http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for symptoms of food allergies Copyright 2008 Sat, 22 Nov 2008 04:18:08 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/symptoms+of+food+allergies http://www.artwoo.com/article/cat-food-allergies-signs-and-symptoms http://www.artwoo.com/article/cat-food-allergies-signs-and-symptoms#comments Fri, 06 Jul 2007 03:30:01 +0000 food allergiescat foodirritable bowel syndrometype of foodloose stoolsloss of appetitecats http://www.artwoo.com/article/cat-food-allergies-signs-and-symptoms type of food. In fact, your cant may not realize how the food that he or she is eating is making him or her uncomfortable. According to studies, cat food allergies in very common among cats in the country.

There are many types of cat food being sold in the market today that does not really sit well the stomach of some cats. Most of these foot that cause cat food allergies are meat based products such as those that are made out of beef. In some cases, cat food containing fish and dairy products could also make your cat sick.

Since your can will not be able to tell you that the food you are giving him or her is making him or her sick, you better be alert to the signs and symptoms of cat food allergies. You quick attention to the condition of your cat may well save his or her life.

Signs and Symptoms Of Cat Food Allergies

Cat food allergies may be manifested in the dryness and flaking of your cat's skin. If you notice that your cat has flakes and that it constantly scratching itself in some parts of its body, it would be wise for you to investigate the cause of this behavior. Experts believe that there are certain ingredients in cat food that can cause cat food allergies that may lead to balding of your cat.

Tp stop your cat losing its beautiful coat, it is better to switch to another type of food and see what happens. In most cases, cat food allergies symptoms disappear once you discontinue giving your cat something that caused the allergies.

Another sign of cat food allergies is the loss of appetite on your cat. In some cases, you cat may experience irritable bowel syndrome where your cat will have loose stools or constipation. If you notice that your cat is less active that he or she used to be, observe your cat for a day and note the way he or she defecates.

If your cat does not eat much, strains when passing stool or pass loose stool, you should take your cat to the vet at once. Cat food allergies can have some serious on some cats so make sure that your cat is okay by taking it to the vet immediately. Ann Marier writes informative articles about family life and general health issues, Her latest are about losing weight . Click on http://foodallergies.ultimatehealthinfo.com to read her articles on allergies. Click on http://www.ultimatehealthinfo.com for other articles on general health issues ]]> 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 symptoms of food allergies that go unnoticed daily, such as: hives, 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 anaphylaxis. Allergy testing 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 beneficial. 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 inhalants 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 ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/food-allergy-symptoms http://www.artwoo.com/article/food-allergy-symptoms#comments Mon, 26 Mar 2007 11:24:01 +0000 food allergy symptomscause allergytrue food allergiesanaphylactic shocktrue allergic reactionhay fevereczema http://www.artwoo.com/article/food-allergy-symptoms Food allergy symptoms can be quite uncommon. You might not believe this but only 1 out of 70 adults suffer from true food allergies. Food poisoning or even food intolerance is sometimes mistaken for a food allergy because of the similarities in symptoms. If you are unsure if you are allergic to a particular food, you should learn to decipher what classic food allergy is.



Mostly affecting children, food allergy is an illness where the body's immune system defends itself from a substance that it considers to be harmful. The allergic reaction experienced is the sign that the body is trying to overcome the allergy-causing substance. Doctors usually run test to determine and confirm your food allergies. They might even ask you questions regarding your family's general health since food allergy is thought to be partly hereditary. If your doctor finds a history of eczema, hay fever or asthma, then you have a higher risk of having a food allergy.

A true allergic reaction usually starts with swelling and itching in the throat, tongue and mouth. Other food allergy symptoms include skin reactions, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, wheezing, runny nose and sore, red and itchy eyes. An allergic reaction could begin the moment you ingest the food you are allergic to. The symptoms, however, could take longer to develop, sometimes even several hours. An anaphylactic shock is the worst possible allergic reaction. It could cause severe swelling, unconsciousness, lowering of the blood pressure and breathing difficulties. If not given proper medical attention, it could possibly lead to death. As you can see, it's important to deal with food allergy symptoms right away.

Foods that cause allergy include peanuts, shellfish, tree nuts and fish. Some children develop allergies to cow's milk, soya, eggs, wheat and seafood. If you have an allergy to a particular food, you could also have a reaction to other allergy-causing food. This is called cross-reactivity. Your dietician and physician could help you identify which foods to avoid and prevent allergic reactions.

If you are still unsure if you have a food allergy, you should consult a doctor specializing on allergies. You would be asked questions pertaining to the symptoms you experience after eating a certain food, amount of the particular food you ate, preparation and storage of the food, medication you took to relieve the symptoms and effectivity of the medication. All these can help diagnose your food allergy.

It is very important that you see a food allergy specialist. You must never, under any circumstances, try to determine the food you are allergic to on your own. You must remember that allergic reactions can be severe and you might be putting yourself in a very dangerous situation. If you're allergic to something and you tamper with it, your body can react in bad ways.

Skin prick tests are sometimes used to diagnose a food allergy. A small amount of food extract is injected on the skin surface. An allergic reaction to that food extract will result to swelling and redness of the injection site. Sometimes, a false positive reaction is observed from a skin prick test. It would be wise to perform other tests, like a blood test for instance, to confirm food allergy and complete diagnosis. Article provided by Sven Ullmann, who runs http://www.deservedhealth.com - a site dedicated to different health related articles. Read more about the http://www.deservedhealth.com/food-allergies-symptoms/ ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-fight-your-pets-allergies-the-right-way http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-fight-your-pets-allergies-the-right-way#comments Sun, 17 Feb 2008 20:34:59 +0000 food allergies in dogscanned dog foodallergic reactions to foodseasonal allergiesfood allergystrict dietovert symptoms http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-fight-your-pets-allergies-the-right-way food allergies in dogs are not breed-specific, and thus there are no "safe breeds." They can develop anywhere between 5 months to 12 years of age, though most often they appear between the ages of 2 and 6. An important thing to understand about a potential food allergy is that it develops over time, and a dog can slowly develop an allergic reaction to a food it has safely eaten for months or years beforehand.

It is also important to understand the difference between allergies and intolerances. A food intolerance, for example, might result in diarrhea or vomiting in a dog, much the same way a human might react poorly to spicy or foreign foods. An allergy may not result in overt symptoms such as these, but might be more subtle such as itchy or sensitive skin. Other common symptoms include hot spots, excessive scratching, hair loss, and ear sensitivity/infections. Year-round symptoms are a good tip-off, because seasonal allergies will naturally only appear at certain times. Also, a number of studies have shown that an increase in a dog's bowel movements to three times a day or more could be an indicator of a food allergy, as a healthy dog should typically only move its bowels about 1.5 times a day. Blood tests can also be performed by a vet to help identify potential allergies, though there are some that doubt the validity of the results.

Allergic reactions to food are unfortunately often difficult to diagnose. Because many owners feed their dogs dry or canned dog food with many different ingredients, often the best way to reliably test for food allergies is to put the dog on a strict diet of a new source of protein and a new source of carbohydrates for 12 weeks., such as venison and rice, for example. Assuming the dog's symptoms clear up, the original food or ingredients can be introduced one at a time to the dog's diet to see if the symptoms return. If an offending ingredient is identified, treatment is rather straightforward: simply refrain from feeding it to the pup. It's important to afterwards check the ingredients of any store-bought dog food, since many contain a wide variety of ingredients. Many veterinarians will be able to recommend a special food, and some will sell owners the food directly, though be aware that the specially prepared foods are typically more expensive than common store-bought dog foods.

For particularly sensitive allergies, or for allergies for common ingredients, home-cooked food is always an option. Remember to always consult your vet before putting your pet on a new diet, as the meals need to be properly balanced so that your pet gets healthy amounts of the nutrients he or she needs. However, preparing the dog's meals yourself could alleviate the cost of custom diets.

Although diagnosis can be a long and arduous process, the result is a happier and healthier pet, and a worry-free owner. http://www.pet-super-store.com/pet-supplies/elevated-dog-feeders/ http://www.pet-super-store.com/pet-supplies/pet-carriers/ ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/air-purifiers-for-allergies-can-help-alleviate-your-symptoms http://www.artwoo.com/article/air-purifiers-for-allergies-can-help-alleviate-your-symptoms#comments Thu, 13 Sep 2007 20:34:59 +0000 pet allergiesenvironmental allergiesallergy sufferersdefinitleypet allergyallergy problemsair purifiers http://www.artwoo.com/article/air-purifiers-for-allergies-can-help-alleviate-your-symptoms Air purifiers for allergies is an easy and affordable solution to some serious health conditions. Air purifiers for allergies may not solve all your allergy problems, however, most will certainly help alleviate some of the congestion and breathing problems often associated with allergies. You may not get relief for all your allergies, for example if you suffer from either allergies triggered by food or applied substances, such as lotions, air purifiers for allergies will certainly not help resolve these issues.

However, with environmental allergies like pollen and pollution that are air born, air purifiers for allergies will be very beneficial to relieving your symptoms. There are many airborne allergens that have serious health related repercussions for allergy sufferers and they can be found within your own home. Installing air purifiers can definitley relieve some of these problems for most people.

Many people suffer from pet allergies, but our pets are often just like a member of our family. The trigger for most pet allergy sufferers is the pet dander. When your pet's dander fills the air this is what causes the allergic reaction. Instead of getting rid of your beloved family pet you can purchase an air purifier for allergies to clean and purify the air in your home. This should help eliminate the root of the problem for allergy suffers in the family. An air purifier for allergies can enable the person with the allergy to live more comfortably even with a pet.

Air Purifiers for Allergies can Improve your Quality of Living

Pets are a be a big problem to people that suffer from allergies, there are allergens that are travelling through the air which can trigger reactions. Many times air filled with pollen will cause an allergic reaction. Allergy suffers can be made to feel quite ill when having a reaction to pollen.

Certain times of the year, there can be low or no pollen in the surrounding air to create any allergic symptoms. However, when things begin to bloom an allergy sufferer can become very ill. Air purifiers for allergies can make all the difference in the world for allergy prone persons. Air purifiers can deter these allergens from corrupting the atmosphere in your home.

You can find these air purifiers at a reasonable price. They are specially manufactures to assist in purifing the air so that allergy sufferers can get some much needed relief. Not only will the allergy sufferer benefit from the cleaner air, but everyone in the household will get to breathe healthier air. The filers in the air purifiers for allergies are especially designed to catch the allergens around us to help completely alleviate the triggers for an allergic reaction. Most of the air purifiers on the market are so quiet that you will hardly even notice that they are running. Christopher Jay has much more information about Air Purifiers for Allergies available at http://www.allergyallergies.com . Causes and Types of Insomnia are listed too. Visit http://www.allergyallergies.com today. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/allergies-may-run-in-families http://www.artwoo.com/article/allergies-may-run-in-families#comments Sun, 15 Oct 2006 08:27:09 +0000 milk allergiesasthma attackslactose intolerantsinus problemsallergy attacksfood allergyhay fever http://www.artwoo.com/article/allergies-may-run-in-families
A thorough examination of the symptoms is needed in order to determine the difference between allergies and asthma attacks. If your problems are asthma-related, you will have difficulty breathing at times and your chest seems to tighten. If you have allergies, you may present with the similar symptoms to asthma, but, additionally, you might develop rashes and have sinus problems. Hay fever is also typically caused by allergy attacks.

If both you and your significant other have asthma, you might want to watch closely your children's symptoms and behavior as they grow up. Asthma develop as early as the toddler stage. You will want to be aware of how they play as well as how easily they seem winded. Typically, a young child should not get winded very quickly (as compared to other similarly-aged children), though they commonly do much faster than older child or teen.

As for allergies, you might have to simply wait to see if your child develops allergies as well. However, if either you or your significant other has any type of food allergy, you may want to have the child tested prior to introducing them to such foods. You should pay careful attention to make sure that they do not display any signs of an allergy upon introduction to new foods. Generally, if milk allergies are present, babies will show indications of lactose intolerant during the first year. It may then be necessary to feed them a soy-based formula.

You may want to speak to your doctor about any concerns that you may have pertaining to your family and allergies. Your doctor should be able to address your concerns, inform you about alternatives and give you testing information. You may also want to ask your pediatrician to look for any signs of asthma while they are having their check-ups. They will also suggest signs that you should look for that might indicate asthma in your child. If you are a parent, it is important to keep yourself informed about both allergies and asthma. Charles Anderson writes for several web sites, including http://getyd.com and http://lotib.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/is-it-asthma-symptoms-or-allergies http://www.artwoo.com/article/is-it-asthma-symptoms-or-allergies#comments Tue, 07 Aug 2007 02:25:01 +0000 asthma asthmaasthma allergiesasthma symptomsallergic asthmaasthma attacksymptoms of allergiessinus allergies http://www.artwoo.com/article/is-it-asthma-symptoms-or-allergies asthma symptoms.

So what are the symptoms of asthma? The common symptoms of asthma include: persistent coughing, gasping for air, wheezing, a tight chest, decreased tolerance of physical activity, and persistent chest colds.



So what are the symptoms of allergies? Allergies come in many forms from skin allergies to sinus allergies. Symptoms of allergies include coughing, sneezing, wheezing, and itching in reaction to triggers such as pet dander, pollen, and mold. If you have allergies you can suffer from persistent chest colds and rhinitis as well.

As you can see the symptoms of asthma and allergies are similar. Some people even suffer from allergic asthma. Environmental triggers such as perfumes and cigarette smoke cause their airways to constrict and experience an asthma attack.

What causes asthma? Asthma is the result of inflammation in your airways. It is a chronic disease that requires both short term and long term medication. Most people with asthma have a genetic predisposition to condition. Their asthma is revealed either in childhood or adulthood based on outside factors such as exercise or environmental triggers.

What causes allergies? Allergies are the result of environmental factors as well as genetics. Allergies do not inflame your airways like asthma.

So how do you know if you have asthma, allergies, or allergic asthma? You will need to have a doctor give you a proper diagnosis. It is important to see a doctor so that you can find the most effective medication for your condition.

How will a doctor determine the diagnosis between asthma, allergies, and allergic asthma? Since asthma has to do with the inflammation of your lungs, your doctor will test your lungs. Basically, you will blow into a spirometer to measure your air flow and a variety of medical factors. They will also have you track your symptoms and give your medical history.



Once your doctor has determined whether or not you have asthma they will create a health wellness plan to follow. For example, if you do have asthma you will learn about the various asthma medications. You will learn what to do to stop an asthma attack as well as remove asthma triggers from your environment.

If you do have asthma, one of your strongest weapons is to learn all you can about asthma. Find out what medications are available, look for support groups, and learn the best way to manage this chronic disease. You can find a plan that best meets your needs while living a healthy, normal life. Are you an asthma sufferer? Online Asthma Help is a website that contains useful articles, tips and coping strategies for people with asthma. Kick your asthma to the curb by going to... http://www.onlineasthmahelp.com/ ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/dog-food-allergies-saving-your-pet-from-discomforts http://www.artwoo.com/article/dog-food-allergies-saving-your-pet-from-discomforts#comments Tue, 26 Jun 2007 10:15:00 +0000 food allergiestaggeddog foodtriggersdifferent dogsallergic reactionsallergic reaction http://www.artwoo.com/article/dog-food-allergies-saving-your-pet-from-discomforts dog food that we often buy in the market could cause a lot of miseries to our pets.

In fact, dog food allergies have been tagged as one of the leading cause while many dogs get sick every year. If your dog happens to be one of those breeds that are sensitive to food, you need to be extra careful when giving him or her any times of food. Dog food allergies can bring about some complications that could be very harmful to your pet.

Preventing Dog Food Allergies

Almost all types of dog food allergies can be easily prevented by proper care. Different dogs may be different allergy triggers so be sure that you know what types of foods could cause dog food allergies in your pet. You can easily determine the types of food that are harmful to your per through a process of elimination.

If you have been giving your dog a specific brand of food for sometime and you noticed that your dog keeps scratching itself even when it does not have any pest infestations, there is a big probability that your dog is having some kind of allergic reaction to the food. Try to stop giving your dog that same kind of food and see what happens. If your dog stops scratching itself after a few days, then do not give attempt to give it that brand of dog food anymore.

When trying to find out what triggers dog food allergies in your pet, you should keep a record of your findings. List down all the types of foods that does not cause any allergic reactions from your dog as well as those types of foods that caused some allergic reactions.

If you happen to have somebody who takes care of your dog while you are away, make sure that your dog caretaker knows that your pet has dog food allergies and what are the types of foods that triggers the allergic reaction. In case you have to go away on a trip for a couple of day, give a list of things that could trigger dog food allergies in your pet to your caretaker along with the name, telephone number and address of your vet. Instruct the caretaker to take the dog to the vet immediately if he or she notices that the dog is not feeling so well. Ann Marier writes informative articles about family life and general health issues, Her latest are about losing weight . Click on http://foodallergies.ultimatehealthinfo.com to read her articles on allergies. Click on http://www.ultimatehealthinfo.com for other articles on general health issues ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/allergy-treatment-experiences http://www.artwoo.com/article/allergy-treatment-experiences#comments Thu, 24 Aug 2006 06:27:15 +0000 allergy treatmentfood allergiesallergy testingskin allergyallergy shotsenvironmental allergiesdust mites http://www.artwoo.com/article/allergy-treatment-experiences allergy treatment and testing may be in order. With food allergies and small children, the process of elimination is the best way to determine which food is causing the allergic reaction. Allergy testing methods such as skin testing and blood testing are effective, but some people may respond better to one than the other. Food allergies for instance show up better on blood testing, but if you know you're allergic to a certain food, wouldn't you just not eat it?

Environmental allergies are a little trickier. Consider all the possible triggers; weeds, trees, pollens, grasses, dust, dust mites, molds, pet dander, chemical fumes, and cigarette smoke are all popular offenders. Skin allergy testing is the best method to use for diagnosis of these types of allergies if severe enough to warrant this approach. Allergy treatment can then be prescribed based on the level of reaction to certain irritants. Not everyone with allergies has to seek help from a specialist. There are quite a few over-the-counter medications that are very effective in treating symptoms, but if this doesn't work, then a professional should be consulted. Many times allergies are present with other conditions such as eczema and asthma, and should be evaluated in conjunction to allergy treatment since they all go hand in hand. By treating allergies, related conditions will resolve themselves or lessen significantly as allergy treatment progresses.

Prescribed allergy treatment usually consists of immunotherapy, better known as allergy shots, which expose allergy sufferers to tiny amounts of the offending allergens in gradually increased doses that over time decrease symptoms. Of course, substances that cause severe allergic reactions, such as certain foods (shellfish, eggs, peanuts) and bee stings should be avoided completely. Avoidance is the only allergy treatment in this case, aside from using an Epi-Pen and/or Benadryl in case an accidental exposure occurs. Different allergy treatments and combinations thereof may have to be tried before significant relief occurs. Over time allergies decrease and may eventually disappear requiring less allergy treatment. There are quite a few online resources you can check out about allergy treatments like www.allergies.about.com, www.medicinenet.com, or www.drgreene.com where an abundance of information about allergy treatments is right at your fingertips. For more information and articles on weight lifting and how to stay fit please take the time to visit our website at Allergy Resources. http://www.allergiesoverview.com ]]> 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 several different types of food allergies but a wheat allergy 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 allergy symptoms 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 common wheat 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 anaphylaxis 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. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/understand-your-allergy http://www.artwoo.com/article/understand-your-allergy#comments Sat, 21 Oct 2006 18:27:24 +0000 inhalant allergyinhalant allergiesfood allergiescontact dermatitisindoor allergiespoison ivybody piercings http://www.artwoo.com/article/understand-your-allergy inhalant allergy, and contact allergy.

Allergies to pollens and seasonal grasses fall into the inhalant allergy category, because breathing them triggers allergic reactions. Some people have exercise-induced allergies, especially when exercising outdoors, because breathing increases and thus exposure to allergens is enhanced. But you can also inhale allergens indoors. Many people have indoor allergies, the most common ones being to pet dander, mold, and dust mites. Inhalant allergies usually exhibit themselves in breathing difficulties, congestion, watery eyes, sneezing, and other respiratory symptoms.

Contact dermatitis is the official name for allergic reactions to things that come in contact with the skin. Many people don't realize that poison ivy is an allergen. Poison ivy is probably the best known example of contact dermatitis. Poison ivy isn't poisonous; it triggers an allergic reaction in most people. Rashes and skin irritation are the body's way of trying to repel an andquot;enemyandquot; in the form of an allergen. Some people have contact dermatitis reactions due to an allergy to rubber, wool, dyes or cosmetics. Nickel is the most common metal to trigger contact allergies; people with a nickel allergy need to be careful that they don't wear jewelry that contains nickel, in bracelets, necklaces, or in body piercings. Certain cosmetics ingredients trigger allergies, including some ingredients in hair dyes. Fragrance is the most common cause of allergies to cosmetics; if you experience allergies, try unscented products. Contact allergies typically are manifested in itching, rashes and hives.

Not all contact dermatitis is due to allergy. In fact, 80 percent of skin reactions are to actual irritants such as chemicals, acids, and some soaps.

Food allergies typically manifest themselves with itching, rashes and hives, but they can also affect the respiratory system. In severe cases, a food allergy can trigger anaphylactic shock that causes the throat to close and breathing passages to swell. Food allergies usually become obvious within two hours of consuming the food allergen. http://www.whatcauseallergy.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/natural-herbs-for-allergies-your-plan-b http://www.artwoo.com/article/natural-herbs-for-allergies-your-plan-b#comments Sat, 12 May 2007 03:25:01 +0000 natural herbsairborne allergiesseasonal allergiesallergy symptomsconsult your physicianinteract with otherallergy relief http://www.artwoo.com/article/natural-herbs-for-allergies-your-plan-b natural herbs for allergies? Natural medicines and alternative treatments are gaining in popularity not only for allergies but for many other ailments. Many of today's medicines cause side effects that can be as dangerous or uncomfortable as the symptoms you are trying to treat in the first place.

The typical treatments for allergies usually revolve around antihistamines and decongestants. Antihistamines are well known for making you drowsy. I have found that Benadryl does help to manage my allergies but I often find myself choosing which one to use because if I use some of the ones with higher levels of antihistamines I don't want to drive. I can get that sleepy. Decongestants on the other hand can lead to higher blood pressure. This is especially dangerous if you have a heart condition.

Thankfully you may be able to treat your allergies in a more holistic way. Natural herbs for allergies can be the answer and can actually help to prevent the symptoms before they start. This can be an effective way to manage many of the seasonal allergies that are common today.

What Should You Do First?

Modifying your lifestyle before diving into any treatment is a good idea. Even natural herbs for allergies can cause problems or interact with other medications. What can you do to reduce your allergy symptoms?

*Keep windows closed *Use air conditioning *Stay Indoors

Airborne allergies like pollen can be controlled by doing the above. At night it is important to control your environment since many times people have trouble sleeping because of their allergy symptoms. If these approaches are not providing you with the allergy relief you need it may be time to try natural herbs for allergies.

Natural Herbs to Try

Before trying any of these natural herbs for allergies please consult your physician. Herbs can have side effects too, and they can also dangerously interact with other medicines. Natural herbs that have been known to help alleviate allergy symptoms include:

*Stinging Nettle *Butterbur *Quercetin

Stinging Nettle works as a natural antihistamine without the drowsiness. This herb reduces the histamine production of the body. The immune system triggers the production of histamine which is the chemical produced by the antibodies in the body. The immune system in case of allergies has mistakenly identified your allergen as something that is harmful which is why the histamine is produced. Histamines are also responsible for the allergy symptoms like coughing, runny nose and watery eyes. When your body cannot produce as many histamines your symptoms are reduced too. Natural food and vitamin stores are a good place to find Stinging Nettle.

There are other natural herbs for allergies that work like Stinging Nettle to reduce the body's ability to produce histamines. Butterbur is one that is harder to find here in the U.S. but may be worth tracking down. Quercetin is another good natural herb for allergies. It also has the added benefit of acting as a natural antioxidant that can reduce the risk of some types of cancer.

Advances are being made every day on different ways of treating and preventing allergies. Allergies have become so common that it is rare that someone in the family is not affected. Natural herbs for allergies can be your Plan B when you can't get the relief you need from over the counter treatments or when the side effects of using the standard antihistamines and decongestants are too dangerous for you. Ask your doctor, he may be able to recommend even more options than those we have given you above. Marilyn Franklin writes for http://AllergyFiles.com http://www.allergyfiles.com where you can find more information on allergy relief. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/dog-and-cat-allergies http://www.artwoo.com/article/dog-and-cat-allergies#comments Wed, 04 Oct 2006 18:27:06 +0000 dander allergiespet allergiesallergy attackdaily basispet danderrashanimal people http://www.artwoo.com/article/dog-and-cat-allergies Pet allergies can be excruciating if you are around animals on a daily basis. There are people who have pet cats or are living with someone who owns a dog and, for someone with allergies, this can be a problem. When it comes to pet allergies, not all allergies are the same. There are different aspects to which you might be allergic. Some allergies may be triggered by the inhaling of pet dander and hair. Hair particles are normally found in any pet owners home, especially during time of the year when the animal is shedding. Other allergies are triggered by petting an animal. People with this type of allergy might break out into a rash.

There are medications available to treat allergies. Typically these medicines are given in a pill or cream form. Creams are generally used for those who develop a rash after touching a dog or cat. Pills are prescribed to people who cannot breathe when in the presence of animals.

It is important to know what kind of allergic symptoms you have, so your doctor can appropriately prescribe medication for your condition. Normally, if you are allergic to touching an animal, the rash would be limited to your hands. Depending on the severity of your allergy, it is possible to develop hives. It is also possible to suffer an allergy attack and then make oneself even more sick. It is possible to develop a rash, fever, or infection as a result of an allergy. This is the reason it is necessary to try to resist scratching a rash or over-reacting to an attack. It is important to stay calm when having an allergy attack or your symptoms can worsen. Some of the typical symptoms of an allergy are puffy or watery eyes, sinus problems, and sneezing or coughing. Your breathing may be impaired or affected as well.

Allergies to pet dander are very common among children and adults. More than likely, children who are affected by pet dander allergies will not out grow them and their allergies may even worsen with age. It is important to seek advice from a doctor if you suspect that you have any kind of allergy. A doctor can prescribe medication to make the allergy sufferer more comfortable, alleviate allergy symptoms and relieve allergy-related pain. If you suffer from pet-related allergies, you may want to keep your pills or medication on you at all times. You never know when you will come in contact with an allergen. Richard Johnson contributes to several web sites, including http://lefob.com and http://zyfox.com ]]> 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 wheat intolerance and if you dig even further can be confused with a gluten allergy as well as celiac disease. 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. Wheat allergies 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 symptoms of wheat allergy include:

*coughing *vomiting *asthma *other breathing problems

Depending on the person it can cause anaphylaxis which can be fatal. True food allergies 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. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/allergy-treatment-and-care-guide http://www.artwoo.com/article/allergy-treatment-and-care-guide#comments Sat, 07 Oct 2006 04:27:07 +0000 food allergiesallergy treatmentallergy testingskin allergyenvironmental allergiesdaily basisdust mites http://www.artwoo.com/article/allergy-treatment-and-care-guide Allergy treatment and testing is required when symptoms become uncomfortable and occur on a daily basis. With food allergies and small children, the process of elimination is the best way to determine which food is causing the allergic reaction. Allergy testing methods such as skin testing and blood testing are helpful, but some people may respond better to one than the other. Blood testing is particularly helpful in detecting food allergies, but if you know you're allergic to a certain food, wouldn't you just not eat it?

Environmental allergies are a little trickier amongst the different types of allergies. There are a number of possible triggers like weeds, trees, pollens, grasses, dust, dust mites, molds, pet dander, chemical fumes, and cigarette smoke that are all popular offenders. Skin allergy testing is a popular method that is used to diagnose different types of allergies that are severe enough to warrant this approach. Allergy treatment can then be prescribed based on the level of reaction to certain irritants. Seeking assistance from a specialist is not required for everyone with allergies. You can find quite a number of over-the-counter medications that are effective in treating symptoms, but for cases where medications don't work one would need to consult a professional. There are a number of times where allergies are present with other conditions such as eczema and asthma, and should be assessed in conjunction to allergy treatment as they all go simultaneously. As a result of treating allergies, related conditions will either resolve themselves or lessen considerably as allergy treatment progresses.

Prescribed allergy treatment usually consists of immunotherapy which is also known as allergy shots, that expose allergy sufferers to little amounts of the offending allergens in gradually increased doses that over time reduces symptoms. Make sure that substance that triggers severe allergic reactions, for example certain foods like (shellfish, eggs and peanuts) and bee stings is avoided completely. One must remember that avoidance is the only allergy treatment in this case, aside from using an Epi-Pen and/or Benadryl in cases wherein an accidental exposure may take place. People who are afflicted with allergies should try different allergy treatments and combinations in order to experience any significant relief. Over a period of time allergies decreases and may in due course disappear thus requiring a lesser amount of allergy treatment. There are a number of resources online you can look into about allergy treatments like http://ww.allergies.about.com, http://www.medicinenet.com, or http://www.drgreene.com where you will find a world of information about allergy treatments right at your fingertips. John Wellington provides readers with up-to-date commentaries, articles, and reviews for http://www.healthcare-resource-guide.com, http://www.body-and-mind-magazine.com and other related information. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/allergy-relief-a-lease-of-life http://www.artwoo.com/article/allergy-relief-a-lease-of-life#comments Fri, 21 Jul 2006 14:27:17 +0000 food allergiesinhalant allergiesasthma symptomsskin allergy reliefcontactdust mitesbronchitis http://www.artwoo.com/article/allergy-relief-a-lease-of-life
Before we get on with exploring available allergy relief, it becomes important to know the types of allergies that commonly affect us.

Types of Allergies

Broadly speaking, there are only three types of allergies, which affect us commonly. These include:

Food allergies -- Adults are mainly vulnerable to shellfish including crayfish, shrimp, and lobster; sometimes eating peanuts which manifest in the form of severe anaphylaxis (sudden drop of blood pressure,) which if not taken care off, could lead to loss of life. Adults can't get rid of allergies. Children are differently affected by food and eggs, milk and chocolates are the common allergens that affect them.

Inhalant allergies -- Pets, dust mites, outdoor air pollutants like pollens are the chief allergens. Formaldehydes, molds, occupational allergies etc fall under this category. The most common manifestation is bronchitis and asthma. Symptoms include inflammation, sputum secretion and contraction of respiratory system resulting in loss of breath.

Contact allergies -- Chemicals and fumes, insect bites, allergic contact eczema, leather are the triggers. Symptoms include redness, itchy, deep blisters, scaly patches and weepy skin.

Allergy Relief

Allergy relief is both by preventive and medication methods. Of course one finds resorting to medication provides fast relief but preventive relief is always a preferred choice.

Preventive Allergy Relief

Parents of allergic children and adult allergic patients must find out the allergens that trigger the symptoms. Physicians can guide you locate them exactly. Preventing the allergens like foods for which you have a fetish can be too tough in comparison to avoiding dust which is to bronchitis.

Here are some useful quick tips

Food allergies

Medical examination is critical for pinpointing the exact allergen Maintain a diary of eating habits and your symptoms Get clarified what food intolerances and poisoning are to avoid problems Scrutinize food ingredients' labels before using

Inhalant allergies

Avoid or minimize carpets and upholstered furnitures Keep home neat and tidy to avoid dust; a vacuum cleaner helps best Woolen blankets, pets, window grills, slots and cluttered corners are dust attractants take good care of them Using damp mops to floor cleaning prevents dust from flying Use air purifiers like HEPA filters, germicidal UV lights, activated carbon or electrostatic air filters which remove allergens to a finest degree.

Medication for allergy relief must be administered by doctors depending on the severity of symptoms. NamSing Then is a regular article contributor on many topics. Be sure to visit his other websites http://www.allergy-foryou.info, http://www.diet-foryou.info and http://www.researcher-hub.info ]]> 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 berry.

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 wheat products 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 allergic to wheat you will have to avoid all wheat products. But do not get too depressed. Non-gluten wheat flour 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 wheat allergy 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/. ]]> 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 peanut allergies doubled in a five-year period ending in 2002. This is significant because food allergy is the leading cause of anaphylaxis which can be fatal in some cases. Most of the press coverage focuses on the young victims of food allergy reactions.

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 cause allergies?



*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 educate yourself 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 ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/do-you-still-have-a-food-allergy-reaction http://www.artwoo.com/article/do-you-still-have-a-food-allergy-reaction#comments Thu, 13 Nov 2008 02:29:20 +0000 cephalalgiaorganic structurealimentary canalbreadbasketnourishmentevidencesdecease http://www.artwoo.com/article/do-you-still-have-a-food-allergy-reaction nourishment, but that doesn't signify they really have a nourishment allergy. If you're having difficulties that appear to be initiated by what you consume, pay vigilance to the symptoms to work out if you have a nourishment allergic reaction. That manner, you can have your difficulty correctly treated.

As unusually, hypersensitivity reaction is the most long-familiar symptom of nourishment allergies. This is when some allergy evidences arrive on rapidly and happen all at a time. This can be very unsafe, and if not handled directly, can even outcome in decease.

While most persons believe of nourishment allergies, they consider of certain thing severe. As most persons who are powerfully allergic are very aware of when they are having a response, there are persons with gentle allergies who don't even understand they're having one. Here are some of the more usual, but less critical nourishment allergy evidences:

* Itching

* Efflorescence

* Cephalalgia

* Itching, watery eyes

* Upset breadbasket

Particularly with more gentle responses, evidences can change with time and journey through your physical structure as the nourishment does. You may seem ill to your breadbasket at the start, then subsequent have a response in the bowels. Evidences can take some time to evolve if the starting of your alimentary canal doesn't respond, and can boost as the nourishment moves through your organic structure.

The best manner to work out if you have a milder allergic reaction is to hold a nourishment diary. Just drop a line everything you consume and how you're sensing. Then go on and regard at unnatural evidences or times you're feeling sick. You may find they're began by a certain food.

Invariably reconsider your diary with a medical practitioner because they are better trained to identify a reaction. For example, if you had a response after consuming a food with some components, you likely have no estimation which one is initiating you to be ill. It could even be a little allowance of chemical compound or other component you didn't recognize was in the food. A medical practitioner can help slender down the alternatives founded on symptoms and then run examinations.

After considering your symptoms, your medical practitioner will do a skin allergy test. This engages putting a little allowance of fluid encompassing the allergen on your skin, generally on your back, and then piercing the skin. Don't try to check yourself for allergies, particularly if your response is severe. If you were to have a farthest response, a doctor's bureau is the best location to be so you can be treated at once.

As nourishment may be initiating your symptoms, that doesn't inevitably signify that you are allergic to that food. Frequently persons who respond to a nourishment often are easily incapable to digest the nourishment correctly or have some other digestive issue. That's another significant argue to visit your doctor. Only a little number of persons really have factual food allergies.Save yourself time, money and headaches by visiting my blog for reviews and advice about food allergy. Also visit to discover remedies and cures for various health issues. Take a look, it's only a click.]]> 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 food intolerance. 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 anaphylaxis and even death. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction 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 types of food. The most common food allergens 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 anaphylactic shock 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/ ]]>