Allergy Watch » General

Symptoms, Causes, & Signs of Allergies

al — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 09:30:23 +0000

An allergy occurs when the body overreacts to the things which don't typically cause problems for most people. These things are called allergens and the body overreacts to the allergens which causes the symptoms of allergies. The most common allergens include pollen from trees, grass, and weeds. Most allergies occur in the spring, typically late April and May, and are often due to tree pollen. Allergies that occur in the fall, late August to the first hard frost, are often due to ragweed. Mold is a common cause of allergies and is common where water tends to collect, such as shower curtains, damp basements, and window moldings. It may also be found in rotting logs, hay, mulches, compost piles, and leaf piles. This allergy is typically worse during humid or rainy weather.

Other causes of allergies may be found in proteins in the skin, saliva, and urine of animals such as cats and dogs. These allergens are known as animal dander and anyone may be exposed to dander when handling an animal or from house dust which contains dander. Many allergens, including dust mites, are in dust. Dust mites are tiny living creatures found in mattresses, bedding, carpeting and furniture. Dust mites live on dead skin cells and other things found in house dust. While someone may inherit the tendency to develop allergies, they may never actually have symptoms. Allergies are not necessarily inherited and it is unclear what determines which substances will trigger a reaction in an allergic person.

An allergy refers to an exaggerated reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. When an allergen comes in contact with the body it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction to persons who are allergic to it. When someone reacts to allergens that are normally harmless to other people, they are having an allergic reaction and may be referred to as allergic or atopic. Allergies can develop at any age, even before someone is born. They commonly occur in children, but may occur for the first time in adulthood. Asthma may persist in adults while nasal allergies tend to decline in old age.

The parts of the body which are more prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. Although the various allergic reactions may appear to be different, they all result from an exaggerated immune system response to foreign substances in sensitive people. Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, is the most common of the allergic reactions and refers to seasonal nasal symptoms that are due to pollens. Year round or perennial allergic rhinitis is typically due to indoor allergens. It may also be caused by pollen. Symptoms result from the inflammation of the tissues that line the inside of the nose after allergens are inhaled. Areas close to the nose, including ears, sinuses, and throat may also be involved. The most common symptoms include runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, nasal itching, itchy ears and throat and post nasal drip.

How to Avoid Triggers for your Allergies When You Are Outside or Traveling

al — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 01:30:09 +0000

There is so much enjoyment when the warm weather allows for more outside activities or for traveling. It would be a shame to spoil the fun with allergy symptoms. Here are a few suggestions for keeping the allergies out of the picture this year.

While traveling by car, keep your windows closed and set the air conditioner so that it will re-circulate the air. This way the pollen stays outside the vehicle. Do not allow smoking of any tobacco products while passengers are inside your car.

When outdoors playing or gardening do your best to avoid wooded areas or gardens. Make sure that you check the weather before going outside. If the weather is hot, dry, or windy, the pollen counts will be high. On these high count weather days stay indoors.

Individuals who not only have allergies but also have asthma need to remember that it is important to avoid those days when there are extreme temperature changes.

Individuals who have allergies to mold should avoid raking leaves, or working with hay or mulch.

When you have been outside, you should take a shower, and wash your hair. Then, after your shower, change into fresh clothes. This procedure will remove any pollens on you and your clothes that you have collected while outside.

If you are allergic to insect stings you should avoid wearing any product that is scented, as insects are attracted to scents. Avoid wearing scented shampoos, deodorants and of course perfumes.

Hanging clothes outside on a clothes line may make your clothes sunshine fresh but they will also collect any pollens blowing around in the breeze that is drying your clothes. When you put on these clothesline-dried clothes the pollens on them will make your symptoms appear.

Traveling should be a pleasurable time and as stress-free as possible. To make sure that your allergies do not interrupt your plans make sure that you bring along a carry-on bag with your medicines inside. Bring extra medication so that if your trip is prolonged you won't run out of allergy medications.

While traveling, you may need to stay in a hotel. Hotels do not need to be breeding grounds for your allergies. Make sure you ask for a room that has always been a non-smoking room. Smoke can collect in fabrics in the room just waiting for your sensitive nose. Make sure you ask for synthetic, nonallergenic pillows or bring plastic covers with you to place on them. If the room is air-conditioned make sure that you keep the vent on the room air conditioner shut to avoid outside allergens from entering your room.

When eating out, make sure that you chose the restaurants that are smoke-free. If you have food allergies, make sure that you speak with the chef to be sure that all of your foods are prepared without the ingredients that you are allergic to. Ask how the foods are prepared and if the foods are fresh. If your allergies are moderate to severe make sure that you always carry an epinephrine injection kit with you at all times.

Living With Allergic Asthma

al — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:45:10 +0000

As if allergies were not bad enough, some individuals have allergic asthma. Allergic asthma is when your asthma is caused by allergies. Allergens trigger asthma symptoms such as tightening of the chest, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath are all symptoms of asthma that can be triggered by the allergies that the individual has. The most common of these allergy triggers are cat or dog dander, dust mites, mold, weeds, and cockroach droppings. Other common allergies are penicillin allergy, latex allergy, peanut allergy, mold allergy, dust mite allergy, food allergy and also occupational asthma which is caused by inhaling workplace fumes, gases or even dust.

Individuals at risk for allergic asthma are those who have a family history of allergies. Of those individuals who have asthma, 78% of them also have allergies. The other forms of asthma are exercise-induced asthma and nonallergic asthma, which is triggered by cold air, infections or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Those who suffer from allergic asthma may still experience symptoms despite current treatment usage. If they wake up at night with symptoms, if they need to use medications more often than normal, if they seek emergency medical care, if the readings on their peak flow meter are below what they normally register and if they find that they are having to decrease the physical activities due to allergic symptoms or asthma symptoms then it may be that the current treatment plan is just not working for them to control the frequency of their symptoms or the severity of them.

A doctor can determine if what you are experiencing is indeed allergic asthma and what treatment will control your symptoms.

The correct allergic asthma treatment can eliminate the asthma that wakes you at night and also stop asthma from disrupting your daily routine.

Your allergies can cause your nose to swell and also your bronchial tubes too. There have been studies that show that treating the allergies successfully will also help reduce the symptoms of asthma. Individuals with allergic asthma who learn to successfully control their environment in such as way as to reduce their exposure to allergies so as to avoid the majority of them also see a huge reduction in asthma attacks. Controlling the allergies helps them to control their asthma.

Corticosteroids are a prime example of a mediation that can have a positive effect on both the allergy symptoms and on the asthma symptoms. Corticosteroids can reduce the inflammation of intranasal passages as well as to reduce the inflammation experienced in hay fever. Corticosteroid creams when applied to the affected skin can reduce the inflammation experienced with eczema. If corticosteroids are inhaled, into lungs by way of an inhaler device in order to reduce inflammation experienced in the bronchial tubes during asthma then the individual has used corticosteroids to effectively control both the allergies and the asthma with just one type of medication – corticosteroids.

Allergic to Pets?

al — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 16:00:31 +0000

Many individuals you meet complain of being allergic to pets. They usually have symptoms such as wheezing, sneezing, red and itchy eyes or watery eyes when ever they are around cats and dogs. Pet allergies can show up not only from dogs and cats but also from birds, hamsters, ferrets and even lab animals. Oddly enough it is not the actual pet hair that these individuals are allergic to it is the specific protein in the dander of the animal that they are reacting to.

The proteins that cause allergic reactions are called "allergens". These allergens can be found in the pet's urine and in the saliva. The proteins, "allergens", are tine, and can easily become airborne which is why individuals can have allergic reactions just by walking into a room where a pet has been, even if the room is empty.

Common symptoms from those who suffer from pet allergies are: stuffy noses, runny, itch eyes,, itchy or scratch throat, nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, and also shortness of breath.

Typically not all family members are allergic to pets just one or two. If you have one parent that is allergic to a pet, chances are good that one or more of the children may also be allergic to pets. There is a higher risk for pet allergy if you have other allergies like hay fever or suffer from asthma. Some individuals only react in a mild way to pets and others may have severe reactions like having an asthma attack.

There are many ways to prevent or handle pet allergic reactions:

If you are unsure of exactly what is triggering your allergic reaction it is best to visit an allergist so that tests can be conducted to discover exactly what you are allergic to.

The obvious best way to avoid experiencing allergic reactions is to avoid what you are allergic to, this is not always possible.

If you have pet allergies you can do these simple steps to help minimize your exposure to the allergens from pets that are causing your symptoms:

Keep the pets out of your bedroom

Use a HEPA filter to reduce the airborne allergens. Usually stand-alone filters are more effective than a whole-house HEPA system. Avoid de-ionizer/purifiers because they release harmful ozone gas and may make your reactions worse.

Housework chores such as vacuuming and dusting are a must when anyone in your household suffers from allergies. If the individual with allergies is the one typically doing the housework that individual should wear a facemask when doing the housework.

You can shampoo carpets, change bedding frequently, rub pets with allergy preparations made for pets, wipe down walls, and damp mop hardwood floors. Dust often and avoid using carpeting or upholstered furniture.

Use shades or washable curtains instead of blinds or heavy drapes.

Change furnace filters often and vacuum or dust floors frequently.

It is also important to brush and comb pets frequently to cut down on loose pet hair that can fall off and gather around the floors.

Controlling Allergy Symptoms

al — Thu, 21 May 2009 10:45:05 +0000

The best way to keep allergy symptoms in control is to minimize the contact with the things which trigger them. Typical allergy triggers include pollen from grass, trees, and weeds, animal dander, dust mites, and mold spores, both indoor and outdoor varieties. To avoid pollen, allergy sufferers should stay indoors during hot, dry, and windy days in the spring, summer, and fall. It is also best to stay indoors in the early morning when the pollen counts tend to be the highest. When an allergy to an animal is the case, is best to not touch the fur or feathers of the animal. Pet allergens may also be found in the saliva of the pet, especially in cats. The easiest way to avoid triggering pet allergies is to avoid animals altogether.

Dust mites are tiny microorganisms that live in dust. Dust mites eat the dead skin flakes and live in bedding, furniture, and carpets. Getting rid of carpets and taking extreme care to vacuum and dust is the best way to limit the number of dust mites in the home environment. Encasing pillows and mattresses in allergen proof covers may also help. Using a dehumidifier helps in some cases as dust mites prefer humid environments. Mold produces spores which are airborne and may trigger allergies. There are both outdoor varieties of mold that thrive within soil and dead leaves, plus is accumulates in dark, moist areas such as under bathroom or kitchen sinks and in damp basements. If mold is a trigger, it is vital to avoid working with garden soil or raking fall leaves.

There are a few additional ways to lower the exposure to pollen. Pollen clings to clothing, skin, and hair. By taking a bath or shower and changing clothes after being outside the chances are greatly reduced of having an allergic reaction. Taking herbs such as Echinacea and dandelion has been suggested to help allergy symptoms. Keeping windows closed during the day will also help lessen pollen within the home. By implementing just a few of these suggestions, allergy symptoms should lessen greatly. There should also be a reduction in the amount of allergy medicine required, but any medication changes should be discussed with the primary physician first.

Allergies and Your Child

al — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 02:30:06 +0000

Kids and allergies just seem to go together like peanut butter and jelly. Unfortunately the kids will get the raw end of the deal when it comes to allergies. Parents will try just about any over-the-counter medication in the search for relieving the allergy symptoms without putting their child to sleep. Two non-sedating over-the-counter (OTC) medications that fit the bill are Claritin and Alavert.

Older kids who suffer from allergies can pretty much use the same allergy medications that the adults do, namely, Allegra, Clarinex, and Zyrtec. Older kids can also use steroid nasal sprays, including Flonase, Rhinocort Aqua and Nasonex.

Babies are tougher to come up with allergy solutions for as their bodies are simply too small for the allergy preparations. Clarinex and Zyrtec are both available in syrup form that has been approved for kids that are over 6 months of age. Claritin is also available as a chewable tablet for kids who are into flavorful chewables.

It is vitally important to control the environment as much as possible when your child has allergies. Especially if your child has moderate to severe allergies items that come into contact with your child's skin need to be free of dyes, scents and any chemicals that will be irritating. It is also important to rid your home of any inhaled irritants such as bottle of bleach.

If you can get your child to accept a nasal spray, Nasonex and Veramyst are both now approved for use in children that are over age 2.

If you have an older child that is not able to swallow a pill, do not worry they can take the same liquid medication that younger kids take for allergies, just ask the doctor to adjust the dosage for the weight of your child.

As helpful as medications have been proven to be avoiding allergens in the home and while outside is still a vital part of keeping allergies and your child separate.

If your child is allergic to pet dander and you already have a pet there are a few things you can do to still save the situation.

Make sure that the pet is not allowed into the child's bedroom

Have the child wash his/her hands as soon as they are done petting or playing with the pet.

Use Allerpet or other products made to reduce the amount of dander on the pet.

Make sure that you dust hardwood floors and damp mop all hardwood floors to pick up any dust.

Avoid using any scented products or harsh chemicals for household cleaning products. This step alone can greatly reduce your child's allergy symptoms. When your child comes in from playing outside make sure that you have him/her take a bath or shower (if old enough) and wash the hair to also remove pollens from the entire body from head to toe. Change clothes to fresh ones and your child will have less allergic symptoms.

You won't be able to avoid the allergens in the world, but you can help to tame the ones that are present in your child's world.

Allergies and the Facts You Should know about

al — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 06:40:31 +0000

Allergies are the exaggerated reaction our immune system has to foreign substances that come into contact with our bodies. These foreign substances are usually harmless but to individuals who suffer from allergies common and usually harmless substances can trigger allergic reactions such as stuffy noses, itchy, watery eyes, hives, coughing, wheezing, vomiting, stomach upset and also diarrhea. Those substances that can produce these allergic reactions are called, "allergens". Allergens can be common substances such as food, pollens, dust mite, molds, pet dander, exercise, cold temperatures even the sun.

The word allergy comes from the Greek words "allos," meaning different or changed and the word "ergos", meaning work or action. Together they mean a changed or altered reaction. Statistically more than 50 million Americans suffer from allergic symptoms. There are more than $10 billion dollars in cost associated with allergies each year.

Not everyone develops allergies even when they are exposed to the same allergens. The immune system is different even between individuals in the same family. The immune system is how the body organizes the defense mechanism that puts up a fight against invaders such as infections, and antigens such as dust mites, molds, dust mites etc.

The allergic reactions do not make it known on the first contact but after a period of sensitization. Individuals a develop allergies at any age. Adults can have symptoms for the first time or they can first develop symptoms as kids. It seems that hereditary places a major role in the occurrence of allergies.

Statistically, if neither of your parents is allergic, the chance that you will have allergies is about 15%. If one parent is allergic, your risk increases to 30% and if both are allergic, your risk is greater than 60%. Just because your parents have allergies does not mean that you will too. There is also the fact that environment place a major role in the presence of allergens. Basically you must have a genetic tendency for being allergic to a certain allergen and then be exposed to that allergen for it to develop. Other influences on whether or not someone will develop allergies are the presence of pollution, infection, hormones, and also smoking.

There are body parts that individuals have that are more likely to react to allergens such as your eyes, nose, skin, stomach and also your lungs.

Allergies can be seasonal, chemical in nature, chronic, mild or severe. Hives, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, itching, watering, or inflammation like a stuffy nose can manifest allergies.

Some individuals are allergic but hardly notice the symptoms while others are bothered greatly by their symptoms, even so much so, that the symptoms disrupt their life and cost them a lot regarding medical treatments, doctor bills and prescription costs.

Nasal Allergies Are Nothing To Sneeze At

al — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 15:51:50 +0000

You can blame your own body's immunological response as well as genetics for your tendency toward nasal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis. Of course, nasal allergies can also occur from prolonged exposure to certain substances called allergens or even exposure to pollution, cigarette smoke or being born with a low birth weight.

Doctors don't really know why some people have more sensitivity to one substance over another, but they do know your body's response to these allergens. What happens is that when an allergen gets past your nasal defenses, your immune system perceives it as an attack and will retaliate. During this retaliation, your body releases a chemical called histamine, which is the reason why your eyes will get teary and your nose starts to run. Some people may develop breathing problems, wheezing or even sneezing.

Pollen

Many causes of nasal allergies are from airborne allergens that are breathed in through the nose but the sources are vastly different. Pollen is by far the most prevalent reason why allergies are formed in the first place and different areas of the country will have different levels of pollen, depending on what is growing and flowering at the time. Ragweed travels far and wide so even if you don't have any growing in your area, you can still be allergic to it. Grass, flowering bushes, and a variety of trees can cause nasal allergies thanks to the pollen and other natural substances they release.

Dust And Animal Dander

Dust often tickles the nose and makes people sneeze but it does not always cause nasal allergies. However, if you have dust mites, tiny microscopic organisms, in your mattress, furniture or carpeting, these could be the true culprits. You will know for certain if your allergies persist even during winter months when outside pollen is at an all time low.

Animal dander can cause real problems with allergic reactions as well. Dander settles into carpets and furniture so even if you get rid of your cat or dog, you can still experience nasal allergies. Only a thorough vacuuming and carpet and upholstery shampooing can greatly lessen the dander population.

Symptoms

Typically, the symptoms of nasal allergies start off with some nose itching as well as sneezing, which is the body's way to try and get rid of the allergen. From there, your nose could start running which is the body's way to wash the foreign substance away. From there, you start to develop a stuffy nose and develop sensitivity to other irritants a few hours after your initial exposure. This allergic response could potentially last for weeks or until the pollen or irritant is gone. For some people, nasal allergies are a major pain in the rear and sometimes can develop into more serious illness like sinus infections and asthma.

Treatment

Relief from your nasal allergies will depend on the type of medical treatment you receive. There are anti-histamines, which help with the runny nose and sneezing. Decongestants help relieve the stuffiness and can be paired with anti-histamines. Allergy shots and steroid nasal sprays are other possible treatments. Between you and your doctor, you can experiment until you find the right combination of drugs to best help relieve your nasal allergies.

Allergies Hate A Home That Has Been Allergy-Proofed

al — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 18:48:20 +0000

Do you have a home where allergies are free to flourish? Are your allergies comfy in your body and in your home? There are many ways of making allergies hate your home because you have taken the steps to allergy-proof the rooms in your home. Here are a few things you can do to hopefully make you and everyone in your family suffer less from allergies.

During warm weather keep your windows closed if you are allergic to outside pollens. Use your air conditioning and not fans to stay cool.

To further keep pollens out of your home while running the air conditioner, you can use cheesecloth to cover the air conditioning vents to filter out pollens. Make sure that you are choosing high efficiency particulate air filters. You also need to clean the air filters frequently and the air ducts at least once every year.

The humidity in your home should be below 50% to prevent mold growth.

If you are allergic to pet dander, consider keeping the pets outside or at least have someone else groom them. Wash hands after touching pets and use any products that can safely be applied to your pet's coat in order to prevent dander build-up.

Try to not allow pets in your bedroom.

Bathe your pet often to help decrease the dander.

Molds collect in the basement, garages, crawl spaces, compost bins, and barns. Make sure that you avoid these areas if possible or at least limit your time spent in them.

Humidifiers are a must in basements where mold tends to collect. Make sure you clean your humidifier every week.

Mold can grow in the washing machine if you leave wet clothes in the machine. Make sure you take the clothes out as soon as possible after the washing machine stops.

Use mold-killing cleaning products on your bathroom tiles and shower curtains to kill any mold in the bathroom.

Use plastic covers for your box springs, mattresses, and as pillow covers. Avoid using down-filled bedding or down pillows.

Do not let anyone smoke tobacco products in your home.

Vacuum all carpeted rooms twice a week and sweep all hardwood floors and damp mop to remove dust and pet hairs. If possible do not use carpeting. If carpeting is not avoidable choose low-pile material.

Avoid items that collect dust like Venetian blinds or long drapes.

Use an exhaust fan over the stove to take out any cooking fumes from the air.

Knowing what you are allergic to will help you to allergy-proof your home. Take a list of all of your allergens on a room-tour of your home. As you do the walk-through keep this article in mind and study each area of the room, specifically looking for evidence of allergens being able to collect on surfaces. Once you have spotted trouble spots in a room, brainstorm with someone about ways to rid the room of those allergens. You will be surprised with what solutions you come up with.

The connection Between Allergies and Sinus Infections

al — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 08:02:03 +0000

Do you suffer from frequent sinus infections? Do you also suffer from allergies? Have you ever wondered if there was a connection between the two? In order to understand the connection you have to examine what makes a sinus infection happen.

A sinus infection occurs whenever something obstructs the flow of air through the sinus passages. When this happens the sinus passages have difficulty draining. They can become obstructed by anything that causes the lining of the sinuses to swell. Colds, allergies, and irritants can do this including cigarette smoke, tumors, and a decrease in hydration, even overuse of sinus sprays. When you suffer from allergies what makes you sneeze and causes your sinus passages to swell causes you to also have your sinus infection symptoms.

Those allergies can also make you more sensitive to changes in humidity, weather temperature changes, irritants like smoke, fragrances, and other allergies that are common like pollens, molds and even ragweed.

There are several types of sinus infections: acute, subacute, chronic, infectious and noninfectious. Noninfectious sinus infections are those that are caused by irritants and allergic conditions.

When individuals make progress towards controlling their allergic reactions so that they have fewer of them and they experience less symptoms than they will more than likely experience less sinus infections.

Your doctor can help you to design a treatment plan for your allergies so that you can find greater relief from your symptoms. Speak to your doctor about your past sinus infections and whether or not they were noninfectious sinus infections. Ask your doctor about the connection between the allergic reactions that you have had and the occurrence of these past sinus infections.

There is a relationship also between the amount of water we take into our bodies and the ability of our body to deal with allergic reactions and the occurrence of sinus infections. It has already been stated the nasal passages need to stay moist because when they are dry it makes them difficult to drain. Hydrating your body with water allow your body to function well.

Some medications that we take for allergic reactions can also dry out our body so it is important that we may attention to the effects our medication has on physical aspects of our body. The combination of lack of water, drying from antihistamines and the irritations that sinus passages endure from allergies can all add up to the makings of a sinus infection.

Allergies becoming worse can also worsen sinus infections. Taking care to receive medical treatment for allergies can aid in the care of other conditions such as sinus infections. Take good care of your allergy symptoms and you just may ward off later problems with your sinuses.