Category: Allergies

Child Allergies – Understanding & Dealing With Allergies in Your Children

24 October, 2009 (07:05) | Allergies | By: Health news

Studies have shown that more than 1 in 5 children suffer from allergies and you child might just be one as well. It’s important to understand child allergies and to be aware of the triggering factors within your child.

Allergies are designed to protect us but sometimes our immune systems might take it a little too far and over-react to certain air-borne pollutants and food. When it occurs in young children, especially babies, they can be quite miserable indeed. The symptoms can be anywhere from a simple runny nose, to itchy eyes, stomach aches, rashes and eczema.

With child allergies becoming more and more common these days, we need to learn how to deal with it as part of live. Recent statistics are showing that the number of child allergies are on the rise and “Anaphylaxis“, a severe allergic reaction that occurs where the blood pressure drops and breathing becomes quite difficult is increasing as well.

While small children can be allergic to many things, food is by far the most common factor.  Foods such as eggs, nuts, soy, wheat and dairy are normally responsible for allergic reaction, especially when ingested for the first time by the child.

The most common signs that your child is allergic to a certain type of food might be the break of our a rash, hives or eczema. Stomach upsets and vomiting is not uncommon either. These symptoms are considered mild and for other more serious reactions like breathing difficulties, call an ambulance right away – do not risk your child’s life by thinking that the reaction might subside soon.

Usually it is quite difficult to tell if your child’s reaction to a certain food will change as they grow older, but as seen in most cases, if the allergic reaction is mild it will generally remain that way. Overall, most children do outgrow these food allergies by the time they start attending school.  However, there are certain allergies like nuts, that people normally never outgrow and become life-long sufferers.

Other allergens such as grass, pet hair, mold and dust mites might cause allergies in children as well. The most common symptoms are runny noses, sneezing and itchy red eyes. Child allergies can also spawn from bee stings or insect bites which can result in a mild rash to the more severe breathing difficulties. Do consult your doctor with regards to what to do should these events occur.

In conclusion, although it is not possible to actually prevent allergies in your children, you can help them by educating them on what the allergic triggers are, so that they know how to avoid allergens when possible.

Allergies – 5 Steps to Ridding Yourself of Sinusitis

22 October, 2009 (07:36) | Allergies | By: admin

For those of us who love the outdoors, it can be really depressing to have allergies. Stuffed up head, runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, headache, plugged ears etc. Sounds awful right? Well guess what, for those of us who have suffered through this year after year, it is awful. Worst of all, mine started lingering into the fall and winter. These use to be my relief months. So here is the solution I found.

  • Brainstorm.

Ask yourself – How would it feel to have this go away? Completely! Is it worth taking the time to do these steps?

  • Write down your answer.

I mean it. Write down how things would be for you if you didn’t have to put up with allergies. Just go ahead and jot them down!

  • Start.

As soon as you finish reading this or as soon after that as possible, get started. I was 80 to 90 % allergy free in about 5 hours! And, it’s mid October and I have not had a symptom since.

  • Plan to stick with it.

Keep it up until you are free of the allergies or sinusitis. And keep hydrated. Then continue as long as you want. If symptoms come back get back on the program. I went off the program and still am symptom free after 2 months.

  • Get leverage.

The best leverage you have on this program is it’s cost. It consists of sea salt and water, so whatever that costs you is what you pay. Get the unprocessed sea salt at your local health food store or order it on line.

Here’s the program:

Whatever you weigh, say if it is 200 pounds, you drink 100 ounces of water a day. For every 16 ounces of water you take one eighth of a teaspoon of unprocessed sea salt. Just put it on your tongue and wash it down with the water. Spread the water out over a 10 or 12 hour period. Now when I did it, I had about 3 bottles of water and the salt over about 4 hours and my symptoms reduced by 80 to 90%. You can do your own research on the net, but it is simple and it worked fantastic for me. I had such relief after being so sick with sinusitis.

Well good luck and breath free.

What You Can Do When Allergy Season Hits

20 October, 2009 (16:27) | Allergies | By: admin

Many different people who have allergy problems have difficulty dealing with their powerful symptoms that have them sneezing, coughing, and congested, sometimes all year long. This article will give you the information to enable you to take care of whatever symptoms you have when allergy season hits hard. You don’t have to live with all of these frustrating and sometimes debilitating symptoms that keep you from enjoying life inside and outside of your home.

The first option you have regarding allergy treatment is anti-histamines. These are medications that are both over-the-counter and prescribed by a doctor. You can find most of these at your local drug store or grocery store, and they are fairly inexpensive, depending on which brand you get. Many of these have symptoms like marked drowsiness, so pay attention to what the label says before you decide on one specific kind.

To get your allergies under control when the season hits, you can also choose to get shots which are administered by a nurse at an allergist. These types of vaccines shots have been proven to get results in people who are allergic to a variety of things, from cats to pollen and dander. If you are interested in this method, then you will want to gather as much information as possible on it to avoid any possible negative side-effects.

Getting an air purifier to put in your home is another good idea. Most people are not aware of the amount of allergens and dust that is in their home. If you find that you are constantly sneezing and getting congested in the comfort of your own home, you may need to buy one of these devices to help filter the air so you can breathe a little easier when trying to relax at home.

Cold And Allergy – Build Your Immune System?

15 October, 2009 (03:41) | Allergies | By: admin

Cough, congestion, running nose, headache and phlegm accumulation is common in winter seasons. Some people suffer from these symptoms even during off winter season. Such symptoms may have been a result of some allergy caused by different viruses in the air. It is these virus which attacks the immune system leading to cold allergies.

Best advice from the doctors would be to build your immune system strong.

Keep those bad viruses at bay. This will not only keep you fit but also help you avoid unnecessary use of medications, such as antibiotics, decongestant and any unnecessary contact with hospitals and medical facilities.

Common symptoms that people experience during winter seasons:

  • Sneezing which is contagious
  • Cough which is contagious
  • Congestion
  • Headache
  • Running nose – may be clear, green, yellow or white

Herbal tea such as green tea is popularly used in China and among other western countries. It is not only good for your skin but also improves immunity and keeps allergies away from your life.

Similarly inner bark of the purple lapacho tree, P’au D’Arco tea have properties which are anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal thus help fight infection and allergy causing bacteria.

Consumption of a gooseberry every day or tulsi leaf (Holy Basil Supplements) has proved to boost your immune system. Tulsi is also helpful for skin burns and improves memory if it is eaten on a daily basis. It has been a main ingredient in ayurvedic medicine and has been in the top ranked medicinal herb list.

Eating a Camphor every month, can also help build your immune system. Camphor can be consumed along with a plantain or can be swallowed directly. Your body releases chemicals known as histamine, just as it does when fighting a cold. This can cause swelling in your nasal passages, a runny nose, coughing and sneezing. When your immune system is exposed to an allergen for the first time, you may not always have a reaction. Soon after that initial exposure, your body may begin to produce histamines when you face the allergen again. These histamines are what cause the symptoms of allergies.  If you build your immune system you can fight against all these problems.

Prevent substance to which you are allergic to known as allergens

  • Dust mites
  • Pollen
  • Cockroaches
  • Mold
  • Animal dander

In addition to the herbs, drinking purified water and washing your hands before eating anything is mandatory to keep your self away from bacterial infection. Develop good habits and see how things work out for you.

Unlock the Secret – How to Discover If You Suffer From a Yeast Allergy

14 October, 2009 (03:58) | Allergies | By: admin

Many food allergies can cause a reaction within minutes of consuming or inhaling in the allergen. Other food allergies can take up to several hours to show up and a yeast allergy is no different as people can react in different ways within different time frames. Most mild to moderate reactions last less than 24 hours and can involve a simple rash of the skin, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, runny nose, watery eyes, wheezing and coughing. Many of these can be symptoms for all different types of allergic reactions and therefore it is important to determine exactly what you are allergic to. A person is able to determine if they are allergic to yeast by having a scratch test done.

The process involves putting a sample of the allergen on the skin and scratching it and then there is a waiting period to see if there is any type of reaction.

Another method to test for an allergy to yeast is to have the person avoid anything containing yeast for several weeks. This method can prove to be very difficult because yeast protein is often hidden in other foods. Following the two week period, a Dr. will then have you eat only yeast under close supervision. If symptoms appear after the period of abstinence, it is a safe bet that you are allergic to yeast and will need to avoid anything that has contains yeast on the ingredients label, as well as anything that is made in a facility that also processes yeast items.

William G Cook M.D. 1983 published a book called The Yeast Connection. In his book he claims that by using antibiotics to eliminate germs in humans would also kill needed germs which help to maintain homeostasis. Yeast produces toxins that weaken the immune system. Diets rich in carbohydrates and yeasts, birth control pills, cortisone, and other drugs can stimulate yeast growth. He believes that to correct the problem, he prescribed allergenic extracts, anti-fungal drugs, vitamins and mineral supplements, and diets that avoid refined carbohydrates, processed foods, and fruits and milk.

If you are allergic to yeast then you need to be sure to avoid bread and other baked goods, drinking ale, beer, red or white wine, sherry, and vermouth. All alcoholic beverages will contain yeast to some extent. If you have an allergy to yeast, then alcohol is also off limits. It is also important to remember that reaction can vary and become either worse or better overtime.

It is important to discuss with your Dr. any concerns you have about an allergic reaction to yeast.

How to Eliminate Gluten Allergy Symptoms

13 October, 2009 (04:11) | Allergies | By: admin

Gluten allergy symptoms can be harmless and immediate or serious but take months or even years to manifest themselves. Either way, if you’re experiencing gluten intolerance symptoms, don’t take them lightly. The consequences can be dire. Here’s what gluten reactions to watch for and how to eliminate them.

When gluten allergy symptoms occur right after consuming food with gluten, you’re probably experiencing a wheat allergy rather than a gluten intolerance (though this isn’t always the case). Immediate reactions are usually histamine responses like hives that can be addressed with traditional antihistamines like you would take for hay fever.

The more dangerous gluten allergy symptoms, however, often don’t manifest themselves for a long team. This is because gluten triggers your body to create antibodies which wear down your intestinal tract. Over time, you can become malnourished even if you’re eating tons of healthy food.

The only way to stop these gluten allergy symptoms is to eliminate gluten from your diet completely. This doesn’t just mean you have to stop eating bread. It means you have to watch for any trace of gluten or gluten-derived food in your diet. It can be a challenge but it is absolutely vital for your well-being.

Once you’ve begun eliminating gluten from your diet, there are some other things you can do to help eliminate those gluten allergy symptoms. You can take supplements which help to heal and restore your digestive track. I suggest fiber and flax oil for digestive functioning, probiotics to improve your intestinal flora, enzymes to help you break down and absorb the nutrients in your meals and last but not least, vitamin D. Often times, vitamin D deficiency is one of the first health problems you’ll suffer when you’re gluten intolerant.

By eliminating gluten and encouraging greater health and vitality along your digestive track, you’ll be well on your way to eliminating gluten allergy symptoms from your life.

Puffy, Itchy Allergy Eyes

11 October, 2009 (01:44) | Allergies | By: admin

Seasonal allergies are a constant companion for many individuals and represent a major health factor for millions of Americans. Symptoms include sneezing, coughing, red itchy eyes, sore throat and even dark circles under the eyes.

Hay fever is often caused by pollens which are at the highest counts in higher heats, humidity and carbon dioxide concentration. Ragweed is the most common allergen in the fall which causes our immune system to release histamines and other inflammatory mediators. The spring is dominated by tree contributions, followed by flowers, weeds and molds. These all cause the same immune system response. In the United States about 75% of allergy sufferers are to ragweed and 10% are to trees.

Since we can not cure allergies, we must change our environment to best deal with them. When the outdoor allergens are high, try and stay indoors keeping the humidity below 50%. Change the filters on the air conditioners at least once a month and wear a mask outside when working in the garden. Be sure to wash hands immediately after out door activities, shower and change clothes often.

Contact lens wearers should consider reducing their wear during high allergen times and while working out doors. If contacts are worn then rub and rinse them frequently and use hydrogen peroxide systems like AOSept or OXYSept.

Medications can also be very helpful. Eye allergy drops like Patanol or Pataday are great at relieving the symptoms, and severe allergy suffers can benefit from mild topical steroid drops as well such as Lotemax or FML. Systemic antihistamines that can be purchased over the counter are useful as well, Claritin, Allegra, Benadryl etc.

Always inform your health care provider and eye doctor of all the medications that you are taking even the OTCs. They can interact with prescriptions that may be detrimental, or antagonize conditions such as glaucoma.

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