If you have ever experienced an allergy to alcohol, you might not recognize the allergy from a “hangover”. An alcohol allergy is quiet uncommon for the most part, but people can have an allergy to the ingredients that go into making the beverage.
Many people think they are just having a real bad hangover day and swear never to over drink again. In all reality, you could have an allergy to alcohol. There are many reasons why people are allergic to alcohol, which include a preservative called sulfur dioxide or the wheat used in alcoholic beverages. Some wines also have an ingredient that causes rashes and / or flushing.
Medical professionals do not come out and say you have an alcohol allergy; they normally call it intolerance to alcohol. Some of the symptoms for an allergy to alcohol include headache, your skin may itch, stuffy nose, stomach pain or cramping, heartburn and vomiting or nausea. If you have ever overindulged the night before, you may experience any one or more of these symptoms. For many people, one drink containing alcohol can trigger any of these symptoms, either right away or within hours after drinking. This would account for why so many people feel they have a “hangover” the next day.
Learning how to live with an alcohol allergy requires some simple thoughts. Many choose not to drink at all. This suggestion helps avoid any symptoms and requires no further treatments. If you enjoy a drink now and then, you are either going to have to live with the allergy or try different alcoholic beverages until you fine something that does not affect you this way. Limiting yourself to a few drinks instead of many drinks may also help the severity of the alcohol allergy symptoms. Other than that, refraining from alcohol is the only way to avoid a problem completely.
Treatments for alcohol allergies do not exist, but if you have symptoms the morning after, you can do a few things to lessen the severity of the symptoms. Drinking plenty of water to re-hydrate the body is crucial to overcome the nausea and stomach cramping. Eating saltine crackers for the salt will also settle your stomach and allow the body to absorb the salt loss due to overindulging. Things to avoid are caffeine and nicotine, which can aggravate the symptoms of the alcohol allergy. Food and water are vital to recovering from a night of drinking alcoholic beverages.
Don't know what you're allergic to? No problem learn more about allergies by visiting http://www.allergyanswersguide.com, a popular allergy site that provides advice, resources, tips and information on allergy eye drops, allergies in children, dog for people with allergies and MSG Allergy.
Learning To Live With an Alcohol Allergy
Successful Allergy Treatment
By Juliet Cohen
Allergy is an abnormal, acquired sensitivity to a given substance, including pollen, drugs, or numerous environmental triggers. People who have allergies often are sensitive to more than one thing. Allergic rhinitis (nasal allergies) affects about 35 million Americans, 6 million of whom are children. The number of cases of asthma has doubled over the last 20 years. It is exaggerated because these foreign substances are usually seen by the body as harmless and no response occurs in non- allergic people. Allergic people's bodies recognize the foreign substance and one part of the immune system is turned on. In the United States, an allergist-immunologist is a physician specially trained to manage and treat asthma and the other allergic diseases. Proteins found in the skin, saliva, and urine of furry pets such as cats and dogs are allergens. It can also be found in rotting logs, hay, mulches, commercial peat moss, compost piles and leaf litter. Allergies can cause a runny nose, sneezing, itching, rashes, swelling or asthma. Allergies that occur in the spring are often due to tree pollen. Allergies that occur in the summer are often due to grass and weed pollen.
Allergies that occur in the fall are often due to ragweed. Many allergens, including dust mites, are in dust. Dust mites are tiny living creatures found in bedding, mattresses, carpeting and upholstered furniture. Up to 30% of the population suffers from allergic rhinitis, and this number seems to be growing. The majority of these people are treated by their primary care physician for their allergies. There are two components involved in a true allergic reaction. The first is the production of immunoglobulin E (IgE), an antibody that circulates in the blood attacking things such as germs. The second is the mast cell, a type of cell that is found in the body at places where allergic reactions occur, including the nose, throat, lungs and skin. There have been enormous improvements in mainstream medical treatments developed by allergists. Antihistamines help reduce the sneezing, runny nose and itchiness of allergies. Cromolyn sodium is a nasal spray that helps prevent the body's reaction to allergens. Environmental endotoxin showed a strong protection against hay fever and allergy.
Endotoxin exposure reduces peripheral blood leukocytes release of inflammatory cytokines after lipopolysaccharide, including cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha, interferon-gamma, interleukin-10, and interleukin-12. Shower and wash your hair every day. Pollen from the air can collect on your clothes, skin, and hair. Many families are giving their children safe nutritional supplements, such as Vitamin B6 with magnesium and Di-methyl-glycine (DMG). Many medications used to treat various medical problems are derived from plants and herbs, including theophylline. Various herbal supplements have been used in the treatment of allergies and asthma, some showing benefit. Dry your sheets and clothing in a dryer rather than hanging them outdoors where they can collect pollen and spores. Wash your hands after having contact with your pet. Keep pets out of the bedroom or other rooms where you spend a great deal of time. Avoid using carpeting in your home since allergens will collect there.
Allergy Treatment Tips
1. Endotoxin exposure reduces peripheral blood leukocytes release of inflammatory cytokines after lipopolysaccharide.
2. Shower and wash your hair every day. Pollen from the air can collect on your clothes, skin, and hair.
3. Many families are giving their children safe nutritional supplements, such as Vitamin B6 with magnesium and Di-methyl-glycine (DMG).
4. Many medications used to treat various medical problems are derived from plants and herbs, including theophylline.
5. Various herbal supplements have been used in the treatment of allergies and asthma, some showing benefit.
6. Dry your sheets and clothing in a dryer rather than hanging them outdoors where they can collect pollen and spores.
7. Wash your hands after having contact with your pet.
8. Keep pets out of the bedroom or other rooms where you spend a great deal of time.
9. Avoid using carpeting in your home since allergens will collect there.
10. Some popular calming techniques include: vigorous exercise which would act as a release of their high excitement level, vestibular stimulation.
Juliet Cohen writes articles for online medical clinic and skin disorders. For more information visit our site at http://www.diseasestreatment.com/.
The Dust Mite Allergy
By: Grant Segall
Dust mites are so incredibly small that if you were to examine one gram of dust, you would find as many as 500. However, remember the saying, “Big things come in small packages.” This is true for dust mites in that this small creature can do a lot of damage. Keep in mind that the dust mite itself is not necessarily the problem but the proteins produced in the feces.
The dust mite is related to ticks and spiders and is commonly found in carpet, furniture, curtains, stuffed animals, bedding, and any place where dust collects. For a dust mite to grow, they must have a warm and humid environment, which is why you would not find them living in a dry climate or any place 3,000 feet above sea level or higher. While most people think they have reaction to dust, the fact is they actually have a dust mite allergy.
Dust mites eat dead skin from humans and then produce up to 20 pellets of waste each day. That means a female that lays eggs can produce around 30 mites every three weeks. For the person with a dust mite allergy, this is really bad news. Now, the interesting aspect of the dust mite is that since they do not bite or spread any type of disease, people without a dust mite allergy are not affected. On the other hand, the person with a dust mite allergy will definitely be miserable.
The most serious problem associated dust mites, is that this indoor allergen causes perennial allergic rhinitis. Because dust mites reproduce so quickly and can be difficult to eliminate, the person with a dust mite allergy will have symptoms of itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose or stuffiness, respiratory problems, stopped up ears, asthma, and atopic dermatitis.
If you suspect that you have a dust mite allergy, you can do several things to make it better. For one, keep the home dusted and vacuumed regularly, especially if you have animals living inside the home. Additionally, if you live in a humid region, you might invest in a good dehumidifier, keeping the percentage of humidity between 75% and 80% and the air temperature around 75 to 80 degrees. Remember, once the humidity dips below 50%, the dust mite will die and the person with a dust mite allergy finds relief from the annoying symptoms.
Often, people with severe dust mite allergy will remove wall-to-wall carpeting and opt for hardwood or ceramic flooring instead. Other steps would include choosing furniture other than overstuffed, hanging blinds or shades instead of curtains, and if the kids have moved out and now on their own, packing up the old stuffed animals for storage or charity. Having a dust mite allergy can be frustrating but in most cases, the symptoms are not dangerous. The only exception would be for people with asthma in that a dust mite can trigger an attack.
About the Author:
Grant Segall is a Pharmacist and webmaster for http://www.allergy-allergy.com
Allergy Treatment Guide
By: Kelly Gillis
Allergy can be described as a malfunction of the immune system, an exaggerated response to certain substances. Allergies come in all different shapes and sizes, some as benign, but bothersome as the sneezing, wheezing, coughing and watery eyes brought on by pollens, and some whoppers that can actually bring on anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shock and death such a bee stings.
Allergic symptoms can be brought on by many different things. Some environmental allergens are seasonal pollen such as ragweed, mold, dust, dander from household pets. Others can be brought on by foods, such as nuts or shellfish, and some by medications (prescription or over-the-counter).
If you have a family history of allergy you will have a greater risk of acquiring one yourself. The first and foremost way to avoid an allergy is of course to avoid the cause of the allergy. Sometimes avoidance isn't enough and medications are needed.
If you are interested in treating the symptoms of an occasional allergy (such as seasonal pollen) an over-the-counter antihistamine and an over-the-counter nasal spray are generally the combination suggested by most doctors. These will give you temporary relief for 12-24 hours, depending on the ones you choose. Please check for side-effects carefully. These drugs stimulate the nervous system and can cause insomnia, palpitations, nervousness and irritability. If you have a condition such as high blood pressure check with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medication.
For some who don't obtain relief from other medications, or who have more numerous or serious allergies, allergy shots are recommended. After a consultation and a skin patch test a vaccine is custom made for the patient. The allergy vaccine will actually contain a small amount of the allergens that tested positive. These shots are given frequently at the start of treatment, generally 1-2 times a week for 6 months, then once a month. Maintenance shots are given for 3-5 years then stopped altogether. Your doctor will decide your schedule. Not everyone is a candidate for allergy shots. Your doctor will review your medical history with you to see if you can safely receive them.
Some seek a gentler and more natural way to allergy relief with the use of vitamins, supplements and herbs. Believers see this natural path to allergy treatment as actually strengthening the body. Vitamins C, B5 A, B12, E and Omega 3 can be taken to help reduce allergy symptoms. Honey can be used to prevent hay fever. Some say washabi taken every day prevents hay fever. Please remember that herbs can have interactions with over-the-counter medications and prescription medications and check with your doctor before starting any course of therapy for your allergy.
Are Allergy Shots Effective?
By: Harold Miller
Itchy, watery eyes, runny nose and sneezing are all common symptoms which a vast majority of us experience as allergy symptoms at specific times throughout the year. Many individuals do everything in their power to avoid allergies including changing their diets, staying indoors or taking vitamin supplements. These may contribute to fighting allergies, but there is another effective way to do so. Immunotherapy or allergy shots are gaining popularity. Getting an allergy shot can be scary for some people, so we thought it would be best to fully explain allergy shots and address some common concerns.
How Do They Work?
Allergy shots contain a small amount of the substance which you are allergic to. If you are allergic to pollen, a small amount of pollen would be added to the shot. The amount is small enough so that it does not cause you to suffering from allergy symptoms, but enough so that you body gets used to fighting the allergen. Therefore, the next time your body comes in contact with that substance, it will be familiar with fighting it off and you will most likely not suffer from allergies.
Are Allergy Shots Safe For Everyone?
Although most people will have positive results from allergy shots, they are not right for everyone. Allergy shots are not recommended for individuals suffering from severe heart problems, asthma or other respiratory problems. Also, children under the age of 5 should not be exposed to allergy shots for safety reasons.
What Is The Procedure?
Once you have decided that you would like to get allergy shots, you will receive a shot 1 or 2 times a week for about 6 months. Afterwards, your maintenance shots will require you to get one shot a month, year round for about 3-5 years. Once you have received allergy shots on a regular basis for a couple years, you can discuss it with your doctor and they may tell you its okay to stop getting them at that point.
What Are The Side Effects?
Although allergy shots are effective for many individuals in eliminating allergy symptoms, certain individuals may experience some harmful side effects. Some people may experience feelings of shock when the shot is initially injected, others may feel light-headed or nauseated. For this reason, doctors are required to keep patients in their office for at least 20 minutes after receiving each shot in order to ensure the patient’s safety.
Some people swear by allergy shots while others criticize the effects or claim they don’t work effectively. If you are considering receiving immunotherapy, contact your doctor to discuss. Your doctor will give you more insight in order for you to determine if this is something you really want to do.
About the Author:
Harold Miller used to suffer from allergies until he took it upon himself to get educated. While Harold still has the occasional bout, he has learned many ways to improve his allergies and as a result enjoys serving as a contributing editor at http://www.allergyrelief101.com.
9 Allergy Signs In Children
By: Jane Thurnell-Read
Sadly more and more children are suffering from allergies, and there are certain signs that indicate when allergies are causing or significantly contributing to health problems. Here's a short checklist of what to look out for. The more of these your child has the more likely they are to be suffering from allergies:
1. Dark circles or bags under the eyes making the child look permanently tired. In Chinese medicine this area of the face is linked to the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are one of the main organs of the body involved in stress reactions, and exposure to allergens certainly produces stress in the body. Sometimes there is also a crease seen under the eyelids.
2. Dry, flaky lips Often the edge of the lip is an indistinct blur rather than there being a definite line between it and the rest of the face. Michio Kushi in his book Oriental Diagnosis says that different parts of the lip correspond to different parts of the digestive system. The upper lip represents the stomach. The lower part corresponds to the intestines. These parts of the body are often involved with allergic reactions particularly if the problem is with foods.
3. Sweaty feet The liver is the main detoxifying organ of the body. When it is not functioning properly or has to work overtime then the feet tend to be very sweaty. In allergic reactions the liver is coping with an overload of toxins.
4. One or both ears sometimes red and/or burning The reaction usually starts about one and three quarter-hours after exposure to the offending substance and lasts for about half an hour. I do not know whether it is significant if it is one ear or both ears, but the timing seems very precise. The redness usually lasts for about half an hour. This particular reaction can become a very useful self-help diagnostic technique if you pay attention to your child's ears!
5. Children with a tendency to allergies are often blond hair. They are usually pale; in fact so pale that sometimes they are suspected of suffering from anaemia. In some children this paleness is not at first sight evident, because they have very rosy cheeks either all the time or some of the time. Sometimes if you feel the child’s cheek it will be hot and burning, or papery and dry.
6. A child with a lot of food sensitivities will often be a fussy eater. The parent will often say: ‘My child would be happy if he could live on X.’ The child is probably allergic to X, whatever that is. Frequently they become irritable and bad-tempered if they have to go without their favourite food for even a short period of time Breast fed babies are either difficult feeders or need to be constantly fed both day and night and may be difficult to wean.
7. Babies and children with food allergies are usually either very good tempered or very bad tempered first thing in the morning.
8. Very often there is a family history of allergies with near relatives suffering from eczema, hay fever, etc.
9. Allergic children (and adults) often like peculiar smells: they sniff felt tip pens or enjoy the smell of petrol (gas) at petrol stations. They are nearly always allergic to the smell they like so much and, like a drug addict, are seeking out a fix!
So what to do about it? Try visiting a therapist with a particular interest in allergies. I particularly recommend health kinesiology, which has a lot of success not only detecting allergies but also correcting them, so the child does not have to avoid the things he/she is allergic to.
About the Author:
Jane Thurnell-Read is an author and researcher on health, allergies and stress. She has written two books for the general public: "Allergy A to Z" and "Health Kinesiology". She also maintains a web site http://www.healthandgoodness.com with tips, inspiration and information for everyone who wants to live a happier, healthier life.
How To Take Care Of Your Food Allergy?
By: Novi White
You will never know what kind of food you’re allergic to if you never had reaction on food you have eaten. Not everyone is allergic to food they have eaten. But there are some who suffer this kind of situation. What about you? Do you have any allergic to something you eat?
Are you vomiting after eating peanuts? Or are you itching after taking only a little amount of seafood? Well, there’s a great possibility that you suffer from food allergy...
Yes, a person can be allergic to certain foods, even foods which are considered common to people like meats, fruits, and vegetables. However, there are actually some foods in which people are more allergic to. Milk, egg, peanut, fish, shellfish, and wheat are some of the foods that can cause food-allergic reactions more than the others.
How to Recognize Food Allergy?
What is food allergy actually? Well, before going further, let’s learn first about the general thing - the allergy itself. Allergy is the body’s reaction (an abnormally high sensitivity) to certain substances which are normally harmless. Thus, food allergy means the reaction of the body’s immune system to a particular food that is considered harmful.
When someone with food allergy eats a particular food, the body’s immune system will release antibodies which lead to triggering some allergic symptoms. Some of these symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, itching of the lips and mouth, sneezing, abdominal cramps, and difficulty in breathing.
Can a food allergy be cured? Well, it’s sad to say that food allergy cannot be cured. How do you treat this food allergy then? The only way that can be done is to strictly avoid the food that can cause the allergic reactions or symptoms. Don’t forget to read the ingredients of food you’ll consume. If there isn’t any, ask the store staff to explain the ingredients. If you still cannot get the information, in order to prevent allergic reactions, just find another food which is safe for your body!
If you suddenly get the reactions, there are some over-the-counter prescriptions you can use to relieve them. However, it’s of course better for you to consult with your doctor before taking any medications, especially if your food allergy has become worse.
Talking about medicines your food allergy, you can get them for online. Compare some of them through the Internet and ask your doctor which is best for you.
About the Author:
Novi White writes health articles on various publications. She has been working with doctors for their research publications. You can visit her Website MyAllergyGuide.com at http://www.myallergyguide.com
Peanut Allergies...Most Life Threatening Food Allergy
By Marilou Batul-Tayag
Well, what is Peanut Allergies? According to health studies Peanut Allergies can be defined as an allergic reaction to peanuts, which is the number one cause of anaphylaxis, popularly known as the most life threatening allergic reaction.
Peanut allergies are caused by the body’s hypersensitive response to a substance when one eats peanuts or peanut particles and oils. Some of these are peanut butter, expressed peanut oil, mixed nuts, arachis oil, groundnut oil, hydrolyzed plant and vegetable protein and natural flavoring. There are also many foods that contain peanut as their ingredient which include: breakfast cereals, crackers, biscuits, ice cream, desserts, nutrition and energy bars, curry sauce, candies, salad dressings, vegetarian dishes, soups and topical ointments.
Anyone can have peanut allergies. But according to health surveys it is more seen among children. There are several signs and symptoms on how to identify if one has peanut allergies. Symptoms of peanut allergies range from mild to severe. When one has a mild reaction to the said allergies the most common signs are you get stomachache, runny nose, a skin rash, hives or urticaria and if you feel thrilling sensation in your lips and tongue. On the other hand if you’re allergies become severe here are the most common symptoms. There is urinary frequency, hypotension or what we call low blood pressure, inflammation of the brain, flushed appearance, night blindness, sudden swelling of the neck , lips, face and throat, vomiting, erectile dysfunction and frequent itching all over your body, difficulty in breathing and swallowing, diarrhea, dizziness and loss of consciousness.
So when one feels any of these symptoms it’s very important to have an abrupt treatment. It’s better to be diagnosed by your family physician to be able to know if your allergies need a serious treatment. Usually, doctors always conduct a skin test to the patient by injecting a peanut extract to know if there will be swelling or redness which indicates allergic reaction. Afterwards the physician will conduct a blood test to identify antibodies which corresponds to a peanut allergy sample that can be found in the patients sample blood. And to make the diagnosis more effective the physician will conduct a blind food challenge tests which and determines the cause of the food allergy. Lastly is the elimination diet. It is a process wherein peanuts are removed from the patient’s diet for weeks. This method will help physicians to determine if allergic reactions continue and persist.
Now as an individual, it’s very important to have enough information on how to prevent peanut allergies. The most general prevention is avoidance of peanut in your diet. Make sure that when you buy anything that is eaten always to read the labels to be able to know if the products you buy are peanut free. Remember health is wealth!
Allergy Immunology
By Harry Rai
Allergy treatment with antihistamines and decongestants are common ways to control the symptoms of this problem. At best, allergies can be annoying and reduce the quality of life of the person suffering the allergic reaction. At worst, allergies can be life-threatening. For common, seasonal allergies, many people use antihistamines and decongestants to get through the allergy season but they may not know very much about the medication they are consuming.
Of course, the best way to control allergy symptoms is to avoid contact with the offending allergen. This may not always be possible especially if your seasonal allergy symptoms are triggered by blooming plants. It is difficult to avoid going outdoor entirely during allergy season which can span the spring, summer and well into fall, depending on what allergens trigger your symptoms.
Antihistamines are effective treatment for allergy symptoms. They can be obtained over the counter or as prescription medication. Unfortunately, almost all over the counter antihistamines have a sedating effect but many of the prescription antihistamines do not have a sedating side effect. These medications work by countering the reaction by blocking histamine in the body. They work best if taken before the encounter with the offending allergen. For example, if you are allergic to blooming flowers and must attend a wedding, you should take an antihistamine before attending the event rather than after. This can prevent many of the symptoms from appearing.
Allergy symptoms can cause the lining of the nose, sinuses, lungs and even the ears to swell and become stuffy. This can be quite a miserable feeling for the allergy sufferer and the nasal drainage can be even more annoying. The use of decongestants can relieve some of this stuffiness and make it easier for the person with allergies to breathe freely. Decongestants can be taken only when symptoms are present and can be taken with antihistamines. Some decongestants tend to have a stimulating effect and can raise blood pressure. People who have high blood pressure already must be careful when taking these medications.
Allergy treatment with antihistamines and decongestants can be quite effective, however, these medication have the potential to interact with other medications taken for other medical problems. If you take other prescription medication, you should always consult your doctor before taking any over the counter antihistamine or decongestant medications. If you have other health problems, you should also talk to your doctor to be sure what allergy medications are safe for you. We keep updating allergy immunology blog, please come back to allergy immunology
What Is A Gluten Allergy?
By Grant Segall
In wheat, barley, rye, and low level oats, there is a rubbery like protein called gluten. This substance is what helps the dough bind, which you would see with baked breads and other baked foods. Although these grains contain gluten, which can cause a gluten allergy in sensitive people, they also contain a number of other proteins that can also cause allergy symptoms.
The four primary proteins found in wheat, rye, and barley includes albumin, globulin, gliadin, and glutenin, better known as gluten. While the symptoms and severity of the symptoms of gluten allergy vary from one person to another, generally a person would experience hives, swelling, abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting, or asthma. If the person is highly sensitive to gluten allergy, the symptoms could be life-threatening.
The good news about gluten allergy is that if the person has a reaction after eating wheat or wheat product, making an early diagnosis is easy. The challenge is that so many of the foods we eat are made with wheat, making it difficult to tell where the real problem lies. Most often, a trained doctor or allergist would conduct a skin prick test or take blood to confirm that gluten allergy is the problem.
If the reaction to gluten is severe, the solution might be to eliminate wheat and wheat by-products from the diet. However, if the gluten allergy is minor, then reducing the amount of wheat consumed and/or allergy medication or shots might do the trick. If the person with gluten allergy is a young child, chances are he or she will outgrow the allergy.
Gluten Intolerance, also known as Coeliac Disease, is a hereditary disorder that affects the immune system. In this case, when gluten is consumed, the mucosa, which is the lining of the small intestine, is damaged. When this happens, important vitamins and nutrients are not absorbed properly. When a person has this type of gluten allergy, the symptoms would be different in children than they would be in adults.
For children, the gluten allergy would be seen as abdominal distension, impaired growth, abnormal stools, irritability, poor muscle tone, malabsorption, poor appetite, and wasting of muscle. If an adult has this type of gluten allergy, then diarrhea, significant weight loss, abdominal cramping and bloating, constipation, and offensive stools are common.
In both cases of gluten allergy, a doctor would need to perform blood tests to make a confirmed diagnosis. Once done, the only treatment is to have gluten completely eliminated from the diet. Because of this, it is essential that nutrient and vitamin deficiencies be addressed with things such as niacin, iron, thiamin, riboflavin, chromium, magnesium, selenium, folacin, molybdenum, and phosphorus. With proper care and diet, a person with gluten allergy can enjoy a hearty choice of foods without the irritating symptoms.
Grant Segall RPh is a pharmacist and webmaster for the allergy related website http://www.allergy-allergy.com.
