in high qualities may be very dangerous to your body and will require immediate attention. When you suffer from an allergy you know that they can be miserable. The symptoms of an allergy may include headaches, runny nose, coughing, itchy throat, and more. The severe symptoms may include swelling of the tongue, tightness of the chest and difficulty breathing. When you start to feel serious symptoms you need to seek immediate medical attention.

Taking your allergy medicine

When your doctor prescribes an allergy medicine for your allergies, take it as directed in order to avoid another allergy attack. If possible avoid what causes your allergies to react. It’s not always possible to avoid what causes your allergies so you may need to find ways to work with it. When you take your allergy medicine for the first time it may make you feel drowsy so always see how it will affect you before driving or working. There are other symptoms you may feel as a result of taking a new allergy medicine. If that is the case you may want to call your doctor to make sure that the symptoms are okay. A lot of times, the symptoms will disappear within one to two weeks after starting your allergy medicine.

An allergy medicine should reduce your symptoms that you are experiencing due to an allergy attack. If they do not reduce them you may need to try something new. There are several choices to choose from and one may not be right for you because everyone is different. Allergy medicine may come in a long lasting tablet or a nasal spray. The doctor will prescribe or recommend which one is right for you.

Allergy Injections

How Much Do The Allergy Injections Really Help?

You must have heard about the fast acting allergy injections and you might be led into believing that this is a great way to relieve you from the pain caused by your often repeated allergy. However, this is in fact a myth. There are no magic allergy injections that would counter all the allergies that plague people; actually these injections would be meant for only one particular type of allergy and would therefore be totally ineffectual for another type.

How Can One Profit From Allergy Injections?

The medical remedy that uses allergy injections is known as allergen immunotherapy and it is used to combat specific allergies. In order to find what type of allergy you are suffering from the doctor would prescribe a long battery of tests; these would include blood tests, skin tests and the like until they zero in what exactly causes your allergy.

Before your doctor prescribes any allergy injections for you the allergen that impacts you adversely would need to be identified one hundred percent. Once this step is completed, you would be set up for a series of allergy injections starting from very low dosage to a certain level which is determined by the medical practitioner.

Every time these injections are administered, the doctor would have you under observation for about 30 minutes to check whether you get any severe reaction from the shots. The injection would be given every week over a period of six to seven months which would gradually make you immune to the allergen. When you reach the highest dose (that compares it the level of the allergen in the environment around you) the weekly injection would be replaced with a monthly booster, which might continue for one to ten years depending upon the need.

As you can see, the allergy injections are indeed a great way to fight an allergy – but in order for it to be effective, you would need to identify the allergen. Unless you know what the allergen is, this therapy would not work because the injection are prepared just like a vaccine, i.e. it would infuse small doses of that exact allergen until your body accepts it and thereafter helps to prevent its adverse reaction..

These injections are best used against insect bites or stings, such as bees, mosquitoes, red ants, wasps, etc. Though these could be and are used against inhaled allergens as well, the latter are more difficult to cure. Anyway, this is a small ray of hope that you could check out – who knows, it might get you rid of your pet allergy after all.

Allergy Free Bedding

Everybody Needs Allergy Free Bedding – How Can You Have That?

The bedroom is not only a place to sleep, but also a place where you feel most comfortable. This is one spot in the whole house where you enjoy complete privacy. What happens however, if whenever you are in the bedroom or on the bed you get the worst type of allergy and start sneezing, have your eyes water and what not? Do you go and sleep on the couch? Or do you try to get an allergy free bedding and regain your bedroom?

It Is Easy To Get An Allergy Free Bedding – Without Buying A New One

There are many ways to keep your bedding allergy free. A few of these are described here. You need not adopt all of them; just check out what suits you and do accordingly. As you would see, this is not very difficult and in the end you would have an exceedingly comfortable bedroom.

First of all you need to know why you are getting allergy. Most of the house allergies are due to dust mites and these dust mites are live organisms which live and breed happily in your bedding if these are not cleaned well enough. Bed hygiene demands that you change your bed sheets every week and have these washed with hot water; the mattress pads (if you use these) and any blankets should be washed every two weeks and your pillows every month once. This would destroy the dust mites if they get hold of your bedding.

It is very important when you wash your bedclothes to use hot water exclusively because cold water encourages the growth of dust mites and therefore it works against your purpose.

If you are unable to wash your bedding as frequently ensure that you insulate it by encasing it in dust-free covers. Ensure that you sun your bedding at least once a month so the dust mites would die. In case you do not find dust-free covers you could use simple plastic of vinyl covers to seal your bedding from dust mites. This would ensure that you have allergy free bedding all year round.

For foolproof allergy free bedding you need to stay away natural fiber pillows and quilts because down, feathers or kapok however well washed and sanitized they still encourage micro-organisms to grow on them; and these in turn create the allergy you want to avoid.

Beware that the allergy you may be suffering from may not come only from the bedding. For all you know you might be already having allergy free bedding but still suffer from allergy reactions. Check out the blinds, the drapes and the like- these might be housing the dust mites you are trying to avoid.

Lastly, maintain the room's humidity at 25-40% as this would kill the dust mites; you could use an air conditioner or air dehumidifier for this purpose.

Allergy Elimination

Working Towards Allergy Elimination

Most people that suffer from allergies, especially those who have tried various different treatment methods in the past to no avail, begin to feel hopeless as though there is nothing that they can do to help with this problem. Fortunately this is completely untrue and there are in fact many things that one can do to help with their allergies.

Determine the Cause

One of the most common reasons that an allergy sufferer is not able to find relief is simply because they are not aware of what the actual cause of their allergies is. There are actually a variety of different factors that can be responsible for causing allergies, and typically people with allergies have an inherited or genetic predisposition for developing a hypersensitivity to inhaled and ingested substances.

A doctor will be able to perform certain standard tests in order to determine what the causes of allergies are in a person.

Allergy Elimination

Once the actual cause of allergies has been determined, the person can then begin to work towards allergy elimination. Avoidance is obviously one of the best methods of allergy elimination because of course if the person is not around the substance that is bothering them then they will not experience the effects.

A few tips here include removing any carpets or rugs from the home as these can hold dust and debris and cause serious problems in allergic people. Special covers should also be used to seal over pillows and mattresses, especially for anyone who is allergic to dust mites.

Medication is also available to help with allergy elimination, although these will have to be prescribed by a doctor. Pills and nasal sprays are both commonly used to treat allergies and a shot of epinephrine is often given. This is an incredibly fast acting medicine that is used for people with allergies to help offset an anaphylactic reaction.

Work With the Doctor

The most important thing that anyone suffering from allergies can do to help with allergy elimination is make sure to work closely with their doctor. This way they can try out different treatment methods and together with their doctor will be able to keep an eye on their condition and make sure that they are making progress.

Allergies can be incredibly frustrating to deal with and make even the simplest day to day tasks more difficult. Runny eyes, sneezing, coughing, all of these undesirable symptoms can be treated properly with the right method of treatment.

Allergy & Immunology

Facts About The American Board Of Allergy & Immunology

The American Board of Allergy & Immunology is a board that was formed in the year 1971 and it is a non-profit organization that is also one of twenty-four other member boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties. In fact, The American Board of Allergy & Immunology is a conjoint board that has two parent boards that are the American Board of Internal Medicine and also the American Board of Pediatrics.

Specializes In Pediatrics And Medicine

Ever since 1971 the American Board of Allergy & Immunology has specialized in pediatrics and medicine and in conjunction with its parent boards has been instrumental in maintaining the best levels of educational as well as clinical standards in the specialties of allergies and also immunology.

So, if you want to become qualified in allergy & immunology, then you should try for obtaining a certificate from the American Board of Allergy & Immunology that has since the year 1989 offered its Diplomates that are valid for a period of ten years, though there are also unlimited time certificates offered by this august board.

As of now, the American Board of allergy & immunology has, it is believed, five thousand six hundred and ninety-five Diplomates that are certified by the Board in allergy & immunology. In addition, the Board also has other Diplomates such as Verification of Physician and more.

The mission of the American Board of Allergy & Immunology is to establish qualifications as well as to examine physician candidates who want to become certified and to also enable them to get recertification and become specialists in allergy and/or immunology. It is also a great place that helps to serve the public as well as health care community and it will even provide the names of those physicians that have obtained certification as allergists and immunologists.

Typically, to get certification from the American Board of Allergy & Immunology it would cost you about two thousand seven hundred dollars while recertification costs about three thousand dollars. Other than your application fee, all other fees can be paid via credit cards or by check.

In any event, the American Board of Allergy & Immunology gives the assurance that any medical professional certified by it has successfully completed an accredited educational program and also gone through the evaluation process and thus possesses the required skills as well as knowledge to provide high-quality patient care in both allergy & immunology.

Allergy Air Purifier

Good Value for the Money for Allergy Air Purifier

There are a lot of air purifiers on the market that are effective at removing allergies from the air but it can be difficult to know which one to select. Most manufactures claim all sorts of benefits that can be had by allergy sufferers who purchase their air purifier but sometimes the benefits are overstated and you don’t get the value for the money that you were looking for. Let’s take a look at some of the reviews of some of allergy air purifiers that are available in the market.

The 1QAir HealthPro air purifier according to some of the reviews is the best air purifier in the market for people who are suffering from severe allergies. During the SARS outbreak the Hong Kong Hospital concluded that the 1QAir HealthPro was the only air purifier they could find that was powerful enough for their requirements. This allergy air purifier has the ability to purify about one thousand square feet and it utilizes a Hyper HEPA filter. The model is provided with a five year warranty.

Alen A350

The Alen A350 air cleaner was designed for small rooms such as four hundred to eight hundred square feet and when tested it was very effective at eliminating allergens out of the air. It has been reported that it is a little quieter than the typical allergy air purifier and it utilizes a HEPA filter while at the same time using a pre-filter and a carbon filter to eliminate odors. This air purifier according to reviews is one of the best that is available.

Whirlpool Whispure

According to reviews The Whirlpool Whispure is efficient at removing allergens from the air for small rooms that are less than five hundred square feet. The allergy air purifier utilizes a HEPA filter and a charcoal pre-filter. The replacement filters are expensive and it’s provided with a one year limited warranty.

The Honeywell Enviracaire 50250 is an effective air purifier; however it is was designed for a small room which is less than three hundred and seventy five square feet. It costs less then other allergy air purifiers however people who have used them claim they are noisier than most other air purifiers. The model uses a HEPA filter and the unit brings in air from all of its sides and puts out clean air from out of its top, however the model doesn’t have the ability take in as much air through the filters when compared to some of the more expensive units. If you are looking for an allergy air purifier there are numerous models to choose from.

Allergy Air Filters

The Benefits Of Allergy Air Filters

Allergies can take a turn for the worst when the body's reaction to the allergen is severe. There is actually no way of knowing how your body will react to allergens when you are exposed to them. Some allergic reactions may be mild, simple hives or hay fever symptoms. On the other hand, severe allergic reactions can also be manifested when the amount of allergens of the intensity of the reaction kicks in.

Allergy air filters have been used for years already to help reduce the risk of getting an allergic reaction from people who have allergies. In many cases, allergy air filters are used for the individual who has seasonal allergies and other kinds of allergies usually triggered by airborne allergens.

What Are Allergy Air Filters Made Of?

Some allergy air filters are made from fiberglass components while other are made from carbon components. Polyester also figures as one of the main components of some allergy air filters. Some manufacturing companies integrate these components with some others for maximum protection against airborne allergens and even some odors.

How Allergy Air Filters Work

These filters basically work by trapping the allergens along with bacteria and other microns that may cause allergic reactions as well as sickness in people. An air filtration unit or air purifier unit is where you put your allergy air filters. These units work by taking in air and running it through the air filter, thus producing air that is free from allergens and bacteria.

The composition of the allergy air filters is the key to an effective air purifier. Many allergy air filters claim to be the best kinds but they may be severely lacking in their performance. The best kinds of allergy air filters are those that effectively trap and hold allergens, bacteria and other elements that can be harmful to people.

The High Efficiency Particulate Air filter is one of the better kinds of allergy air filter available. It has the capacity to filter out up to 99.97 % of all particles up to the size of 0.3 micron particles. This is actually quite small and smaller than any other kind of bacteria or allergen. Ionization air filters need to be used sparingly as some have been found to emit ozone. Ozone is a highly dangerous substance when inhaled and can cause many health risks.

Care must be taken when choosing the right kind of allergy air filter for your home and work space.

Allergic Reaction

How Can an Allergic Reaction Affect You?

When you have an allergic reaction to something you may experience mild to severe symptoms, depending on the extinct of your allergy. For some, it may be possible just to avoid the one thing that seems to trigger allergy symptoms such as cats. For others, the allergy may be a part of their everyday career and it may not be feasible to switch careers. There are a lot of different allergies and what causes them. When you see someone having an allergic reaction it may scare you because you are not sure why they are acting that way. You may not even know that person has an allergy so that is why it is a good idea for everyone who has an allergy to obtain a medical bracelet stating that they are allergic to something.

Some symptoms of an allergic reaction include:

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Eyes may become swollen, watery, itchy and red
Swelling of the lips, tongue, or around the eyes, including the eyelids
Shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing or tight feeling in the chest
Skin rash, itching, and hives

In some cases, you may not be able to breath, your circulation may become lessened by swelling, you may not be able to swallow or have difficulty and you may pass out. Call emergency help line when you start to experience any allergic symptoms that you feel may be life threatening, especially if you are alone.

When you have your allergic reaction under control you will need to avoid what caused it to begin with. You don’t want to experience an allergic reaction anytime soon so it is best to avoid it when possible. If you suffer from an allergic reaction your doctor may make other recommendations for you in order to prevent future allergic reactions.

When you are out visiting or out in public you may need to take extra precaution to avoid causing an allergic reaction. Some of the very things that may have caused your allergic reaction before will be in some other place so it’s best to always be safe and ready for another allergic reaction. Because allergic reaction to something is more common today than ever, one may think that there is something wrong with the environment around us that would cause so many different allergies to begin with. You allergy may be with food, latex or even bees but what ever it is you must learn new ways to live with it everyday. If you don’t take care of your self and avoid what causes your allergic reaction you may find that you have more frequent allergic reaction as well as more severe reactions.

Allergic Reaction To Antibiotics

Allergic Reaction To Antibiotics Can Often Be Mistaken For Side Effects Of Taking Antibiotics

Allergic reaction to antibiotics is a distinct possibility when taking antibiotics and the reactions can range from mild allergic reactions such as an itchy rash or even slight wheezing to severe allergic reaction to antibiotics known as anaphylaxis that are life threatening and which involve swollen throats and not being able to breathe as well as low blood pressure. In fact, one of the things that doctors often come across with regard to allergic reaction to antibiotics is that patients often mistake side effects of antibiotics for allergic reactions.

Thus, it is important that you are able to distinguish between what the side effects of antibiotics are and those that are allergic reaction to antibiotics because it is not recommended to take a drug that is closely related to an antibiotic if you are victim of allergic reaction to antibiotics.

Penicillin And Sulphonamides

Antibiotics and more particularly penicillin as well as sulphonamides are what are the main reason why you could suffer from allergic reaction to antibiotics and it is believed that in adults it accounts for as many as five percent of allergic reactions that are due to taking one or more antibiotic. However, it is also not possible to diagnose whether a person is in fact suffering from allergic reaction to antibiotics or not since no clear-cut method of determining the true situation is known and thus there is a lot of confusion as to whether a patient is suffering from allergic reaction to antibiotics or they are suffering from symptoms of an underlying condition.

Furthermore, allergic reaction to antibiotics are generally classified according to the time that they began to show up and because there is no definite test for allergic reaction to antibiotics, the problem is not easily got rid of. So, if you have a rash it may occur because of an underlying infection or it could be due to having an allergic reaction, and in case you are taking several drugs, the problem of finding what exactly is wrong with you becomes even more complicated.

Your history of events that have taken place at or about the time that the allergic reaction to antibiotics first came to your notice is thus very important in being able to diagnose the problem correctly. However, one possible means of detecting whether you have allergic reaction to antibiotics or not is through use of skin testing that is especially useful to assess whether a patient is hypersensitive to certain antibiotics and more particularly penicillin, though even then it can at best only predict reactions caused by antibodies (lgE).

Allergic Reaction

What Causes An Allergic Reaction?

An allergic reaction is our bodies' natural reaction to substances that we are highly sensitive to. The kind of allergic reaction that we have may differ from person to person and may also differ depending on what kind of substance has triggered the allergic reaction.

An allergic reaction is caused by our exposure to an allergen. Allergens are substances that can promote the production of histamine in our bodies, thus creating the symptoms that manifest themselves when we encounter allergens. There are varying degrees of reactions that people experience due to allergies, some are mild while others are life threatening.

Symptoms Of An Allergic Reaction

Allergies that are triggered often manifest themselves through symptoms and signs that are really very hard to miss. These symptoms of an allergic reaction may be the common hay fever symptoms, which are sneezing, red and itchy eyes, clear nasal discharge, and a runny nose. Other symptoms are hives or rashes as well as severe nasal congestion.

Other more severe manifestations of an allergic reaction are swelling of some parts of the face, difficulty breathing, vomiting and abdominal pain, lightheadedness and difficulty in swallowing. Individuals who suffer from these symptoms need to be brought to the hospital for immediate treatment because these are signs that the airways are starting to block and also signs of diarrhea. If the person with an allergic reaction loses consciousness, bring him to the hospital immediately.

Allergens That Cause An Allergic Reaction

There are many different kinds of allergens that trigger nasty allergic reactions in many people. These allergens include dust, pollen, mold spores and animal dander. These four are common hay fever or seasonal allergies' allergens. The symptoms they illicit are the usual sneezing, watery eyes and runny noses that occur during seasonal allergies.

Other common causes of an allergic reaction that can trigger serious symptoms are insect bites or stings, food allergies and allergies due to medication. These kinds of allergies can render serious side effects that can be fatal to an individual. The allergic reaction triggered by one of these causes can lead to potential death or debilitation of the individual. Some asthmatic patients who suffer other kinds of allergies need to be monitored carefully.

Children with allergies need to be constantly monitored because they are not as aware as adults when it comes to their safety. Their smaller bodies are also prone to anaphylactic shock and other severe symptoms of allergies.

Allergies That Cause Allergic Rashes

Allergies That Cause Allergic Rashes

Allergies have many symptoms and reaction that manifest in our skin. In fact, many allergic symptoms include swelling, itchiness and some form of dermatitis. Allergic rashes are not actually life threatening to start with but they can be very inconvenient and they cam also develop in to some other health complication.

Urticaria

Urticaria is commonly known as hives and occurs mostly as allergic rashes. Hives is the common reaction of the skin when exposed to allergens. Varied allergens may invoke different kinds of allergic rashes in people. Hives are bumps that develop in our skin and have varied shapes and sizes. They are usually itchy but there is little risk of breaking the skin when you scratch them because they are hardy bumps.

The more common causes of hives are exposure to animal dander, insect bites or stings, food allergies, exposure to latex rubber, certain medications and some illnesses. These kinds of allergic rashes can be controlled with the use of antihistamines in varying doses. Avoidance of the allergens can be done but sometimes it is more difficult to do especially during the months when allergens are abundant.

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is the condition where the skin reacts to elements or substances that they come into contact with. The most common allergens for allergic contact dermatitis are certain metals, rubber materials, cosmetic ingredients, certain plants and other substances. Allergic rashes caused by contact dermatitis can be very itchy and can also appear swollen and irritated. Clothes and some accessories can be the sources of these kinds of allergic rashes.

Antihistamines and some topical creams can have a positive effect to these kinds of allergic rashes. Avoiding the substances and elements that causes the allergic rashes can help reduce the risk of the rash presenting.

Eczema

Eczema is another form of the allergic rashes that occur when allergens are present in the atmosphere. This is a common occurrence for those individuals with atopic dermatitis. These kinds of allergic rashes often occur in creases of the skin for older children and some adults while in infants and younger children, these occur in the face and eyes.

Treating eczema can be as simple as not scratching the areas where the allergic rashes occur. Antihistamine works well with eczema while applying common moisturizers can also help alleviate the itchiness and redness.

Allergic rashes are not life threatening so there is no need to panic when they occur. You may need to consult a medical practitioner to be better able to diagnose what caused them.

Allergic Rash

How Do You Know You Are Suffering From An Allergic Rash

Every health problem has its own specific characteristics which help in diagnosing it. An allergic rash is in this manner, the indication of a skin allergy. Other symptoms of skin allergy are itchiness, cracked and painful skin, and inflammation. The itchiness usually causes the rash to become more intense since every time you scratch it, it gets aggravated further.

How To Fight An Allergic Rash?

The first thing to do is find out what are you allergic to and remove the trigger from your environment. In case you are unable to find out what causes the rash, you could treat it symptomatically taking extra care about each and every thing that you are coming in contact with. Possible causes would be your detergent, hand or face cream, powder, insect bites or stings, etc and you need to be watchful so you could find out what could be the actual allergen in your case.

You could consult a doctor who would in turn put you through a set of skin tests which would point towards if not determine what exactly causes your problem. As soon as you would find out what causes your allergic rash you should remove the allergen from your surrounding as this would ensure that the allergic rash would disappear.

In case you cannot identify what causes your allergy you could follow a few general rules that would alleviate your suffering. Keep your skin well moisturized – in case you cannot use cosmetics for fear of reaction, you could install a humidifier in your home which would prevent your skin from drying. Use only soap free cleansers for washing and wear protective gloves when doing housework especially when you wash clothes or dishes.

Until you find out what causes your allergic rash stay away from all types of cosmetics, deodorants, sprays, and even new clothes. Wash all your bedding in hot water and what cannot be washed should be well aired in the sun. You also need to keep away from wool, silver jewelry (and sometimes even gold), real or synthetic fur, and so on.

The treatment of the allergic rash would vary from person to person; however, the use of hydrocortisone cream has been found beneficial in the majority of skin allergies, which fortunately can be bought over the counter. You will find that this cream can control itchiness to a very large extent, which would give you time to heal and identify your possible allergen.

There are other products you could use, but the best would be to consult a doctor if you find that the skin problem stays for more than four weeks in spite of all your best efforts to control it. In such a case, it might the symptom of some other problem.

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Understanding About Allergic Conjunctivitis: Causes and Treatment

There are a few different eye allergies and allergic conjunctivitis is one of the most common by far. This is one of the most common but also one of the most treatable eye conditions, both in children and in adults. There are many different factors that can cause allergic conjunctivitis, including viruses, bacteria, irritating substances, and sexually transmitted diseases.

Treatment

There are a few different options when it comes to the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis. One is topical decongestants, which are medicines that help to reduce redness in the eyes by constricting small blood vessels in the eye. As a result the eyes look less pink and are less irritated in general. These are not recommended for long term use however and typically doctors will only suggest that the patient use them for a couple of weeks at the very most.

There are also many topical antihistamines that are available for treatment of allergic conjunctivitis which also help to reduce redness in the eyes but as well swelling and itching. There are topical steroids which are often recommended and which must be used with careful consideration because otherwise they can be potentially dangerous.

The specific treatment plan for allergic conjunctivitis that is going to work best will have to be determined by a medical professional. They will take the person’s personal characteristics into consideration as well as a number of other factors including how severe the condition is and how long they have been dealing with it for. All of these issues are going to play an important role not only in the matter of the doctor deciding on the appropriate treatment but also on how to prevent them from getting it again in the future.

There are many other eye allergies that one can develop as well and of course prevention is always the best method and there are certain things that a person can do in order to prevent themselves from getting any of these conditions as best they can. This includes washing their hands frequently especially after meals and going to the bathroom, avoiding shaking hands as much as possible, and not using anyone else’s cosmetics and other personal items.

Just as one would to prevent a cold, it is important to stay guarded against bacteria and disease because this is how the conjunctivitis, allergic or not, begins. Ask a doctor for more information on this and advice on how to best deal with conjunctivitis if it has already developed.