Allergy - Allergy Treatment - What to Know

If you suffer from allergies and are looking for allergy treatment, then you likely know that allergy treatment comes in a variety of forms. For one, allergy treatment can come from small lifestyle changes, such as a commitment to eating different foods or to avoiding certain situations. Allergy treatment can also come in the form of medicine, such as a shot or a pill. Here is a brief overview of these two most common types of allergy treatments: Lifestyle change: If you suffer from allergies, chances are good that the allergy is treatable if you change certain things about your lifestyle. While changing your lifestyle is not a long-term solution to allergy treatment, it can provide some relief to you. For example, if you suffer from an allergy to your pet, then you can easily cut out any interaction with the pet, or you can put the pet up for adoption. Likewise, if you suffer from an allergy to a certain food, then you can begin to avoid any encounters with that food. Medicine: You can use medicine as part of your allergy treatment if you suffer from a chronic allergy, such as an allergy to pollen, food or other airborne stimuli. The two types of medicine that are available for allergy sufferers are allergy shots (which are taken once a month in most cases) and allergy medicine, such as Claritin or Benedryl. Allergy treatments help to alleviate the symptoms, but cannot reverse the allergies within your body permanently. Again, changing your lifestyle to suit your allergy will not act as a substitute for true allergy treatment., In fact, allergies, unlike some illnesses, are not permanently treatable. Instead, you must find solutions that will make you more comfortable. Some of these solutions do involve lifestyle changes. Others involve carefully monitoring some of your behavior, such as your food intake. About the Author Tamra Cantar is a freelance writer on topics of interest and has a website dedicated to providing the visitor with useful information and resources on allergies and allergy relief. Visit EasyAllergyRelief.com for more information on allergy treatment and allergy relief. Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tamra_Cantar Allergy - Getting The Upper Hand On Asthma Allergy Asthma allergy is the number one form of allergy today. And since asthma allergy is inherited, one can get it at a young age. The diagnosis process for asthma allergy is a simple and very straightforward test and will immediately determine if you do have asthma and not just some other type of allergy. Symptoms of an asthma allergy An asthma allergy reaction can vary in degree, from mild to severe. The following are symptoms of an asthma allergy: ' Headache ' Fever ' Chronic coughing ' Chest pain or tightness ' Difficulty in breathing ' Rapid breathing or wheezing ' Scratchy or sore throat ' Itchy, watery eyes ' Runny nose ' Continuous sneezing ' Restlessness Some of the mentioned symptoms have the same indicators to conditions like pulmonary disease; sinusitis and influenza so make sure you see a doctor for a more precise diagnosis. What you thought as an asthma allergy may actually be something else. An asthma allergy reaction that is mild to moderate in degree can be identified with tightness of the chest, spewing and coughing up mucus, having difficulty sleeping and constant wheezing. A severe asthma allergy attack may be characterized by the person having difficulty in speaking, a bluish color to the person's lips and fingernails, and breathlessness. When this happens, the patient must be ready with their medication. Asthma Allergy Treatment The asthma allergy is treated by medicines prescribed by the doctor. These medicines reduce the swelling of the mucous membrane and help normalize the air passage of the person with asthma allergy. Called "controller medicines", they help ease the pain of the asthma allergy attack: ' Mast cell stabilizers - non-steroidal medications that control the inflammation by stopping the body from releasing inflammatory chemicals. ' Corticosteroids - another anti-inflammatory medication. ' Anti-leukotrienes - it stops the production of leukotrienes that are responsible for the increase in inflammation that causes constriction of the airway muscle and close the windpipes of the patient. The drugs mentioned are used to help patients with asthma allergy to gain control of their asthma and keep on living a normal life. They are available in capsules, tablets and inhalers. A person suffering from asthma attacks should always bring their medicine along especially since these attacks are unpredictable. Asthma Allergy Prevention An asthma allergy attack cannot be prevented since doctors are not sure what causes asthma. But there are ways that a person with an asthma allergy can reduce the symptoms or totally avoid having an attack. ' Keep a clean and dust-free environment by vacuuming the house. ' If you live near a dusty road where cars frequently pass by, pour water on the road in front of your house. This will stop the dust from flying into the home. ' Regularly clean the fan, air-conditioning and other ducts that come in contact with air. ' Avoid places that have plenty of environmental allergens like molds, pollens, animal dander and secondhand cigarette smoke. ' Wear a mask when cleaning the house or going to a place full of allergens. ' Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet. In the end, the only way to defeat asthma is to learn how to live with the condition. Healthy living is a great way to turn one's life around when a person has asthma. And with the help of modern science, it is not impossible to lead a productive life. Despite an allergic reaction, one should not stop enjoying life even if they have asthma. Note: This article may be freely reproduced as long as the AUTHOR'S resource box at the bottom of this article is included and and all links must be Active/Linkable with no syntax changes.

Allergy - Getting The Upper Hand On Asthma Allergy

Asthma allergy is the number one form of allergy today. And since asthma allergy is inherited, one can get it at a young age. The diagnosis process for asthma allergy is a simple and very straightforward test and will immediately determine if you do have asthma and not just some other type of allergy. Symptoms of an asthma allergy An asthma allergy reaction can vary in degree, from mild to severe. The following are symptoms of an asthma allergy: ' Headache ' Fever ' Chronic coughing ' Chest pain or tightness ' Difficulty in breathing ' Rapid breathing or wheezing ' Scratchy or sore throat ' Itchy, watery eyes ' Runny nose ' Continuous sneezing ' Restlessness Some of the mentioned symptoms have the same indicators to conditions like pulmonary disease; sinusitis and influenza so make sure you see a doctor for a more precise diagnosis. What you thought as an asthma allergy may actually be something else. An asthma allergy reaction that is mild to moderate in degree can be identified with tightness of the chest, spewing and coughing up mucus, having difficulty sleeping and constant wheezing. A severe asthma allergy attack may be characterized by the person having difficulty in speaking, a bluish color to the person's lips and fingernails, and breathlessness. When this happens, the patient must be ready with their medication. Asthma Allergy Treatment The asthma allergy is treated by medicines prescribed by the doctor. These medicines reduce the swelling of the mucous membrane and help normalize the air passage of the person with asthma allergy. Called "controller medicines", they help ease the pain of the asthma allergy attack: ' Mast cell stabilizers - non-steroidal medications that control the inflammation by stopping the body from releasing inflammatory chemicals. ' Corticosteroids - another anti-inflammatory medication. ' Anti-leukotrienes - it stops the production of leukotrienes that are responsible for the increase in inflammation that causes constriction of the airway muscle and close the windpipes of the patient. The drugs mentioned are used to help patients with asthma allergy to gain control of their asthma and keep on living a normal life. They are available in capsules, tablets and inhalers. A person suffering from asthma attacks should always bring their medicine along especially since these attacks are unpredictable. Asthma Allergy Prevention An asthma allergy attack cannot be prevented since doctors are not sure what causes asthma. But there are ways that a person with an asthma allergy can reduce the symptoms or totally avoid having an attack. ' Keep a clean and dust-free environment by vacuuming the house. ' If you live near a dusty road where cars frequently pass by, pour water on the road in front of your house. This will stop the dust from flying into the home. ' Regularly clean the fan, air-conditioning and other ducts that come in contact with air. ' Avoid places that have plenty of environmental allergens like molds, pollens, animal dander and secondhand cigarette smoke. ' Wear a mask when cleaning the house or going to a place full of allergens. ' Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet. In the end, the only way to defeat asthma is to learn how to live with the condition. Healthy living is a great way to turn one's life around when a person has asthma. And with the help of modern science, it is not impossible to lead a productive life. Despite an allergic reaction, one should not stop enjoying life even if they have asthma. Note: This article may be freely reproduced as long as the AUTHOR'S resource box at the bottom of this article is included and and all links must be Active/Linkable with no syntax changes. Charlene J. Nuble 2006. For answers to All your frequently asked questions about asthma allergy, please go to: http://asthma-allergy.allergyanswers.net/ Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charlene_Nuble Allergy - Benefits of Hardwood Floors Hardwood floors are growing in popularity as homeowners see the benefits of hardwood floors. Many homeowners are replacing their carpets with hardwood floors for health reasons to try and combat allergies. By removing the carpets you can eliminate a vast amount of hidden dangers like dustmites and possibly mold all of which can make life miserable for the allergy sufferer. The floors can be dusted quickly with a dust mop and cleaned periodically with a good quality woodfloor cleaner which can be purchased from a local D.I.Y. store. There are other benefits to installing hardwood floors. This will add value to your home and you could easily get double your investment when you sell the property. This means a $6,000 investment in flooring could get you $12,000. Where if you had carpet you could be in the negative. The difference that this will make to your homes apperance will be unbelievable and it will be something that you will enjoy for years to come . Take a trip to a local flooring store and look at some samples you will be amazed at the amount of different types of wood that are available. Your flooring specialist can advise you on the the correct type of flooring to use for your location and type of installation. Installation of your flooring by a professional will cost about $ 2.00 square foot on average.

Allergy - Benefits of Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are growing in popularity as homeowners see the benefits of hardwood floors. Many homeowners are replacing their carpets with hardwood floors for health reasons to try and combat allergies. By removing the carpets you can eliminate a vast amount of hidden dangers like dustmites and possibly mold all of which can make life miserable for the allergy sufferer. The floors can be dusted quickly with a dust mop and cleaned periodically with a good quality woodfloor cleaner which can be purchased from a local D.I.Y. store. There are other benefits to installing hardwood floors. This will add value to your home and you could easily get double your investment when you sell the property. This means a $6,000 investment in flooring could get you $12,000. Where if you had carpet you could be in the negative. The difference that this will make to your homes apperance will be unbelievable and it will be something that you will enjoy for years to come . Take a trip to a local flooring store and look at some samples you will be amazed at the amount of different types of wood that are available. Your flooring specialist can advise you on the the correct type of flooring to use for your location and type of installation. Installation of your flooring by a professional will cost about $ 2.00 square foot on average. E. Hunter has extensive experience in home improvements and remodeling. Mr. Hunter is currently a staff writer for http://www.wongaa.com Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eddie_Hunter Allergy - Allergy Tests If a person is feeling like they have allergies, they may need to have an allergy test to figure out where the problem is coming from. Allergy testing will involve having skin or blood tests done to determine what substance or allergen is bringing on the problem. Skin tests are the most common because they are fast, reliable, and much less expensive than blood tests. However, any one of them can be used. A small amount of a suspected allergy-causing item can be placed on or below the skin to see if a reaction starts. There are three types of skin tests that can be performed to determine the problem. It will be up to the person and the doctor to decide what is going to be the best route in finding the culprit. A skin prick test is done by using a drop of solution containing a possible allergen on the skin and a series of scratches or needle pricks that allow the solution to enter the skin. If the skin develops a red or raised itchy area, it is going to mean that the person is allergic to the allergen. This is called a positive reaction. Putting a small amount of allergen solution into the skin does an Intradermal test. An intradermal allergy test may be done when a substance does not cause a reaction in the skin prick test but is still thought of as an allergen for the patient. This is going to be the more sensitive test than others and is often found to be positive in people that do not have symptoms to the allergy. A skin patch test is something that is placed on a pad and is taped to the skin for 24 to 72 hours. This test is used to find a skin allergy called contact dermatitis. In addition, a blood test can be performed on a patient. Allergy blood tests are going to look for things in the blood that are called antibodies. Blood tests are not always as sensitive as skin tests but are most often used for people that are not able to have the skin test performed on them. The most common type of blood test is called radio-allergo-sorbent testing or RAST. It is used to determine the blood level of a type of antibody that the blood may produce in response to a particular allergen. IGE levels are often higher in those that have allergies or an asthma problem. RAST may be used for people who cannot have skin tests like those that are taking different medications like antidepressants because this will make the tests less accurate. There are other lab testing methods like the immunosassay capture test and it may be used by your health care professional to find out more information on what is causing your allergy problems. Again, it is all up to the patient and the doctor to determine what types of testing are going to be used to find the real reason behind the allergy.

Allergy - Allergy Tests

If a person is feeling like they have allergies, they may need to have an allergy test to figure out where the problem is coming from. Allergy testing will involve having skin or blood tests done to determine what substance or allergen is bringing on the problem. Skin tests are the most common because they are fast, reliable, and much less expensive than blood tests. However, any one of them can be used. A small amount of a suspected allergy-causing item can be placed on or below the skin to see if a reaction starts. There are three types of skin tests that can be performed to determine the problem. It will be up to the person and the doctor to decide what is going to be the best route in finding the culprit. A skin prick test is done by using a drop of solution containing a possible allergen on the skin and a series of scratches or needle pricks that allow the solution to enter the skin. If the skin develops a red or raised itchy area, it is going to mean that the person is allergic to the allergen. This is called a positive reaction. Putting a small amount of allergen solution into the skin does an Intradermal test. An intradermal allergy test may be done when a substance does not cause a reaction in the skin prick test but is still thought of as an allergen for the patient. This is going to be the more sensitive test than others and is often found to be positive in people that do not have symptoms to the allergy. A skin patch test is something that is placed on a pad and is taped to the skin for 24 to 72 hours. This test is used to find a skin allergy called contact dermatitis. In addition, a blood test can be performed on a patient. Allergy blood tests are going to look for things in the blood that are called antibodies. Blood tests are not always as sensitive as skin tests but are most often used for people that are not able to have the skin test performed on them. The most common type of blood test is called radio-allergo-sorbent testing or RAST. It is used to determine the blood level of a type of antibody that the blood may produce in response to a particular allergen. IGE levels are often higher in those that have allergies or an asthma problem. RAST may be used for people who cannot have skin tests like those that are taking different medications like antidepressants because this will make the tests less accurate. There are other lab testing methods like the immunosassay capture test and it may be used by your health care professional to find out more information on what is causing your allergy problems. Again, it is all up to the patient and the doctor to determine what types of testing are going to be used to find the real reason behind the allergy. EXPOSED, At Last! 10 Of The Most Shocking, Proven Methods Anyone Can Adopt To Instantly Diagnose, Treat, And Eliminate Seasonal, Food, AND Common Allergies In An Instant,more I am echo,if more about Allergies,please visit my website:http://www.allergiesknowledge.info/ Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dick_Lin Allergy - Treatment Of Allergies The allergy - hypersensitivity of an organism of the person to some substances - represents the hyperreaction developing in reply to influence of alien substances - allergens. The reason of occurrence of allergic reaction of an organism is infringement of immunity. Treatment: 1. The patient is necessary for isolating from contact to substance-allergen. 2. Specific immunotherapy - development of blocking antibodies in an organism. Gradually the organism is accustomed to not show hyperreaction at contact to substance-allergen. 3. Nonspecific therapy. For reduction of symptoms of an inflammation also appoint anti-inflammatory substances - not steroid and corticosteroids. For occurrence of symptoms of an inflammation at allergic diseases answers the mediator hystamin at treatment of allergic conditions the significant effect is observed at reception antihystamin the preparations blocking H1 receptors. Nowadays the medical market offers wide selection of drugs to treat allergies. The most commonly used are: Allegra, Clarinex, Claritin and Zyrtec. Allegra 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. Allegra is formulated as a capsule or tablet for oral administration. Allegra is usually taken twice a day, in the morning and the evening. Follow your doctor's instructions. Take each dose with a full glass of water. If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up. Symptoms and signs of Allegra overdose are: dizziness, drowsiness, and dry mouth. Seek emergency medical attention.

Allergy - Treatment Of Allergies

The allergy - hypersensitivity of an organism of the person to some substances - represents the hyperreaction developing in reply to influence of alien substances - allergens. The reason of occurrence of allergic reaction of an organism is infringement of immunity. Treatment: 1. The patient is necessary for isolating from contact to substance-allergen. 2. Specific immunotherapy - development of blocking antibodies in an organism. Gradually the organism is accustomed to not show hyperreaction at contact to substance-allergen. 3. Nonspecific therapy. For reduction of symptoms of an inflammation also appoint anti-inflammatory substances - not steroid and corticosteroids. For occurrence of symptoms of an inflammation at allergic diseases answers the mediator hystamin at treatment of allergic conditions the significant effect is observed at reception antihystamin the preparations blocking H1 receptors. Nowadays the medical market offers wide selection of drugs to treat allergies. The most commonly used are: Allegra, Clarinex, Claritin and Zyrtec. Allegra 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. Allegra is formulated as a capsule or tablet for oral administration. Allegra is usually taken twice a day, in the morning and the evening. Follow your doctor's instructions. Take each dose with a full glass of water. If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up. Symptoms and signs of Allegra overdose are: dizziness, drowsiness, and dry mouth. Seek emergency medical attention. I'm manage online pharmacies and suggest you to find allergy medication such as Allegra, Zyrtec and Clarinex at internet pharmacy Drugs Broker Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Siggers Allergy - Allergy Medicine - Not All Medicines are Created Equal When someone has an allergic reaction, it is not a lot of fun. Some of the allergy symptoms that you can experience are: Coughing Sneezing Puffing up Tearing up Migraine headache Shock, if extremely severeThe thing is, every allergy is different and not all allergy medication is the same and works on all allergies. You have to find the right medication for the specific allergy that you are experiencing. You can do this by talking to your doctor or to an allergy specialist. This way you can find the best allergy medicine for you.What is the test for allergies?When you are getting tested for allergies, they have to test many different substances in order to pinpoint what you are allergic to. What they do is inject you, usually down the length of your spine, with several different substances. This can be anything from daily products like grass to dander to even dust.What they're looking for is a reaction. If you are allergic to a substance your skin will become red and raised at the injection site. This is a sure sign that you are allergic. This way once they know what you are allergic to they can prescribe the correct medicine. Prescription compared to over the counterWhen you have an allergy you must find a medication that works for you. Say for example, you only have mild allergies, then probably an over the counter allergy medicine will be fine. But then there are severe allergies. For example, say you are allergic to shellfish, and when you leave it you blow up and have to be rushed to the hospital. An over the counter allergy medicine will not work for this. This technology will require a prescription from your doctor.If you are allergic to something and want to get rid of it are at least help the symptoms, get tested and ask your allergist's for some kind of allergy medicine that will help you feel better. If you want to enjoy life and if there is an allergy medicine out there that will work for you then you better go out and find that medicine.For more information on this topic as well as other asthma / allergy related topics visit: Allergy Medicine

Allergy - Allergy Medicine - Not All Medicines are Created Equal

When someone has an allergic reaction, it is not a lot of fun. Some of the allergy symptoms that you can experience are: Coughing Sneezing Puffing up Tearing up Migraine headache Shock, if extremely severeThe thing is, every allergy is different and not all allergy medication is the same and works on all allergies. You have to find the right medication for the specific allergy that you are experiencing. You can do this by talking to your doctor or to an allergy specialist. This way you can find the best allergy medicine for you.What is the test for allergies?When you are getting tested for allergies, they have to test many different substances in order to pinpoint what you are allergic to. What they do is inject you, usually down the length of your spine, with several different substances. This can be anything from daily products like grass to dander to even dust.What they're looking for is a reaction. If you are allergic to a substance your skin will become red and raised at the injection site. This is a sure sign that you are allergic. This way once they know what you are allergic to they can prescribe the correct medicine. Prescription compared to over the counterWhen you have an allergy you must find a medication that works for you. Say for example, you only have mild allergies, then probably an over the counter allergy medicine will be fine. But then there are severe allergies. For example, say you are allergic to shellfish, and when you leave it you blow up and have to be rushed to the hospital. An over the counter allergy medicine will not work for this. This technology will require a prescription from your doctor.If you are allergic to something and want to get rid of it are at least help the symptoms, get tested and ask your allergist's for some kind of allergy medicine that will help you feel better. If you want to enjoy life and if there is an allergy medicine out there that will work for you then you better go out and find that medicine.For more information on this topic as well as other asthma / allergy related topics visit: Allergy Medicine Have had many articles published on a variety of subjects. Co author of the best selling golf ebook called "Putt Lights Out". You can find this ebook at http://www.puttlightsout.com For more information on allergy relief visit: http://www.asthmaallergiestreatment.com Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Madigan Allergy - How to Cure Dog Food Allergies If your dog has symptoms that are abnormal for a healthy dog, one of the most common causes may be dog food allergies. Allergies in dogs are often associated with the following symptoms ? Hair loss ? Dry skin ? Loss of appetite ? Itchy skin ? Inflammations of the ear ? Hot spots that are persistent ? Chewing on paws, legs or other parts of the dogs body ? Lack luster, dull coat ? Upset tummy and or diarrhea ? Itchy Anus ? Rubbing Face There are in fact many different kinds of allergies such as those caused by fleas, bacteria, inhalant and contact allergies. But the most common allergy is a dog food allergy and that is the one that we'll discuss here. Dog food allergies are indicative of a problem in the adequacy of the nutrients in your dog food. There may be a lack of essential fatty acids and a sensitivity to the dog food that you are feeding. Your dog may be allergic to a variety of different foods, and perhaps more than one dog food. Some common food culprits for dog food allergies are ? Corn ? Pork ? Preservatives and Additives ? Beef ? Chicken ? Dairy ? Eggs ? Wheat and Grains ? Fish ? Whey ? Oats ? Soy ? And even Lamb ! If your dog shows any of the symptoms above and her food includes any of the possible suspect ingredients listed, you may want to consider a home made natural diet, eliminating the potential allergen. You must remove the potential source of the dog food allergy for up to 30 days in order to see any possible improvement. You will be certain that no hidden ingredients masked as something else are present that may be causing a dog food allergy One of the best resources for a natural homemade diet can be found at http://www.dogs-4life.com/raw-vs-kibble.html If you opt for a commercial dog food make sure that you understand and read carefully the ingredient list on the label Just because a dog food says that it is hypo allergenic does not mean that it is. There are very few regulations as to what can be printed on a dog food label. Don't trust dog food company propaganda. Read the ingredient list carefully. For more information on this go to: http://www.dogs-4life.com/dog-food-labeling-better-than-human-food,-industry-claims.html Finally, while a dog food allergy may be the most likely culprit in your dog's symptoms, there could be more serious underlying problems. You should always consult with your veterinarian who can help you with a proper diagnosis and with a selection of a diet that is most appropriate for your dog. Don't just guess when your dog's health is at stake.

Allergy - How to Cure Dog Food Allergies

If your dog has symptoms that are abnormal for a healthy dog, one of the most common causes may be dog food allergies. Allergies in dogs are often associated with the following symptoms ? Hair loss ? Dry skin ? Loss of appetite ? Itchy skin ? Inflammations of the ear ? Hot spots that are persistent ? Chewing on paws, legs or other parts of the dogs body ? Lack luster, dull coat ? Upset tummy and or diarrhea ? Itchy Anus ? Rubbing Face There are in fact many different kinds of allergies such as those caused by fleas, bacteria, inhalant and contact allergies. But the most common allergy is a dog food allergy and that is the one that we'll discuss here. Dog food allergies are indicative of a problem in the adequacy of the nutrients in your dog food. There may be a lack of essential fatty acids and a sensitivity to the dog food that you are feeding. Your dog may be allergic to a variety of different foods, and perhaps more than one dog food. Some common food culprits for dog food allergies are ? Corn ? Pork ? Preservatives and Additives ? Beef ? Chicken ? Dairy ? Eggs ? Wheat and Grains ? Fish ? Whey ? Oats ? Soy ? And even Lamb ! If your dog shows any of the symptoms above and her food includes any of the possible suspect ingredients listed, you may want to consider a home made natural diet, eliminating the potential allergen. You must remove the potential source of the dog food allergy for up to 30 days in order to see any possible improvement. You will be certain that no hidden ingredients masked as something else are present that may be causing a dog food allergy One of the best resources for a natural homemade diet can be found at http://www.dogs-4life.com/raw-vs-kibble.html If you opt for a commercial dog food make sure that you understand and read carefully the ingredient list on the label Just because a dog food says that it is hypo allergenic does not mean that it is. There are very few regulations as to what can be printed on a dog food label. Don't trust dog food company propaganda. Read the ingredient list carefully. For more information on this go to: http://www.dogs-4life.com/dog-food-labeling-better-than-human-food,-industry-claims.html Finally, while a dog food allergy may be the most likely culprit in your dog's symptoms, there could be more serious underlying problems. You should always consult with your veterinarian who can help you with a proper diagnosis and with a selection of a diet that is most appropriate for your dog. Don't just guess when your dog's health is at stake. My small 8 year old dog had skin allergies, suddenly became ill and no vet could isolate the cause. She died after enduring 2 weeks of pain and misery on Mother's Day morning. Don't let anything happen to your best friend. Find out what is in the dog food you use at http://www.dogs-4life.com/dog-food-that-kills.html Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=M._Bruno Allergy - Facing the Facts Of Gluten Allergy Food allergy remains one of the most persistent forms of allergic reaction. No one knows why people have certain allergic responses to different types of food. But it is a fact that once a person is exposed to the food allergen, the symptoms will surely follow. Gluten allergy is a food allergy that makes the sufferer sensitive to gluten. Coeliac disease is a health condition in the small intestine. What happens to a person with gluten allergy is once the allergen comes in contact with the small intestine, it causes the immune system to attack the lining of the bowel. This attack on the small intestine's lining of the gluten allergy sufferer weakens the stomach and can cause serious health problems in the future. The delicate lining is responsible for the absorption of nutrients and vitamins in our body. Once it is weakened, we lose our capacity to effectively turn food into energy, Gluten allergy starts at a young age, right after the weaning period and the mother is feeding the baby with cereals. There are no specific reasons why a person develops the gluten allergy but when it happens, the only thing the gluten allergy sufferer can do is avoid gluten at all cost. Symptoms of Gluten Allergy Gluten is usually found in wheat products. Breads, pasta and other baked goods can be considered dangerous to a person with gluten allergy. Biscuits, pastries, breakfast cereals and instant soups and sauces also have gluten. The symptoms of a gluten allergy differ from children and adults. Children with gluten allergy may suffer from slow physical growth, weight loss, with poor appetite. Gluten allergic symptoms also include vomiting and diarrhea. Because the small intestine's lining is damaged, the vitamins and minerals do not go to the body. The kids end up looking thin, pale and have no energy at all. In adults, gluten allergy symptoms are similar, with loss of weight, diarrhea or constipation complicating the disease. Aside from this, adults often complain about depression, extreme fatigue, lethargy, bone pain and ulcers in the sufferer's mouth. Treatment Treatment for gluten allergies begins like all other food allergy, avoiding contact with the allergen. There are certain food substitutes for gluten allergy sufferers like using sunflower oil instead of the usual cooking oil and drinking wines instead of beer. There are medications available to these sufferers. But unlike other food allergies that show external symptoms like rashes, gluten allergy destroys from the inside, making diagnosis and detection hard. Oral medication can help ease the pain from the small intestine and vitamin supplements must also be taken along with it. Gluten allergy prevention Gluten allergy sufferers are asked to be vigilant in monitoring their diet. Reading the labels for anything with wheat is a good start. Self-discipline is the key to beating gluten allergy. The food selection for coeliac disease sufferers is still varied like fruits, salads and vegetables, rice, corn, nuts, meat and chicken eggs and dairy products, fish and seafood. What could be the worst-case scenario for gluten allergy sufferers? If left untreated, coeliac disease can result in anemia, bone disease and some form of cancer. The best advise is to steer clear of gluten-laden foods. The more the person does not intake gluten, the better their chances of not having a serious health problem in the future. Note: This article may be freely reproduced as long as the AUTHOR'S resource box at the bottom of this article is included and and all links must be Active/Linkable with no syntax changes.

Allergy - Facing the Facts Of Gluten Allergy

Food allergy remains one of the most persistent forms of allergic reaction. No one knows why people have certain allergic responses to different types of food. But it is a fact that once a person is exposed to the food allergen, the symptoms will surely follow. Gluten allergy is a food allergy that makes the sufferer sensitive to gluten. Coeliac disease is a health condition in the small intestine. What happens to a person with gluten allergy is once the allergen comes in contact with the small intestine, it causes the immune system to attack the lining of the bowel. This attack on the small intestine's lining of the gluten allergy sufferer weakens the stomach and can cause serious health problems in the future. The delicate lining is responsible for the absorption of nutrients and vitamins in our body. Once it is weakened, we lose our capacity to effectively turn food into energy, Gluten allergy starts at a young age, right after the weaning period and the mother is feeding the baby with cereals. There are no specific reasons why a person develops the gluten allergy but when it happens, the only thing the gluten allergy sufferer can do is avoid gluten at all cost. Symptoms of Gluten Allergy Gluten is usually found in wheat products. Breads, pasta and other baked goods can be considered dangerous to a person with gluten allergy. Biscuits, pastries, breakfast cereals and instant soups and sauces also have gluten. The symptoms of a gluten allergy differ from children and adults. Children with gluten allergy may suffer from slow physical growth, weight loss, with poor appetite. Gluten allergic symptoms also include vomiting and diarrhea. Because the small intestine's lining is damaged, the vitamins and minerals do not go to the body. The kids end up looking thin, pale and have no energy at all. In adults, gluten allergy symptoms are similar, with loss of weight, diarrhea or constipation complicating the disease. Aside from this, adults often complain about depression, extreme fatigue, lethargy, bone pain and ulcers in the sufferer's mouth. Treatment Treatment for gluten allergies begins like all other food allergy, avoiding contact with the allergen. There are certain food substitutes for gluten allergy sufferers like using sunflower oil instead of the usual cooking oil and drinking wines instead of beer. There are medications available to these sufferers. But unlike other food allergies that show external symptoms like rashes, gluten allergy destroys from the inside, making diagnosis and detection hard. Oral medication can help ease the pain from the small intestine and vitamin supplements must also be taken along with it. Gluten allergy prevention Gluten allergy sufferers are asked to be vigilant in monitoring their diet. Reading the labels for anything with wheat is a good start. Self-discipline is the key to beating gluten allergy. The food selection for coeliac disease sufferers is still varied like fruits, salads and vegetables, rice, corn, nuts, meat and chicken eggs and dairy products, fish and seafood. What could be the worst-case scenario for gluten allergy sufferers? If left untreated, coeliac disease can result in anemia, bone disease and some form of cancer. The best advise is to steer clear of gluten-laden foods. The more the person does not intake gluten, the better their chances of not having a serious health problem in the future. Note: This article may be freely reproduced as long as the AUTHOR'S resource box at the bottom of this article is included and and all links must be Active/Linkable with no syntax changes. Charlene J. Nuble 2006. For answers to All your frequently asked questions about gluten allergy, please go to: http://gluten-allergy.allergyanswers.net/ or go to: http://allergyanswers.net/ http://allergyanswers.blogspot.com/ Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charlene_Nuble Allergy - The Crucial Role of the Salt in Our Health Salt is vital for our health. Right now, you have around 250 gr. of salt - about a cupful - working for keeping you alive. Without enough of it, muscles won't contract, blood won't circulate, food won't digest, and the heart won't beat. Salt, the sodium chloride, is an essential part of the diet of humans and animals and is a part of our fluids, such as blood, sweat, and tears. The two elements of salt - sodium and chloride - play a variety of very important and crucial roles in our bodies as maintaining the balance of our fluids, which carry oxygen and nutrients around our bodies. The sodium it contains is helping maintain the fluid in the blood cells and enables the transmission of electrical impulses between our brain, nerves and muscles. It is responsible for our taste, smell and tactile senses and helps our muscles - including the heart - to contract. The chloride is essential to our food digestion process by providing chloride for hydrochloric acid - an essential element of human digestive fluid - and helps in preserving the acid-base balance in our body. It plays an important role in absorbing potassium and helping the blood to carry carbon dioxide from respiring tissues to the lungs. Salt is an essential element in our lives and our health. Salt is widely and abundantly distributed in nature, dissolved in sea water, salt lakes or in solid form as mineral halite that is the pure salt and can be find in large deposits around the world. In history, the salt has been used as money. Today, researchers have rediscovered the salt benefits. They have noticed that increased salt and water intake help people with chronic fatigue syndrome. An important role it has in respiratory diseases by its anti inflammatory, bactericide, mucokinetic and hydrophilic properties, helping in cleaning and widening the airways in all respiratory diseases. The salt therapy is based on speleotherapy, which is therapy in the conditions of the microclimate of salt mines. Being hard to reach them, people have found the way to bring the salt mines benefits in their homes with devices like Salin and Salt Pipe. Some of the effects of the salt therapy on people with respiratory diseases as asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis and allergies are: * facilitates the phlegm expulsion and ventilation of lungs of patients with chronic diseases of the lower respiratory tract * the therapy reduces the total IgE level and improves the non-specific and immunological response of the organism * the relaxing effect of salt therapy on the nervous system makes it suitable for persons with sleep disorders, stress, etc. and the improvement of well-being and sleep is observed already after few days of use. * in patients with allergic and vasomotor rhinitis and purulent sinusitis improves breathing through the nose and the drainage of the sinuses * reduces snoring by clearing the airway passages in the oropharyngeal region * facilitates an easier breathing by cleaning the airways and improving the quality of the indoor air by killing bacteria and mold. For more information, clinical studies and testimonials kindly refer to the website. NB: The author grants reprint permission to opt-in publications and websites so long as the copyright and by-line are included intact and the article is not used in spam.

Allergy - The Crucial Role of the Salt in Our Health

Salt is vital for our health. Right now, you have around 250 gr. of salt - about a cupful - working for keeping you alive. Without enough of it, muscles won't contract, blood won't circulate, food won't digest, and the heart won't beat. Salt, the sodium chloride, is an essential part of the diet of humans and animals and is a part of our fluids, such as blood, sweat, and tears. The two elements of salt - sodium and chloride - play a variety of very important and crucial roles in our bodies as maintaining the balance of our fluids, which carry oxygen and nutrients around our bodies. The sodium it contains is helping maintain the fluid in the blood cells and enables the transmission of electrical impulses between our brain, nerves and muscles. It is responsible for our taste, smell and tactile senses and helps our muscles - including the heart - to contract. The chloride is essential to our food digestion process by providing chloride for hydrochloric acid - an essential element of human digestive fluid - and helps in preserving the acid-base balance in our body. It plays an important role in absorbing potassium and helping the blood to carry carbon dioxide from respiring tissues to the lungs. Salt is an essential element in our lives and our health. Salt is widely and abundantly distributed in nature, dissolved in sea water, salt lakes or in solid form as mineral halite that is the pure salt and can be find in large deposits around the world. In history, the salt has been used as money. Today, researchers have rediscovered the salt benefits. They have noticed that increased salt and water intake help people with chronic fatigue syndrome. An important role it has in respiratory diseases by its anti inflammatory, bactericide, mucokinetic and hydrophilic properties, helping in cleaning and widening the airways in all respiratory diseases. The salt therapy is based on speleotherapy, which is therapy in the conditions of the microclimate of salt mines. Being hard to reach them, people have found the way to bring the salt mines benefits in their homes with devices like Salin and Salt Pipe. Some of the effects of the salt therapy on people with respiratory diseases as asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis and allergies are: * facilitates the phlegm expulsion and ventilation of lungs of patients with chronic diseases of the lower respiratory tract * the therapy reduces the total IgE level and improves the non-specific and immunological response of the organism * the relaxing effect of salt therapy on the nervous system makes it suitable for persons with sleep disorders, stress, etc. and the improvement of well-being and sleep is observed already after few days of use. * in patients with allergic and vasomotor rhinitis and purulent sinusitis improves breathing through the nose and the drainage of the sinuses * reduces snoring by clearing the airway passages in the oropharyngeal region * facilitates an easier breathing by cleaning the airways and improving the quality of the indoor air by killing bacteria and mold. For more information, clinical studies and testimonials kindly refer to the website. NB: The author grants reprint permission to opt-in publications and websites so long as the copyright and by-line are included intact and the article is not used in spam. LTiba WebSite: www.salinetherapy.com Phone: +1 / 519-641-SALT (7258) Educated and motivated person, having a multicultural background with extensive knowledge about European health products and practices. Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Livia_Tiba Allergy - Allergy Relief Air Purifiers - Relief for Allergy Sufferers Many who suffer from allergies find themselves suffering almost constantly, especially in the spring and summer months when the pollen counts are elevated heavily. What is the solution to the problem? While there is no permanent solution for those who suffer from allergies, there is some relief that can be discovered. Using some non-medication methods, many allergy sufferers are able to see some almost instantaneous relief from the normal irritants that cause so much stress. Many people each year suffer from allergies ranging from pollen to pet dander and so much more. How to avoid those allergens is a major cause of concern for some, and only a minor irritation to others. For those who have severe allergies, allergens are a major problem that can result in serious consequences. Many do not always realize that an allergy relief air purifier is one of the best defenses they have against the allergens in their home. Allergy relief air purifiers are able to remove most of the particles and allergens from the air without the use of chemicals that can often irritate allergies even further. With the invention of allergy relief air purifiers, many allergy sufferers are now able to see an almost immediate improvement in their allergy problems just by using a simple air purifier. The expenses associated with buying an allergy relief air purifier are much less than the expenses associated with many other allergy treatments today. Add to it the fact that an allergy relief air purifier cleans up the air for everyone in the home, not only the allergy sufferer, and you have an even greater benefit that allergy medications just cannot match. With some work and research, you will certainly be able to find the best allergy relief air purifier for your needs and in a size that will help you keep the air in your home the best possible. Everyone deserves clean air, and if having clean air helps remove the pollen, dust mites, pet dander, odors and other hazardous particles that irritate most allergies then it is a huge bonus for others in the house. Remember, when considering the expense of buying an allergy relief air purifier, you will need to change the filters, so ensure that you factor this in when you are trying to determine how cost effective the choice is. You should notice huge savings over the year, from the reduced use of medications to control your allergies. Another option is to purchase an ionic purifier, which does not use filters, thereby giving even greater savings to the consumer.

Allergy - Allergy Relief Air Purifiers - Relief for Allergy Sufferers

Many who suffer from allergies find themselves suffering almost constantly, especially in the spring and summer months when the pollen counts are elevated heavily. What is the solution to the problem? While there is no permanent solution for those who suffer from allergies, there is some relief that can be discovered. Using some non-medication methods, many allergy sufferers are able to see some almost instantaneous relief from the normal irritants that cause so much stress. Many people each year suffer from allergies ranging from pollen to pet dander and so much more. How to avoid those allergens is a major cause of concern for some, and only a minor irritation to others. For those who have severe allergies, allergens are a major problem that can result in serious consequences. Many do not always realize that an allergy relief air purifier is one of the best defenses they have against the allergens in their home. Allergy relief air purifiers are able to remove most of the particles and allergens from the air without the use of chemicals that can often irritate allergies even further. With the invention of allergy relief air purifiers, many allergy sufferers are now able to see an almost immediate improvement in their allergy problems just by using a simple air purifier. The expenses associated with buying an allergy relief air purifier are much less than the expenses associated with many other allergy treatments today. Add to it the fact that an allergy relief air purifier cleans up the air for everyone in the home, not only the allergy sufferer, and you have an even greater benefit that allergy medications just cannot match. With some work and research, you will certainly be able to find the best allergy relief air purifier for your needs and in a size that will help you keep the air in your home the best possible. Everyone deserves clean air, and if having clean air helps remove the pollen, dust mites, pet dander, odors and other hazardous particles that irritate most allergies then it is a huge bonus for others in the house. Remember, when considering the expense of buying an allergy relief air purifier, you will need to change the filters, so ensure that you factor this in when you are trying to determine how cost effective the choice is. You should notice huge savings over the year, from the reduced use of medications to control your allergies. Another option is to purchase an ionic purifier, which does not use filters, thereby giving even greater savings to the consumer. Find more Helpful Air Purifier tips, advice Click Here: http://www.airpurifiersonsale.com A Popular website that specializes in tips and resources to include Living Air Purifier, Allergy Air Purifiers, and Ionic Pro Air Purifier Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_Nichols Allergy - Food Allergies in Babies and Toddlers Allergies are very common and can cause serious reactions. The digestive and immune systems of a baby need to be sufficiently developed before solid foods are introduced. Introducing solid foods too early or introducing foods which are likely to cause problems too soon will stress the baby's immature systems. When introducing solid foods you need to be aware of the possibility of allergic reactions. This article presents the symptoms of allergic reactions and how to minimise these in babies. In recent years there has been an increasing awareness of the number of diseases and complaints that can be caused, or contributed to, by the presence of allergies. Allergies are very common. Conservative estimates are that twenty percent of the population is allergic to something. However when we consider minor allergies such as hay fever, minor eczema and food intolerances, the true incidences of allergies and or intolerances may well be a lot higher. It is thought that the changes in the Western diet over the last 100-200 years - in particular the refining of food, the use of food additives and the increased consumption of animal produce and the presence of environmental pollution, have contributed substantially to the prevalence of all forms of allergic disease. What is an allergy? The word means an 'altered reaction' and an allergic individual usually suffers from physical symptoms (such as, headaches and migraines, vomiting, rashes, asthma) when he or she comes in contact with substances to which they are sensitive. The substance which provokes the reaction is called an allergen and can be house dust, dog or cat fur, a food/s, a chemical/s or a bacterium - to name just a few. In this article we are looking at food allergies. When solid foods are introduced, a baby may have an 'allergic reaction' to wheat for example, and develop diarrhoea, abdominal colic, crankiness, a runny nose, or even a mild ear infection, asthma or eczema. The cause of these symptoms is often not recognised and may even be treated as a transient infection if the problem is a runny nose or ear pain. The offending food will be continued to be offered and the infant usually recovers from the acute symptoms, though there might be persistent, relatively minor symptoms. At some later stage (days, months, years later) either following periods of infection or stress or just due to a gradual failure to remain healthy, symptoms develop. If the food is withdrawn, the symptoms usually clear within three to five days, though sometimes, especially in children this can take as long as three weeks. There may also be marked withdrawal symptoms which eventually clear. When introducing new food to babies and toddlers you need to be aware of the symptoms of allergies. This is particularly the case when parents or other members of the family have food allergies. What does a food allergy look like in a baby or toddler? The symptoms associated with food allergies are legion and can mimic a whole range of different clinical conditions. It depends on the baby or toddler. Some of the symptoms babies and toddlers develop include: an itchy mouth and throat, rashes, eczema and hives, cramping and colic, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, wheezing, sneezing, runny nose, unusual crying, shortness of breath, hyperactivity, and sleep disturbances. In extreme cases, a child may develop a life-threatening condition called anaphylactic shock. Severe symptoms or reactions to any allergen require immediate medical attention. What are the common causes of food allergies? Foods that are the most likely to cause an allergy include: wheat, rye, oats, barley, maize (corn), cow's milk and other dairy products, hen eggs, and chicken meat, cane and beet sugar, fish and shellfish, peanuts, colourings and preservatives, yeast, pork, chocolate, and citrus fruit. What can you do? Here are two things you can do as a parent to reduce your baby's susceptibility to food allergies and reduce the severity of food allergies: Wait until your baby is at least 6 months old to introduce solids. Apply the 4-day wait rule when introducing new foods to your baby. Waiting until your baby is 6 months old Babies are not born with adult digestive systems and they cannot handle foods and will not digest them properly until their digestive systems have matured, at 4 to 6 months of age. Prior to that, your baby should only have breast milk or formula. Waiting until your baby is 6 months old to feed them solids will give them the best chance of actually being able to digest the food and a smooth digestion reduces risk of allergies. The 4-day wait rule When you begin to feed your baby solids, you need to be sure that the food isn't causing a reaction. Sometimes, it can take three or four days for a reaction to show up. Introduce one food at a time and then wait for four days before introducing another food. It is worthwhile keeping a food diary, noting which foods are introduced and when. This information may be very valuable later if your baby develops some kind of reaction which could be attributed to an infection or upset, or wind or whatever, though it may in fact be a food reaction. If you also note when particular problems start, you can quite often identify the offending food, exclude it from the baby's diet, and have a healthy, happy baby. If there is a family history of food intolerance then it is recommended that you avoid the introduction of cow's milk or wheat until the baby is twelve months or even older. (If you introduce these foods at all - but that is another issue.) Allergies are very common and can cause serious reactions. The digestive and immune systems of a baby need to be sufficiently developed before solid foods are introduced. Introducing solid foods too early or introducing foods which are likely to cause problems too soon will stress the baby's immature systems. When introducing solid foods you need to aware of the possibility of allergic reactions and should you be concerned about a reaction stop giving this food and allow the baby more time to mature. While the above details are intended to be generally helpful and educational they should not be construed as a replacement for individual advice from a health professional. You should seek professional assistance if your child's allergy is sudden, extreme, long-lasting or fails to improve. References Bland, J. 1996, Contemporary Nutrition. J & B Associates. Davies, S. and A. Stewart, 1997, Nutritional Medicine. Pan. Elliot, N. 2004, Green Peace. Practical Parenting. Holden, S., Hudson, K., Tilman, J. & D. Wolf, 2003, The Ultimate Guide to Health from Nature. Asrolog Publication. Pressman, A. and S. Buff, 2000, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Vitamins and Minerals. (2nd Ed.) Alpha Books. Soothill, R. 1996, The Choice Guide to Vitamins and Minerals. A Choice Book Publication. Sullivan, K. 2002, Vitamins and Minerals: A Practical Approach to a Health Diet and Safe Supplementation. Harper Collins.

Allergy - Food Allergies in Babies and Toddlers

Allergies are very common and can cause serious reactions. The digestive and immune systems of a baby need to be sufficiently developed before solid foods are introduced. Introducing solid foods too early or introducing foods which are likely to cause problems too soon will stress the baby's immature systems. When introducing solid foods you need to be aware of the possibility of allergic reactions. This article presents the symptoms of allergic reactions and how to minimise these in babies. In recent years there has been an increasing awareness of the number of diseases and complaints that can be caused, or contributed to, by the presence of allergies. Allergies are very common. Conservative estimates are that twenty percent of the population is allergic to something. However when we consider minor allergies such as hay fever, minor eczema and food intolerances, the true incidences of allergies and or intolerances may well be a lot higher. It is thought that the changes in the Western diet over the last 100-200 years - in particular the refining of food, the use of food additives and the increased consumption of animal produce and the presence of environmental pollution, have contributed substantially to the prevalence of all forms of allergic disease. What is an allergy? The word means an 'altered reaction' and an allergic individual usually suffers from physical symptoms (such as, headaches and migraines, vomiting, rashes, asthma) when he or she comes in contact with substances to which they are sensitive. The substance which provokes the reaction is called an allergen and can be house dust, dog or cat fur, a food/s, a chemical/s or a bacterium - to name just a few. In this article we are looking at food allergies. When solid foods are introduced, a baby may have an 'allergic reaction' to wheat for example, and develop diarrhoea, abdominal colic, crankiness, a runny nose, or even a mild ear infection, asthma or eczema. The cause of these symptoms is often not recognised and may even be treated as a transient infection if the problem is a runny nose or ear pain. The offending food will be continued to be offered and the infant usually recovers from the acute symptoms, though there might be persistent, relatively minor symptoms. At some later stage (days, months, years later) either following periods of infection or stress or just due to a gradual failure to remain healthy, symptoms develop. If the food is withdrawn, the symptoms usually clear within three to five days, though sometimes, especially in children this can take as long as three weeks. There may also be marked withdrawal symptoms which eventually clear. When introducing new food to babies and toddlers you need to be aware of the symptoms of allergies. This is particularly the case when parents or other members of the family have food allergies. What does a food allergy look like in a baby or toddler? The symptoms associated with food allergies are legion and can mimic a whole range of different clinical conditions. It depends on the baby or toddler. Some of the symptoms babies and toddlers develop include: an itchy mouth and throat, rashes, eczema and hives, cramping and colic, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, wheezing, sneezing, runny nose, unusual crying, shortness of breath, hyperactivity, and sleep disturbances. In extreme cases, a child may develop a life-threatening condition called anaphylactic shock. Severe symptoms or reactions to any allergen require immediate medical attention. What are the common causes of food allergies? Foods that are the most likely to cause an allergy include: wheat, rye, oats, barley, maize (corn), cow's milk and other dairy products, hen eggs, and chicken meat, cane and beet sugar, fish and shellfish, peanuts, colourings and preservatives, yeast, pork, chocolate, and citrus fruit. What can you do? Here are two things you can do as a parent to reduce your baby's susceptibility to food allergies and reduce the severity of food allergies: Wait until your baby is at least 6 months old to introduce solids. Apply the 4-day wait rule when introducing new foods to your baby. Waiting until your baby is 6 months old Babies are not born with adult digestive systems and they cannot handle foods and will not digest them properly until their digestive systems have matured, at 4 to 6 months of age. Prior to that, your baby should only have breast milk or formula. Waiting until your baby is 6 months old to feed them solids will give them the best chance of actually being able to digest the food and a smooth digestion reduces risk of allergies. The 4-day wait rule When you begin to feed your baby solids, you need to be sure that the food isn't causing a reaction. Sometimes, it can take three or four days for a reaction to show up. Introduce one food at a time and then wait for four days before introducing another food. It is worthwhile keeping a food diary, noting which foods are introduced and when. This information may be very valuable later if your baby develops some kind of reaction which could be attributed to an infection or upset, or wind or whatever, though it may in fact be a food reaction. If you also note when particular problems start, you can quite often identify the offending food, exclude it from the baby's diet, and have a healthy, happy baby. If there is a family history of food intolerance then it is recommended that you avoid the introduction of cow's milk or wheat until the baby is twelve months or even older. (If you introduce these foods at all - but that is another issue.) Allergies are very common and can cause serious reactions. The digestive and immune systems of a baby need to be sufficiently developed before solid foods are introduced. Introducing solid foods too early or introducing foods which are likely to cause problems too soon will stress the baby's immature systems. When introducing solid foods you need to aware of the possibility of allergic reactions and should you be concerned about a reaction stop giving this food and allow the baby more time to mature. While the above details are intended to be generally helpful and educational they should not be construed as a replacement for individual advice from a health professional. You should seek professional assistance if your child's allergy is sudden, extreme, long-lasting or fails to improve. References Bland, J. 1996, Contemporary Nutrition. J & B Associates. Davies, S. and A. Stewart, 1997, Nutritional Medicine. Pan. Elliot, N. 2004, Green Peace. Practical Parenting. Holden, S., Hudson, K., Tilman, J. & D. Wolf, 2003, The Ultimate Guide to Health from Nature. Asrolog Publication. Pressman, A. and S. Buff, 2000, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Vitamins and Minerals. (2nd Ed.) Alpha Books. Soothill, R. 1996, The Choice Guide to Vitamins and Minerals. A Choice Book Publication. Sullivan, K. 2002, Vitamins and Minerals: A Practical Approach to a Health Diet and Safe Supplementation. Harper Collins. Dr Jenny Tylee is an experienced health professional who is passionate about health and wellbeing. She believes that health is not just absence of disease and seeks to actively promote vitality and wellness through empowering others. She encourages people to improve their health by quit smoking (Growerz.com can assist with this), cleansing their body, taking essential vitamin and mineral supplements and many other methods, including herbal remedies. Join her newsletter for more valuable health information. Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr_Jenny_Tylee Allergy - Allergy Drops - Another Treatment Option For Allergies Allergies can interfere with even the most commonplace of daily events; for those who suffer from allergies, even leaving their house during certain times of year can prove nearly impossible. For sufferers, finding effective, long-lasting allergy relief can mean a significant difference in their life. And while many have found great success with oral medications and allergy shots, there is an alternative treatment option that comes with its own benefits - allergy drops. Allergies are the result of the body's immune system malfunctioning. When the body is introduced to something that it considers a threat, it reacts accordingly in an effort to rid the body of the toxin. With allergies, the immune system reacts to otherwise benign substances as if they are a threat - pollen, cat dander, nuts, or any other number of elements. To fight what it considers to be trespassers, the immune system releases the chemical histamine that results in the common symptoms of allergies - runny nose, congestion, coughing, wheezing, watery and itchy eyes, etc. In many cases, avoiding the allergy trigger or combating the symptoms with over-the-counter or prescription medication can make a world of difference for the allergy sufferer. But for those who suffer more intense symptoms or are exposed to their allergens on a daily basis, allergy shots have been the effective treatment of choice. But research has shown that allergy drops can be just as effective - and far more convenient - than allergy shots. Allergy shots are often given once a week and must be injected in a doctor's office. Further, there is time associated with this visit as the patient is often injected with extremely diluted allergens. The patient must then wait - often at least thirty minutes - before being able to leave the doctor's office as the doctor must first ensure that the patient is not having any negative reactions. This inconvenience of visiting the doctor - and the discomfort of the injection itself - often causes patients to shy away from pursuing the treatment. With allergy drops there are no painful injections - simply a drop put under the tongue. This procedure is something that the patient can do themselves at home; doctor visits are reduced to just a few times a year in order for the doctor to follow the progress of the patient. For children who suffer from allergies, the allergy drops can be enormously beneficial allowing them to receive the necessary treatment without having to get a shot once a week. Allergy drops are but one alternative to the management of allergies on an ongoing basis. For allergy sufferers, they can make a world of difference in keeping symptoms at bay and maximizing comfort levels.

Allergy - Allergy Drops - Another Treatment Option For Allergies

Allergies can interfere with even the most commonplace of daily events; for those who suffer from allergies, even leaving their house during certain times of year can prove nearly impossible. For sufferers, finding effective, long-lasting allergy relief can mean a significant difference in their life. And while many have found great success with oral medications and allergy shots, there is an alternative treatment option that comes with its own benefits - allergy drops. Allergies are the result of the body's immune system malfunctioning. When the body is introduced to something that it considers a threat, it reacts accordingly in an effort to rid the body of the toxin. With allergies, the immune system reacts to otherwise benign substances as if they are a threat - pollen, cat dander, nuts, or any other number of elements. To fight what it considers to be trespassers, the immune system releases the chemical histamine that results in the common symptoms of allergies - runny nose, congestion, coughing, wheezing, watery and itchy eyes, etc. In many cases, avoiding the allergy trigger or combating the symptoms with over-the-counter or prescription medication can make a world of difference for the allergy sufferer. But for those who suffer more intense symptoms or are exposed to their allergens on a daily basis, allergy shots have been the effective treatment of choice. But research has shown that allergy drops can be just as effective - and far more convenient - than allergy shots. Allergy shots are often given once a week and must be injected in a doctor's office. Further, there is time associated with this visit as the patient is often injected with extremely diluted allergens. The patient must then wait - often at least thirty minutes - before being able to leave the doctor's office as the doctor must first ensure that the patient is not having any negative reactions. This inconvenience of visiting the doctor - and the discomfort of the injection itself - often causes patients to shy away from pursuing the treatment. With allergy drops there are no painful injections - simply a drop put under the tongue. This procedure is something that the patient can do themselves at home; doctor visits are reduced to just a few times a year in order for the doctor to follow the progress of the patient. For children who suffer from allergies, the allergy drops can be enormously beneficial allowing them to receive the necessary treatment without having to get a shot once a week. Allergy drops are but one alternative to the management of allergies on an ongoing basis. For allergy sufferers, they can make a world of difference in keeping symptoms at bay and maximizing comfort levels. For easy to understand, in depth information about allergy drops visit our ezGuide 2 Allergy. Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michelle_Bery Allergy - Duck Allergy, an Introduction There are some people who are fond of eating duck meat. Duck meat can be turned into several delectable delicacies and there are a rising number of countries around the world that are somehow turning into consuming such meat. Admit it or not, though duck dishes are not as popular as their chicken, lamb or beef counterparts, many people prefer them because of the somehow good and appetizing aroma and the satisfying aftertaste that comes with it. Chefs and food critics also claim that duck meats are undoubtedly more meaty than chicken, and flavors tend to stick more into duck meat than into any other form of animal meat. Whatever argument you are taking regarding duck meat, you still can not change the fact that ducks meats are becoming popular, be it on exotic or regular menus. Duck allergy There are some setbacks, however, to eating duck meat. Because duck belongs to the family of chicken and turkey, there a number of people who have duck allergy. People with duck allergy may or may not know about the condition until they have eaten duck meat and symptoms of duck allergy begin to manifest. Because people eating duck is relatively and comparatively few in number compared to vegetarians and people consuming pork, beef, lamb and chicken, statistics show that there are only a few recorded and reported cases of duck allergy. There are other people who have duck allergy and also develop allergy to duck eggs. Just like in the case for chicken allergy, some duck allergic people do not exhibit symptoms to duck egg allergy. Symptoms of duck allergy Symptoms of duck allergy are somehow similar to symptoms of chicken allergy. Duck allergy attacks are characterized by asthma attacks, eczema, unusual fatigue, insomnia, depression and chronic disturbance of the gastrointestinal system. Unusual symptoms of duck allergy may also appear like bed-wetting and infections particularly in the bladder and in the ears. Migraine coming along with other symptoms may also be expected. Sinusitis can also observed in people with duck allergy especially during duck allergy attacks. Be aware that the manifestations of duck allergy attacks may occur and show up hours or even about one to days after taking in or eating duck meat. Treating and preventing duck allergy As usual, antihistamines are prescribed to people exhibiting apparent indications or manifestations of duck meat allergy. It is important to note, however, that antihistamines should not be taken without proper prescription as it may lead to over dosage and other serious medical conditions. Antihistamines contain substances and anti-allergic enzymes that can pose adverse and irreversible side effects to people who take inappropriate dosages. People with duck allergy, above all things, should also eliminate duck meat in their daily diet. Duck allergic people should do so immediately if the symptoms of duck allergy are already exhibiting or showing up. Doing so would certainly stop the prevalence or occurrence of such manifestations. To avoid the onset of duck allergy, it is also imperative that people with duck allergy permanently and religiously eliminate duck meat in their diet. The reason behind is very logical and practical, don't you think? Donald Duck is so cute, and you may probably have loved him one time or another during your growing up years. But ducks around can never be always fun, especially when you want to eat them and you have duck allergy. ---------------------------------------- Note: This article may be freely reproduced as long as the AUTHOR'S resource box at the bottom of this article is included and and all links must be Active/Linkable with no syntax changes. -----------------------------------------

Allergy - Duck Allergy, an Introduction

There are some people who are fond of eating duck meat. Duck meat can be turned into several delectable delicacies and there are a rising number of countries around the world that are somehow turning into consuming such meat. Admit it or not, though duck dishes are not as popular as their chicken, lamb or beef counterparts, many people prefer them because of the somehow good and appetizing aroma and the satisfying aftertaste that comes with it. Chefs and food critics also claim that duck meats are undoubtedly more meaty than chicken, and flavors tend to stick more into duck meat than into any other form of animal meat. Whatever argument you are taking regarding duck meat, you still can not change the fact that ducks meats are becoming popular, be it on exotic or regular menus. Duck allergy There are some setbacks, however, to eating duck meat. Because duck belongs to the family of chicken and turkey, there a number of people who have duck allergy. People with duck allergy may or may not know about the condition until they have eaten duck meat and symptoms of duck allergy begin to manifest. Because people eating duck is relatively and comparatively few in number compared to vegetarians and people consuming pork, beef, lamb and chicken, statistics show that there are only a few recorded and reported cases of duck allergy. There are other people who have duck allergy and also develop allergy to duck eggs. Just like in the case for chicken allergy, some duck allergic people do not exhibit symptoms to duck egg allergy. Symptoms of duck allergy Symptoms of duck allergy are somehow similar to symptoms of chicken allergy. Duck allergy attacks are characterized by asthma attacks, eczema, unusual fatigue, insomnia, depression and chronic disturbance of the gastrointestinal system. Unusual symptoms of duck allergy may also appear like bed-wetting and infections particularly in the bladder and in the ears. Migraine coming along with other symptoms may also be expected. Sinusitis can also observed in people with duck allergy especially during duck allergy attacks. Be aware that the manifestations of duck allergy attacks may occur and show up hours or even about one to days after taking in or eating duck meat. Treating and preventing duck allergy As usual, antihistamines are prescribed to people exhibiting apparent indications or manifestations of duck meat allergy. It is important to note, however, that antihistamines should not be taken without proper prescription as it may lead to over dosage and other serious medical conditions. Antihistamines contain substances and anti-allergic enzymes that can pose adverse and irreversible side effects to people who take inappropriate dosages. People with duck allergy, above all things, should also eliminate duck meat in their daily diet. Duck allergic people should do so immediately if the symptoms of duck allergy are already exhibiting or showing up. Doing so would certainly stop the prevalence or occurrence of such manifestations. To avoid the onset of duck allergy, it is also imperative that people with duck allergy permanently and religiously eliminate duck meat in their diet. The reason behind is very logical and practical, don't you think? Donald Duck is so cute, and you may probably have loved him one time or another during your growing up years. But ducks around can never be always fun, especially when you want to eat them and you have duck allergy. ---------------------------------------- Note: This article may be freely reproduced as long as the AUTHOR'S resource box at the bottom of this article is included and and all links must be Active/Linkable with no syntax changes. ----------------------------------------- Charlene J. Nuble 2006. For answers to All your frequently asked questions about duck allergy, please go to: http://duck-allergy.allergyanswers.net/ or go to: http://allergyanswers.net/ or http://allergyanswers.blogspot.com/ Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charlene_Nuble Allergy - Sinus Congestion - Try the Ancient Neti Lack of oxygen is not conducive to life so of course those who suffer from sinus congestion are desperate for a permanent solution. The most common course of action is to try over-the-counter medications. If those medications are not effective, the next step is usually to see a doctor for a prescription for more powerful drugs. While medications will clear the sinuses, the side effects are sometimes more than the sufferer is willing to endure. Often the side effects include brain fog, sleepiness, and a very dry throat and sinuses. Of course things could get even worse and morph into a sinus infection. If that happens, an even stronger class of drugs and their side effects come into play. Before the problem gets to that stage, there's an alternative that's very effective and doesn't involve drugs or their side effects--the neti pot. The neti pot has literally been around for ages. The term comes from an ancient Indian yoga technique, meaning literally "water cleansing", where the practitioner rinses out the nasal cavity with water using a neti pot. You can make your own saline solution for nasal irrigation by mixing 1/4-teaspoon salt in an 8-ounce glass of warm water and add a pinch (1/4-tsp.) of baking soda. If you don't want to make your own, you can purchase a pre-made solution to put into the neti pot. Once you have the solution in the neti pot: Lower your head over a sink. Turn your head to the side. Keep your nose slightly higher than your mouth. Pour solution from the container into your nostril. Water will drain from your other nostril into the sink. Gently blow your nose. Repeat the same process for other nostril. Remember to breath through your mouth during the process.

Allergy - Sinus Congestion - Try the Ancient Neti

Lack of oxygen is not conducive to life so of course those who suffer from sinus congestion are desperate for a permanent solution. The most common course of action is to try over-the-counter medications. If those medications are not effective, the next step is usually to see a doctor for a prescription for more powerful drugs. While medications will clear the sinuses, the side effects are sometimes more than the sufferer is willing to endure. Often the side effects include brain fog, sleepiness, and a very dry throat and sinuses. Of course things could get even worse and morph into a sinus infection. If that happens, an even stronger class of drugs and their side effects come into play. Before the problem gets to that stage, there's an alternative that's very effective and doesn't involve drugs or their side effects--the neti pot. The neti pot has literally been around for ages. The term comes from an ancient Indian yoga technique, meaning literally "water cleansing", where the practitioner rinses out the nasal cavity with water using a neti pot. You can make your own saline solution for nasal irrigation by mixing 1/4-teaspoon salt in an 8-ounce glass of warm water and add a pinch (1/4-tsp.) of baking soda. If you don't want to make your own, you can purchase a pre-made solution to put into the neti pot. Once you have the solution in the neti pot: Lower your head over a sink. Turn your head to the side. Keep your nose slightly higher than your mouth. Pour solution from the container into your nostril. Water will drain from your other nostril into the sink. Gently blow your nose. Repeat the same process for other nostril. Remember to breath through your mouth during the process. Nasal irrigation is safe, but remember overuse can interefere with the ability of the sinuses to fight bacteria. Visit Mind Mart to find out about nasal irrigation at www.mind-mart.com/neti-pot. ? 2006, Clara Myers. Mind Mart offers holistic and alternative techniques for mind-body health. Check out Mind Mart's Santosha page at mind-mart.com. Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Clara_Myers Allergy - Food Allergies and Fatalities Every year, millions of people worldwide are affected by allergies to particular foods. It is estimated that in America alone, over 11 million people suffer from potentially life threatening food allergies. It is estimated that over 200 people die each year from allergic reactions to food in the United States. Furthermore, there are approximately 30,000 emergency room visits each year that are attributed to food allergies. These numbers are astounding, to say the least. There has been a lot of talk in the popular press as of late, regarding food allergies. In fact, the White House recently designated a National Anaphylaxis Day to raise public awareness about the dangers of certain types of food. Anaphylaxis is a term used to describe extreme allergic reactions that have the potential to cause death. The most troubling element of food allergies is that they are next-to-impossible to diagnose. More often than not, an individual does not realize that they have a food allergy until they are having a reaction. At that time, it is too late to consider preventative measures. The scariest part is that there is literally no way to determine how serious the reaction might be, so the utmost care and consideration must be taken when dealing with an allergic reaction. Some of the most common foods people are allergic to include nuts (peanuts, walnuts, etc.), shellfish (lobster, shrimp, crab, etc.), eggs, and dairy products (milk, cream, etc.). Now take a moment to consider how many prepared foods contain one or more of the above ingredients. For those suffering from intense food allergies, every meal is like playing a game of chance. There are few ways to protect one self from having an allergic reaction. The best strategy is simply to be prepared for the worst. You certainly have to be aware of what you are eating, but also of the environment in which the food was prepared. In the case of an individual with peanut allergies, mere traces of the nut can cause like-threatening illness. If you are dining out, be sure to inform the restaurant of any allergies you suffer from. In the kitchen, extra care should always be taken to ensure cross-contamination is not taking place. As mentioned above, there is no way to determine how severe an allergic reaction might be. The frontline tool for defense against allergic reactions to food is a compound known as epinephrine. Epinephrine is absolutely critical for managing allergic reactions, and could mean the difference between life and death. If you or somebody you know is suffering from food allergies, be sure to consult a physician regarding management strategies. Alternately, you can visit our site for more information.