Symptoms of a Food Allergy

Symptoms of a Food Allergy
Food allergies are among the most dangerous, which is why it's important to understand the symptoms of a food allergy. As with other types of allergies, you experience a reaction when your body's immune system responds incorrectly to a particular food or a particular ingredient within a food. The most common food allergies are nuts, milk, shellfish, wheat, soy, and eggs.

The most common symptoms of a food allergy include irritation of the skin which may involve hives, eczema, and a simple rash. In more severe cases, symptoms may also include swelling of the tongue, lips, throat, face and other body parts, abdominal pains, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, lightheadedness, and tingling inside the mouth.

The following symptoms are often more difficult to directly associate with a food allergy because there could be numerous other reasons for these symptoms. However, in those situations where these become persistent you should definitely visit with your physician and see if you can isolate what's going on ...

* Trouble Sleeping
* Moodiness
* Fatigue
* Heartburn
* Constipation
* Symptoms Similar To Those of Arthritis
* Canker Sores
* Bed Wetting
* Inflammation Of The Face And Lips
* Rhinitis
* Migraine
* Wheezing

Eczema or atopic dermatitis, which is a swelling and drying of the skin, can be seen in allergies to citrus fruits, eggs, and tomatoes. Hives or urticaria is also a form of skin irritation which is represented by elevated skin welts that are reddish. Hives are a common reaction to tomatoes, eggs, shellfish, mangoes, pork meat, nuts, and strawberries.

Simple headaches are usually symptoms of an allergic reaction to chocolates and wheat. Migraines, on the other hand, are typically caused by an allergy to cheese, nuts, citrus fruits, tomatoes, milk, eggs, and MSG or monosodium glutamate. Monosodium glutamate is a chemical used for seasonings in a lot of foods but only those which have excessive amounts can cause allergic reactions.

In severe conditions known as anaphylaxis, can result in life-threatening symptoms such as rapid pulse, loss of consciousness; airway constrictions that lead to loss of breathe and shock with a significant drop in the blood pressure levels. When any of these symptoms occur, immediate medical attention is required.

As mentioned, food allergy symptoms are not unique. Therefore, when these symptoms do appear it can be difficult to know if they're related an allergy or if there's another cause. Even if you're able to identify a symptom as belonging to an allergy, you'll also need to determine if food is the culprit or if there's another allergen involved.

There is one consideration that can help ... did you eat recently? If so, what did you eat? Mild food allergy symptoms often appear within minutes of consuming the food allergen (severe cases of a food allergy will result in an almost instantaneous reaction). So if you're experiencing a reaction, simply think back to your last meal. Of course, the trigger could be hidden within a food item, a hidden ingredient that you may overlook. For example, a peanut sauce may not readily identifiable.

Once you have a clear understanding of the potential symptoms of a food allergy, not only will you know what to be watching for, you'll be prepared to help your physician or allergist further define those foods that are troubling for you.

Food allergies do not have to be a part of your life. You do have hope. Win the war against your allergies today with the Natural Allergy Relief Guide.

Breastfeeding to Reduce Allergy Risk

Breastfeeding to Reduce Allergy Risk
Allergies amongst children are now becoming more and more prominent with more than just asthma on the scene, parents and teachers are required to be in the 'always prepared for an emergency' mode.

Asthma, Glucose intolerance, Anaphylactic seizures, Diabetes, eczema are just a few of the aliments common to today's child.

What can be done to lessen the risk of your child developing such allergies?

A breastfed baby has an enormous advantage as far as building their immune system. Also with breast milk there is no thick gluginess in the baby's intake that can convert into a phlegm-producing agent when the baby has a slight cold.

Infant Bronchitis is one of the most regular sicknesses for infants that doctors have to deal with in infants. A phlegm build-up from a simple cold develops into bronchitis and then further into Pneumonia. This is a more serious situation that one may first think.

When a baby develops bronchitis during infancy, a change takes place in the respiratory system making it possible for them to contract the same illness repeatedly throughout their early years. It is quite normal for this situation to turn into asthma as the child grows, which is a condition that usually has to be dealt with for life.

Breast milk has water, protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals in just the right amounts for baby. It protects a baby from infectious and chronic diseases and scientists believe that its constitution and, according to Allergy New Zealand, it may also provide protection against allergies.

Start from the start

Usually we are not aware of an allergy that our child may have until they actually have a reaction like a seizure or a rash of some sort. Therefore the most effective solution to protecting our children from the likelihood of developing an allergy would be to help them to create good physical and chemical balance from the time that they are babies. One way is through breastfeeding as discussed earlier and another is through avoiding medication as much as possible during the baby's first year.

By using medications you do not allow the immune system to develop normally by fighting germs on a small scale. By allowing your baby's system to fight the germs on its own, it is encouraged to build the immune up and be able to fight more serious infections or germs alien to the body in a balanced way. Many allergies are simply an over-reaction by the body in attempting to ward off alien chemistry.

Be informed about the new situations that you will be facing as a new parent.

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Food Allergy Solution

Food Allergy Solution
Allergies to food can be a problem for people who enjoy trying different types of quinine. Common food allergies include reactions to peanuts, milk, eggs, nuts, wheat, soy and fish. Signs of a food allergy usually are first seen in children and generally don't go away.

The mild symptoms of a food allergy include rashes, runny nose, dizziness and diarrhea. However that's not all. More severe food allergy symptoms also include difficulty breathing or tightness in your chest. The more severe symptoms may require a shot of epinephrine. They should not be taken lightly. If you ever experience any of these symptoms of food allergies you should consult a doctor right away. He'll be able to recommend a suitable treatment.

Food allergy treatment options can vary. In most cases avoidance it the best medication. However that's easier said than done. If you think you suffer from an allergy to food, you should keep a daily log of exactly what you eat. That way you can mark down any unpleasant effects. Then it's a simply a matter of not eating the foods that are making you sick. While you may not like the idea of staying away from your favorite food, it's generally better than the alternative.

Your doctor may also be to prescribe allergy medication that will help relieve you of the symptoms. However these medications aren't actually a cure. They simply treat the symptoms. In essence they're just a bandage to the underlying problem. You know what they say. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

By understanding exactly what you're allergic to, you'll be able to avoid unpleasant allergy symptoms and start enjoying life.

For more information please visit Easy Allergy Relief. We're a website that's dedicated to helping allergy suffers find a safe food allergy solution

Allergy Diagnosis Help

Allergy Diagnosis Help
Diagnosing your allergy can be challenging. Allergies affect many people worldwide. If you have never had an allergy you can't imaging the toll it can take on the quality of your life. It can affect your productivity at work and at home. It can affect a child's ability to concentrate and therefore learn. Many people don't want to admit they have an allergy particularly when they've tried over the counter treatments and they haven't worked. The good news is that an allergist can help you but only if you help them identify what is causing your allergy.

What is an allergic reaction?

Many times the reaction itself can point an allergist to the cause. Allergies occur when the immune system recognizes a non-harmful substance as harmful and causes your body to react. When the body comes in contact with the perceived harmful substance, the body will produce a large number of antibodies. These antibodies will cause the body to release chemicals. The most known chemical is histamine that results in itching, increased nasal secretions, swelling and tightening of the airways. The symptoms that you feel as a result include coughing, watery eyes, runny nose,and possibly hives. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that requires immediate treatment. It is caused when the swelling and the tightening of the airways cause severe difficulty breathing as well as dizziness.

There are many types of allergies. Allergic reactions can be caused by airborne substances like pollen that cause hay fever. Depending on the allergen (the substance that causes your allergic reaction), hay fever can be seasonal or year-round. Another allergen also associated with asthma are dust mites, which live in dust and other fibers in things like bedding and rugs. Pet dander is another frequent cause of allergy symptoms, as is mold, latex and some types of foods (food intolerance). In my mind a chocolate allergy can be the most tragic.

If you are lucky you will have an allergy to one or two allergens. Unfortunately some of us will be allergic to a wide range of sources. If your parents have allergies you will be predisposed to having them. Ironically though they may not be to the same things. Asthma and eczema sufferers also seem to be more likely to get allergies.

How can you treat these allergies?

Luckily there are many treatments available today. These can include antihistamines, decongestants or nasal sprays that can provide you with some relief of your symptoms. If these typically over the counter treatments don't work you can try immunotherapy (desensitization), allergy shots as well as the new allergy drops can help you manage and sometimes cure your symptoms. Your allergist can decide what your best course of action should be because it all depends on what you are allergic to.

Marilyn Franklin is a writer for http://www.allergyfiles.com where you can find more information on all types of allergy symptoms.

Complete Information on Exercise induced anaphylaxis

Complete Information on Exercise induced anaphylaxis
Exercise-induced anaphylaxis is a physical form of allergy. Exercise-induced anaphylaxis occurs sometimes only when somebody is exerted within 30 minute to eat certain foods such as corn and of molluscs and shellfish of the anaphylaxis. Exercise-armatures is classically characterized by a range the symptoms occurring during the physical activity which extends from the soft cutaneous signs to the serious systemic demonstrations such as hypotension, the syncope and even death. Symptoms exercise-induced anaphylaxis tend to being less serious, and include small, conical, full altitudes of the skin known under the name of papules pruritic.

Those usually appear on the neck, the higher trunk and the arms and the legs superiors. However, the hives can appear on any part of the body. In serious cases, the angioedema can develop. Other symptoms of the anaphylaxis induced by exercise include hives, itching, brevity of breath, and hypotension. People with anaphylaxis exercise-armatures do not obtain these symptoms after a hot shower, fever, or with concern. This differentiates from the anaphylaxis exercise-armatures of urticaria cholinergic. Exercise induced anaphylaxis by causes include the various drugs, a variety of foods, alcohol, the cold survive, and menstruation.

Many people have another release which, with the exercise, causes the symptoms. Antihistamines are partially effective by preventing anaphylaxis exercise-armatures. Some patients with anaphylaxis induced by exercise must limit their physical activity significantly to avoid the progression of the episodes. The prevention of the symptoms of anaphylaxis induced by exercise is the most important aim of the treatment. To avoid the exercise or foods which cause symptoms is important. In some arrangements, the tolerance can be induced by regular exercise, but this must be under the narrow medical supervision.

Get information on rare diseases and disorders with latest health care treatment, including section dealing with eye sty.

Some Tips On How To Manage Eczema

Some Tips On How To Manage Eczema
Eczema is a skin disease that is associated with decrease in lipids on the skin, leaving scratchy and scaly surface, characterized by patches and other inflammations on the skin. It is more common in elderly people and those who bath frequently and it is even more common in the cold winter season or in places where it is usually very cold throughout the year. Excess water loss from skin makes it loose its elasticity and forms fissures.

Men are more affected than women and the condition is also known to affect young people. There are many risk factors which include low humidity in the atmosphere, making people who live in such areas more susceptible to the disease. Lack of water or lack of enough water in the body will make one suffer from the condition. Dehydration is a cause of many diseases and this one is no exception. One must make sure that they are well hydrated at least to rule out the possibility of coming down with eczema.

A hot bath is usually a good idea for many and is a pleasurable experience to feel hot water running through your body. Hot baths have been known to cause the disease. Some people bath with water that is too hot that they become used to it and they can no longer feel it. Sorry to break your bubble but those very hot baths have to go. The skin only requires warm water that soothes and massages the surface rather that hot water which can scorch your skin cells without you realizing it.

Sometimes back, doctors used to look at the skin of children to tell whether they were malnourished. Malnutrition can put one at risk of contracting eczema. Malnutrition is not only lack of food but lack of vital nutrients in the body. One does not have to starve to to be malnourished. It could be that the nutrients that one is consuming are not doing the job they are supposed to be doing. This can occur due to other illnesses and it is good for one not to neglect the kind of nutrients and the amount they are taking in. There are various types of eczema including one that is hereditary. For one to know whether they suffer from the condition, they need to visit a hospital where they will undergo a skin analysis test in a laboratory.

It is vital for one to avoid harsh skin lotions or creams. It could be that one is allergic to certain elements and chemicals and hence the problem manifests as eczema. Not just external factors only but, what one eats may contributes if they have an allergy for it. Sweating may cause itching to people and some scratch too harshly, irritating the skin. This in turn might develop to the condition, and therefore people should wear clothes that absorb sweat and avoid scratching - if possible. One can put ice cubes or something ice cold on surfaces where itching is severe.

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The Secret to Living With Allergies

The Secret to Living With Allergies
Whether you suffer from seasonal allergies or indoor allergies to dust mites, molds and pet dander, you may be regularly faced with allergy symptoms such as congestion, runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing or more. You may experience allergy symptoms while outside as a result of seasonal allergies. Or, your allergic reactions can come about due to exposure to indoor allergens while cleaning, coming into contact with pets or even while sleeping!

In order to understand the secret to living with allergies, you must educate yourself about allergic triggers, environmental controls and what causes your allergy symptoms. As Part 1 of the Allergy Control Products series on The Secrets to Living with Allergies, learn some time-tested allergen avoidance steps toward living a healthier life that is free of allergy symptoms.

Step 1: Diagnose the Allergy Triggers that Cause Your Allergy Symptoms

Any allergy sufferer knows the misery that can be caused by allergy symptoms such as congestion, runny nose, headache, watery eyes, sneezing, itching, rash and even severe symptoms such as asthmatic reactions. What some allergy sufferers don’t fully know is what may be triggering their allergies, and the key to managing these symptoms is diagnosing precisely what causes allergic reactions. It may be surprising that many allergy sufferers who have mild allergy symptoms may not be able to pinpoint what they are allergic to. Without consulting with a physician to understand the nature of their allergies, these allergy sufferers are unable to proactively control their allergies.

In some cases, identifying allergy triggers is easy. For instance, if you sneeze and have trouble breathing when around cats, it’s likely that you have a pet allergy. Certain food allergies, contact with allergen sources or exposure to obvious allergy sources (such as dusty or moldy rooms) may also be easy to identify. However, many people are unaware that they can come into daily contact with large allergen sources throughout the home that cause or worsen their allergy symptoms. Understanding your sensitivity and resulting allergy reactions to these indoor allergens can have a profound impact on alleviating your allergy symptoms.

For the best understanding of your specific allergies, see your physician or allergist for allergy testing. A skin test may be performed in order to determine whether you many be allergic to dust mites, pollens, pet dander, fungi or other sources. Allergy medications or allergen injections may be recommended. Physicians can help you outline a plan for addressing your exposure to allergy triggers in order to alleviate allergy symptoms.

Step 2: Identify the Dust Mite as One of the Biggest Culprits in Causing Indoor Allergies

The top 3 indoor allergens are dust mite allergens, molds and pet dander. All three can be found in most homes and millions of dust mites can be found in even the cleanest of homes. One easy way to find allergy relief is to reduce your allergen exposure within your home. Many people who have allergies are allergic to dust mites and because they cannot be seen by the naked eye, you could be totally unaware of how much you come in contact with dust mite allergens.

Dust mites are relatives of the spider, and they thrive in the dark, warm and humid environment found in pillows, mattresses, bedding, carpets and upholstered furniture. Dust mites excrete fecal particles and it is these particles, as well as their dead bodies, that cause your allergic symptoms. In fact, “dust” is made up of dust mite allergens and other allergen particles. Inhaling these particles triggers your allergies.

Around the home, you come in regular contact with indoor allergens, but the greatest allergen exposure is to dust mite allergens. A large dust mite allergen source is your bed. If you wake up feeling congested, sneezing, with swollen eyes or a runny nose, or with other allergy symptoms, inhaling dust mite allergens while you sleep is to blame. You spend up to 8 hours a day in bed, inhaling these allergens and unwittingly aggravating your allergies. The second largest source of dust mite allergens is found in carpeting. Since many homes have carpeting, the carpet is another large area for causing allergy symptoms.

Step 3: For Indoor Allergy Relief, Control Your Environment to Eliminate Allergy Triggers

The good news is that simple steps around the home could alleviate allergy symptoms and possibly reduce your need for allergy medications and treatments. The first step is to address the bedroom due to the large amount of time spent there each day. Cover your pillow, mattress and other bedding in allergy bed encasings to create a barrier between you and the dust mite allergens in the bed. Wash your linens frequently in hot water to remove allergens. Treat your carpet with special allergy-removing carpet products, or remove carpets in favor of hardwood floors or tile. Vacuum weekly with a quality HEPA vacuum, which will contain allergens while you clean, and wear a face mask while cleaning. Keep your home’s humidity level below 50% as low humidity discourages dust mite and mold growth.

For more tips on controlling dust mite allergies in your home, request a copy of the Allergy Control Products Improving Life Indoors catalog or visit the Allergy Control® Allergy Learning Center for more allergy education. Also, visit allergycontrol.com for upcoming topics regarding The Secret to Living with Allergies. Next, Allergy Control Products will cover Addressing Pet Allergies and future series will include Controlling Mold in Your Home. Don’t miss these helpful allergy tips from the allergen avoidance experts!

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The Flea Allergy In Dogs And Cats

The Flea Allergy In Dogs And Cats
Dogs and cats can suffer allergies due to the presence of fleas. The identified cause is the saliva of the fleas, especially when the flea has bitten and penetrated the skin of the dog or cat. Since fleas multiply fast and do not voluntarily leave the body of the pet, the flea allergy will last for a long time.

There are symptoms that will tell the pet owner that the dog or cat is being troubled by a flea allergy. Some symptoms displayed by dogs are slightly different to those found in cats. But in general, the symptoms of a flea allergy are continuous itching, loss of hair, occurrence of sores, and unexplained depression.

Among dogs, the specific symptoms are:

· Massive loss of hair
· Presence of red and swollen sores
· Irritation and scratching in certain areas, such as

o Along the tail
o On the rump area
o All over the hind legs
o The region of the groin, which is the sensitive area between the hind legs

Among cats, the symptoms of flea allergy are:

· Constant scratching in various parts of the body
· The formation of painful scabs in sensitive areas, such as:

o The neck
o The face
o The groin
o The main body

A diagnosis of flea allergy no longer involves skin tests and blood tests. The mere presence of fleas indicates that flea allergy has befallen on the pet. The owner can even conduct his own examination by looking for fleas in the coat of the dog or cat. Fleas are parasitic insects that feed on the blood of their host. They are tiny but can cause powerful irritations. They are usually black in color, which make them more difficult to detect especially if the coat of the pet is also dark-colored.

Fleas also move fast. This makes it impossible to individually catch the fleas. They scatter their dirt all over the pet’s body and this adds to skin irritation. The flea dirt looks like regular black dust when dry. But when wet, the flea dirt shows a reddish old copper-like color.

Fortunately, there are proven ways to remove fleas and allow the pet’s body to heal itself from the allergy.

· Using flea combs – These devices can be purchased from any pet supply store or from the veterinarian. Flea combs are designed so that they can sweep out the fleas along with the flea dirt from the coat of the pet.

· Bathing or immersing the pet in a recommended solution – The solution is usually a mixture of water and a detergent which is recommended by the vet. The detergent can immediately kill the fleas and loosen their hold on the skin.

The pet owner will find the dead fleas floating in the bath solution. This solution may also turn reddish due to the presence of so much flea dirt.

· Cleaning the environment – A good general cleaning will get rid off the source of fleas. Cleaning the pet will not prevent the recurrence of flea allergy. The environment must be cleaned too.

· Applying anti-itch medications – These medicines can be administered orally or by direct application on the affected area. They will reduce the painful itching and prevent further infection.

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Latex Allergy and Positive Living

Latex Allergy and Positive Living
Learning to Live Positively with a Latex Allergy

Your child has a latex allergy: Perhaps a mild allergy; perhaps a life-threatening one. Either way, you now have to help your child live with it. Of course, to do so, you need to be able to live with it. You've done all the research. You know to avoid balloons and bananas. You've latex-proofed your house. Have you grieved?

While it might seem selfish, knowing that your child can never go near latex, is the death of a dream for you-the dream of your child living a safe, problem-free life. You have the right to grieve for his or her loss. Grieve over the fact that your child can never blithely go to a birthday party because balloons are integral parts of that experience.

So what should you do after you finish grieving over your child's latex allergies? That one is simple. Get mad.

"It won't do any good," you say. No, it won't change your children's latex allergies, but you'll probably feel better once you're done being angry. Just like grieving, this should only last a few days. Go ahead and be mad that your child is "different". Rant in private that it's not fair that your child has to worry about things other children don't. Maybe throw a few (soft) things because you're upset that you have to explain over and over and OVER to people that latex allergies are real and deadly, and because you're tired of repeating the list of foods your child must avoid in addition to rubber bands.

When you've allowed yourself to go through the mad stage, it's time for acceptance. It should be a bit easier now to accept that your life will be as fully affected as your child's life. Now you and your family can learn to help your child cope with this life-altering allergy.

How do you deal with the fact that your child isn't invited to a fast food restaurant for a birthday party because all the kids will be in the ball pen-the balls are rubber, and your child can't participate. Explaining to your child that he or she is being left out for their own safety is heartbreaking for both of you.

Children with latex allergies react to the changes and limitations in their lives in different ways. Some just accept it and move on. Others may accept it while they are young, then lash out at the world when they are older and more fully comprehend their limits. If your child struggles with the emotional pain caused by their allergy, you may need to guide them through the stages of grief, anger and acceptance. Children will often stuff their frustrations deep inside because they are trying to be "good", so you may have to talk with your child and give him or her permission to express sadness or anger at the difficulty this allergy brings with it.

A great way to help a child with latex allergies cope is to involve them in protecting themselves and other children with the same problem. You're probably becoming a bit of an activist already, possibly fighting a school board to make sure that your child's class (and preferably the entire school) is latex-free, or asking toy shops to have lists of latex-free toys on hand. Let your child get involved too. Bring them along when you go before the school board and let them speak about their own need for safety and how latex affects them. Involving your child helps them feel like they are taking back some of the control over their life that their allergy took away.

When your child stands up for him or herself, they are standing up for every child suffering latex allergies, or anything else that makes them different. Speaking out about their problem not only helps your child cope, but makes a positive contribution to the community. And with as fast as latex allergies are growing, especially among adults in the healthcare field, awareness of the problem needs to increase quickly.

It seems like an uphill battle to educate other people about the danger of latex allergies. There will always be another parent to explain things to, another toy shop to educate, another battle to fight. But the effort is far from useless. You and your child will connect with people. You will both make a difference, because even tiny victories help make the world a safer place. Most importantly, you are teaching your child to be pro-active and not let their allergy rule their heart and soul.

Latex allergies will create daily wear and tear on you and your loved ones. It's important to make sure you don't let yourself get run down. Take care of yourself so you can withstand the coming years of helping your child maneuver through the dangers of a latex-filled world.

Reach out to others in a similar situation. Perhaps you won't find anyone else locally who is dealing with latex allergies, but they are on the rise, as are wheat and peanut allergies. Why not band together and pool your energy as well as your resources? Talking to others who have been there and done that will help both you and your child. If for no other reason, when they say that they understand they truly do.

Finally, though being pro-active in spreading the word about latex allergies and encouraging change to a safer environment is good, don't let your life or your child's life become consumed by their allergy. It's very important to spend time doing things and discussing subjects that have nothing to do with latex. Planning activities that are safe may take a bit of advance work, but it will be worth it when your child is able to completely relax and just be a kid like everyone else.

Nadine O'Reilly, M.A. is a NJ school psychologist and Coordinator of Special Services. She creates 100's of accommodation plans for disabled children each year. Visit www.access4allergickids.com for information on how to protect your child in school.