Dec 13
2007

Allergies are disorders of the immune system, which when a foreign substance that is normally harmless in most people causes an extreme reaction within the body. Contact can be with the skin, lungs, oesophagus, mouth, stomach and intestine and can cause a reaction to those organs plus the musculo-skeletal, genoto-urinary system, bowel, cardio-vascular, nose, eyes and brain. The substances that cause these reactions are called allergens and the person who suffers from this, is said to be allergic to the substance. When an allergen comes into contact with the body, the immune system believes it is under attack and produces antibodies called IgE to fight it. The antibodies trigger chemicals (the main one being histamine) to different organs of our body from mast cells which causes the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

The most common allergies are to dust mites, pollen, animal dander in household pets, insect bites, food and drink – the most common being milk, wheat, eggs, fish, soy, citrus fruits, seafood and peanuts, washing powder, cosmetics, toiletries, jewellery, mould and mould fungus, latex and rubber and certain drugs such as antibiotics and anesthetics.

Every individual has their own target organ that has more of an allergic reaction than the others organs. Whatever the substance that causes the reaction, the symptoms occurs in the weak target organs whether this is the same point of contact or not. The symptoms as a result from the allergic reaction will be dependant on the function of the afflicted organ and whether it is depressed or excited.

The main organs that are affected are the brain, eyes, ears, nose, lungs, heart, skin, bowel, genoto-urinary system and musculo-skeletal system.

The brain is the most sensitive of the body’s organs and is easily affected by allergies. Mild forms can be as simple as forgetfulness and severe forms can be as serious as dementia. ‘Woolly brain syndrome’ is a common symptom described by most people who suffer from allergies and this is why most people consider it normal. Other afflictions to the brain are anxiety, depression and panic attacks. The eyes can be affected by becoming watery, red and itchy and also afflicted by conjunctivitis. The mastoid glands in the ears can become affected producing pain and infection. When the nose is affected it can show symptoms such as hay fever, rhinitis, catarrh, blocked nose, sinus pain, sneezing and a running nose. The mouth and throat can be affected by swelling of the lips and tongue, sore throat and coughing. The heart can be affected which can cause hypertension, palpitations and irregular heartbeats. Asthma (wheezing and shortness of breath) and bronchitis can be cause by the lungs being affected and bowel can be affected with Crohn’s disease, colitis, diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain and vomiting. The skin can be affected becoming itchy, inflamed and having a red rash as with eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and urticaria. Urticaria (hives or nettle rash) can be caused by allergies to bee stings, medicines, animals and foods. The genoto-urinary system can be affected with PMT, cystitis, impotency and frigidity. Arthritis, Myalgia and fibrosis can affect the musculo-skeletal. The most extreme allergic reaction is anaphylaxis.

The target organ can change as the body changes, for instance, a child may have eczema as an infant which then changes to hay fever later in childhood which then can change again to migraine attacks in the teenage years which then can change again to arthritis in old age.

In the UK, 1 in 3 people will suffer from one or more type of allergy, 1 in 5 suffer from hay fever, 1 in 5 school children suffer from asthma and 6 million people have eczema.

Natural substances such as mould, spores, pollen, dust mites, animal dander and insects usually cause an allergic reaction in the upper respiratory systems. They cause redness, itching and fluid in the form of water and mucous and can affect the eyes, nose, sinuses, throat, lungs and bronchial tubes.

A person can be allergic to any food, wheat, milk, eggs, corn, yeast, coffee and chocolate are the most common. Food allergies mostly affect the nervous, respiratory, gastrointestinal and skin areas.

Allergic reaction can be caused by food additives and environmental chemicals such as chemical sprays, pesticides, hydrocarbons, tobacco smoke plus thousands of others.

Allergies to certain foods are associated with certain symptoms. For example, headaches are associated with chocolate and wheat, migraine headaches are associated with milk, eggs, nitrates, alcohol, cheese, chocolate, citrus fruit, nuts, wheat, tomatoes and MSG, eczema is associated with eggs, tomatoes and citrus fruits, hay fever is associated with milk, wheat, cola drinks, chocolate and sulfites, hives are associated with strawberries, nuts, pork, mangoes, tomatoes, eggs, chocolate and shellfish, asthma is associated with wheat and eggs, cerebral symptoms are associated with wheat, corn and Soya beans and childhood allergies are associated with fish, beef, rye, milk, wheat, eggs, peanuts, artificial colourings and flavourings and salicylates.

Other factors that can contribute to allergies are bad feeding habits in the baby’s first year of life, poor digestion, excess or repeated contact of a particular substance or food, low nutrients level, presents of candida albicans, parasites, worms or other bacteria, stress and environmental toxins.

To help eliminate or reduce the symptoms of allergies it is best to consume lots of still mineral water, brown or white rice, fruit juices except citrus fruit juices, lots of vegetables except corn and tomatoes, fish except shellfish, turkey and almonds, sunflower seeds and walnuts.

In conclusion, good nutritional health is vital to support our immune systems to help ward off allergic reactions to foods and environmental chemicals. Once a person knows they have an allergy, it is best to avoid that food or chemical, improve nutrition and exercise regime, combat stress and generally support the immune system. It is best not to ignore allergic reactions, as they can lead to further more serious illnesses.

About the Author

Stewart Hare C.H.Ed Dip NutTh Advice for a healthier natural life website: http://www.newbeingnutrition.com

Written By: Stewart Hare

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Oct 8
2007

What is an allergy?

An allergy is a super-sensitivity to a substance that is not harmful to most other people. These substances are called allergens. The common allergens include pollen, mould, dust mites, cockroaches and pet dander. Some people also have food allergies. Some people have symptoms with strong chemical fumes, odours (including perfumes, fragrances in household cleaners and detergents), smoke and air pollution. These compounds are chemical irritants and not true allergens. The common symptoms of allergy include hay fever, asthma, eczema or food reactions.

How do I know if I have allergies?

Hay fever is the most common allergy problem in Canada. The typical symptoms of hay fever are sneezing, a stuffy or runny nose, watery eyes, a dry cough and itching. Asthma is a lung condition which can lead to shortness of breath, wheezing or coughing. Eczema is a skin condition which often involves a dry itchy rash. True food allergy reactions can include hives, itchiness, shortness of breath, throat tightness, lightheadedness or stomach pain after eating the food allergen. Allergies can be a serious medical condition and you should consult your doctor if you suspect you have them. A doctor may recommend allergy scratch tests (a type of skin testing in which suspected allergens are applied to the skin, scratched and observed for a reaction in 15 minutes). Skin tests should always be done under the supervision of a qualified physician with an expertise in allergy.

How are allergies treated?

The first step in an effective allergy treatment plan is to make some simple lifestyle changes that will limit your exposure to allergens. I would suggest having allergy scratch tests done before any major lifestyle changes are made. After the allergy scratch tests you will know the likely causes of the allergy symptoms. One can avoid pollen by keeping windows closed and air conditioning on during the high-pollen seasons. Most of the mould that causes allergies is from the outdoors. Therefore, keeping the windows closed is helpful. If you notice mould in the house it should be cleaned with diluted bleach. The best ways of avoiding dust mites are to purchase proper dust mite proof pillows and mattress covers, remove carpet from the bedroom, wash the bedding in hot water and to keep the humidity around 40 percent. Vacuuming and duct cleaning are actually not very effective at removing dust mites. The only way to remove pet allergens completely from the home is to keep the pet outdoors or to give the pet away. By keeping pets out of the bedroom, washing pets weekly and removing carpets from the bedroom, you can decrease your total pet allergen exposure. If you have a true food allergy, that food should be completely avoided.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist about which medications would help you manage your allergy symptoms. Antihistamines are the most common medications used to treat hay fever. Antihistamines block the action of histamine released by the immune system and are effective at reducing sneezing, runny nose and itchy, watery eyes. They are particularly effective at relieving the symptoms of seasonal hay fever and should be taken as soon as an allergy attack develops. You may also need a decongestant to reduce nasal congestion. Some antihistamines can cause side effects such as drowsiness and they should be avoided if you have to drive, work or perform tasks that require you to be alert. There are several websites offering good information on allergies, for example, visit www.claritin.ca.

About The Author

Dr. Harold Kim is an allergy specialist based in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario.

News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web. News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media, with ready-to-use, editorial “fill” items. Monitoring and analysis are two more of our primary services. The service supplies access to the national media for marketers in the private, the public, and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and product news, consumer tips and information are packaged in a variety of ready-to-use formats and are made available to every Canadian media organization including weekly and daily newspapers, cable and commercial television stations, radio stations, as well as the Web sites Canadians visit most often. Visit News Canada and learn more about the NC services.

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Apr 17
2007

Allergy and asthma sufferers have a broad range of improved traditional remedies as well as numerous alternative treatments available to them. Here are some possibilities you may consider. Antihistamines are the most popular treatment for allergies. They can provide relief from nasal symptoms (sneezing, itching, runny nose), eye symptoms (itching, tearing, and burning), and skin conditions (hives, eczema, itching, and some rashes). Prescription antihistamines are Claritin, Clarinex, Allegra and Zyrtec.

Claritin-D is used to relieve hay fever and allergy symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, and red, itchy, tearing eyes. Claritin-D is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms. Claritin-D may cause less drowsiness than other antihistamines.

Clarinex is an antihistamine used to relieve the symptoms of hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis). Clarinex contains a long-acting tricyclic histamine antagonist with selective H1-receptor histamine antagonist activity.

Allegra is indicated for the relief of symptoms associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis in adults and children 6 years of age and older. Symptoms treated effectively were sneezing, rhinorrhea, itchy nose/palate/throat, itchy/watery/red eyes.

Zyrtec prevent sneezing, runny nose, itching and watering of the eyes, and other allergic symptoms. Zyrtec is used to treat allergies, hives (urticaria), and other allergic inflammatory conditions.

Decongestants can help you to relieve congestion from swollen nasal tissues. Remember that Over-the-counter sprays should not be used for more than three or four days in a row, although prescription ones can be used longer. Those with high blood pressure or heart disease should not use decongestants because it can raise blood pressure and cause rapid heartbeat.

Flonase can relieve multiple nasal symptoms of congestion, sneezing, and itchy, runny nose. Flonase Nasal Spray is for topical administration to the nasal mucosa by means of a metering, atomizing spray pump.

Nasacort is FDA approved for the treatment of the nasal symptoms of seasonal and year round allergies such as nasal congestion, itchy runny nose, and sneezing. Nasacort Nasal Spray is an unscented, thixotropic, water-based metered-dose pump spray formulation unit containing a microcrystalline suspension of triamcinolone acetonide in an aqueous medium.

You should also consider Anti-inflamatory Agents. These medications help fight the inflammation that typically results from allergy and asthma. They include nonsteroidal medications, which are topical, as well as topical and oral corticosteroids.

Nasonex is a nasal allergy spray for the treatment of seasonal and perennial allergy symptoms. Nasonex helps relieve itchy, runny noses, sneezing and congestion caused by dust mites, pet dander and tree and grass pollen. Nasonex Nasal Spray is a corticosteroid demonstrating anti-inflammatory properties. The Corticosteroids have been shown to have a wide range of effects on multiple cell types.

About the Author

J. Zorro owns http://www.epharmacypremium.com

Written By: J. Zorro

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Mar 24
2007

5 Ways Green Lipped Mussels can benefit your Health

Green lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) is a New Zealand shellfish most commonly found growing in the clean water sea off the coast of New Zealand.

GLM (Green lipped mussel) contains many vitamins, especially the B complex group and a broad range of minerals and trace elements. It is rich in protein, provides essential amino acids and is an excellent well balanced nutritious dietary supplement.

New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel use can help with: 1. Arthritis 2. Asthma 3. Menstrual pain 4. Multiple sclerosis 5. Skin problems

GLM contains Omega 3 Fatty Acids which are known for reducing inflammation. It also contains Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulphate which are important building blocks for joint cartilage, and may assist in the repair of joint structures. Green Lipped Mussel is thought to work by affecting the inflammatory pathway of prostaglandin and leukotriene metabolism, inhibiting inflammatory responses.

Common reasons for using Green Lipped Mussel: Can be used to relieve the pain of arthritis Can be used to reduce joint inflammation associated with arthritis Can be used to reduce swelling associated with arthritis Can be used to Assist in the management of arthritis

Green lipped mussel may even help in the treatment of joint inflammation and osteoarthritis in animals.

How much Green Lipped Mussel? The daily dosage of Green Lipped Mussel will vary greatly depending on the age of the person and the severity of symptoms. Talk with your doctor, pharmacist or health professional about how much Green lipped mussel you should take. The amount depends on the strength of the medicine and the reason you are taking Green lipped mussel. Do not take more Green lipped mussel or take it more often than what is written on the directions.

Known Side Effects of Green Lipped Mussel? Before Using: Tell your doctor if you… are taking medicine or are allergic to any medicine (prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) or dietary supplement) are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine are breast feeding have other health problems, such as high blood pressure or heart or blood vessel disease

Side Effects: Stop taking your medicine right away and talk to your doctor if you have any of the following side effects. Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing, or rash. Upset stomach and gas Asthma Skin rash You may retain fluid while taking Green lipped mussel

About the author:

Healthy 1020 was established in New Zealand during 1994. Their aim is to supply the public with the highest quality, chemical free, natural health products. These are sourced from reliable & responsible producers world wide, supported by competent, knowledgeable staff, with professional backup from qualified practitioners. Find out more information on Green Lipped Mussel at www.newzealandgreenlippedmussel.co.nz.

Written By: Healthy 1020

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Oct 4
2006

Spring time is here. People are outside enjoying the air. Shopping and playing outdoor sports are activities that most like to do during this season. There could only be one thing that is holding back from going outside. That one thing is allergies.

Allergies are very serious. If you start becoming allergic to one allergen, you can end up allergic to another allergen. Most people are allergic to dust mites, those people could be candidates of being allergic to pollen. The symptoms are nose swelling, sneezing, redness and itching of eyes. If you have asthma, more occurrences of asthma attacks are seen. If these symptoms are not treated, you can develop a fever and bronchitis, which are very serious.

More than fifty million Americans suffer from allergic diseases. Pollen allergy affects nearly ten percent of the people in the USA. A recent nationwide survey found that more than half of all U.S citizens test positive to one or more allergens. Allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic disease in the United States. Chronic sinusitis, a continuous or recurring infection and/or inflammation of the sinuses of the head, most often caused by allergies, affects approximately 38 million people in the USA.

People need to try to control their allergies so it doesnt get out of hand. There are books and medications that can help you do this. You can purchase these items at this site, http://www.youronestopstore.com/12109. On the search bar, type allergies.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I’m 24 year old male. An inspiring entrepreneur trying make it in this world.

Arbes SJ et al. Prevalences of positive skin test responses to 10 common allergens in the US population: Results from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 116:377-383. 2005.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America 1717 Massachusetts Ave. N.W. (Suite 305) Washington, DC 20036

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Aug 26
2006

Allergies are one of the leading causes of diseases in USA. The annual amount spent on allergies in USA is $18 billion. Allergies could get complicated and even ruin a person’s life. Allergies generally mean over reaction or hyper sensitivity to a certain substance or product. The substance could make a person sneeze, wheeze or create rashes etc.

Allergies have also been linked to many respiratory diseases. Sinus, Asthma, Bronchitis are some diseases that are caused by allergies. Allergies can be managed by taking precautionary measures. Some allergic reactions can be very bad. Allergies can also be inherited like balding. Some people are allergic to specific allergens, some to soy, milk, fish etc. Like adults, children and infants are also allergic to certain substances. Cows milk allergy is very common in children. If a child is allergic to cows milk, as a substitute they are provided soymilk. More than 50% of children develop allergies to soya milk.

Allergies due to dust and pollution are very common nowadays. The dust particles enter the nose and make a person sneeze. It could also lead to other diseases like bronchitis and asthma. Allergies due to pollution, candle smoke, incense stick etc could create various upper respiratory problems. People with upper respiratory problems have itching in the throat and ear also. Breathing difficulty could also exist. At home, dust particles in the mattress, pillows etc could also lead to allergies. Even domestic cats and dogs hair could lead to allergies. Consult your physician if you are allergic to any substance immediately.

About the author:

Paul has been providing answers to lots of queries through his website on a wide variety of subjects ranging from satellite phones to acne. To learn more visit http://www.askaquery.com/Answers/qn612.html

Written By: Paul

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