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<title>Allergies Information and Resources | Allergies Treatment | Allergies Medication</title>
<link>http://www.AllergyPad.com/article.xml</link>
<description><![CDATA[Allergy Articles and Information  - Useful Articles related to Allergies: Allergies Treatment, Food Allergies and much more.]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jun 2006 14:23:56 -0400</pubDate>
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<language>en</language><item>
	<title>Treatment of Allergies</title>
	<link>http://www.AllergyPad.com/info/Allergies/Treatment-of-Allergies.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jun 2006 14:23:56 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Allergies</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.AllergyPad.com/info/Allergies/Treatment-of-Allergies.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[Does your head feel like it&rsquo;s stuffed with old socks? Do you feel like you can&rsquo;t stop itching your eyes and is your nose running like a leaky tap? Don&rsquo;t worry you&rsquo;re not alone. You are probably one of the 20 million Americans who suffer from hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis. So what could have set off this allergic reaction? More importantly, how can allergies be prevented or controlled?
The bad news is that for many people allergy season lasts all year round. But wait! The good news is that a combination of preventive medicines, avoidance of allergens and allergy shots or vaccines can minimize the discomfort from the symptoms of allergies.
Minimize ExposureThe first step is to minimize exposure to the allergens that trigger off your allergies. These maybe pollen, mold, animal dander. Complete avoidance, although the best treatment, is an extreme solution and can be quite difficult to achieve as it may offer only temporary relief. A person may be sensitive to one allergen but over time may become sensitive to more such irritants. So the next best thing to do would be to avoid places where you know that allergen is present. For e.g. if you&rsquo;re allergic to dogs, stay away from homes with dogs. Reduce exposure to mold allergens by making sure your garden is mowed and raked, your bathrooms and basements are as dry as possible (you could use a dehumidifier), and control the moisture levels in the house through central air-conditioning. Of course keeping your house clean will prevent dust mites, pollen, animal dander and insects from bothering your allergy prone system. You could try using an air-purifier to cleanse the air of these contagions. Make your home a no smoking zone. Avoid using hairsprays and rooms fresheners as even strong fragrances can set off an attack.
Using MedicationYour doctor may advise you to take an antihistamine. An antihistamine, like the name suggests is able to counter the effect of histamine, the chemical that is released by the body and causes the allergy symptoms. These drugs have had proven success in alleviating the common symptoms of an allergic reaction. You may be given an over the counter or a prescription decongestant like a nasal spray or drops. These will ease congestion, swelling, excessive secretions of the nose and sinus. Alternatively your doctor may recommend prescription anti-inflammatory steroid drugs if you have severe symptoms.
Allergy shots are also available to help your body cope better with allergens. Small mounts of allergens are injected into the body to sensitize it to the allergens and help the body to learn how to deal with them. more effectively. This mode of treatment it is also termed as immunotherapy or allergy desensitization. However, this treatment can take over a year before it shows results.]]></description>
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	<title>How To Avoid Food Related Allergies</title>
	<link>http://www.AllergyPad.com/info/Food-Allergies/How-To-Avoid-Food-Related-Allergies.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jun 2006 14:23:15 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Food Allergies</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.AllergyPad.com/info/Food-Allergies/How-To-Avoid-Food-Related-Allergies.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[In the western world, more than one-fourth of all adult Americans are convinced that some of the foods they bite into start to cause recurrent symptoms such as hives, skin rashes, diarrhea, and vomiting. In fact, this is common telltale signs of allergies.
People who have food allergies make drastic changes in their diets. Apart from the inconvenience of avoiding foods that everyone else seems enjoys without problems, keeping away from a wholesome nourishing food, such as milk or wheat, can deprive you of key vitamins or minerals.
There are instances that what people think are some kinds of allergies are in fact not allergies but food intolerance.
According to most health experts, true food allergies are quite rare, probably affecting less than 2% of the adult population. There are some individuals who think that they have a food allergy wherein fact it is a food intolerance.
The problem with food intolerances is that they also produce some of the same uncomfortable symptoms that food allergies create, including bloating, cramping, gas, and diarrhea.
Therefore, it is important that the person knows if what he is experiencing are true food allergies. In addition, if a person has a bona fide food allergy, he must learn how to avoid the culprit. Here is a list of the common culprits that cause food allergies in humans. These foods account for almost 90% of all food allergies.
1. People should shell out for peanuts
As a legume, the peanut can be a healthy addition to most diets. But it is among the most allergenic of all foods. In people with severe allergies, just a fraction of a peanut kernel can be enough to set off a reaction. This also means avoid peanut butter!
2. Leave tree nuts alone
Walnuts and other tree nuts, like Brazil nuts, almonds, cashews, pistachios, filberts, pecans etc., are among the most allergenic foods. If a person is allergic to one true nut variety, there is chance that he is also allergic to others, but not necessarily to peanuts, which are legumes.
2. Be a crab about shellfish
Although shrimp gets much attention as an allergen, a broad class of shellfish can cause an allergic reaction. This class includes other crustacean like lobsters, crabs, and prawns, and mollusks such as snails, mussels, oysters, scallops, clams, squid, and octopus.
3. Throw back the finfish
Compared with other major food allergens, the proteins in fish are more vulnerable to heat and other forms of preparation. Therefore, some people allergic to fresh cooked fish can eat the canned version without difficulty.
There are instances that a person might be able to eat canned tuna, but have a problem with fresh grilled tuna, but he does not count on it. Hence, in people with extreme severe fish allergies, even inhaling the vapors from cooking fish can set off a reaction.
Alternatively, reactions to toxins in fish are sometimes mistaken for fish allergies. Scromboid poisoning from fish occurs when fish are contaminated with high levels of histamine, the primary irritant in classic allergic reactions.
4. Bypass milk
Most adverse reactions to milk are not allergies but rather lactose intolerance. That is, insufficient amounts of the digestive enzyme lactase lead to cramping, bloating, and other abdominal symptoms.
Most individuals with lactose intolerance can generally manage small amounts of milk. However, in people with true milk allergy, any consumption of milk or milk-related proteins can be dangerous.
5. Review tofu
Tofu is made from soy, a major allergen in children. Some adults react, too.
6. Beat the wheat
If people notice that wheat products cause symptoms of an allergy, it is quite possible that the person is allergic to the grain. However, it is still better for a person to be sure and see a doctor. Some people have celiac disease, a rare condition resulting from intolerance to gluten, which is present not only in wheat but also in rye, barley, and oats.
Therefore, it is important to take note of these common food allergies because one might never know that he or she is already allergic to one of these foods.
The bottom line is that people allergic to certain foods should avoid that food for life. In adults, it is simply not reliable for a person to stop eating a food and hope that his allergy will not come back. Once a person is allergic to a food, it is safest to assume that you are allergic to that food for the rest of your life.]]></description>
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	<title>Allergies - Allergy Shots</title>
	<link>http://www.AllergyPad.com/info/Allergies/Allergies-Allergy-Shots.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jun 2006 14:22:44 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Allergies</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.AllergyPad.com/info/Allergies/Allergies-Allergy-Shots.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[In this article we're going to discuss a common form of battling allergies with the use of allergy shots and how allergy shots work to build up a person's immunity to outside allergens.
A growing number of people who suffer from allergies and not finding the relief that they want from antihistamines are turning towards allergy shots to hopefully put and end to their dreaded sneezing, wheezing, itching and misery.
So exactly what are allergy shots? Allergy shots actually contain a very small amount of whatever it is that you're allergic to. If you have multiple allergies, such as a combination of indoor and outdoor allergies, then two shots are actually given. One for the outdoor allergies and one for the indoor allergies.
How do allergy shots work? Well, in theory it's actually very simple. Allergy shots help your body fight the allergen that is bothering you. When you get shots of the allergen itself your body makes antibodies to the allergen. These antibodies help block the effects of the allergen itself. Your symptoms become less severe because the antibodies block the way your body reacts to the allergens. After taking enough of these shots over a long period of time you might start to get relief from your symptoms. This relief should last for a very long time.
Many kinds of allergies can be battled with allergy shots. They work very well with allergies to pollen, or what is commonly called hay fever. They also work for eye allergies, bee sting allergies, and even some drug allergies. In many people, allergy shots can greatly improve asthma symptoms. Most people will get allergy shots after they have exhausted every other option.
Unfortunately, not everyone can get allergy shots. If you have severe asthma or a heart problem you should not get allergy shots. Also, if you take a beta blocker for a heart condition you shouldn't take allergy shots. Children under five years of age should also not get allergy shots. Also, you shouldn't start allergy shots if you are pregnant.
If you decide, along with your doctor, to get allergy shots, he will first have to give you an allergy test to determine what allergies you have. This test in effect is actual treatment as some of each allergen has to be injected into you in order to do the test. After the results are in, a vaccine can be made which can then be given on a weekly or biweekly basis or for whatever interval the doctor thinks is necessary.
Once you start taking your shots you will at first have to take them every week or every other week. After about 6 months most people can go on what is called maintenance and get shots once each month. This usually continues for about 3 to 5 years until eventually most people no longer need to take shots because their immunity has been built up enough to the allergens.
Allergy shots are normally not harmful but some people do have reactions to them. If you should have a severe reaction the doctor will usually keep you in his office for about 20 minutes each time you get your shot so that if you have a reaction he can give you something to counteract it.]]></description>
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	<title>Allergies - The Sneezing Sickness</title>
	<link>http://www.AllergyPad.com/info/Allergies/Allergies-The-Sneezing-Sickness.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jun 2006 14:22:16 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Allergies</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.AllergyPad.com/info/Allergies/Allergies-The-Sneezing-Sickness.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[I've suffered from an allergy to dust, sawdust, and fine particles, ever since I graduated from high school. Shortly after I graduated, I moved with my mother into a small cottage. For some reason, shortly after starting to live in that place, I started getting sneezing fits, runny nose, eyes, stuffed up and itchy nose. My condition became so bad that I went to be examined by the local doctor. His diagnosis was that I was allergic to dust, and fine particles. I expected him to prescribe an effective medication to make my symptoms go away but instead, his recommendation was to remove all the dust from the environment where I lived.
So I helped do a lot of vacuuming and general cleaning in the house, to try to get rid of as much dust as possible. It didn't really work well so when I had a bad attack, I used over the counter allergy medication called Dimetapp. It seemed to stop the sneezing fits and the itchy and stuffed up nose but one side effect was, it made me really sleepy.
Part of the problem might have been that my mother had a habit of shaking out the bed linen, before making up my bed. In particular she would shake out, or snap the sheet before arranging it on the mattress. This seemed to shake out what ever lint or loose material that was attached to the sheet and always seemed to make my condition worse.
When I moved to my work location accommodation, my allergies improved, except when I was close to where a chain saw was cutting wood. The sawdust seemed to make me experience many of the same symptoms as the laundry dust had in the house.
I have learned that it is thought that the dust in a room does not really cause the allergy symptoms. There is a point of view that dust mite insects living on the grains of dust are actually responsible for causing the person's discomfort.
The house mites, like all living things eat, and then eliminate their waste. The mite's eliminations contain various protein type substances. When you breathe these in or they come in contact with your skin, your body makes antibodies. Your antibodies release a chemical known as histamine. Histamine produces all my nasty sneezing and stuffed up runny nose symptoms.
Because my mother also had allergies, it is thought that, I also carry the predisposition to the discomfort of allergies as having allergies is thought to be a hereditary condition.
That doesn't really explain why I get all the same symptoms in a place where there is sawdust in the air. Any time I am around fine particles of sawdust my condition flares up. That is one reason why I would not want to work In a saw mill, or plywood plant where there are fine wood particles floating all over in the air as I would always be a sneezing worker.
I find that by staying away from areas contaminated with these fine particles, my condition has almost completely disappeared.]]></description>
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	<title>Food Allergies in Infants and Babies</title>
	<link>http://www.AllergyPad.com/info/Food-Allergies/Food-Allergies-in-Infants-and-Babies.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jun 2006 14:21:51 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Food Allergies</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.AllergyPad.com/info/Food-Allergies/Food-Allergies-in-Infants-and-Babies.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[Is your baby susceptible to bouts of unexplained itchiness that you thought were merely a phase or skin sensitivity? Is her nose sometimes stuffy or runny? Is she cranky for no apparent reason and is she trying to tell you something?
Is emitting large quantities of intestinal gas a regular affair for your infant? Is his tummy a little more bloated than other kids&rsquo; and does he struggle to pass even soft stool or diarrhea?
If the answer is &lsquo;&rdquo;yes&rdquo; to most of these questions, read on. Your baby might be dealing with a food allergy.
First of all, don&rsquo;t panic. It&rsquo;s not as serious as it sounds. Food allergies are a common problem amongst babies and adults alike.
There are many possible reasons for food allergies. Your infant could be allergic to cow&rsquo;s milk or your child could be having some problems dealing with solids when you&rsquo;re trying to wean him/her. Here are some possible causes for food allergies:
&middot; Introduction of allergenic solids in baby&rsquo;s diet before four months of age &middot; Allergy towards cow&rsquo;s milk&middot; Allergy towards other foods like dairy products, fish, nuts, or wheat&middot; Heredity&middot; Enzyme deficiency which causes lactose intolerance&middot; In rare cases, a serious undetected illness or condition
Although food allergies in most cases are merely a nuisance and not life-threatening, parents still need to know the type of food or food group to eliminate from their baby&rsquo;s diet. By avoiding, rotating the diet and playing food detective, we can minimize the discomfort and symptoms of food allergies as much as possible.
First, try to eliminate the following products from your infant&rsquo;s diet.&middot; Dairy products&middot; Soy&middot; Egg (or at least white of egg)&middot; Wheat&middot; Peanuts&middot; Tree nuts&middot; Citrus fruits&middot; All types of food additives (reduce introduction of canned, packaged or ready-to-eat food)v &middot; Shellfish
If you&rsquo;re not sure whether your baby is indeed suffering from a food allergy, observe your baby very closely and monitor his/her diet to see if she is experiencing any of the following allergic reactions:
&middot; Rashes on face or other body parts that are red and scaly&middot; Hives&middot; Swollen hands and feet, puffy eyes&middot; Dark circles under the eyes&middot; Throat soreness and tongue&middot; Sneezing, running or stuffy nose&middot; Wheezing&middot; Persistent cough&middot; Ear infection&middot; Red and scaly rashes around the anus&middot; Abdominal discomfort&middot; Diarrhea or soft stool&middot; Poor weight gain&middot; Bloating of the stomach&middot; Gassiness&middot; Fatigue, headaches&middot; Irritability, moodiness, hyperactivity&middot; Sore muscles and joints
If you&rsquo;ve determined that your infant is, indeed, suffering from a food allergy, try substituting some of the allergenic foods with non-allergenic foods like apples, apricots, barley, beets, grapes, cranberries, mangoes and oats.
Other non-allergenic foods include asparagus, carrots, cauliflower, chicken, broccoli, lettuce, rice, safflower oil, salmon, sweet potatoes, rye and honey.
Food allergies, as mentioned earlier, are quite common among infants and can be dealt with easily. The most important thing is for us to detect them, minimize reaction and symptoms, get advice from a professional and eliminate the allergies&rsquo; immediate causes.]]></description>
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	<title>Ten Must Know Facts About Peanut Allergies</title>
	<link>http://www.AllergyPad.com/info/Food-Allergies/Ten-Must-Know-Facts-About-Peanut-Allergies.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jun 2006 14:21:26 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Food Allergies</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.AllergyPad.com/info/Food-Allergies/Ten-Must-Know-Facts-About-Peanut-Allergies.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[1. When ordering at a restaurant, advise the waiter that you are allergic to peanuts, before your meal is prepared.
2. Pay close attention to the labels on ALL food items, and even many non-food items such as shampoos, and skin conditioners.
3. If you suffer from very severe reactions to peanuts, ask your doctor if you can be prescribed an emergency self injection. You may need to carry injectable epinephrine or antihistamines. This is so that you can get immediate medical care whilst waiting for the emergency workers to arrive.
4. Always remind a doctor or nurse of your peanut allergy, before you are given any sort of medication
5. The best and most effective treatment for a peanut allergy, is to avoid peanuts altogether.
6. Estimates reveal that approximately 1.1% of the U.S population suffers from a serious allergy to peanuts.
7. That means that there are over 3,000,000 Americans who suffer from an adverse allergic reaction to peanuts.
8. Out of all the food allergies, peanuts are the leading cause for severe food allergy reactions.
9. Be aware of cross contamination when eating food that may have been prepared near peanut products. A case occurred in Ontario, where a teenager at a summer camp died after eating a grilled cheese sandwich made with butter that had also been used to make a peanut butter sandwich.
10. Having a peanut allergy does not mean that you will have that allergy for life. New research estimates that up to 20% of people who suffer from an allergy to peanuts will outgrow it by the time they reach school age.]]></description>
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	<title>The Rise of Allergies and Asthma</title>
	<link>http://www.AllergyPad.com/info/Allergies/The-Rise-of-Allergies-and-Asthma.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jun 2006 14:21:03 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Allergies</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.AllergyPad.com/info/Allergies/The-Rise-of-Allergies-and-Asthma.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[It is estimated that over half of Americans between the ages of 6 and 59 would test positive to one or more allergens. It is believed about one quarter of these people would be allergic to dust mites, ragweed or cockroaches. Surveys have shown that about ten million Americans are allergic to cats. Two million are allergic to insect stings. According to The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic (i.e. long-term) disease.
The problem is not confined to the U.S. It is estimated that between forty and fifty per cent of children in North America, Western Europe and Australia have some form of allergy. Why is this a problem if you have asthma? The World Health Organization believes 90 per cent of asthma attacks are triggered by allergic reactions.
An allergy starts with the body&rsquo;s increased sensitivity to something it perceives as a threat. The immune system overreacts to an allergen that for others is an innocent, harmless substance. We don&rsquo;t know why some people become sensitized to an allergen and others do not, but it is believed that people inherit a tendency for allergies, although not to a specific substance.
Some experts believe the sensitivity is related to a child&rsquo;s environment and lifestyle. They point to the increasing sales of antibacterial sprays and other cleaning agents. Today&rsquo;s homes are generally cleaner. Children spend more time in the home and less time playing outside in the dirt. Consequently they are less exposed to potential allergens and denied the chance to develop immunity. This is believed to lead to allergic sensitization.
Studies have shown that children in a large family or who attend a daycare center are less likely to develop allergies. It has also been found that children who share their home with dogs and cats have less allergic reactions than those raised in a pet free household.
Pollen is a common allergy and asthma trigger. When these tiny particles enter the airways of someone sensitive to their presence proteins on the surface of the pollen and an enzyme also carried by the pollen cause an overreaction. The protein triggers the immune system and the enzyme interacts with the cells of the airways. This inflames the respiratory passages and leads to breathing difficulties.
Understanding this process may lead to new, more effective medications, but what can you do in the meantime? Firstly know the pollen count for your area. However be aware that the pollen count is usually taken the day before it is broadcast. It can be reduced by rain or cool weather, and increased by hot weather or short thunderstorms.
There are some easy preventative actions you can take for each type of allergy. If you have an allergic reaction during yard work and in damp places dispose of anything that smells moldy; if pets start a reaction regularly wash pets and their bedding; many allergies will improve if you do not smoke, especially at home and around your children.
If you find you have a food allergy vigilance is the best prescription. Today you can encounter food substances in the most unexpected places. There was a classic school experiment that involved burning a peanut and measuring how much energy it gave out. Now pupils burn another type of food. Some pupils discovered they were allergic to peanuts the hard way as the oils in the nut gave off fumes.
Now there is another food to treat with caution. Sesame seed allergy is one of the fastest growing allergies in the world. And don&rsquo;t think you will only find the seed resting atop a bun. They are used in salad dressings, ethnic foods, baked goods and even soap.
So what can you do if you suspect you have an allergy or you may be asthmatic? First, become educated about the condition. Experts agree that knowledge is the best prescription.
Do some research. Consult your doctor. They may recommend tests to determine any allergies you have. If an allergy or asthma is identified there are medications, precautions and complementary therapies you can use to control your condition.
Above all do not believe that a diagnosis of allergy or asthma means you have to live a less active, enjoyable life. Our understanding of these conditions is incomplete, but we know enough to allow sufferers to take control.]]></description>
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<item>
	<title>Allergies and What Are They?</title>
	<link>http://www.AllergyPad.com/info/Allergies/Allergies-and-What-Are-They.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jun 2006 14:20:38 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Allergies</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.AllergyPad.com/info/Allergies/Allergies-and-What-Are-They.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[This probably isn't the first time you've heard of them. Allergies are so stereotyped 20% of Americans have some kind of allergic reflex or another to certain external stimuli whether food, water, or air. But what are allergies? And why do we get them?
Allergies (Stripe I Hypersensitivity) are very a malfunction of our not liable system so that our body becomes hyper sensitized and reacts immunologically to typically non-immunogenic mostlies. The substances that cause our bodies to become this way are called allergens.
In 1906, Viennese pediatrician, Clemens von Pirquet, first traced the term &quot;allergies&quot; after he observed that certain indications of his patients might have been a response to outside allergens, like dust, pollen, or certain foods.
Signs and Symptoms
You can differentiate your allergies if you experience swelling in parts of your body. This is called local or systemic inflammatory response, caused by the potentiality of allergens. For example, if your allergies affect you in the nose, you will experience swelling of the nasal mucosa (allergic rhinitis). During this condition, you will plausibly find yourself performing the &quot;nasal salute&quot; more than unavoidable as itching of your nose will urge you to wipe your nose in an upward position.
On the other hand, if the allergies hit you in the eyes, blooming and yearning of the conjunctiva ofttimes proceeds from. Other common signs of allergies are panting and dyspnoea, bronchoconstriction, and sometimes outright attacks of asthma. You may conjointly experience many rashes, such as eczema, series, and contact dermatitis.
Systemic allergic responses are more serious compared to local symptoms. Depending on the severity of your response, allergies can cause cutaenous reactions, bronchoconstriction, edema, hypotension, coma, and even death.
Hay fever is truly one example of minor allergies caused by airborne pollen. But beside from environmental factors, allergies may also be triggered by treatments.
Why do we get allergies?
Our immune theory is a fit-trained and disciplined bio-weapon that arranges our bodies from harmful substances. Its mechanics are so amazing that it can determine and destroy many different invaders. However, as amazing as our immune system is, it makes mistakes at times. And so we have allergies, which, as we mentioned, results from a hypersensitive not affected system.
The hyper sensitized immune system misidentifies an otherwise innocuous substance as harmful, and then attacks the substance with a degree of ferocity that is greater than required. As a result, we experience problems that can range from mildly inconvenient to uncomfortable to total failure of major organs of the body.
How does the immune system go into a hyper sensitized standing?
There are genuinely several thoughts on that. Some colleges are afraid that allergies are relatively always triggered by protein. Believing persons have faulty genetic codes so that their lymphocytes or the white blood cells (the raw material that your immune scheme is made of) are not able to property distinguish between the threatening and the non-threatening proteins.
So, for sample, when you ingest protein from shellfish, your lymphocytes think that the gob is trying to invade the body. As a result, they produce large amounts of antibodies which leash themselves to mast cells and basophils throughout the body. This is known as the sensitizing exposure and this is the very reason why you suddenly develop allergies.]]></description>
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	<title>Allergies and Hearing</title>
	<link>http://www.AllergyPad.com/info/Allergies/Allergies-and-Hearing.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jun 2006 14:20:17 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Allergies</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.AllergyPad.com/info/Allergies/Allergies-and-Hearing.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[When you think about health and nutrition, it&rsquo;s important to be aware of how various foodstuffs affect your wellbeing.
It&rsquo;s quite amazing just how many allergens there are in a well balanced diet. Things like gluten in wheat breads and cereals, lactose in uncultured dairy products, mono sodium glutamate in tomatoes, - I&rsquo;m sure you can think of dozens &ndash; that can turn your life upside down.
Allergy has been called the great masquerader because it can contribute to and mimic many illnesses that we do not typically associated with allergy.
I have a particular interest in issues surrounding hearing, and in the fact that there may be allergies involved with some conductive hearing losses.
Conductive Hearing Loss results from problems in the middle ear, known as Otitis Media.
Middle ear infection is extremely common and very few children never experience it. Otitis Media can be painful, but is usually short term &amp; the Conductive Hearing Loss is temporary.
Otisis Media begins with an ear ache, swelling of the membrane in the eustachian tube (resulting in blockage of the tube that normally aerates the middle ear) and results in a build up of fluid behind the ear drum. It is the pressure of the fluid that causes the pain and it is the fluid that decreases the amount of sound being conducted through the middle ear that causes the hearing loss.
As I said before Otitis Media is extremely common and most children will experience it once or twice in their lives.
When Otitis Media becomes recurrent, there is enormous cause for concern. Not only because the child is miserable and maybe in considerable pain but because the child&rsquo;s normal hearing becomes distorted.
Young children are not fluent language speakers although they are learning at a phenomenal rate. The experience of having a fluctuating hearing level as a result of Otitis Media in childhood can result in a life time of difficulties. There is research to suggest that the language pathways in the brain form differently. Some children who have suffered from recurrent Otitis Media have serious problems with understanding what is going on around them, that causes major social and academic problems at school.
Sadly the repercussions of Otitis Media and Fluctuating Conductive Hearing Loss in childhood is generally underestimated. After all it only last a short while, the hearing loss is only slight or moderate, it&rsquo;s all temporary &ndash; Right?
Wrong!
For many children life goes on wonderfully, BUT for some, early Otitis Media leaves them with lifelong difficulties and even an unrecognized permanent disability that they carry with them. And they may fail at school, and socially and get into trouble. A small hearing loss but a major loss in Quality of Life.
Some years ago I read of the work being done by Dr Michael A Schmidt on ear infections in children. He pointed out that in one study that allergic children had double the chance of suffering from Otitis Media as non allergic children.
The main allergens from his findings were food (with dairy products at the top of the list) and airborne irritants (with cigarette smoke topping the list).
It was with this in mind that I met up with some friends I had not seen for some time. Sadly their new son had recurrent Otitis Media. They were aware of my concerns about language development and had been conscientiously taking their son to doctors and specialists who were giving him vast quantities of antibiotics. (we&rsquo;ll save antibiotics for another time!)
He was eighteen months old and had never slept through the night and had often been very miserable. They were quite distraught. I suggested they talk to the Otorhinolaryngologist (Ear Nose &amp; Throat Specialist) about the possibility of a food allergy. The specialist simply dismissed the idea as nonsense.
Later my friends and I talked about what the specialist had said and I suggested that they could try cutting out uncultured cow&rsquo;s milk products, continuing with baby yoghurt (the culturing uses up the lactose) &ndash; being very careful to replace each item with a substitute eg milk with soy milk, cheese with soy cheese etc. I didn&rsquo;t expect any immediate changes and didn&rsquo;t want to cause any unnecessary problems with dietary changes.
I received a phone call from a delighted friend the very next day. She had removed cows milk products from his diet the previous day. She reported that he&rsquo;d had a good day and then he sleep quietly through the entire night. The first time in eighteen months! You can imagine how happy she was!
How simple was that!
Consider the possibility of an allergy if you are unwell and the doctor can&rsquo;t find anything wrong.
After all no one knows what you eat and how it makes you feel better than you do!]]></description>
</item>
<item>
	<title>Food Allergies and Fatalities</title>
	<link>http://www.AllergyPad.com/info/Food-Allergies/Food-Allergies-and-Fatalities.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jun 2006 14:19:50 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Food Allergies</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.AllergyPad.com/info/Food-Allergies/Food-Allergies-and-Fatalities.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[Every year, millions of people worldwide are affected by allergies to particular foods. It is estimated that in America alone, over 11 million people suffer from potentially life threatening food allergies. It is estimated that over 200 people die each year from allergic reactions to food in the United States. Furthermore, there are approximately 30,000 emergency room visits each year that are attributed to food allergies. These numbers are astounding, to say the least.
There has been a lot of talk in the popular press as of late, regarding food allergies. In fact, the White House recently designated a National Anaphylaxis Day to raise public awareness about the dangers of certain types of food. Anaphylaxis is a term used to describe extreme allergic reactions that have the potential to cause death.
The most troubling element of food allergies is that they are next-to-impossible to diagnose. More often than not, an individual does not realize that they have a food allergy until they are having a reaction. At that time, it is too late to consider preventative measures. The scariest part is that there is literally no way to determine how serious the reaction might be, so the utmost care and consideration must be taken when dealing with an allergic reaction.
Some of the most common foods people are allergic to include nuts (peanuts, walnuts, etc.), shellfish (lobster, shrimp, crab, etc.), eggs, and dairy products (milk, cream, etc.). Now take a moment to consider how many prepared foods contain one or more of the above ingredients. For those suffering from intense food allergies, every meal is like playing a game of chance.
There are few ways to protect one self from having an allergic reaction. The best strategy is simply to be prepared for the worst. You certainly have to be aware of what you are eating, but also of the environment in which the food was prepared. In the case of an individual with peanut allergies, mere traces of the nut can cause like-threatening illness. If you are dining out, be sure to inform the restaurant of any allergies you suffer from. In the kitchen, extra care should always be taken to ensure cross-contamination is not taking place.
As mentioned above, there is no way to determine how severe an allergic reaction might be. The frontline tool for defense against allergic reactions to food is a compound known as epinephrine. Epinephrine is absolutely critical for managing allergic reactions, and could mean the difference between life and death. If you or somebody you know is suffering from food allergies, be sure to consult a physician regarding management strategies. Alternately, you can visit our site for more information.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
	<title>Allergies - Living With Asthma</title>
	<link>http://www.AllergyPad.com/info/Allergies/Allergies-Living-With-Asthma.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jun 2006 14:19:29 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Allergies</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.AllergyPad.com/info/Allergies/Allergies-Living-With-Asthma.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[More and more children in developed countries suffer from asthma. In fact many doctors consider asthma to be a new epidemic. More than 10 million Americans suffer from asthma and most of them blame the condition on worsening environmental pollution and increased exposure to toxic chemicals in the air. Deaths from asthma continue to rise at an alarming rate largely because many people do not recognize the warning signs in time.
Asthma is a condition that causes the lung airways to swell, secrete thick mucus and eventually spasm. The swelling narrows the airways and makes breathing difficult and sometimes impossible. The first asthma attack can include wheezing (a sign that the airways are already constricted), congestion or pain in the chest, shortness of breath, dryness of mouth, coughing and a feverish feeling.
Almost anything can cause asthma. The most common triggers are an allergy, respiratory infection, emotional stress, strenuous exercise, or nutritional deficiency. Allergies tend to be the most common trigger off them all. Most asthma attacks follow exposure to environmental allergens like pesticides, pollen, cigarette smoke, natural gas odors and car exhaust. Foods that most likely trigger asthma are chocolate, peanuts, corn and dairy products. Waxes, artificial smoke, emulsifiers, thickeners, sulfites and artificial sweeteners in food are also more subtle asthma triggers. Asthma is also prompted by taking tranquilizers, hormones, or antibiotics.
You can take a number of vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements to help treat asthma. Vitamin B complex is probably the most important supplement to take. It is necessary for maintaining biochemical balance in the body and can reduce the frequency and severity of an asthma attack. Vitamins A and E worked together to protect lungs against air pollution. A large dose of vitamin C, preferably 500 mg three times daily, is effective in preventing exercise-induced asthma attacks. Gingko biloba enhances breathing and lessens sensitive bronchial reactivity. 400 mg of magnesium taken daily helps the lung muscles relax. Omega-3 can improve breathing, while selenium protects against free radical damage inside the lungs. Odorless garlic is a strong anti-inflammatory agent that can reduce the possibility of an attack. And Indian herb called tylophora asthmatica is frequently used in Ayurvedic medicine that blocks the release of histamines and other inflammatories. Licorice root taken three times a day also loosens phlegm once an attack has begun.
If you suspect that you have asthma, go to your physician and asked to be tested for food and environmental allergies as soon as possible. Avoid allergens known to trigger asthma attacks and eat a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet that includes plenty of vegetables and fresh fruits. Try to avoid sugar, artificial sweeteners and other refined carbohydrates. Try to eat five or six small meals throughout the day rather than three traditional large meals. Make sure you warm up slowly before beginning all physical exercise. Minimize stress and avoid situations that trigger emotional disturbance. Use aspirin sparingly if you must. It would even be better if you would eliminate aspirin entirely from your regular medication because aspirin has been shown to trigger asthma attacks. Your physician will prescribe a bronchodilator that you can bring around in case you have a sudden asthma attack. If you don't have it with you while you have an attack, drink two cups of coffee quickly. Coffee acts in the same way and usually provides enough protection for you to go to the nearest hospital for treatment.]]></description>
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<item>
	<title>3 Steps to Managing Skin Allergies</title>
	<link>http://www.AllergyPad.com/info/Allergies/3-Steps-to-Managing-Skin-Allergies.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jun 2006 14:18:32 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Allergies</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.AllergyPad.com/info/Allergies/3-Steps-to-Managing-Skin-Allergies.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[An effective approach to managing skin allergies has three components. Firstly you must understand the condition, then you must discover if anything is triggering your skin reaction, and thirdly you must look after your skin.
Many people think that allergies only affect the respiratory or digestive systems, but they can also affect your largest organ- your skin. As with other allergies the immune system overreacts to the presence of certain substances and releases inflammation-producing chemicals. Do some research and talk to your doctor. You can be confident of controlling your skin condition better if you are sure you understand what causes it.
The second component in managing a skin allergy is identifying then eliminating the allergens and irritants that start the itching/scratching cycle. There are over three thousand known triggers for skin allergies. Many are natural, but there are plenty of man-made ones too.
A common man-made trigger is latex, which comes from the sap of the Brazilian rubber tree. The natural proteins and those added in the manufacturing process can trigger an allergic reaction. Most people are aware that this can lead to reactions if you wear latex gloves. However latex is also present in baby pacifiers, balloons, pencil erasers and elastic bands in undergarments. There can also be problems when latex particles become airborne and are inhaled. If you have a latex allergy try to avoid the material and use vinyl or plastic where possible.
Nickel is another trigger. In addition to the obvious nickel-containing metallic objects like coins and jewelry, nickel is also present in everyday objects like scissors, bathroom and kitchen cabinet handles, and zippers. Mascara, eye shadow and eye pencils also contain nickel. Experts estimate that the number of people suffering from a nickel allergy has risen about 40% in the last decade. Much of this is believed to be due to the popularity of body piercing. Some foods also have natural nickel content and people who suffer severe symptoms may need to restrict their diet under medical supervision. At present there is no way to desensitize a person with a nickel allergy. Avoidance is the best strategy.
The third component of effective management is looking after your skin. The easiest thing to do is to keep your fingernails short to reduce the damage caused by scratching.
Managing your skin&rsquo;s condition means firstly moisturizing and softening the skin to ensure it does not dry out. Your doctor may recommend you use topical corticosteroid preparations to control the inflammation.
When you take a bath soak in lukewarm water for 20 to 30 minutes. Do not have hot baths or showers, as the heat will increase skin dryness and itching. You can add oatmeal or baking soda to the bath for a soothing effect, though it does not help moisturize the skin.
Use a mild soap or a non-soap cleanser with neutral pH (pH7). If you wish to add bath oils do so after you have been in the water so that it can seal in the moisture. Do not use bubble baths as they can form a barrier that stops the bathwater moisturizing your skin.
After the bath dry yourself by patting your skin with a soft towel. This helps retain moisture. Immediately after drying your skin apply a lotion or emollient cream to help your skin retain the moisture.
To look after your skin you will also need to avoid situations where you will experience extreme physical contact, heavy perspiration, or heavy clothing. This may mean avoiding some sports. Swimming is permissible if you rinse the chlorine from your skin as soon as you leave the pool, and use a moisturizer after drying yourself.
Follow these three steps and you will be able to control your skin allergy and minimize its impact on your everyday life.]]></description>
</item>
<item>
	<title>How to Manage Your Allergies</title>
	<link>http://www.AllergyPad.com/info/Allergies/How-to-Manage-Your-Allergies.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jun 2006 14:18:04 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Allergies</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.AllergyPad.com/info/Allergies/How-to-Manage-Your-Allergies.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[It's not those beautiful roses that make us scratch, sniff and wheeze. It's the pollen from trees, grasses and low-growing things like ragweed (ah choo!).
Here are some of the things you can do to ease your allergies:
1. Keep windows and doors closed.
If the pollen count in your area is high, stay inside, and also keep your windows and doors closed. Letting in the &ldquo;fresh&rdquo; isn&rsquo;t a good idea. Keep car windows rolled up, too.
2. When you come in from outside, if you&rsquo;ve been exposed to allergens, take a shower and shampoo your hair.
This is one of the best things you can do, and one of the easiest. Take care of the kids in this respect also. A good shower at night keeps dander and other allergens off the pillows and sheets. Wash bedding frequently in good hot water with non-allergenic wash products.
3. When allergens are at their peak, stay inside.
This site ( http://www.pollen.com ) will tell you how your city is doing. Generally speaking, allergens are worse in the mornings. Stay inside on windy days, as that&rsquo;s when the pollen blows around. Pollen counts are gathered from (recently) past data, and it&rsquo;s know that when the wind is blowing, things are going to get worse for those of us with allergies.
4. Avoid fans because they circulate the air, especially that ceiling fan over your bed.
And be sure and clean the dust off those fan blades regularly. Think what you might be circulating.
5. Get your bedrooms more friendly.
You may not be able to allergy-minimize the whole house, but do start with the bedrooms. Remove anything that collects dust &ndash; curtains, drapes, stuffed toys, rugs, books, and, alas, Fido needs to sleep elsewhere. Use blinds and linoleum or tile for flooring. If you must have carpeting, make sure you vaccum and clean it regularly, and try and keep the children from playing on the floor. Carpets can really collect dog hairs and dander.
And speaking of Fido, best allergy-friendly choices for a dog are Maltese, bichon frise and poodle. For a cat, if you&rsquo;re allergic the best bets are the sphinx or the rex. (Source: Dr. Kross, DVM, http://familyfun.go.com/raisingkids/learn/activities/expert/petvetbestbreeds/petvetbestbreeds.html )
6. Avoid places where molds are.
This is typically the basement, lawn mowing, raking leaves and cleaning out gutters, use of humidifiers, and leaving clothes in the washing machine.
Don&rsquo;t let wet towels lie or hang around. Take care of plumbing and roof leaks immediately.
Don&rsquo;t be the first to open up the family cabin for the year; in fact don&rsquo;t rush into any place that&rsquo;s been closed-up for quite a while. If you use a tent for vacations, make sure you&rsquo;ve aired it out well before the trip. Also beware of mold in refrigerated jams and jelly, and on cured, salty meats like ham, bacon and salami, certain cheeses. Don&rsquo;t sniff it, just throw it out. For more on mold and food, go here: http://food.oregonstate.edu/misc/mold.html .
7. Wash bedding frequently at a temperature of at least 130 degrees F. and use hypoallergenic covers for mattress, pillows and box springs. (Your bed is full of dust mites).]]></description>
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