Archive for the ‘Allergies’ Category

Food Allergies

Monday, January 1st, 2007

Food allergies are among the most dangerous types of allergies out there. It is the result of the immune system not reacting properly to certain foods, or certain ingredients in foods. The most common food allergies are nuts, milk, and eggs. Some people just feel ill when they consume something they are allergic to. Others experience swelling in the face, and swelling in the body, closing air paths. Hives and rashes are also very common.

Peanut allergies are said to be the worst. Not only do they cause the most severe symptoms, peanut oil is used in so many foods that the number of items that the person has to avoid can be very long. Last year, a teenage girl died. She had gone to the library to study with friends. Her boyfriend had eaten a peanut butter sandwich after school before joining them. He gave her a goodbye kiss at the library, and the reaction from the peanut oil swelled her throat shut. While it sounds extremely, sadly such occurrences do take place. (more…)

Skin Allergies

Monday, January 1st, 2007

Skin allergies are the result of many different factors. It may be a pet, a particular food, or a reaction to medications. Skin allergies can be embarrassing as well as itchy and painful. While they can’t be eliminated, they can be treated. There are several types of skin allergies.

Dermatis is the inflammation of skin. It is generally a rash resulting from contact with metals, chemicals, rubber, plants, and pets. Symptoms of dermatis are redness, swelling, burning, stinging, itching, and blisters. These symptoms generally appear on the face and hands.

Prickly heat can result in a rash that appears for no apparent reason. It can be itchy, and generally goes a way in a few days. Some people do not even feel it, but other notice it. This is common in small children who take medication for seasonal allergies. Often, the back is the only area to break out. (more…)

Dog Allergies

Monday, January 1st, 2007

Allergies affect millions of people each year. An allergy to pet dander is one of the most common types. They can cause you to feel very uncomfortable. Symptoms include watery eyes, dry mouth, and itchy skin. More severe symptoms include hives, asthma attacks, and difficulty breathing. Ironically, a person can have a dog for a length of time without any symptoms. Then suddenly, they begin. It never crosses their mind that the dog is the allergen.

If you want to keep your dog, but reduce the effects it has on you, a HEPA filter might be beneficial. It removes particles from the air. This will reduce the amount of dander around your home. Vacuum your carpet daily and your curtains monthly. This will reduce the dander in your home as well. Some people believe washing their dog daily will fight dander. That is not true. In fact, the more you bathe your dog, the more dander will appear. You should only wash your dog about once a month. If these things don’t reduce your symptoms enough to make you comfortable, consult your doctor about allergy shots or medications. (more…)

Cat Allergies

Monday, January 1st, 2007

Cats are one of the most beloved pets in the world. For some who enjoy the company of a cat, the allergic reaction they get from them is too much to handle. They symptoms of such allergies include itchy skin, red and dry eyes, nasal congestion, sneezing, and difficulty breathing. However, if your allergies didn’t arise until after you had your cat for awhile, it can be very difficult to have to give it away.

There are several things you can do to make your allergy symptoms lessen so you will be able to keep your cat. The allergen is the dander from the cat that compiles around your house in the bedding, curtains, and on the furniture. Since most of us spend at least 6 hours per night in our bed, it only makes sense to stop letting your cat on your bed. This will eliminate pet dander while you are resting. It is also recommended that you shower before bed to remove any pet dander that may be on you before getting into bed. You may want to take it a step further, to not allow your cat in your bedroom at all. This will offer you a safe retreat when your allergy symptoms are flaring up. (more…)

Allergies

Monday, January 1st, 2007

Allergies are the inflammations that result from the sensitivity to certain objects, called allergens. The inflammations occur when the immune system reacts to that particular object. People all over the world suffer from allergies. There are many types of allergies. The most common are seasonal allergies that are the result of certain trees, plants, or pollens in the air at certain times of the year. Other people experience allergies to particular foods or animals.

Symptoms of allergies vary by person. They are classified by degree of severity, including mild, moderate, and severe allergic reactions. While there is no cure for allergies, they can be treated. Most people experience only mild symptoms. They may include watery eyes, itchy skin, a runny nose, coughing, and hives. This type of allergy can be controlled by using an antihistamine. There are several over the counter available, as well as those you can only get with a prescription. You can help reduce the affects by remaining indoors during that time of year. You may also want to consider getting an allergy shot. (more…)