News and Articles on Health. Medical research topics.

Spring allergies are due to the pollen coming out from trees during the pollinating season, usually from January to April, which is springtime. Most of the trees that bring spring allergies include olive, elm, hickory, birch, oak, poplar, maple, walnut, and cypress. These pollens can be carried by the wind to a distant area and the density is highest between 5AM to 10AM. Spring allergy cures could not be done instantly, but there are certain ways to avoid getting them or to boost resistance against them.

Spring allergy symptoms like runny nose and itchy eyes are actually the result of the battle between the antibodies (body’s protection against unwanted organisms) and allergens (the main component that triggers different forms of allergies). When the pollen infiltrates the body by mixing with the air we breathe, the immune system mistakenly sees it as a form of bacteria or virus, thus releasing the antibodies. The situation leads to the release of histamines into the blood, triggering different symptoms of allergies, and thus how spring allergies are developed.

Spring allergies can sometimes lead to asthma, a condition in which the air passages narrow, leading to shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing. It is a good thing there are precautions that can be done to prevent or relieve the symptoms of spring allergies.

Always keep the doors and windows of the home closed especially during the period when the density of pollens in the air is at peak (5AM to 10AM). Using air conditioning system to keep outdoor air from entering is one thing to do to avoid getting spring allergies.
Limit outdoor activities during springtime especially early in the morning. This is the time when the probability of being affected with spring allergies is the greatest. Moving the scheduled task from the morning to the afternoon would be a great solution.
Make it a habit to keep the windows of the car up when travelling. You may not want to let the dust, mold, and pollens to enter, since they are the primary cause of spring allergies.
In the event that you are unable to avoid getting spring allergies, using over-the-counter antihistamines is the best choice of getting instant relief. These drugs are effective spring allergy cures of a scratchy throat, runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing. In choosing antihistamines, go for the ones that don’t cause drowsiness. Older generation antihistamines are known to have side effects that cause sleepiness, therefore more recent formulations are recommended.

A recent Angus Reid national survey commissioned by the peanut bureau reveals there is a lot of confusion about the prevalence and causes of severe allergies. They are new allergen free products on store shelves, differences in government policies and bans on certain foods in schools and public areas. Researchers say there is a definite need for public education.

It is important for people to understand food allergies so that they can respond appropriately. The only way that you can manage food allergies is to correctly identify the food responsible and to avoid it. An allergy is a very specific response to the immune system and there can be many causes for adverse reactions to foods. Just because the food does not agree with you, does not mean you are allergic to it.

There is a lot of confusion about the number of people who suffer from food allergies. Research shows that two percent of the adult population have been diagnosed with the problem. There are nine main food allergens these are peanuts, milk, tree nuts, sesame seeds, soy, wheat, eggs, fish and sulphates which are preservatives.

You can not take the possibility of a reaction to these foods lightly. However over reaction, false assumptions and self diagnosis can lead to problems. It is important for the person who is allergic to understand the causes and management of their allergy.

Individuals living with a food allergy need to read and understand food labels and to know where their allergen maybe found. If you are living with or think you have one you should seek the advice of a qualified allergist.

There are hundreds of thousands of people in the world, which suffer from allergies. Common allergies are pollen, dust mites, mold, and pet dander. However, there are many proven ways to reduce an allergic reaction to these allergies. Let us look at pollen first. During allergy season, many people keep their windows closed.

The pollen from flowers outside can fly in the window and land on clothes and in a person’s hair. Pollen causes a person to sneeze, if they are allergic to pollen. One way to prevent pollen from entering your home, during the allergy season is to always keep your windows closed and use your air conditioner if it gets hot in your house.

Your air condition has a filter inside it that will in fact purify the air before blowing it out into your home. However, if you are still sneezing you may need to check your air conditioners filter because it may be dirty.

Dust mites lay eggs in high pile carpet, therefore, in order to get rid of the dust mites. You could vacuum your carpets weekly. On the other hand, you could simply replace your carpets with low pile carpet, and that will help to reduce dust mites as well.

In addition, dust mites can take over an entire bedroom and the only way to get rid of the dust mites in the bedroom. Would be to wash pillowcases, sheets and blankets in hot water, which is 130 degrees F. On the other hand, you could simply vacuum the mattresses down weekly. Using this method will greatly reduce an allergic reaction to dust mites.

Dust is one of the main causes of an allergic reaction of any kind, dust accumulates all over your house and there is only one simply way to get rid of dust particles in your home. You must dust your home on weekly bases in order to reduce the dust accumulation. Moreover, if there is any mold in your bathroom or kitchen, then that needs to be, removed with baking soda if the mold is on hard surfaces. Many homeowners use scrubbing bubbles on their counter tops, and toilets.

In addition, wipe down shower curtains with towels, then wash all used towels and mop bathroom floors weekly. Moreover, if you leave leftovers in the refrigerator be, sure to check them periodically for any type of mold. Therefore, if you notice mold forming on any food products of any kind, they need to be, thrown away immediately.

Allergies cause various disorders including eczema, asthma, psoriasis, hay fever and many other common disorders. You can identify your allergy symptoms quickly, if you can find the allergens you’re allergic to. Way of living really banks on how faster you are able to diagnose, since the faster you diagnose the sooner you take action to remove the foreign invaders.

Here are a couple of tactics to cut back and treat your common allergies:

The real key to treating allergies is identifying the allergen and that it’s an allergy and not sensitivity or other common reasons. Once identified it’s an allergy seeking medical help to cure and prevent the same in future is very important. Leaving an allergic condition untreated could be fatal at times. Proper care and prevention are the keys to a healthy and allergy free life.

Allergies are nothing more than our immune system kicking into high gear. It is one of our body’s methods for fighting against incoming “foreign” offenders. So when one of the allergens hit, our defense mechanisms reacts to take care of it. Allergy might be brought on by several types of irritants which range from pollen to dust. Only a few commonly cause allergic symptoms.

For example, consider pollen. A natural substance produced by budding plants, flowers and trees. For some it appears to be a heart-warming sight, on the other hand for others it causes unwelcome symptoms, which include:

1. Redness, Itching or Watery eyes
2. Sneezing
3. Persistent Running Nose
4. Sinus Congestion
5. Respiratory problems including Asthma or Wheezing
6. Coughing
7. Hives
8. Hay fever
9. Nausea, or Vomiting

At times allergies causes life-threatening anaphylactic reaction.

Anaphylaxis: It is the most severe reaction, a person can have when exposed to substances they are allergic to. A typical anaphylaxis response is so serious, that it even may result in death. If you are unaware of it, you might be putting your life under risk! It’s better to learn what anaphylaxis is and how to address it.

Anaphylaxis -Tough word, tough symptoms. It is a severe reaction to a common allergen.

This reaction may go along with throat constriction, swelling, and an inability to swallow or breathe and shock.
Normally it affects only a small percentage of the population that is consistently re-exposed to allergens. They are highly sensitive. Some other symptoms may include heart palpitations, low blood pressure and fluid in the lungs.

Some allergens are more likely to produce this type of reaction than others, including:It is one of the most severe reaction, a person can have when exposed to substances they’re allergic to. A typical anaphylaxis response is so serious, that it even may lead to death. If you’re unaware of it, you might be putting yourself under risk! It’s better to understand what anaphylaxis is and how to handle it.

Some allergens are more likely to produce this reaction than others, including:

1. Stings or bites from insects.
   Consumption of certain foods, including shellfish or peanuts.
   Use of medications including antibiotics or sulfa drugs in some patients.
   Exposure to latex, and
   Specific vaccines, which includes those that contain egg proteins.

Unless and until you’re taking a substance, (like a medication) you cannot realize that you’re hypersensitive to it. But the good thing is that, if you might take proper treatment and care, the symptoms of anaphylactic reaction could be reversed.

Many hospitals offer patients epinephrine and other medications, that will reduce inflammation. Knowing you’re super sensitive to a particular allergen, your physician may prescribe an “at-home” care kit which might include a pre-loaded dose of epinephrineyou can use in the event you are subjected to a known allergen and initiate an anti-anaphylactic reaction.
Using this home kit will stabilize you long enough to seek emergency care. Knowing you’re prone to having this severe reaction, you should wear a medical alert bracelet or inform those you deal with of your condition, to take proper precautions to shield yourself.

In case you use a home kit, you should still seek the care of your physician immediately following exposure, as symptoms often return even with treatment a few hours after your initial reaction.

Allergies affect the health and well-being of millions of people worldwide on a daily basis. While allergy symptoms are generally worse during the fall and spring seasons, people with severe allergies may suffer year around.

We will discuss 10 primary causes of allergies in the home and methods you can use right now to control them or even eliminate them. Your indoor home environment is the one place you have control over and with the proper knowledge, a home can be your haven.

1. Animal dander. Many people have at least one family pet of some sort. However, dogs or cats can create havoc for allergy sufferers. Dogs and cats can shed skin flakes just like humans but their skin flakes actually have an oily component to it thus making it dander. In most cases, a person with a dander allergy is sensitive to the protein of the dander and can have upper respiratory symptoms when they breathe it in or even skin rashes when exposed to it.
2. Bacteria. Bacteria is everywhere in the indoor and outdoor environment but it is bacteria particles indoors which can causes a host of upper respiratory symptoms in a person with chronic allergies. The primary breeding ground for bacteria particles is a vacuum cleaner bag. Thousands of new bacteria particles can grow everyday in a vacuum cleaner bag. A standard vacuum with a low efficient paper bag will actually circulate these new bacteria particles into the air each time the vacuum is used.
3. Dust mites. Dust mites are most definitely in the top 3 of all allergens found in the home and are also a common cause of asthma symptoms in the home. They feed on human skin flakes as well as animal dander and produce microscopic fecal matter wherever they exist. Just as animal dander, an allergy sufferer is allergic to the protein found in the fecal matter and not the dust mites themselves.
4. Foods. It is believed that most people on earth have at least one food that they are allergic to. There are literally hundreds of foods which are known to cause allergic symptoms. Food allergies are known to change and will usually get better as we age. However, persons with severe chronic allergies can have them their entire lives.
5. Fragrances. Fragrances from pesticides and perfumes are the most common of these type of allergens. A fragrance is one of the few allergens which can actually create a reaction from just the odor itself.
6. Insect stings and dead insect parts. While most people know someone who is allergic to an insect sting; most persons do not know that breathing in dead insect parts may also cause allergic symptoms. If an insect dies indoors, it will dry out and turn to particle matter in a few weeks time. These insect particles can become airborne and breathed in by an allergy sufferer. Just as other organic allergens, the protein found in the particles is what actually causes allergy reactions.
7. Latex. Latex is a natural substance made from a type of rubber tree. A latex allergy is normally found in the healthcare workplace but can be found in the home with the use of latex based kitchen gloves. Eliminating a latex allergy is as simple as disposing of all latex based products found in the home.
8. Medications. Medication allergies are normally a synergistic effect between other pharmaceutical or over-the-counter drugs. A physicians desk reference or drug manufacturer instructions should be read completely prior to taking any medications. Sometimes interactions are found out following the printing of such instructions and manufacturer web sites should be consulted on a regular basis for new interactions.
9. Molds. We have all been exposed to common molds from childhood since they are found throughout the outdoor environment. They become a problem for allergy sufferers when they invade the indoor environment and amplify on a breeding ground. Common indoor breeding grounds are air conditioning coil boxes, internally insulated supply air plenums and refrigerator drip pans.
10. Pollen. Pollen are believed to be the number one allergen in the world and is the primary cause of seasonal allergies. Some pollens can create indoor allergies when they dry out into small particles and become airborne.

You can eliminate about half of the allergens discussed above by just discontinuing their use however; allergens which are in the form of airborne particles are not so easily controlled. A true H.E.P.A. (High Efficient Particle Air) vacuum cleaner or air purifier is the only scientifically proven devices known to reduce particle allergens from the indoor air. Regular use of H.E.P.A. devices can make a dramatic improvement in allergies while at home. The H.E.P.A. filter maintains its efficiency up to five years of life. I highly recommend that you consider only the highest quality units since there are many H.E.P.A. “type” and inexpensive low-quality H.E.P.A. products on the market.

The life of an asthmatic can come with a great deal of baggage, especially in the case of childhood asthma, which is usually the most difficult stage. This “baggage” can take the form of allergies, or what looks like a permanent rash on ones face and arms. This could also include a dry cough or asthma cough and exercise induced asthma. One might also develop odd breathing habits. For example, people who have asthma often raise their shoulders when they inhale deeply, especially after sports or other physical exertion. It is actually better for them to learn to breathe without this additional movement, even though doing so seems to make breathing even more difficult.

Asthma attacks can be triggered by allergens, heat or sudden changes in environmental temperature. You should understand which type of asthma you have, so you can make a fully informed decision about whether you want to live your life always avoiding these triggers. Still, such a decision might be impractical or oppressive for some asthmatics, so the best way is to prepare yourself for what will happen to your body when you are exposed to these triggers.

The triggers and symptoms of an asthma attack often appear to be outside the sufferer’s control. However, there are some things that you, if you are an asthmatic, can do on your own to better your situation.

• You might start to gradually increase your daily exercise, to get your body accustomed to more exertion.
• You can also coach yourself to breathe better, even if your “new” habits seem to make you even more short of breath than you were before.

It might be tempting to use medicines, instead of going to the trouble of changing your fundamental habits. Asthma inhalers are made for frequent use, but some contain steroids or chemicals with similar side effects, which may have a significant and unwanted impact on the bodys functions if used too often. If you do not have to use your inhaler too much, you can avoid side effects such as weight gain or “moon face.” Besides being rather unflattering, this weight gain might actually make physical exertion more difficult, and therefore aggravate your condition, especially if you have the variety known as exercise induced asthma. Doctors recognize this, which is why techniques like the Butekyo Method or “breathing gymnastics” were developed.

Oxygen deprivation is the primary threat in an asthma attack. Asthmatics tend to develop dark circles under their eyes during and shortly after an attack. This does not mean they are sleep-deprived: it means they are oxygen-deprived. The change in skin tone means that the blood in that area of the body has become less oxygen-rich, and therefore more bluish. Asthma attacks can last for a few minutes, or may land a person in the hospital for weeks, since some cases are much graver than others. There are other symptoms, besides difficulty breathing. Some asthmatics end up with a wheezing or barking cough, even though their airways are mostly clear. Not only is this cough painful, but it can also irritate air passages, inflaming them and making breathing even harder. Proper breathing can maximize oxygen intake in each inhale, and also get rid of excess carbon dioxide more effectively. If you have asthma, you can do more than keep puffing on your inhaler, or wait until you grow out of it. You can find ways of breathing better, so you can keep your bronchioles in good shape, and live a more active life.

Aside from the usual viruses and infections common during this time of the year, the inhospitable climate and other factors can turn your nose into a lump of coal. Over the counter medications can help treat the symptoms and ease general discomfort caused by winter sinus problems. None of them will provide long term relief and many may actually cause more problems with extended use. Bottom line, use of these medications may or may not be any more effective than a few tried and true natural remedies safely used by millions every year.

By far the biggest culprit behind chronic winter sinus pain is the climate. The dry air outside in colder climates is nothing compared to the super dry air we encounter inside buildings with central heating systems. The longer a building remains closed with the heating system running, the dryer the air becomes. It is not uncommon for a buildings humidity levels in the winter to be 30% lower than they are during the remainder of the year.

Restoring the humidity in your home to more comfortable levels can be achieved in a variety of ways.

• One of the oldest and most effective methods is to simply boil a pot of water.

Regardless of the size of your home, boiling a pot of water every day can greatly increase humidity levels. An added benefit to this practice is the reduction of static electricity in the air unless you like being zapped every time you touch a door knob.

• Another natural method is the use of a humidifier.

If you’re already encountering sinus problems before going to sleep, you’ll usually wake up to find them much worse. While you sleep your sinuses continue to dry out from the super dry air and mucus becomes hard and in some cases painful and difficult to remove. Using a humidifier in your bedroom will prevent mucus from thickening while you sleep and will provide the soothing moisture your sinuses need to operate properly. Always be sure your humidifier is clean to prevent spreading mold into the air.

• The use of nasal sprays for some carries a certain stigma.

Honestly, sticking something into your nose and snorting is never going to be attractive no matter who you are. With that said, few things can provide immediate sinus relief like saline spray. So be discreet, but don’t write it off simply because it’s not as glamorous as taking a pill. Also keep in mind that there are medicated nasal sprays. Never confuse these as medicated sprays are not be used in the same fashion and can have significant side effects if used improperly.

• A final natural solution is the use of moisturizing gels.

These do not contain any medicines, but often have ingredients that may lead people to believe they do because of the smell and sensation they produce. A common ingredient is camphor, which many associate as a medicine smell. Camphor will produce a warm and tingly sensation inside the nose that will travel into the remainder of the sinuses. The benefit of gels is that their moisturizing properties tend to last longer than saline spray. This can be especially useful at night if you’re unable to utilize a humidifier.

Are there benefits to using natural remedies for your sinus problems versus just using over the counter medications? Absolutely and the first thing you’ll notice is the money you save. Second, all of these natural methods can be used be used by children or adults plus people currently taking other medications or undergoing medical treatment. Even if your sinus problems are viral, not environmental, these practices will still provide sinus relief without adding more chemicals to your ailing body.

There a lot of insect fighting chemicals on the market with the same basic ingredients. All they do is change the variation a little to allow a different brand name. Let’s look at it from a different perspective, an example would be Ibuprofen. There are many different versions and strengths of Ibuprofen, but it all boils down to the same basic ingredient. There are watered down versions of Ibuprofen which are a waste of money for the consumer also.

There are lots of opinions about the use of natural insecticides. I have used commercial pest control baits in my house for years and they worked sometimes but not all the time. I use boric acid and it works most of the time. It takes longer but the results are consistent with ants. There are many different circumstances that a baiting system is the best or boric acid is the best. Some key ideas are:

1. How advanced is the insect infestation in your home?
2. Are you allergic to pesticides?
3. Can it harm your your plants?
4. Is it safe to use around your pets?
5. How easy is it get?
6. Is it a multi-use product for different insects.
7. How much is it going to cost you.
8. How effective is in in controlling pests.
9. Do you realize that natural pest control takes longer but is safer than most commercial products.
10. Will the product affect certain surfaces such as tile or wood.

If you are going to use natural insecticides, you’ll need to understand the safe and effective way to use them. You should know what works for each type of pest you are trying to control. Mixing is bad especially with the wrong combinations of natural products, it can cause an allergic reaction in certain individuals. Garlic is a prime example, some people are allergic to it and others are not. Garlic is used to keep insects off of plants. Used indoors can be bad for someone with an allergy to garlic. People with Asthma and Allergies need to be careful with any form of pest control: natural or chemical.

Boric Acid is another example of a product which needs to be used right. Boric acid is a white crystalline weak acid that contains boron. Boron is a mineral substance, and minerals are of the earth. If you get boron too close to plants or grass, it will kill them. I use boric acid to control weeds between the cracks in the driveway and my pavers. Works great at keeping the weeds out and not using a toxic chemicals to do the same thing. It’s not always less harmful as the Green People would have you believe. By the way, Boron is toxic to people in high doses. Do not recommend you breathe the dust either. So, either way, always follow the manufacturers label for proper use.

In conclusion, natural pesticides have increased in sales in the last decade. If you are using the products, use them safely and do not mix them together. These products have always been around, but people had to learn about their benefits concerning their use and effectiveness. If you do not have patience, this is not the way to go for you, natural pest control takes the time to work. If you think about it, you will not know if you will like them until you try them out today.

Food allergies are a sign all is not well with your health. Don’t just look at ways to relieve the problem. Look at why you have the problem in the first place.

Food allergies, like other allergies and maladies, are a sign your immune system is compromised. This can come about because you are doing things that prevent your body’s natural ability from dealing with health problems as they arise.

A healthy person’s immune system will be gently in action all the time, unbeknown to you.

But a seriously compromised immune system will show up as permanent health problems, such as allergies.

Here are some of the reasons for a compromised immune system and how you may be ensuring your food allergies remain. Knowing the reasons can go a long way to showing you how to resolve the problem.

• Eating fast, junk and processed food is a great way to compromise your immune system.
• Vaccines and medication all lower your immune system.
• Lack of sun may destroy you immunity.
• Allowing stresses of work, home and relationships to build up unresolved is the best way to knock your health.
• If you don’t get your optimum amount of rest and sleep, you can be sure you will never be healthy.
• By not taking regular exercise, especially gentle exercise outside in nature, the nails will be piling into your coffin of self destruction.

Many people feel that they just have to put up with health problems, that it is just part of them.

They are so wrong!

There is a cure for everything. A natural cure for everything. But you need to take control of your health to achieve it. It’s no good giving your health care to someone else. No one cares about your health as much as you do. No-one knows as much about you as you do.

So it’s logical to assume, that no-one can help you as much as you can.

Start today, make some changes that suit you, that are realistic and that feel right for where you are right now. Then make gradual changes every day, every week or every month, whatever suits you. But make them consistently. And, in no time, your food allergies will either disappear or be so mild as to not worry you.

The first step your doctor will probably take when allergies are suspected is send you off for a skin or blood test. Medical allergy tests include the skin prick test, patch test or blood tests like the RAST blood test.

Let’s have a closer look at these tests.

A skin prick test involves putting drops of a variety of suspected allergens (for example pollen, dust mites, pet hair, mould, foods) using a pin-prick, usually on the forearm. Sensitivity to a particular allergen will show itself with an itchy, red, raised wheal. Skin prick tests are a way of checking sensitivity to inhaled allergens such as pollen or dust mite, but are not so effective at detecting sensitivity to foods. This test is uncomfortable and only a limited number of allergens can be tested at one time.

Patch testing is a way of identifying whether a substance that comes in contact with the skin is causing inflammation of the skin. With the patch test you need to leave the patch (usually placed on your arm) on for about 24 hours. This patch contains a suspected allergen and again a local reaction of the skin needs to occur for a positive result.

Blood tests will look for elevated antibodies also known as Immunoglobulin (Ig’s), which is a type of protein. Those immunoglobulins are the weapons of the immune system to identify and destroy invading antigen and other foreign objects. There are 5 different types of Ig’s and each one has a specific job to do. Blood allergy tests look for particular Ig’s.

In autoimmune conditions this protective system is malfunctioning as it is mistaking its own tissue as the enemy.

Blood tests for allergen specific IgE antibodies RAST (radioallergosorbent) test determine sensitivity to suspected allergens. Whereas the skin prick test result is available immediately, RAST results are often not available for a few days and may be more expensive than skin testing. However, RAST testing is a useful alternative when skin prick testing is not possible, as in a bad case of a skin condition or if a reaction is not advisable. The Wikipedia Encyclopedia states that a more superior test has been developed in 1989 called CAP FEIA (fluorenzymeimmunoassay )

Blood test for IgG is a blood test for non-immunological adverse reaction to the sensitivities to common foods.

IgA is found in the saliva, gastric fluids, plasma and mucous membrane of the body. It is believed that IgA is the link between gut-related health conditions and the systemic illness and is usually associated with altered intestinal permeability (leaky gut). It is responsible for immune protection within the gut. Stress, Candida, Coeliac disease, Crohn’s disease and other auto immune conditions and also food sensitivities can be responsible for elevated levels.

The above are the most common medical allergy tests available.

Ok, you have been for your blood or skin test, which tested you, for lets say between 10 to 100 different items. Those may be foods, dust, pollen, grasses, fibers, chemicals etc etc. You have your list and you think all is well as long as you stay away from those dreaded allergy causing items. Your doctor agrees and might send you home with some antihistamine medication or what ever else could be of help.

This is most probably not the end of your allergy reactions. Why?

What about the other thousands upon thousands of food items, chemicals, natural and synthetics fibers, toothpastes, washing powders, soaps… the list is long. What about items you have not been tested for? Anyone of those could potentially induce an allergic reaction. Even healthy and organic foods are not excluded. If you have not been given a list of safe foods or other items for you personally then I believe the test is not worth the paper it is written on. This might sound harsh, but usually it is not an isolated item, causing the allergy. Allergies are accumulative and the inflammation they cause encourage secondary allergies. All of those items need to be removed from your diet and life for a certain amount of time. This will start the healing process. But how can you know what else is causing you allergy reactions if you only been tested for 100 or so items.

Many Allergy tests are not specific enough and that’s where their limitations lay. Most tests provide you only with a broad idea of what you are allergic too and are not able to advise you on safe alternatives. Any allergy test, whether, blood, skin or any other kind, will offer very limited success, unless it can provide you with a list of safe foods and products, specific for you.