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Allergy advice

Kevin — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:22:22 +0000

Every person of the face of the earth knows someone that has a problem with allergies. As a matter of fact, almost everyone has some type of allergic reaction in their lifetime.
What exactly is an allergy?

In general, an allergy is the body’s immune system reacting to a substance that is generally not harmful. Our body is a highly complex system of checks and balances. The body sends white blood cells out to meet harmful substances to fight them off.

When the body does not recognize that a substance is not harmful, it sometimes will still continue to fight. This manifests itself as an allergy and often hurts the body rather than keeping it safe.

Allergies respond to what is called allergens. These are the substances that are misidentified in the body of an allergic person. The list of allergens is as long as eternity, as most everything is an allergen to someone. Some of these allergens are quite common, while others are very rare. The most common allergens are dust, pollen, animal hairs, drugs, and insect bites (venom), as well as a number of different chemicals. Also, mold and food allergies are very common allergens.

The causes of an allergy are still widely a mystery, though some knowledge has been learned on the subject. Many allergies seem to run in families, and stress and a compromised immune system seem to be common factors as well. It is still widely unknown, however, the reasons why certain allergens affect certain people.

Allergy control can involve a number of different things depending on the allergy. For example, if you are allergic to insect venom, it is a very good idea to not go visiting a bee hive anytime soon. If you are allergic to pollen, however, it is not quite so simple. You sometimes have to modify your living space or lifestyle to avoid this allergy.

The key with allergy control is to identify the allergies. Sometimes people will keep a log book of all of their food intake to identify food allergies. This can be highly effective. There are also a number of tests that can be run to figure out the offending allergen. Often, it is simple trial and error. Allergies are highly dangerous in some cases, so you should always be very careful with things that you know you are allergic to. Follow the doctor’s advice, and always have an emergency plan in place.

Peanut Allergy

Kevin — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:21:43 +0000

A peanut allergy is when your body has problems realizing that it is safe to eat. Peanuts are a fairly common allergen, and is considered to be one of the more dangerous allergies.

This is due to the fact that peanuts are found so commonly throughout the average diet. Identifying a peanut allergy is very important, and could save your life someday.

The most common symptoms of a peanut allergy is a stomach ache, hives, or a tingling sensation in the lips or mouth. Your nose may also begin to run profusely. In serious peanut allergy reactions, you may even feel your throat tighten, have trouble breathing, vomit, or begin feeling very sick in your stomach. The symptoms may be instant or develop hours later. Anaphylaxis is possible in extreme cases. This can be life threatening and must be treated as an emergency. If you suspect that this is happening to you or a loved one, then you should call 911 right away. Every second counts in this type of situation.

Blood tests, as well as skin tests are the most common ways to find out you have a peanut allergy. These tests can be performed by doctors or allergists. Once you are diagnosed as having a peanut allergy, you will likely need to keep antihistamines on hand at all times. In extreme cases, your doctor may also prescribe epinephrine. This will help you if you experience anaphylaxis. Make sure that you and those that you are around know that you have peanut allergies. This can be accomplished by wearing an allergy bracelet. These medical bracelets are very good tools to ensure your safety in the event that you are unconscious.

Peanut allergies are no laughing matter, and avoidance of any and all peanut products is required. This allergy can be very dangerous and should never be tested except by a doctor. If you suspect that you may have a peanut allergy, stop eating them until you see your doctor. The dangers are not worth the risks involved.

Avoiding peanuts and peanut products are usually sufficient to take care of peanut allergies. One simply must be very careful to guard against hidden dangers. Carefully inspecting the labels of foods before eating, and erring on the side of caution when there is doubt are great ways to avoid peanut allergy problems.

Allergy Symptoms

Kevin — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:12:11 +0000

Allergy symptoms are many and varied and totally depend on the type of allergy that you have. Some people barely notice their allergy symptoms, while others can experience life threatening situations due to their allergies.

With all the different types of allergies out there, knowing the types that you suffer from is the first step to recognizing the symptoms.

Pet allergies
The most common symptoms of pet allergies are runny nose, sneezing, headache, and occasionally upset stomach. These are the general symptoms, and are certainly not the only ones.

Pollen
This allergen is quite the offender among many, and can produce allergy symptoms that include a stuffy or runny nose, headache, sinus infections, watery eyes, breathing difficulties, and in extreme cases, anyphylaxis. This is one of the most common allergens around, and is very widespread during certain times of the seasons.

Food allergies
These are among the most dangerous allergies around, as they are sometimes difficult to pinpoint and avoid. The symptoms of these allergies include upset stomach, nausea, runny nose, swelling, tingling in the mouth, trouble swallowing, asthma, and anaphylaxis in serious reactions. Each food allergy can be unique as far as symptoms and varied in each person.

Mold allergies
Again, these are tough to combat until you identify the offender. Mold hides and survives where nothing else can. This allergen has much the same symptoms as pollen, and can also be quite dangerous if it is not addressed.

Wheat allergies – This is one of the more well known allergies and it is due to the fact that it is very common. Wheat contains gluten and this can also be a powerful allergen. Wheat allergies show symptoms very similar to other food allergies. They can be especially dangerous if ignored.

Allergy symptoms are very commonly tied to the respiratory system. The nose, throat, lungs, airways, and so forth are especially effected. The allergens also will commonly enter the body through this entryway, and be the point of attack.