Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medical system, offers a scientific approach to food allergy by determining the correct diet based upon an individual's constitution ( vata, pitta, kapha) & seasonal alterations.
Pitta people are allergic to hot, spicy foods, fermented foods, sour fruits, tomatoes, potatoes. Kaphas develop allergies to dairy products and cold beverages. Vatas are allergic to hard-to-digest foods such as popcorn, beans and raw vegetables.
When foods, (proteins, carbohydrates and fats) having different attributes, tastes, heating or cooling properties, and post-digestive effects are eaten together, agni (gastric fire) will be slowed down. The foods can then remain in the stomach for seven to eight hours. These same foods, if eaten separately might well stimulate agni, be digested more quickly and even help to burn ama (toxins)
Thus, according to Ayurveda, one should eat according to one's constitution and take fruits, starches, proteins and fats separately at different times of the day. Combining foods improperly can produce indigestion, fermentation, putrefaction and gas formation. This condition, if prolonged, can lead to toxemia and disease complex. For example, eating bananas with milk can diminish agni, change the intestinal flora producing toxins and may cause respiratory allergies
Symptoms of food allergy include diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, swelling of lips, tongue, abdominal cramps, cough wheezing, sneezing, runny nose, blocked nose and rashes on skin.
Food allergy can be managed by :
** Avoiding the foods which cause allergic reactions.
** Having a regular routine of life as it stabilizes the immune system
** Practicing yoga and meditation as it balances mind & body thereby reducing allergic symptoms.
** Taking a balanced diet with enough proteins, calories, minerals and vitamins.
** Selecting food with suits the individual constitution and seasons.
** Combining the foods to improve tolerance. Diet should be made wholesome by appropriate combination of different foods.
** Combining the foods to reduce intolerance. The suitability of food is improved by appropriate processing.
** Slowly adapting to the unsuitable food.
**Ayurvedic herbal preparations - Rasayanas are traditionally used in treating food allergies.
http://www.ayurvedaforall.com/
Food Allergy - Ayurveda Concept
Allergy - Is Your Dachshund Suffering From It?
Allergy may not be included in the list of top diseases that could affect a Dachshund, but that doesn't mean that your Dachshund can't possibly acquire this health problem. Dogs, just like humans can suffer from trouble caused by allergies. As dog owner, it is important that you are well aware of this problem in order for you to identify if your Dachshund is really suffering from it.
Below are the different kinds of allergy.
Atopy - Atopy is also known as allergic inhalant dermatitis or atopic dermatitis. These airborne disease is usually caused by environmental factors such as dust mites, molds, house dust, human dander and feathers or pollen from grasses, trees and weeds. Symptoms of atopy include itching resulting to frequent scratching and biting on the feet, muzzle or face, armpits, groins and ears. Worst cases of atopy may be characterized by redness, hair loss, crusts and scaling, ear problems and skin infection. This disease is diagnosed through physical examination. The vet will need to find out your Dachshund's history of symptoms and have to differentiate it from other skin diseases such as food hypersensitivity, flea allergy dermatitis or contact dermatitis. There is lots of known treatment for this disease. The highly recommended treatment is to avoid the allergens as much as possible. Medication includes antihistamines, corticosteroids and immunotherapy or allergy shots. Medicated shampoo or diet rich in Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are as well recommended.
Flea Allergy - Flea allergy or flea allergy dermatitis is an allergy caused by flea saliva passed into the dog's skin when it bites. Not all dogs can acquire flea allergy with a single bite but dogs with flea allergy will quickly experience the symptoms such as itching, redness and swelling. Symptoms of flea allergy are scratching, loss of hair, crusts and erosions of the skin and pimple-like bumps. In some severe cases, thickened skin with darkened areas will develop. Red, oozing and very painful sores are also present in this kind of allergy. This problem is best prevented through eliminating the fleas in the environment. It is important to keep your surroundings clean to make sure that fleas are completely removed. The market is offering wide selection of commercial products used to kill fleas. Just read the label carefully as to the proper usage of the product, or it is better to ask your vet for suggestions.
Richard Cussons is a writer and a dog expert. Learn more about Dachshund dog at this site dedicated to Dachshund.
Detecting Food Allergy Symptoms
First things first... not every discomfort you feel after eating is a food allergy. It is possible that the discomfort which most people feel is just a kind of intolerance to a particular food. A very good example is an upset stomach or a sick feeling after a meal.
To differentiate intolerance from food allergy is easy if you know the symptoms of food allergy. One of the first ways to know the difference is this - with intolerance, the reactions are mild while with food allergy, the symptoms are severe.
Looking more closely, food allergens (the ones that causes allergic reactions) are proteins that unfortunately withstood the high temperatures of cooking as well as the acidic substances and enzymes of the gastrointestinal system. These allergens consequently live on to pass through the linings of the gastrointestinal tract, disperse into the blood circulatory system, and travel to organs of target, which results to different allergic symptoms all over the body.
Other common food allergy symptoms include, but are not limited to:
- Severe diarrhea or vomiting
- Swelling on the skin, particularly by the side of the mouth
- Rashes on the skin
- Runny nose
- Dizziness
- Rashes
Whenever you feel any of these food allergy symptoms, don't treat them with kid gloves. Get serious and seek help so that the situation doesn't get worse. The truth is that in any health related issue - delay is very dangerous. Didn't the wise ones say "a stitch in time saves nine"?!
Individuals who are highly allergic are advised to put on medical alert necklaces or bracelets which declare your condition. As for the medications, some patients who are very vulnerable are also advised to bring with them at all times a self-injectible epinephrine, which is prescribed by the doctor, that can be of great help during sudden attacks of allergic reactions before seeking out for the assistance of an emergency team.
Don't be like those who always procrastinate about everything, including their health. With such people, they tend to put off everything, until it becomes too late. Don't let this happen to you. Get help as soon as you notice any of the above symptoms of food allergy.
Knowing food allergy symptoms can help you get started in treating the allergy before it becomes worse. When it comes to allergy and other such problems "ignorance is not bliss". The more you know about the various symptoms, the more prepared you will be in not only preventing it but dealing with it as well.
Lastly, don't forget to NOT confuse the symptoms of intolerance with the symptoms of allergy. The symptoms of intolerance are mild and usually go away after a short time, but the symptoms of food allergy are severe and usually long lasting.
Roger Mitchell contributed this article. http://www.allergyfoodsymptom.com/ has other well-written and helpful articles related to Food Allergies like Treating Your Child Allergies and How To Deal With Your Dogs Allergy. This article may be used only in its entirety with all links included.
Allergy Relief Air Purifier Revealed
Many people suffer from some form of allergies. If you don't suffer, I'm sure you know of someone who does; whether it be a family member, neighbor or co-worker. Allergies can be very miserable and in some cases can turn into asthma which can be life threatening. For allergy sufferers, the air they breathe could be a vital cause to their problem. An allergy relief air purifier could be the solution to living a healthier life. With all the contaminants in the air today, is it even possible to breathe clean air anymore? This article will take a look at how and why an allergy relief air purifier could possibly change peoples lives.
Is My Home A Safe Place To Be
Many allergy sufferers think that the source of their problem is outdoors. They will often avoid the smell of freshly mowed lawns, flowers or perfumes. Did you know that most of the allergens people are exposed to, come from right in their own homes? Yes, their own homes. The place they think of as a safe haven. There are all kinds of particles being transported through the air in our homes. Dust and pollen are obvious if you look on a coffee table or end table. Often times you can see these results with the naked eye, but did you know that the bed in which you lay your head each and every night has all kinds of dust mites too? Just because we can't see these bugs, doesn't mean they aren't there. There are many times we confuse allergies with a cold. We often think that just because we are stuffed up and have a runny nose means we have a cold. It could be a sign that you have allergies. Our homes provide a more confined area in which dust and pollen thrive. Could owning an allergy relief air purifier help?
What Am I To Do
Many home owners today are investing in an allergy relief air purifier. These air purifiers, not only aid in relief for allergy sufferers, but can also provide asthma relief as well. They are designed to not only get rid of dust and pollen particles, but also eliminate germs and bacteria as well. Being in a more enclosed environment allows for germs to be passed on to one another much more easily. An air purifier can be installed in an individual room or it may be big enough to purify more than one room at a time. There are also larger models that can clean the air in your entire home.
With the wonderful technology of the internet, it is easy to find information on just about anything you want to know more about. Depending on your finances and needs, there is an allergy relief air purifier designed just for you. All you have to do is a little research, and you could be living in an environment of clean, fresh air, that could change your life.
For more information on Air Cleaners and Purifiers for your home or business try visiting http://air-cleaners-and-purifiers.com, a website that specializes in providing helpful tips, advice and Air Cleaners and Purifiers resources to include Allergy Relief Air Purifier information.
How To Spot Food Allergy Symptoms
Has it ever occurred to you that the discomfort that you have been experiencing for ages are a result of food allergy symptoms? Food allergy symptoms can show up within minutes after eating, making these symptoms easy to spot. However, sometimes, it can take up to a few hours, for their effects to show. Usually, these are then misdiagnosed as other problems or simply lumped into a 'catch all' diagnosis that is not clearly understood.
Food allergy symptoms can be mild or severe. Some are merely uncomfortable, yet others can be debilitating or even life threatening. For example, a mild reaction may give you a skin rash that disperses over a short period of time. Conversely, a severe reaction can cause severe inflammation and the throat can swell up to the point that you cannot breathe.
For severe food allergies, it is important that you address them. The consequence of not addressing your food allergy symptoms can be poor digestion or other bodily functions that reduce your ability to perform normally. Food allergy symptoms need not be confined to digestive complaints. They can show up in almost any part of the body, depending on the irritant and your own chemical system.
They can affect many parts of the digestive system. You may suffer from tingling or burning sensations in the mouth, lips, and tongue. You may experience nausea, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, or cramping. If a food allergy develops over time, it may be difficult to pin point whether it is an allergic reaction or a different problem. If you suffer from chronic digestive difficulties, you may have a staple of your diet that is aggravating your system.
Food allergy symptoms can also result in skin irritations and more chronic diseases such as eczema. It is not unusual for a person to develop hives from eating irritating foods.
Although many people do not equate respiratory problems with food allergies, but as with other allergens, food can produce symptoms throughout the respiratory system. You may find yourself experiencing congestion, a runny nose, sneezing, or nasal symptoms resembling a cold. There can also be inflammation of the throat and bronchial passages, resulting in wheezing, coughing, and breathing difficulties. Should you feel a tightness of the chest, you should check it out immediately. Asthma attacks are also very serious and you should seek medical attention as they can be life threatening.
Another set of symptoms that are often overlooked as the result of food allergies include musculoskeletal complaints. Joint pain resembling rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, or other conditions with joint problems can actually be a symptom of delayed food allergies.
You can choose to do an elimination diet on your own to check whether specific foods are triggering a reaction for you. In an elimination diet, after cleansing your system, you start with foods least likely to cause a reaction, avoid them for a period and then very gradually add them back to your diet. Carefully observe if there are any food allergy symptoms that arise. The sooner you learn how to spot your food allergies, the greater the chance for a more comfortable and productive life. Many of us have forgotten how that feels as we have lived with our food allergy symptoms for far too long!
A food allergy sufferer, Evelyn Lim is the publisher of an ebook, Allergy treatment Secrets. She has been healing herself through a variety of treatment options. She also provides free research and tips on allergies on her site. Please visit http://www.allergy-attacks.com/ for more information.
House Dust and Allergy
People who are sensitive to house dust suffer from a form of allergic rhinitis which can cause identical symptoms to those of a pollen allergy. Fortunately, the symptoms usually subside within half an hour once the person has removed himself from the house environment. The normal activities of making beds, dusting, vacuuming, beating mats, etc. tend to bring on the running nose, hay fever and other symptoms which indicate that an allergenic dust has been released into the surrounding air. A sensitive person may find that when he wakes in the morning he has a blocked nose and itchy eyes. In a dusty house he may even wake during the night, wheezing and short of breath. Housewives may have symptoms throughout the day because of constant exposure.
House dust is a composition of cotton, wool fibres, kapok fibres, moulds, human and animal hair, danders (skin flakes), food particles, insect fragments and a variety of substances brought in from outside the house. Although all these materials are to varying degrees, allergenic, the main problem is a living mite - a microscopic, tick-like creature whose main diet is human and animal dander. There are a number of different types of mites; some live in mattresses, whilst others prefer old upholstered furniture. Sensitivity to house dust, therefore, is mainly a sensitivity to the house mite. Treatment of house dust allergy involves removal of the mite and tests to ascertain a course of desensitisation therapy.
Obviously, environmental control is the key to resolving house dust/mite allergy and much can be done to minimize its existence by careful and regular cleaning. In the bedroom, particularly, vacuuming should be done daily and the bed vacuumed at least weekly. Regular exposure of both bed and bedding to sunlight will further retard growth and numbers of the mite. Pets should be excluded from the bedroom and if possible from the rest of the house, as their dander will greatly increase house mite population. Throughout the house regular cleaning is essential. In chronic cases carpets should be replaced by a hard surface with scatter rugs that are aired and beaten daily. Curtains should be of cotton or nylon and washed regularly.
Often, irritation of the nasal mucous membranes has been caused by reaction to an inhaled chemical or an ingested food or chemical. This in turn creates the right climate for a more serious reaction to house dust than might otherwise have occurred. Avoidance of other allergenic substances will help considerably in overcoming house dust sensitivity.
Author's Sites: Health Articles, Home Remedies and Natural Remedies.
Do Allergy Shots Work?
The best way to control your allergies is to stay away from what you are
allergic to. Sometimes, however, that is almost impossible. At times, your best option may be to try and develop immunity to the allergen. It may sound backwards but being injected with small amounts of what causes your allergies can sometimes help control and reduce your allergic reactions.
The technical term for this procedure is allergen immunotherapy but almost everybody just calls it allergy shots. Sometimes it is also called specific immunotherapy because the injections are designed to target only your specific allergies. The first step, of course, is to clearly understand exactly what it is you are allergic to so that the allergy shots can be targeted for you.
Your doctor will use various skin and blood tests to identify the specific allergies. Once the allergens are identified, the series of allergy shots can be setup. The procedure does not involve just one shot but rather a series of many shots administered over an extended period of time. You will get 1 or 2 shots per week of a very low dose to start with. Usually you are given the shot in your upper arm and the doctor will ask that you stay in the clinic for 20 to 30 minutes to make sure you don't react severely to the dose. This procedure of one shot per week continues for up to 6 or 7 months with ever-increasing doses of the allergen. Once you reach a dose level that allows you to effectively fight off normal environmental levels of the allergen then the doctor will switch you to a maintenance allergy shot that will be given approximately once per month. The monthly maintenance allergy shot in some cases will continue for up to several years. Sometimes this procedure will give you a permanent immunity to the allergen but more often you will need to go through the procedure again at some time in the future.
The idea is to slowly build up your resistance to the allergies without giving you so much at a time that you get severe reactions. It is very similar to a vaccination. Over a period of time your body gets used to fighting off the invading substance and your negative reactions to the allergy are reduced or eliminated. You build up immunity to the allergy substance. The bodies normal reaction to allergens is to generate a substance called IgE which is short for immunoglobulin E. IgE builds up a defensive barrier to the allergen by causing typical allergy responses; runny nose, sore and watery eyes, sneezing, inflammation, congestion and skin redness. The goal of allergy shots is to get the body to make a different molecule called immunoglobulin G (IgG). Unlike IgE, IgG will go on the offensive against the allergen. It binds with and effectively destroys the allergen. This reduces the amount of the allergen that the IgE reacts to which in turn will reduce your allergy symptoms.
Allergy shots can be extremely effective against insect stings and bites and also against allergens that you would inhale. For example, up to 75 percent of hay fever sufferers get reduced or eliminated allergy symptoms by going through allergen immunotherapy.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Allergies
Pollens and Allergy
There is no doubt that at certain times of the year, pollens cause many people a distressing array of symptoms. These include hay fever, mucous, red eyes that itch intolerably, overheating and great tiredness. At times, particularly at night, difficulty in breathing may also be experienced.
As far back as 1867, Dr Charles Blackley of Manchester, noted that when pollen was placed on the skin it caused itching and swelling to some people. When pollen is inhaled, it makes contact with the mucous membrane, lining the nose, and absorbs water from the mucous. A substance, not yet identified, dissolves from the pollen and enters the bloodstream through the mucous membrane. It then becomes an antigen which the white cells and antibodies of the immune system would normally destroy.
In the case of an allergic person, the immune system does not destroy the pollen antigen. The presence of the antigen causes the mast cells, which are laden with histamine and other chemicals, to break up and release a flood of histamine to the affected areas. The excessive histamine causes both localised symptoms in the initial areas of contact and general symptoms throughout the body. The former being hay fever, runny nose, etc. and the latter, the accompanying tiredness and lethargy.
Pollens become a problem mainly during spring and also in autumn owing to some plants, chiefly wild grasses, flowering twice a year. As pollens are carried on the wind, it makes little difference whether a sufferer be a country or a city dweller, the allergic reaction will be the same. Fungal spores from plant parasites on grain crops can also trigger allergic reactions in pollen-sensitive people.
Obviously, avoiding exposure to pollens is extremely difficult, apart from staying indoors with the windows closed during the bad times of the year. It is possible, however, for many people to find relief through a programme of desensitization from a medical allergist. This is given, following a series of skin tests, to ascertain the various types of pollens causing the allergy.
Medication, such as antihistamine tablets and decongestant sprays may be used to seek occasional, temporary relief. These preparations do not cure but simply palliate symptoms to make life a little easier for the sufferer. Beware of prolonged use! In the United States, doctors now suspect that thousands of people have become addicted to nasal sprays. If used too often to constrict blood vessels that have become dilated by histamine, natural constriction ceases to happen efficiently and the nose can become permanently blocked.
While it may not be possible to eliminate symptoms completely, a clean diet and avoidance of allergenic foods and chemicals will assist the immune system to cope better with pollen allergies.
Author's Sites: Health Articles, Home Remedies and Self Help.
Help I Am Allergic To Seafood
If you are allergic to seafood then you suffer from Allergies Type 1, also 
called Contact Allergies. Countries where seafood is a staple part of the diet such as Scandinavian, Spain, and Japan have a higher percentage of individuals allergic to seafood.
This is due to the ability of allergies type 1 reactions to gradually increase in severity over time. If you are susceptible to becoming allergic to seafood, then the more you are exposed to the allergens the more likely it is that you will develop symptoms. Once an allergic reaction has developed the allergy is usually for life.
The good news is that allergies to seafood are usually restricted to only one seafood type or group. Types of seafood groups are, Vertebrates like anchovies, cod, herring, mackerel, salmon, and tuna. Crustaceans like crab, lobster, prawns, and shrimp. Shellfish like clams, mussels, oysters, and scallops. Cephalopods like calamari, cuttlefish, octopus, and squid. Gastropods like garden slugs, sea slugs, and snails.
If you are allergic to something in the vertebrates group then it is 50 to 75 percent that you will be allergic to one of the other vertebrates. The same holds true for the rest of the groups. Complete avoidance to one or more groups of seafood is often recommended. However, just because you are allergic to one of the vertebrates does not mean that you will be allergic to something in the shellfish group.
Whenever something in a new group is tried for the first time you should only eat a small amount and then see if any of the symptoms occur within several hours. Symptom include hives or rash, difficulties in breathing, headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears and an increase or decrease in blood pressure.
Some reactions to shellfish are caused by toxic reaction that mimics an allergic to seafood reaction. Shellfish contaminated by algae-derived neurotoxins interfere with the function of nerve endings in the human body, thus giving the appearance of an allergic reaction. Symptoms occur within a couple of hours and usually last about 24 hours.
The neurotoxin know as saxitoxin is concentrates in the filter-feeding shellfish and the toxin is head-stable and is unaffected by cooking. The toxin can persist in contaminated shellfish for several weeks to several months after exposure to the toxic algae. Never eat shellfish after a red tide has been reported.
A growing awareness about food allergies is becoming well known in the United States. Food manufactures and restaurants are becoming more understanding and willing to accommodate people living with food allergies. Living with any food allergy is no longer a major undertaking; it is now just a minor adjustment to your life-style.
Always consult your doctor before using this information.
This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.
David Cowley has created over 50 articles about the relationship between diseases and vitamins. For other articles on Allergies click on Articles on Allergies and for other articles click on Other Articles
Peanut Allergy Symptoms
A peanut allergy is an illness that is caused by the body's reaction to particular substances. Everytime the body comes into contact with a substance it considers as harmful, it reacts by releasing histamines to fight off these allergens. As the body fights these allergens, the person exhibits the classic symptoms of an allergic reaction. There are many substances that can cause allergy like insect bites, pollen, dust and food. Aside from shellfish, fish and eggs, allergy to peanuts is the most common.
Considered to be one of the deadliest types of food allergy, peanut allergy affects about 3 million Americans. Since this particular allergy can cause death, it is important that you know the facts surrounding this reaction especially if you or someone in your family is allergic to peanuts.
Peanut allergy can be triggered by even the smallest of doses. The allergy is characterized by severe symptoms including anaphylactic shock. The particular symptom causes severe swelling, heart failure, breathing difficulties, circulatory collapse and eventually death. Aside from these, the person also suffers from gastrointestinal discomfort.
Since there is no available treatment for allergies, the same is also true for peanut allergy. Available medications for allergies are only designed to treat the symptoms of the allergic reaction. To prevent any episode of allergic reaction, persons with peanut allergy should avoid peanuts or peanut-ingredients at all cost. In case of an allergic reaction, the individual must be injected by epinephrine or adrenalin. This could prevent or reverse the anaphylactic shock. Adrenalin can increase heart rate, constrict blood vessel, reduce swelling and relax muscles. As soon as the symptom subsides the person must still be taken to the nearest hospital to be checked thoroughly.
Today, people with peanut allergy are given extra consideration. Because of the possible severity of the illness, you should also do your part in making sure that you do not endanger yourself. People with peanut allergies have found themselves having problems when traveling by air.
Peanuts are considered to be a staple in most airlines and if you are not careful, having an allergic reaction while on air will be just a difficult situation. To avoid such situation, you should first check with the airline to find if they do serve peanuts or peanut-ingredient in your flight. For more convenience, you should ask your doctor to give you a document stating your allergy to peanuts.
Before your trip, discuss with your doctor the need for carrying with you extra adrenalin. You should also plan on what food to bring so you are assured of peanut-free food. If you are traveling with your child who has contact sensitivity to peanuts, make sure you wipe the seat, tray table, arm rest and window area. In case an allergic reaction still occur during the flight, you should stay calm and follow all your doctor's instructions in cases like this. Immediately alert the airline crew of the emergency situation so they could contact and request professional medical assistance that would be on standby as soon as you landed.
As you can see, the peanut allergy can be very dangerous. If you have it, it's a good idea to just be aware of it, so you can react in the proper ways to diffuse the allergic reaction. Be alert to especially any peanut allergy symptoms that might arise.
Article by Sven Ullmann, who runs Deserved Health - a site dedicated to different health related articles. Read more about Peanut Allergy Symptoms.
Help I Am Allergic To Gold
Contact allergic dermatitis, also called Allergies Type 1, usually develops 
with repeated exposure to some substance in the environment. All of a sudden you may develop a hypersensitivity to all of your gold jewelry. Symptoms may include a rash, itching, swelling, blistering, and eczema.
It is very unlikely that you are allergic to gold. You are more likely to have developed an allergy to nickel. More specifically the allergy is not caused by the nickel itself but by the combination of your perspiration and nickel salts. If your jewelry shows any type of corrosion or pitting then coating the piece of jewelry with clear finger nail polish where it comes into contact with the skin may help. If finger nail polish is used then you will need to recoat very often because finger nail polish wares off easily. It would be better to coat the item with some type of long lasting plastic compound. See you jeweler for recommendations.
Allergic to gold cases have been reported by dermatologists since the introduction of cheap fancy jewelry. Nine carat gold and white gold both contain nickel, 12 carat or higher should be ok. Once you have developed an allergy to nickel it will often remain for the rest of your life. 34 to 65 percent of the population that is allergic to nickel is also allergic to platinum.
Nickel is frequently added to gold because it is inexpensive and hard. Gold in itself is soft and will lose its shape under pressure so nickel is added to toughen it up. Better quality products use palladium, which has excellent properties but is also more expensive to use.
Other common every day items that contain nickel and cause you to develop contact dermatitis are metal zippers, hair-pins, buttons, lipstick holders, razors, keys pocket knives, kitchen utensils, scissors, silver coins, paper clips
Your dermatologist or pharmacist can supply you with a nickel-testing kit. The test contains a bottle of dimethylglyoxime and a bottle of ammonium hydroxide. Put a drop from each bottle the jewelry or item in question, the chemicals will not harm your jewelry, and then rub it with a cotton swab. If the swab turns pink then the item being tested contains nickel and may cause problems if worn.
Always consult your doctor before using this information.
This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.
David Cowley has created over 50 articles about the relationship between diseases and vitamins. For other articles on Allergies click on Articles on Allergies and for Other Articles
Fix a Dog Allergy
Aside from needing their basic needs fulfilled, dogs may also need help regarding some health problems. Dogs are actually susceptible to medical conditions like allergies which the owner should quickly take note of and have cured to prevent the condition from worsening.
Making Your Dog Itch: Allergy Possibilities
Allergies cannot be prevented unless the owner is aware of which allergens his dog is allergic to. Here are some helpful tips and hints to fix this problem just in case they come up.
Inhalant Allergy
Most common of these dog allergies is inhalant allergy. The most common symptoms are scratching of the genital areas, abdomen, armpit or face, and prolonged chewing and licking. Upon close inspection, the dog develops a reddish area caused by too much licking.
If you suspect that your dog has this allergy, then you must bring him to your vet. A veterinarian can diagnose this accurately through allergy testing.
Bacteria allergy
Bacteria can be another cause of dog allergy. Bacteria allergy (specifically Staphylococcus allergy) is not a very common condition. Only a few canines react negatively to this bacteria; most other dogs have become accustomed to it.
If your dog is allergic to bacteria, they can easily develop crusts on his skin or even lose some hair on the spot that he normally scratches. You need to bring your dog to a vet before the patches of exposed skin becomes infected.
Flea allergy
Flea, per se, does not cause the dog’s allergic reaction but the flea’s saliva is the main culprit. A vet or even the owner can easily figure this out.
If you see your dog scratching himself frequently, then you should check his coat thoroughly to see if he has fleas. If you see fleas, that’s a pretty good indication that it’s causing your dog’s discomfort. Since there can be other causes aside from fleas, though, it’s better to bring your dog to a vet and have him diagnosed and tested for allergies. If it’s flea allergy after all, then you should ask your vet for his recommended flea shampoo and medication.
Food Allergy
Allergy to food is also possible. Manufactured dog foods are a combination of a variety of ingredients, one or a few of which can be causing your dog’s allergies. Your dog may have this type of allergy if he keeps on scratching or sneezes a lot, vomits, loses control of his bowels, etc.
Diagnosis of food allergy can be quite difficult. You need to fix a different meal for a certain period of time to see which is causing the allergy. Thus, in one period, you can give your dog chicken meat. Then, on another the diet can be restricted to pork and so on and so forth. Should the dog develop an allergy at anytime a certain ingredient was used, you’ll know that it’s causing the allergy so you should avoid serving your dog this food again.
Contact allergy
This is an allergy caused by an object that the dog is in constant contact with. It could be his food bowl, his collar, or another thing entirely that’s causing the allergy. Since this is the least common, you must rule out all other allergy causes. After that is done, start eliminating the things he is in contact with to isolate the main cause.
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