anaphylaxis http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for anaphylaxis Copyright 2008 Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:15:21 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/anaphylaxis Anaphylactic Shock Requires Immediate Allergy Treatment http://www.artwoo.com/article/anaphylactic-shock-requires-immediate-allergy-treatment http://www.artwoo.com/article/anaphylactic-shock-requires-immediate-allergy-treatment#comments Fri, 01 Jun 2007 18:30:01 +0000 symptoms of anaphylaxisanaphylactic shockanaphylactic reactionallergy treatmentallergy suffererfood allergiesepinephrine http://www.artwoo.com/article/anaphylactic-shock-requires-immediate-allergy-treatment anaphylactic shock, must receive immediately. It is important to recognize the so you can offer the lifesaving treatment these people need.

Anaphylaxis can occur when a person is exposed to a substance they are allergic to. There reactions come on quickly and their symptoms are often life threatening. Perhaps the most common forms of allergic reaction that results in anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock are those from bee stings.

However, patients with who ingest a food they are allergic to can also suffer an . It should be noted there is a difference between the terms anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shock. Anaphylaxis refers simply to a severe allergy reaction while anaphylactic shock is the most extreme form of anaphylaxis. This type of shock will result in death in just a few moments if help is not sought right away.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis include trouble breathing, low blood pressure, itching, and swelling of the mouth, face, neck and throat. The may also become flushed, develop hives or even become unconscious. The most dangerous symptom is the swelling around the throat which can cause the airway to become restricted. Because of this swelling, rescue breathing - which is the part of CPR where one person helps the other person breathe - may not be successful.

If you or someone you know is prone to anaphylaxis be prepared in case you suffer a reaction. Be sure those around you know what to do in the case you have a reaction and aren't able to speak. For those who suffer these reactions regularly, you doctor may prescribe an anaphylaxis kit. These kits include a shot of which can help save a person suffering from a severe reaction.

The epinephrine is a form of adrenaline that speeds up your heart beat and helps keep your airways from constricting. If your doctor prescribes a kit for you, keep it with you at all times. Also, check it regularly to make sure the shot is still in date as an out of date shot may not be potent enough to help your reaction.

If you suspect someone is suffering anaphylaxis and they don't have an epinephrine shot, there are some things you can do to help them. First, get them to a hospital or medical facility as soon as possible. If necessary, call an ambulance, they may be able to get to you more quickly than you can drive to the hospital.

While you are waiting for the ambulance, try giving the person an antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). This will combat the histamines that are causing the reaction. Liquid diphenhydramine is best, but if all you have are capsules, break the capsules open and give the person the powder out of them directly. This way the medicine will immediately enter the person's bloodstream instead of having to wait for the capsule to dissolve.

Anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock are both dangerous, possibly life threatening situations. Be familiar with the symptoms of this dangerous condition so that you can recognize if someone is suffering anaphylaxis and you can get this person the allergy treatment they need. For more information on allergies try visiting http://www.theallergyeffect.com - a website that specializes in providing allergy related tips, advice and resources to including information on allergy treatment. ]]> The Stinging Information About Anaphylaxis http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-stinging-information-about-anaphylaxis http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-stinging-information-about-anaphylaxis#comments Fri, 21 Jul 2006 16:27:09 +0000 anaphylaxisanaphylactic shockfood allergenscontactdiclofenacinsect bitescephalosporins http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-stinging-information-about-anaphylaxis Anaphylaxis is a serious type of allergy that usually happens when a person takes a triggering substance that is often called allergen. The exposure and its resulting reaction, anaphylaxis, occurs when the person become sensitized to that substance.

Sometimes even if the person is exposed to allergens, even how little the allergens are and the time of exposure, the resulting allergy can really be serious and life-threatening.

Anaphylaxis attacks can happen after the substance is inhaled, injected or ingested. Physical or skin to the substance can sometimes also lead to anaphylaxis attacks.

Beware, because medical records around the world show that in several instances, anaphylaxis can lead to shock or that can really be fatal and deadly if untreated or uncured.

An example of a substance that can lead to anaphylaxis is bee sting. Bee stings contain minimal amounts of toxins that sensitizes a person's immune system. If the person is exposed to subsequent bee stings, certainly, an allergic reaction will follow.

Take note that reaction to bee stings can be severe, sudden, and sometimes involving the entire body.

During anaphylaxis attacks, take note that the victim's airways can be constricted. This reaction will sometimes be serious especially if breathing difficulties, wheezing and gastrointestinal discomfort occurs, like cramps, diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

Causes of anaphylaxis

Other substances that may trigger an onset of anaphylaxis include several drugs, , horse serum which are contained in vaccines and other especially if there are stinging sensations. Insects like wasps, hornets and several species of ants can cause these sensations.

Foods that commonly cause anaphylaxis include eggs, wheat, shellfish, fish, legumes, soybeans, milk, cheese, peanuts and other nuts.

Drugs like pain relievers including and ibuprofen, and anti-infection like penicillin and can trigger anaphylaxis attacks on several people.

Do you know that regular and prolonged exercises can also lead to anaphylaxis attacks? Yes, it is true because exercises affect the flow of air in your breathing system, especially if the surroundings is unclean.

Symptoms to look out for

Basically, anaphylaxis attack by constricting the passage of the airways. The disease can be indicated by respiratory distress, and low blood pressure or hypotension (the opposite of the common hypertension).

Other indications include hives or in medical terms urticaria, itching, vomiting, uncontrolled tears due to stress and difficulty in breathing, swelling of the face, neck, throat and other body parts, blushing and fainting.

These symptoms can immediately show up upon exposure to triggering allergens or substances. However, in some cases, symptoms for anaphylaxis occur after about 30 minutes to up to about a few hours after the exposure or ingestion of allergens.

Take note that several of the symptoms are also symptoms for incompatible blood transfusion and should not be mistaken for such.

Treatment

Anaphylaxis attacks will require utmost and serious professional medical attention. Because the attacks involve breathing difficulties, it is important to rush the person to the hospital to avoid serious problems, especially if no one around knows some first aid treatments for such.

In several attacks, artificial resuscitation, like the methods used when first aiding a drowned person, should be administered. Drugs like epinephrine and antihistamine will also help.

Prevention is better than cure

Because prevention is always better than cure, it is important if you have a history of anaphylaxis to know and identify the triggering substances.

Avoid insect bites and bee stings, because they are the common cause of anaphylaxis. Food allergens, especially some types od sea foods should definitely scrapped from the diet.

Allergies to drugs should also be known so you will never have the trouble of treating one disease and contracting anaphylaxis in the future. Remember, presence of mind and cautiousness can save you from a lot of trouble. Charlene J. Nuble 2006. For answers to All your frequently asked questions about anaphylaxis, please go to: http://anaphylaxis.allergyanswers.net/ ]]> Food Allergies : Why The Drama? http://www.artwoo.com/article/food-allergies-why-the-drama http://www.artwoo.com/article/food-allergies-why-the-drama#comments Tue, 03 Jul 2007 19:15:00 +0000 food allergiespeanut allergiescause allergieseducate yourselffood allergyanaphylaxisallergy reactions http://www.artwoo.com/article/food-allergies-why-the-drama Food allergies continue to get a lot of press. Many people wonder why it is getting so much attention. Statistics continue to show that food allergies are on the rise. As an example of that it can be noted that the number of children with doubled in a five-year period ending in 2002. This is significant because is the leading cause of which can be fatal in some cases. Most of the press coverage focuses on the young victims of food .

Peanut allergies can be the worst type of allergies. Peanut oil can be found in many ingredients and under many circumstances. Tragically an incident that received a lot of coverage in the last few years was when a teenage girl died after kissing her boyfriend who had just eaten a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Her throw was swollen shut. This tragic type of event happens more commonly than you think.

The danger of food allergies is that the reaction of the sufferer can be quite varied. Some people might feel sick to their stomach after they eat something that they're allergic to. While others may experience swelling in the face, the body and the lips. The swelling can affect the sufferer's airways (anaphylaxis). Rashes and hives are also some common reactions.

What type of foods ?



*milk/dairy *eggs *peanuts *wheat *fish *shellfish *sugar *yeast

Since food allergies can cause the extreme allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Many sufferers end up in the emergency room. The key to avoiding those types of incidents is to make sure you do the most you can to about possible food allergies that you or your family may be exposed to. Something as simple as an epinephrine pen can save your life.

If you have very young children you need to make sure to tell everyone that takes care of them of any food allergies your child may have. It is very common nowadays to have nut free childcare facilities. Not only should you make sure that you inform people about your own child you also need to be aware of any food policy that may be in effect to safeguard other children. Nut allergies like many of the food allergies can be tricky since not only are they found in the main food itself they can be used as ingredients in other foods. A sugar allergy and the yeast allergy are good examples of that. Keep in mind though that many people are confused by food intolerance and a natural food allergy. A true allergy involves the immune system.

So now that you know what the drama all about is up to you to make sure you get the most information you can regarding any issues that may come up for you and your family regarding food allergies. The best source is definitely your doctor though there is plenty of information available online to help you get started. If you suspect that you or a loved one are suffering from some sort of reaction to food schedule a visit with your doctor. They may also further direct you to an allergist. Find more on food allergies like sugar allergy and yeast allergy at http://AllergyFiles.com ]]> Food Allergy Versus Food Intolerance http://www.artwoo.com/article/food-allergy-versus-food-intolerance http://www.artwoo.com/article/food-allergy-versus-food-intolerance#comments Sun, 27 Aug 2006 00:27:10 +0000 food allergyfood allergensfood intolerancetypes of foodanaphylactic shockanaphylaxisallergic reaction http://www.artwoo.com/article/food-allergy-versus-food-intolerance food allergy is one of the top three. However, some people misdiagnose food allergy as . There are certain similarities but one must be careful in administering medicines to a person with an allergy.

The wrong medicine for the wrong condition can increase the allergic symptom resulting in and even death. Anaphylaxis is a severe where all the symptoms swiftly attack the entire body all at the same time.

Symptoms Of Food Allergy

Food allergy is an allergic reaction to certain . The most common are: cow's milk, wheat, peanuts and other tree nuts, eggs, fish, soybeans, shellfish, meat and certain types of drugs. The allergic reaction can vary depending on the type of allergen but they have the same number of symptoms:

- Rashes or hives begins to appear on the skin. In extreme cases, the swelling and hives can spread to the entire body. - Swelling of the certain areas near the mouth. - Swelling of the ear - Redness and itchiness of the eyes. - Runny nose - Vomiting and diarrhea - Difficulty in breathing and wheezing, sometime signs of asthma

Food intolerance has much of the same symptoms except the runny nose and watery eyes. Most often, food intolerance results in diarrhea and swelling of certain areas of the body.

Aside for the similarities in symptoms, a food allergy is more severe than food intolerance. Someone with food intolerance can eat small portions of the food he is allergic to. They can still enjoy the food, though in small quantities. But to a person with food allergy, that small portion can immediately trigger an allergic reaction. And if not treated at once, the patients can go into anaphylaxis.

What makes a food allergy more life threatening is because of the immediate threat to the person. Someone with food allergy can have an and start to experience the swelling of the throat muscles. This can block the air passage of the person and could result to death.

Another real danger is the sharp drop in the blood pressure of the patient. In this case, the person with food allergy may experience mental confusion and dizziness.

Food Allergy Treatment

A food allergy can be treated as soon as the symptom occurs. For rashes, there are skin creams available to ease the swelling and itchiness. The antihistamines will give relief to symptoms of runny nose, watery eyes and swelling. These medicines can be bought right in the local drugstores and does not require a prescription.

For those who experience the severe food allergy reactions, a dose of epinephrine (adrenaline), either self- injected or given by the doctor can immediately reverse the symptoms. As of now, a shot of epinephrine is the most effective treatment for food allergy and other types of allergies.

Preventing Food Allergy

Although food allergies cannot be prevented, the best way to defeat it is by staying away from the food a person is allergic to. Taking a risk will only cost you more pain in the future. So it is best to see the doctor to get a proper diagnosis and guidelines on what to eat and what not to eat.

Making the right diagnosis on food allergy versus food intolerance can be tricky. It all depends on how severe the allergic reactions are and the number of symptoms that show up on the person when exposed to the food allergen. Charlene J. Nuble 2006. For answers to All your frequently asked questions about food allergy, please go to: http://food-allergy.allergyanswers.net/ or go to: http://allergyanswers.net/ http://allergyanswers.blogspot.com/ ]]> Asthma And Exercise Are They A Deadly Combination? http://www.artwoo.com/article/asthma-and-exercise-are-they-a-deadly-combination http://www.artwoo.com/article/asthma-and-exercise-are-they-a-deadly-combination#comments Tue, 23 Oct 2007 17:25:00 +0000 exercise induced asthmaasthma attackboost your immune systemanaphylaxishumid weather conditionshealthy body weightvigorous activity http://www.artwoo.com/article/asthma-and-exercise-are-they-a-deadly-combination asthma attack is usually more common when the weather is cold and dry, or the level of pollution or allergens in the air is high but this shouldn't keep you from taking part in some form of physical activity.

By the way, even if you think you don't have asthma during your normal day to day living its possible to get an asthma attack only when they take exercise. This can be because you're asthma may be so mild that it doesn't show up most of the time but as you breathe faster it can bring on an attack.

So should you avoid exercise in case it brings an attack on?

Well the answer is no because as we all know now, exercise helps to strengthen your breathing muscles (which is important if you have asthma)plus it helps and keep you at a .

So what type of exercise or activities should you take part in if you have asthma and want to avoid an attack? Here are a few pointers=85

1. Try to take part in sports or exercises which consist of short bursts of activity with periods of rest in between as this can be particularly helpful.

2. Avoid ingesting a lot of food before has been associated with exercise-induced ; exercise-induced anaphylaxis occurs more commonly in hot, and may also be related to severity of exertion.

3. Try to find some kinds of exercise which are not so hard on your breathing and leave you out of puff, remember exercise should be enjoyable, right? We're not all getting ready for the Olympics.

4. Take up swimming as swimming is one of the best forms of exercise for people with asthma because it usually causes the least amount of chest tightness.

5. Try to put aside ten minutes of gradually increasing exercise to get your lungs limbered up and ready for the oncoming increase in breathing.

6. It may be a good idea to exercise less while you're getting over your chest infection so to give your body that chance to heal itself first you exert it.

7. You may have to move your exercise to a place with better air quality. When you exercise, your body wants more air so try give to give it the best and avoid polluted areas.

8. keep an eye on how you breathe as you exercise if you find that its making your breathing a lot worse, it could be a sign that your asthma is not controlled and you should stop immediately. If these symptoms persist you should contact your doctor immediately for advice.

As a finishing note: Having asthma does not mean you cannot exercise, remember many well-known athletes have managed their asthma to successfully compete in their chosen sports at the highest levels without difficulty so there's hope for us mere mortals. Barry J McDonald is helping people turn their health around at his sites, http://www.breatheyourasthmaaway.com and www.ScienceOfBreath.be drop by now and pick up a FREE copy of his exclusive e-course on breathing techniques. ]]> Allergy Asthma, What Can You Do? http://www.artwoo.com/article/allergy-asthma-what-can-you-do http://www.artwoo.com/article/allergy-asthma-what-can-you-do#comments Wed, 01 Aug 2007 23:14:59 +0000 allergy asthmaboosting the immune systemfood allergieshay fevereczemasinusitislife threatening http://www.artwoo.com/article/allergy-asthma-what-can-you-do allergy asthma. These numbers have increased significantly in the past 20 years. As a result both the sufferer and the sufferers' family have seen a reduction in both quality of life and productivity. The impact can be devastating and even .

The allergy asthma population is on the rise yet research is on the decline. That doesn't make a lot of sense. If you suffer from allergy asthma depending on the level of severity you can try to make improvements on your own or you may have to seek medical assistance.

There are several natural medicines that have shown excellent results for allergy asthma that is considered mild to moderate. Anyone dealing with severe problems needs to consult their doctor. Sometimes changes in lifestyle such as what you are exposing yourself to can help. Other times or reprogramming it will make all the difference in the world.



Allergy asthma is one of the fastest growing allergies and asthma is becoming the fastest growing hospital admission in children and it is killing hundreds every year.

Allergies in general are growing with 2-5% of children and 10% of adults developing with many able to resolve themselves with dietary changes and often the use of herbal supplements. A small percentage will be dealing with more life threatening factors that must be addressed immediately. And many dealing with allergy asthma will need to work with their doctors.

now affects about 25% of the population and it often leads to and although it is often trivialized it is like allergy asthma seriously impairing a person's ability to function.

Many of you might not realize the can be a result of an allergy. In fact 10% of all eczema is allergy related and like allergy asthma you may need the help of your doctor to find the best approach to reducing it. There are many excellent herbal and natural products that can work well to eliminate eczema and reduce symptoms.

Anaphylaxis is the most serious allergy asthma =96 this is a reaction that can kill so suddenly those surrounding don't realize what is occurring until it is too late. Anaphylaxis affects around 2% of the population and what happens is when the allergy strike the air ways are restricted and the person cannot breath thus suffocating.

Thankfully we are becoming much better at recognizing allergies in both children and adults. That means those suffering from allergies, and allergy asthma are getting better diagnosis and thus better treatment. In some cases with a little bit of diligence you can do a lot to help yourself using natural and herbal products. In more severe cases you will have to work with your doctor for the best outcome.

If you believe you have allergy asthma it is important to diagnose and find out exactly what is going on treating it before it gets more serious or even life threatening. There are some excellent asthma medications on the market that help you breathe and they have very few side effects.

So don't delay if you think you have allergy asthma. You want to deal with it before it affects your quality of life. Get all the latest information about allergies, from the only true source at http://www.1allergyinformation.com Be sure to check out our Allergy Asthma pages. ]]> Dealing With Wheat Allergies http://www.artwoo.com/article/dealing-with-wheat-allergies http://www.artwoo.com/article/dealing-with-wheat-allergies#comments Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:15:01 +0000 wheat allergieswheat allergywheat productsallergic to wheatwheat flourwheat berrycommon wheat http://www.artwoo.com/article/dealing-with-wheat-allergies Wheat allergies are among the eight most common food allergies. However, when considered together with all kinds of allergies, it is not that common. Wheat allergies are a major cause of severe allergy symptoms, including asthma and anaphylaxis. Celiac disease is getting a lot of press these days. It's an autoimmune disorder which prevents the body from digesting certain proteins found in wheat. Wheat allergies are usually a reaction to the gluten found in the .

Wheat

Wheat is a staple grain in many Western countries and is present in a wide variety of foods. Wheat-dependent exercise induced anaphylaxis (WDEIA) is now believed to be induced by ingested gluten that finds a way into the bloodstream. The condition is characterized by an intolerance of proteins found in wheat that is used in many different food products. The symptoms can range from arthritis to sinusitis. It is often hard to diagnose because people eat all the time. Wheat is the staple of majority of American diets. Allergic reactions often cause many painful side effects for the sufferer.

You should see your doctor immediately if you think you are suffering from wheat allergies. A doctor can do several tests to help you determine if your symptoms are indeed an indication this allergy.

If you are you will have to avoid all wheat products. But do not get too depressed. Non-gluten can be used to make delicious food like pizza, bread and pasta. Some restaurants now serve gluten-free dishes so you can enjoy the food you are used to eating.

The Good Side Of Not Eating Wheat

Your may not be such a bad thing after all. There is mounting evidence that people around the eat too much wheat-based food and that this is the reason for the increase in chronic disease. Over consumption of wheat has even been linked to arthritis and heart disease. Who would have thought this? The basic premise goes like this. High intake of wheat leads to higher insulin levels in the body. Low levels of insulin are necessary to break down sugar in the blood stream. However, high levels of insulin in th body is apparently toxic. The more wheat and sugar you eat, the more your insulin levels will reach toxic levels and cause diseases.

Having wheat allergies will force you to reduce the amount of insulin that your body produces and as a result reduce the likelihood of suffering from chronic disease. Also, if you have a weight problem, reducing the amount of wheat products you eat will likely result in significant weight loss. So, this could be a blessing in disguise for many. In fact, my father's health greatly improved when he stopped in wheat. He didn't know that it was wheat all along that was making him unhealthy.

There are also many books you can read to help you understand your wheat allergy. A simple search at an online bookstore will produce several titles. Also, sign up for my newsletter to receive trips to stay healthy. Loni publishes a newsletter on how to manage and cure allergies. She would be happy to include you as a subscriber for free. Just email her at allergy-relief@aweber.com. Read her blog on allergy relief at http://www.relief-from-allergies.com/. ]]> Latex Allergy : A Healthcare Worker Problem? http://www.artwoo.com/article/latex-allergy-a-healthcare-worker-problem http://www.artwoo.com/article/latex-allergy-a-healthcare-worker-problem#comments Sat, 16 Jun 2007 05:30:00 +0000 latex allergy symptomslatex allergieswear latex gloveslatex particleslatex sourcescontactmaking sure that http://www.artwoo.com/article/latex-allergy-a-healthcare-worker-problem
*Gloves *Balloons *Condoms *Children's Toys *Rubber Bands *Computer Mouse Pads *Diapers *Sports Equipment

Unfortunately in today's world allergens can be found everywhere. Environmental allergens include pollution, smog, pollen, dust and mold. Food allergies are also very common with allergies to items such as dairy, nuts, shellfish, wheat and eggs. The last kind we will discuss are allergies to various items such as nickel and various chemicals. Latex allergy is a contact form of allergy in that you have to touch it to get a reaction though the air can even contain when certain powder is applied or coated over the gloves. As can be seen by the short list of possible simple daily routines can become very dangerous for those that suffer from a latex allergy.



As with many allergies the symptoms of an allergy to latex can be mild or severe. It all depends on how sensitive that person is. Typical symptoms can include:

*red, itchy or watery eyes *runny nose *sneezing *rashes *hives *coughing *possible anaphylaxis(shortness of breath or shock)

Some other symptoms for those who include cracks on their hands as well as rashes. Ironically the symptoms may take some time to surface. They can take take 12 to 36 hours to appear. These symptoms can be relieved by you take care of your hands, as well as wearing non-latex hypo allergenic gloves. Please keep in mind that can cause serious life-threatening reactions like anaphylaxis with no previous warning or symptoms.

Who is at Risk for a Latex Allergy?

Naturally those that are exposed to latex the most are the ones at highest risk. These would include healthcare workers, daycare workers, food preparers, janitorial workers and rubber industry workers. Latex gloves are the most prevalent exposure. Some suggest that those with hay fever have a greater chance of developing latex allergy. People who had several operations in childhood are also more likely to have this allergy. Though as can be seen by the prevalence of latex in so many products, anyone can develop a latex allergy.



The reaction to the latex is to the protein in the rubber. Connections have been found to certain foods and latex allergy.

Some of these foods are bananas, avocados, kiwi fruit and tomatoes. They contain a similar protein as latex and can therefore cause a cross-reaction.



If you suspect that you have this allergy it is of course advisable to contact your doctor. They will probably direct you to an allergist to confirm your allergy. Typically testing for a latex allergy is done via blood tests since a skin test could prove rather dangerous. We all tend to walk around oblivious to some of the dangers that surround us. Being aware of possible allergies including a latex allergy can possibly make a life or death difference. Visit http://AllergyFiles.com where you can find more information on all types of allergies including contact allergies like allergy and deodorant. ]]> Managing A Peanut Allergy http://www.artwoo.com/article/managing-a-peanut-allergy http://www.artwoo.com/article/managing-a-peanut-allergy#comments Fri, 06 Oct 2006 22:27:07 +0000 peanut allergyfood allergy and anaphylaxis networkallergy symptomsallergy researchpeanutsfaanunfortunately http://www.artwoo.com/article/managing-a-peanut-allergy Peanut allergy is fairly common with a prevalence rate of about 1 in 90 people in the United States. , peanut allergies can be severe and those with a peanut allergy need to be very cautious about eating food that has been prepared by someone else, especially in a restaurant, because even food that has no in it can cause an allergic reaction if it was prepared with the same equipment as food with peanuts. Peanuts are not actually nuts, but instead they are legumes and are more closely related to beans.

A rather alarming study was conducted by the , or (), which found that the incidence of peanut allergy is rapidly on the rise and in fact doubled over a recent 5 year period.

A test carried out in the UK had similar results. In this study conducted by the David Hyde Asthma and Centre, 1273 children were tested and the results showed that 3.3% of the children tested positive which was up from 1.1% in a previous study a few years earlier. Also, it was determined that these children had a high degree of atopy which is a genetic inclination to develop asthma and .

Although researchers are not sure exactly why allergies and asthma are increasing so rapidly, they do offer a few reasons for the increase in peanut allergy:

Pregnant women are consuming more peanuts and peanut products and passing them onto the unborn baby.

Breastfeeding babies are being exposed to larger amounts of peanuts which pass through the breast milk.

Vegetarianism is increasing and therefore more people are consuming plant based foods and vegetarian foods which often contain nuts, especially peanuts.

The study mentioned above also found that for those with peanut allergy, 79% had severe reactions and 66% had frequent reactions. Considering this, it is surprising that only 74% of the children and 44% of the adults sought medical help in controlling their peanut allergy. Of those that sought help, less than half of those were given a prescription for epinephrine which is the most often used drug to stop and reverse a life threatening allergic reaction.

According to the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, peanut allergies account for 15,000 emergency room visits and around 100 deaths each year.

So how can you protect your self or your children if you suspect a peanut allergy? First of all, you must be tested to determine if in fact you do have the peanut allergy. If so, then it is important to closely follow the advice of your physician. You must practice strict avoidance of all foods which contain peanuts. This means you will need to read all ingredient labels of the foods you buy in the grocery store. You also need to be very careful about eating in restaurants or other people's homes who might have previously prepared a food containing peanuts with the same equipment used to prepare your food.

If your doctor doesn't suggest epinephrine shots, ask him about them. You carry the shot with you at all times in the event you do come into contact with a peanut and begin to have a reaction, you can self administer the epinephrine which just might save your life.

If it is your child with the peanut allergy, make sure your child understands the importance of avoiding peanuts in food. Also make sure her friends and their parents along with the school officials are aware of your child's condition and know what to do in the event of an emergency. Sarah Thomas provides articles on http://www.acne-sos.com. You can find more of her work at the site http://www.allergy-engine.com. ]]> Winning The Battle Against Allergy http://www.artwoo.com/article/winning-the-battle-against-allergy http://www.artwoo.com/article/winning-the-battle-against-allergy#comments Thu, 20 Jul 2006 02:27:11 +0000 allergy symptomsallergy attacksanaphylactic shockcontactitchinessanimal danderwatery eyes http://www.artwoo.com/article/winning-the-battle-against-allergy
When the person with an allergy, for example , comes in with the allergen, his body will experience different types of reaction. Depending on the type of allergy, the person can experience rashes, difficulty in breathing, sneezing, runny nose, or involuntary bowel movement. In the most extreme cases of , the person can suffer an and can cause death.

What are the symptoms of an allergy?

Allergy attacks vary in symptom and degree.

Mild can usually be seen on a specific area and do not spread on different parts of the body. This is indicated by a rash, , watery eyes, uncontrollable sneezing, or swelling in the affected area.

Moderate symptoms include allergic reactions that spread to the entire body. This is manifested by itchiness, numbness, involuntary bowel movement or difficulty in breathing.

A severe allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis. It is a dangerous emergency state where the body's reaction to the allergen is fast, sudden and does not hit only one area of the body. This allergic symptom can begin with a persistent itching followed by abdominal pains, vomiting and hives. Dizziness or confusion may also be a symptom because anaphylaxis causes a sudden drop in the person's blood pressure.

These allergy symptoms can appear in different parts of the body:

Eyes -- redness, itchiness and watery eyes.

Nose -- swelling of the mucous membrane resulting in a runny nose and sneezing.

Lungs -- constriction, wheezing and difficulty in breathing, which is sometimes signs of asthma.

Ears -- swelling, a slight pain and even temporary impairment or hearing loss.

Skin -- itchiness, reddening and swelling of affected area.

Treatment

There are treatments for a person's allergy, depending on the type of allergen he or she may be susceptible to. For an airborne allergen like pollen, animal dander, mold, dust mite feces and fur from cats or dogs, medicines like a nasal spray, decongestants or antihistamines can be sufficient to give immediate relief from the symptoms. Eye drops can also be used if the redness and itchiness becomes too much.

For an ingested allergen like an allergy to certain types of food, the best treatment is to avoid the food altogether. Food allergy can cause wheezing, hives, runny nose, swelling of the mouth area and sometimes, difficulty in breathing. For the rashes, a skin cream can applied to make it feel better. Antihistamines also reduce the other symptoms.

There are people with allergies to certain types of drugs and insect bites. Usually, they get their treatments through an injection of epinephrine (adrenaline) administered by a doctor. This will immediately reverse the allergy symptoms and save the person.

Most of the allergy medicines can be bought over-the-counter at the local drugstore. But before you get one, make sure that a doctor properly diagnosed the person with the allergy. A wrong treatment can kill a person.

Prevention

Can an allergy be prevented? Sadly no. One cannot prevent an allergy attack but they can treat it by getting the right medicines. The person with an allergic reaction must also look at their environment and make the proper changes to reduce the symptoms in their body.

One can only win the battle against allergies but making a positive action. Do not fall victim to these allergens. Charlene J. Nuble 2006. For answers to All your frequently asked questions about allergy, please go to: http://allergyanswers.net/ ]]> What Is Immunotherapy For Allergies? Part 2/2 http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-immunotherapy-for-allergies-part-22 http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-immunotherapy-for-allergies-part-22#comments Wed, 06 Jun 2007 14:30:00 +0000 allergen immunotherapyimmunotherapy treatmentallergy symptomschinese elmallergist immunologistprogressivemaintenance phase http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-is-immunotherapy-for-allergies-part-22
No, if you are allergic to a substance such as , you will not overcome your allergy by repeatedly inhaling Chinese elm pollen into your nose or lungs. So then, how can a series of injections allergen relieve your ?

is almost like a vaccine. Your body responds to the injected amounts of a particular allergen, given in gradually increasing doses, by developing an immunity or tolerance to the allergen(s).

As a result of these immune changes, immunotherapy can lead to decreased, minimal or no allergy symptoms when you are exposed to the allergen(s) included in the allergy vaccine.

What is the Immunotherapy Process?

There generally are two phases to immunotherapy: a build-up phase and a .

Build-up phase is the initial period of receiving injections with increasing amounts of the allergens. The frequency of injections during this phase generally ranges from 1 to 2 times a week. The duration of this phase depends on the frequency of the injections but generally ranges from 3 to 6 months.

Maintenance phase begins when the effective therapeutic dose has been reached. The effective maintenance dose is different for each person, depending on individual sensitivity (how `allergic they are' to the vaccine) and their response to the immunotherapy build-up phase. Once the maintenance dose is reached, there will be longer periods of time between s. The intervals between maintenance injections, generally ranges from every 2 to 4 weeks. Your allergist/immunologist will determine what range is most appropriate for you.

Reduced allergy symptoms are not normally immediate or dramatic. Improvement with immunotherapy is usually a , cumulative effect that happens slowly throughout the immunotherapy treatment period. Effectiveness of immunotherapy appears to be related to length of treatment and the dose of the allergen.

Does Immunotherapy Ever Fail?

Most individuals receive at least some benefit from the treatment. However, it is 100% guaranteed to be effective for everyone. Failure to respond to immunotherapy may be due to several factors including:

Inadequate dose of allergen in the allergy vaccine. Missing allergens not identified during the allergy evaluation. High levels of allergen in environment (i.e. inadequate environmental control). Significant exposure to non-allergic triggers (i.e. tobacco smoke).

If there is no improvement after a year of maintenance immunotherapy, possible reasons for failure to respond should be explored. If no apparent reason is found then discontinuation of immunotherapy should be considered and other treatment options should be pursued.

How Long Does Immunotherapy Last?

When immunotherapy happens successfully, maintenance treatment is generally lasts around 3 to 5 years. The decision to stop immunotherapy should be thoroughly discussed with your allergist/immunologist after 3 to 5 years of treatment. Some individuals may experience long-lasting remission of their symptoms, but others may relapse after discontinuing immunotherapy. Therefore, the decision to stop immunotherapy is an individual one, after consulting with your allergist/immunologist.

Are There Risks or Side Effects?

A report from the Mayo Clinic on 79,593 immunotherapy injections over a 10-year period showed the incidence of adverse reactions to be less than two-tenths of 1 percent (0.137 percent). Most of these reactions were mild and responded to immediate medical treatment. There were no fatalities.

However, it is possible to have an adverse reaction. There are two types of reactions that can occur with immunotherapy: local and/or systemic reactions.

Local reactions are relatively common and can show up as redness and swelling at the injection site. This may happen immediately, or a few hours after the treatment.

Systemic reactions are much less common. Systemic reactions are usually mild and respond rapidly to medications. Symptoms can include increased allergy symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion or hives. Rarely, a serious systemic reaction, called anaphylaxis, can develop after an immunotherapy injection. In addition to the symptoms associated with a mild systemic reaction, symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction can include swelling in the throat, wheezing or a sensation of tightness in the chest, nausea, dizziness or other symptoms. Systemic reactions require immediate treatment. Most serious systemic reactions develop within 30 minutes of the allergy injections and this is why it is usually recommended that you wait in the office for 30 minutes after your allergy injections. It is for your own safety. Allergist/immunologists are trained to monitor for reactions, as is members of his or her staff able to identify and treat systemic reactions.

Guidelines for safe and effective immunotherapy

Although side effects are rare, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology offers the following guidelines to ensure the safety of any patient receiving immunotherapy:

Only an allergist/immunologist or other physician who is expertly trained in the therapy should prescribe immunotherapy.

Immunotherapy should be administered under the supervision of an allergist-immunologist or other physician specifically trained in immunotherapy, the early signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, and appropriate emergency procedures and medications. Patients must be suitably selected for immunotherapy. Immunotherapy should be given only in facilities equipped to treat anaphylaxis. The health status of the patient should be evaluated prior to every injection. Patients who are acutely ill, especially with asthma or respiratory difficulties, should not receive immunotherapy until their disease is stabilized. Patients should always be asked about current medications prior to immunotherapy, to avoid interactions with beta-blockers and other conflicting medications. Patients must wait at the health care facility a minimum of 20 minutes after an allergen injection. The time period may be extended for high-risk patients.

Who Decides If a Patient Should Receive Immunotherapy Treatment?

Ultimately the decision about whether or not to receive immunology treatment is up to the individual and their family, although the allergist has the expertise to help his or her patient understand what options are most appropriate according to their individual needs. Visit http://www.utahallergies.com/allergy-info/allergy-information/immunotherapy= ..html to find out more about allergies and allergy treatment. ]]> Latex Allergies http://www.artwoo.com/article/latex-allergies http://www.artwoo.com/article/latex-allergies#comments Sun, 05 Nov 2006 20:27:07 +0000 natural rubber latexlatex allergylatex allergieslatex glovesallergy symptomsdelayed hypersensitivityhay fever http://www.artwoo.com/article/latex-allergies Latex allergies were first recognized about 35 years ago. It is an alarming allergy and incidence of latex allergies are on the rise. The majority of people at risk for a are people who have to wear gloves such as in a medical workplace or in a restaurant. Allergic reactions to latex can be very serious. Exposure to latex has been implicated in many deaths in the past decades. The FDA has reports of more than a thousand complaints attributed to latex and about fifteen deaths.

Latex is contained in over 40,000 products. It is very prevalent and many people have found that the latex can burn their skin. If you are unfamiliar with latex, it is a milky substance made from the natural rubber harvested from a rubber tree. There are some that do not contain natural rubber. The result from a reaction to the natural rubber.

Latex allergy comes in two different forms. refers the development of a rash that following the use of gloves or touching products containing the allergen. Though your rash may be severe and uncomfortable, it is nothing to worry about. You should consult your doctor and to get help for the rash and any anti-bacterial medication needed to keep the rash from getting infected. The second type of allergy is much serious. The initial reaction is called anaphylaxis. This results in a lowering of the blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and potentially even death. Many patients with the second type are also affected by severe .

You can be tested for latex allergy by your doctor. He or she will usually conduct a blood test and skin test. Some people are highly prone to the severe, immediate reaction; therefore, it is important to conduct a blood test to determine the severity of an allergy. An immediate reaction can cause inability to breathe and eventually cause death by suffocation. If you are interested in being tested, you should contact your doctor to determine if you are at risk for immediate reaction or if you have a delayed hypersensitivity reaction. Lisa Davis contributes articles to several online magazines, most recently http://byvak.com and http://ruvek.com ]]> How To Cope With Food Allergies http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-cope-with-food-allergies http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-cope-with-food-allergies#comments Tue, 07 Nov 2006 16:27:08 +0000 symptoms of food allergiesallergy testingfood allergybeneficialinhalantsanaphylaxishives http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-cope-with-food-allergies food allergy. There are many that go unnoticed daily, such as: , vomiting, difficulty breathing and swelling of the throat and tongue to name a few. Symptoms of food allergies usually occur within minutes up to two hours after eating the food that the person is allergic to.

Food allergies are a result of the body's immune system becoming hypersensitized. When this happens, the body believes the food entering the body is harmful and creates antibodies to attack the food. Food allergies can be mild with barely noticeable symptoms or they can be as severe as collapsing major organs with a condition known as . can help determine what foods you are allergic to, making it easier to avoid episodes of food allergies.

Although there is no known cure for food allergies, doctors can treat some of the symptoms with medicine, helping to make the person more comfortable. Most people will outgrow the majority of their food allergies, although there are some that are considered lifelong allergies such as: peanuts, shellfish, nuts and fish. These lifelong allergies must be avoided to eliminate symptoms.

Food allergies can affect anyone. If you feel like you may be suffering from symptoms, seeking the help of an allergy doctor for testing would be . There are scratch tests as well as blood tests that can aid in finding out what you are allergic too. Allergy testing can show allergies to such as dust and plants to items such as foods and medications.

Scratch testing involves placing drops of serum of different items that people may be allergic to, on their forearms or backs. Once the drops are all placed on the person, the tester then takes a scratch stick and scratches the surface of the skin, allowing the serum to enter the scratch. Once the testing is complete, the person must wait 15-20 minutes to see what the results are.

If the person is allergic to certain items, the scratched test spots will be swollen with a hive and be really itchy. This testing can also be done with a blood test but studies have shown that the blood tests are not as accurate as the scratch tests, but work well for patients who are unable to do to the scratch tests. http://www.allergiesreviewed.com ]]> What Can I Do About My Wheat Allergy? http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-can-i-do-about-my-wheat-allergy http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-can-i-do-about-my-wheat-allergy#comments Fri, 27 Jul 2007 01:20:00 +0000 wheat allergycommon wheatallergy symptomsasthma symptomsseveral different typesfood allergiesanaphylaxis http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-can-i-do-about-my-wheat-allergy Food allergies are very common. There are of food allergies but a is one of the most common.



A wheat allergy occurs when a person suffers an adverse reaction to the protein fractions of the wheat and all or some of the other components like gluten. When suffering from a wheat allergy your will be activated when food containing wheat is eaten but it can also be from inhaling flour that contains wheat which is called baker's asthma.

Although it is not known the exact number of people who suffer from a wheat allergy it is believed from data that has been collected that is up around the 40% mark. That's a lot of the population that has a wheat allergy. In the baking industry it is believe that about 42% of all bakers develop baker's asthma.

Symptoms of a wheat allergy can develop instantly or a few hours after ingesting wheat. The most common symptoms are related to the skin =96 eczema, itchy skin, or even hives are commonly seen.



The second most allergy symptom is related to the gastrointestinal tract with any are all of the following symptoms =96 nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, or diarrhea.

A wheat allergy can also affect the respiratory tract causing asthma like symptoms. And it can also cause life threatening in a few unlucky individuals. The problem is many of the symptoms of a wheat allergy are caused by cross contamination from other gluten cereals like rye, barley, and oats.

For some the diagnosis of a wheat allergy is very simple. You have the same reaction every time you eat a certain food and when you remove it from your diet you no longer suffer the symptoms. Pretty straight forward right? Not always. It can be difficult to diagnosis if it is a food that you eat regularly with other foods. In these cases diagnosis usually entails a lot more.

The first step to treating your wheat allergy is to avoid all foods that contain wheat. Now that said it can be harder to do then one might think because wheat is a staple food in our diets. A wheat restricted diet creates a very restricted diet which means they may be missing out on other important nutrients. If you have children that have a wheat allergy it would be a good idea to work with a dietician to make sure they are getting everything they need in their diet.

Sometimes children will outgrow a wheat allergy while other times they will live with it for the rest of their lives. Learning to cope can be a two part problem. First one must learn to avoid the foods that cause the symptoms and second one must learn to deal with the psychological part which our brains tend to crave most what we cannot have.



If your wheat allergy is mild you might be able to control it by reducing your wheat intake or using an over the counter medicine. And don't forget that natural supplements can bring your body back to a healthy state and it can help energize your immune system the underlying cause of all allergies. Get all the latest information about Allergies, from the only true source at http://www.1allergyinformation.com Be sure to check out our wheat allergy pages. ]]> Allergic Reactions To Latex Gloves http://www.artwoo.com/article/allergic-reactions-to-latex-gloves http://www.artwoo.com/article/allergic-reactions-to-latex-gloves#comments Tue, 06 Jun 2006 12:32:08 +0000 natural rubber latexlatex glovescontact dermatitisirritant dermatitishealth care workershealth problemssoaps http://www.artwoo.com/article/allergic-reactions-to-latex-gloves natural rubber latex is a milky fluid which is derived from the rubber tree known as hevea brasiliensis. The gloves made from this natural rubber latex are known as . These latex gloves can cause allergic reactions due to the proteins released by the latex.

Caused by wearing Latex Gloves

For the past few years it can be observed that there is an increasing incidence of allergic reactions among the latex gloves users. According to current estimation up to 17% of , who are regular users of latex gloves, have developed an allergy to them. The more time the health care workers spend in contact with latex the more they are likely to become allergic patient. The three main types of health problems which can be caused by wearing regular natural rubber latex gloves are 1) , 2) allergic and 3) immediate latex allergy.

1) Irritant Dermatitis: The Irritant dermatitis is the most common disease that is associated with wearing of latex gloves. It is mainly caused by repeated washing of hands and especially wearing of powdered gloves. Dry, itchy, irritated areas on the skin are the main symptoms of this disease. The Irritant dermatitis is not actually a true allergic reaction. The irritation may be caused both because of the powder in the gloves which acts as an irritant and because of the skin which stays moist for many hours during the day as we wear them. Washing of hands may also cause an irritation because of the strong scrubbing agents, and detergents.

2) Allergic Contact Dermatitis: In case of allergic contact dermatitis which is also known as chemical sensitivity dermatitis the hands, wrists and even forearms develop a red, itchy rash, blisters, sores and cracks. This disease is an allergic reaction of the skin which is caused by the chemicals inside the latex gloves. The chemicals which are mainly responsible for the disease are the residues which were not completely removed during manufacturing process. The more one is exposed to these harmful chemicals the more he is likely to react with them.

3) Immediate Latex Allergy: The most common symptoms of this disease are skin redness, rash, hives and eczema. Sometimes more severe symptoms can be life-threatening such as respiratory symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, red itchy eyes, swollen face, scratchy throat, asthma and anaphylaxis. One is more likely to develop an immediate latex allergy as long as he is exposed to the proteins released by the latex gloves. Christopher H. Waters writes on several different. For more info on latex gloves visit http://www.best-latex-gloves.info and http://www.buy-latex-gloves.info.. ]]> Low Blood Pressure Symptoms http://www.artwoo.com/article/low-blood-pressure-symptoms http://www.artwoo.com/article/low-blood-pressure-symptoms#comments Thu, 11 May 2006 18:32:06 +0000 irregular heart beatlow blood pressure symptomsblood pressureheart medicinesheart attackheart failureanaphylaxis http://www.artwoo.com/article/low-blood-pressure-symptoms blood pressure. This can result in insufficient blood flow to the important body organs like the heart and the brain. And this can lead to various .

You may detect low blood pressure symptoms during the use of various drugs such as those used for surgery, anti-anxiety agents, treatment for high blood pressure, diuretics, , antidepressants, narcotics, alcohol, and other types of drugs. You may notice the low blood pressure symptoms also because of dehydration, , or , , shock, diabetes (especially in advanced stage), etc.

The most common low blood pressure symptoms are dizziness and lightheartedness. But there are other low blood pressure symptoms, and they are: a tendency to faint, black or maroon stools, chest pain, wheezing, , consistent high fever, head ache, back pain, or stiff neck. If you happen to spot any of the low blood pressure symptoms, it is recommended that you consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Because of low blood pressure not enough blood reaches to all parts of the body and thus the cells do not receive the correct amount of oxygen and nutrients. Therefore, the waste products in the blood are not removed.

Don't overlook the risk of low blood pressure if you cough with phlegm or if you are suffering from prolonged diarrhea, or if you are unable to eat or drink, or if you experience burning urinary symptoms or even if you are taking new medicines, because all these are low blood pressure symptoms.

When you start experiencing low blood pressure symptoms remember that the brain is the first organ to malfunction in such situations because it's located at the top of the body and as a result you will experience dizziness or even fainting. You should be aware that if you don't treat low blood pressure seriously it might lead to brain damage.

When you have low blood pressure, blood is not adequately supplied to the heart muscles and therefore breathlessness and chest tightness forms one of the common low blood pressure symptoms. When you have prolonged low blood pressure all organs start malfunctioning and this leads to shock.

You must take precautionary measures to avoid the situation from getting worse when you have low blood pressure and you must take your doctor's advice. You must try to be more physically active and must try to lose weight. You should also maintain a healthy diet and limit your alcohol intake. All these will help you to keep your low blood pressure symptoms under control.

In spite of all the harmful aspects of low blood pressure, researchers say that it is better than high blood pressure because people experiencing low blood pressure symptoms tend to live longer than people suffering from high blood pressure symptoms do.

If you suspect you are suffering with low blood pressure you should consult your primary care physician straight away. Paul Johnson. Sign up for a Free High Blood Pressure Newsletter at http://www.natural-blood-pressure-reduction.com or for more articles click here http://www.natural-blood-pressure-reduction.com/low-bp.html. ]]> Types Of Allergy Medication http://www.artwoo.com/article/types-of-allergy-medication http://www.artwoo.com/article/types-of-allergy-medication#comments Tue, 03 Jul 2007 13:35:01 +0000 allergy medicationmedication choicestavist dnatural allergycromolyn sodiumdrixoralclarinex http://www.artwoo.com/article/types-of-allergy-medication allergy medication.

There is allergy medication that can be bought over the counter, there is prescription medication, and let's not forget that there is natural supplements that can boost the immune system and help to bring the body back into balance.

Antihistamines are one of the most popular allergy . Antihistamines counter the effects of histamine which is what is released when you are having an allergic reaction. They are sometime combined with decongestants. Popular over the counter choices includes Benadryl, Actifed, Tavist-D, Triaminic, and . Prescription medicines include Allegra, Zyrtec, and .

Decongestants are the right choice if you have stuffy nose. You might consider the oral or nasal spray for optimum relief. Decongestant allergy medication is even found in eye drops. Decongestants constrict the blood vessels which then reduces swelling. You need to make sure you don't use them too long and then get hit with what is called the rebound effect.

Corticosteroids are an ant-inflammatory allergy medication that is used to treat swelling and itching that are a result of an allergy disorder. Nasal sprays are the most common use including Flonase, Nasonex, and Nasalide.

and Nedocromil Sodium are also an anti inflammatory allergy medication and it is usually in a nasal spray which can be used to treat allergic rhinitis. It prevents the release of histamine. It is available in both over the counter and prescription strength.

Epinephrine is the big guns that are used for emergency treatments in cases where anaphylaxis is occurring.

It is usually administered with what is called an Epi Pen. This pen lets you self inject your epinephrine

medication uses nutritional supplements to strengthen the body. The use of higher amounts of various nutrients help support the body function. To boost the immune system take CoQ10, Vitamin B12, grape seed, and AHCC. To improve adrenal function take B5, and to reduce inflammation you need Vitamin A.

Allergy medication can be taken once a day, ever four hour or as ordered b your doctor. Much depends on the medicine strength, the seriousness of the allergy what he or she is trying to accomplish.

You might find yourself in serious condition without even thinking about it. You won't be alone if you don't realize the seriousness of a peanut alley or any other medication that is like the epi pen used for allergy medication treatment in serious cases.



There are so many different medications to choose from. What's really important is that no matter what allergy you have the allergy medication is going to be expensive. They all are. So be prepared to dig deep into your wallet.

You should always consider natural supplements before trying any other medications. You might also consider mixing natural with either a prescription or an over the counter drug that will treat the symptoms while your natural works to restore your body's health and wellness.

Your allergy medication will make you feel better but do work to treat the real cause of your allergy. Get all the latest information about allergies, from the only true source at http://www.1allergyinformation.com Be sure to check out our Allergy Medication pages. ]]> Wheat Allergy Versus Wheat Intolerance http://www.artwoo.com/article/wheat-allergy-versus-wheat-intolerance http://www.artwoo.com/article/wheat-allergy-versus-wheat-intolerance#comments Mon, 28 May 2007 07:34:56 +0000 symptoms of wheat allergywheat intolerancewheat allergiestrue food allergiesgluten allergyfood intoleranceceliac disease http://www.artwoo.com/article/wheat-allergy-versus-wheat-intolerance food intolerance. A wheat allergy typically is confused with a and if you dig even further can be confused with a as well as . How you manage your reactions or intolerance can be very different so it is very important to know the difference between a wheat allergy and a wheat intolerance.

Millions of people suffer from allergies caused by a variety of sources both internal and external. External allergies are usually caused by airborne allergens like pollen or dust or environment factors like chemicals. Food allergies are usually the culprit when it comes to the internal reactions. They can be caused by certain foods that we eat, like seafood, peanuts or eggs. fall into this category and is known to cause many uncomfortable reactions for the person involved.

A wheat allergy can be particularly hard to manage because wheat is found in so many different places. There are products that contain wheat like flour. There are ingredients like gluten that contain wheat and then there are the variety of foods like pasta and breads that contain wheat. We have broken it down this way because in order to manage your allergy you have to be aware of all the different ways you can come across "wheat".

How do You Differentiate Between a Wheat Allergy and a Wheat Intolerance

A wheat allergy and a wheat intolerance are two very different problems. True allergies involve the immune system whereas an intolerance does not cause a reaction from the immune system. A wheat allergy is an auto-immune response that can cause a variety of symptoms. The signs and include:

*coughing *vomiting *asthma *other breathing problems

Depending on the person it can cause anaphylaxis which can be fatal. are rare and a wheat allergy is not an exception to that. A true allergic reaction to wheat is present in less that one half percent of the population.



Wheat intolerance is more typical and involves a person reacting to the gluten ingredient found in many wheat products.

The gluten is a complex protein used so that the wheat will stick together and will rise when baked. Gluten can be found in other grains like rye and barley. It can also be found in oats that may be contaminated in the production process of the other grains. This intolerance continues to grow and can affect upwards of 14% of the population.

A wheat allergy produced sudden reactions while a wheat intolerance does not. The symptoms of wheat intolerance may seem less obvious and many people confuse it with something else or dismiss them as a normal part of life. The symptoms of a wheat intolerance include:

*eczema *depression *gastrointestinal upset *low blood iron

One may dismiss a food intolerance as "That food just doesn't agree with me" but you should consider that there are serious health risks associated with both a wheat allergy and a wheat intolerance. These risks can be long term causing or contributing to conditions such as:

*diabetes *anemia *bowel cancer

Whether you have a wheat allergy or a wheat intolerance the best treatment is an elimination diet. There may be a specific wheat allergy diet that your allergist or nutritionist may recommend. These diets may be difficult to maintain but they are a must if you want to live as healthy as possible as well as avoid the serious health conditions that can be caused by this problem. Marilyn Franklin writes for http://AllergyFiles.com where you can find information on all allergy types including food allergies like a sugar allergy. ]]> Keeping Ahead Of A Peanut Allergy http://www.artwoo.com/article/keeping-ahead-of-a-peanut-allergy http://www.artwoo.com/article/keeping-ahead-of-a-peanut-allergy#comments Wed, 23 May 2007 04:24:54 +0000 peanut allergyanaphylactic shockplease note thatpeanut allergiessafe betanaphylaxissummer camp program http://www.artwoo.com/article/keeping-ahead-of-a-peanut-allergy peanut allergy craze. I have 2 children under 6 that have both gone to preschool so I was exposed to this pretty recently. A peanut allergy can be a life-threatening reaction to anything with peanuts. Our preschool has a special area in the lunch room for children with this allergy. They have a list of children's allergies hanging in the classrooms as well. We recently applied for a for our daughter and to our surprise found that the camp expressly prohibited any child from bringing peanut butter on the campus.

Why the Seeming Paranoia?

Sadly I found out that a child had actually died from a severe allergic reaction to peanut butter. An allergic reaction to peanuts can be mild. The symptoms can include runny nose, watery eyes, and hives. That is not that scary but there are a few of us that can have a severe reaction called that can produce . The symptoms of anaphylactic shock include things like swelling, increased heartbeat and difficulty breathing. The administrator of the summer camp emphasized how dangerous this reaction can be. Anyone responsible for a child whether it be a parent, teacher or other child care worker does not want to take the risk that this will be the one time where a child can die in their care.

Can a Peanut Allergy be Identified?

affect more than three million people in the US alone. The simple identification is noting a person's reaction after eating something that contained some form of peanuts. It can also be identified through an allergist through blood or skin tests. If you suffer from a peanut allergy your children may get it too. Peanut allergies have been found to be often inherited. The there is to definitely have you child tested. a peanut allergy may begin as a peanut intolerance. This is more of a digestive reaction that does not involve the immune system.

Though some children will outgrow a peanut allergy most won't. So how do your treat this? The easy answer is avoidance but that can be tricky since peanuts are used in food where you might not easily identify it.

Hidden Dangers are Everywhere

While peanuts and peanut butter are obvious choices for products to avoid here is a list of places where you may find peanuts as an ingredient:

* peanut oil * salad dressings * oriental food * candy * baked goods

Peanut oil is used in restaurants for cooking and can cause the same reaction as eating the actual peanut. Oriental restaurants including asian, thai and indian are known to use peanuts in some of their recipes as well. When you visit a restaurant you may want to ask about nut allergy recipes that cater to those with a peanut allergy as well as to any other nut allergy. Salad dressings, candy, cookies and cakes can also use peanuts and can also be produced in factories where the equipment has possibly been contaminated.

Living with a peanut allergy may be challenging but whether you are doing it for yourself, for your child or even for that child in your kid's day care program it can be a matter of life and death. Make sure you know the signs of a dangerous reaction and check that ingredient list carefully. Read more on nut allergies at Marilyn's site http://www.allergyfiles.com where you can also find information on other food allergies. ]]> Food Allergy http://www.artwoo.com/article/food-allergy http://www.artwoo.com/article/food-allergy#comments Sat, 04 Aug 2007 21:35:00 +0000 food allergyanaphylactic shockfood allergiesanaphylaxisimmune systemhivesstomach pain http://www.artwoo.com/article/food-allergy Food allergies happen when your messes up. Your immune system is supposed to protect you from disease and germs.

If you have a your immune system makes a mistake and thinks the food is going to harm you.

The response is the same whether it is a food allergy, an allergy to medicine, an allergy to a flower or tree, or an allergy to peanuts. Although the foods themselves are not harmful the reaction the body has can be life threatening.

In recent years we have heard a lot about the peanut food allergy mainly because the reaction is usually very severe leading to .

Here's what can happen if a child or adult for that matter eats a peanut topped brownie which they have a food allergy to =96 the antibodies in the body over react releasing histamine in the blood.

The histamine released eyes, throat, nose, respiratory, skin, and even the digestive system can be affected by the food allergy. The reaction could be mild or severe and it can happen almost right away or a couple of hours later.



Some of the first signs of a person suffering from a food allergy can be a runny nose, , itchy skin, tingling lips or tongue.

Other signs can include tightness in the throat, hoarse voice, coughing, wheezing, , diarrhea, and nausea or vomiting.

And with a serious food allergy occurs which is a severe allergic reaction that comes on suddenly and with several serious problems all occurring at once =96 the heart, digestive system, respiratory all react at the same time and the breathing tube narrows while the tongue swells making breathing difficult if not impossible =96 this is a medical emergency.

If you have a serious food allergy and not necessarily to peanuts you need to make sure you know exactly what you are eating. If there is any doubt don't eat it. You might also carry the proper medication with you.

Kids often suffer from milk and eggs but the often will outgrow these. Severe allergies are commonly seen in peanuts, shrimp, and fish and these do not usually disappear with age.

Not sure how to tell if you have a food allergy? Sometimes it's pretty easy to figure out. Hives may appear or perhaps stomach problems occur. But other times it's harder to tell. And sometimes even if you know you have a food allergy determining to what can be really difficult.

Many medical professionals believe that allergies are genetic and inherited so if you have a parent that suffers from hay fever you can expect to do so yourself. Food allergies can resolve themselves over time.

It is important that you do not confuse a food allergy with food intolerance such as with lactose intolerance which can cause severe stomach pain and diarrhea. But that doesn't make it an allergy.

For some food allergies it's as simple as not eating the food anymore. Other food allergies are harder to diagnose and harder to avoid. You should see a doctor that specializes in allergies. The doctor will ask you a lot of questions to help determine if you have a food allergy.



A liquid extract of the food or foods that are suspect is used to determine the food allergy. A tiny scratch is made on the skin and then a drop of the extract placed on the scratch. The doctor will watch for the development of a red spot which will indicate you have a food allergy to that particular food.



Once a food allergy is determined the doctor will decide on the best course of action and whether treatment is needed. Once you know what your allergy is it becomes much easier to deal with. Get all the latest information about Allergies, from the only true source at http://www.1allergyformation.com. Be sure to check out our food allergy pages. ]]>